All i say is I'm glad I got RAV4, at first I was looking at nissan altima because I own altima for 9 years and the highest cost that i spent on it on repair was 500.00 its been a good car to me. But nissan dealer in my area did not give me any deal so I move on to honda test drive CRV then test drove RAV4 and love it. Thats ok if 4cyl is slower than V6 off course, but from my house to work the speed limit is only 55 mph and I don't need to race. Well today I only drive the car 60 to 65 mph on the highway because the salesman told me don't drive it over 70 yet because it only have 10 miles on the odo. I quessed you have to be easy on it to break it in. For those who owns V6 have fun!! about transmission I don't know, just hope its good, well it's a toyota it should be good.
In Texas where i live Rav are higher compare to other state. The reason I got a fair deal 'coz i Know the invoice price and the dealer won't even give in. They tried to sell it to me close to msrp. The first one I look at, was 4cyl with 3rd row seat he tried to sell it for 23,400+ttl. I told him are you crazy? Do I look like I own a bank?. then I told him I know the invoice price on it. Yes it is 2,000 dollars more on V6. 2,000 dollars is a lot, it could get me a lot of stuff or I could use it to go on vacation driving my slow 4cyl.(LOL)
On a loaded RAV4, the V6 adds a very reasonable 6.8% to the price of the vehicle, rising to a still reasonable 10% on a stripped base model. Of course, if someone feels safe with, and is otherwise happy with the 4, then even that amount is a waste. For others, the V6 may be a real bargain, especially given the lack of a meaningful difference in fuel usage between the two engine and transmission combinations.
It was fun while it lasted. I HATE rattles and vibrations. I guess I should have learned my lesson with my 02 Camry. At least on it I can control the door ticks by lubing the seals....while driving my wife's new RAV I heard (and still hear) a vibration / rattle when over semi smooth to rough pavement. It appears to be coming from the seat belt pretensioner area. It drives me nuts. Adjusting the thing up or down makes no difference. Anyone else notice this and/or have a solution. Having the dealer rip this apart will likely make matters worse but for what I paid I can't let this go. Please let me know if you had the problem and were able to fix it or have it fixed.
I've never purchased a car in such high demand, so I'm not entirely sure if this is a good deal; however it seems inline with what I'm seeing elsewhere.
The V6 costs more but will have higher resale/trade-in value, so I think the higher cost was worth it. I ordered the V6 without test driving it because one wasn't available. I test drove the 4c and it was fine, but for $1000 or $1500 the V6 is worth the extra $$.
Hi, I got a real deal via Costco Membership buying program. The dealer must offer what is the predetermined agreed markup on all models of all cars when they are referred via the Costco Fleet Direct program. Also, Costco will check up with you directly to verify the dealer complied with the program. I got my rare to find RAV for $750 over invoice, no haggling!The dealers value Costco's volume business and are on good behaviour when dealing with Costco members. As to 6 vs 4, if gas goes over $4 a gallon the wholesale market will be stronger on 4's Gary
I've had the same problem here in NorCal. I even called down to SoCal dealers, no luck. Been looking for the V6 Limited 4x4, Blizzard Pearl with tow pkg, leather. Buying out of state and then registering in Cali...what is involved?
I have the rav4 4cyl and find it has plenty of power. In fact over the weekend I had 5 people in the rav including myself. These were all adults including 2 large people. I drove the rav in town and on the highway and it did great. I also hauled a river raft and all supplies in the back with the frame on top and transported 4 adults, and it did just fine. You should be fine - don't worry.
Try Toyota of Visalia - they seemed to get more of the ltds. I bought mine there - no leather tho - will get after market leather, which is about the same price, but a much better leather. I have only seen one blizzard pearl (mine!). Therefore, maybe you'll have better luck in Visalia.
I am so MAD I got dented on the drivers side front fender,while parked. Its near the running light(but its not affected) but they left a nice crease in the plastic, and bend in plastic of wheel well. Does that mean I need a whole new front bumper?? (the plastic part) REALLY makes me sick cause the RAV is less than 1 1/2 months old. ANY SUGGESTIONS??
If it's just the plastic that can easily be replaced. Dent Doctors can do amazing things but if the metal is creased that requires body work. I doubt that a new fender will be required. I feel your pain.
Almost the same thing happened to me but in the rear. No metal damage luckily, but he put a few big scratches in the bumper and sport mouldings. Local bodyshop with good reputation painted the bumper and replaced sport mouldings, good as new. Car was parked and I was inside the store when the guy hit it. I was pissed, but he at least had the honesty to come get me and his insurance paid for all repairs.
If you havent already, file a police report and see if there are any cameras used in the area that might have caught it.
UPDATE: Rav was at the dealership for the static in the radio. Still doing the same thing, so they agreed to replace the radio and have ordered a new one. should be here in a couple of weeks.
Around 3 months ago, my 2006 new RAV4 hit a ditch on the road. And there is this big black plastic piece under the Rav4 gets damaged, and I need to find a part to replace it. I went to the dealer, and they tried to charge me 100 for part and labour after my 15% discount. I am just wondering does anybody know what is the technical name/ term for that part I need to replace, because I don't even know how is it called. And does anybody know where to fix? I went to oreilly, autozone, and many online stores, and i couldnt find it. I am greatly appreciated it. Thank you I got my base with 6 mp3, tonnel, rack and floor mat for 21200 out of door around 3 months ago in birmingham, alabama.
I seriously doubt you'll find an aftermarket supplier for that particular part.
I've heard it called an underguard, skid plate, engine shield, you name it. But I'm pretty sure you're stuck getting a replacement from the dealership.
Here's a thought - it may not be 100% necessary. If it's plastic, at least.
It was interesting to see that CU got only 1 MPG difference between the I4 and V6 RAV4 versions. But I was suprised to see that the RAV4 did not get "Excellent" for projected reliability.
Does any RAV4 owner here have a problem with "thigh support as CU mentioned?
Since in the low end market the car companies try to save every penny I would be suprised if an under car shield was not necessary. The next problem could be a stone impact nicked oil or brake line or some other inportant thing.
Well the Sport uses different flaps because of the fender flares. Most of the Ebay sellers that are Toytoa ask you to specify model
The Toyota bumper thing for USA is not much more than a mylar decal. If you look on the web you can find a much better one in black from Delande toyota.
The bumper applique is clear. It works good enough, but as jimd4 suggested, go with the bumper protector from Delande Toyota. It protects much more and is MUCH easier to install than the applique. I got the mudflaps for my Sport from Toyota Parts Store.com.
I have been driving a RAV4 with third row for two months now. The bottom line is it works fine for 4 (maybe 5) kids for short carpools which is all I need. You need to slide the middle row forward a little to make it work. You can also fit adults in the middle row and kids in the third row if you carefully adjust the front and middle rows. The dealers steer you to the Highlander but the truth is the difference is minimal--if you want to carry more than three kids long distances, or don't want them to be squeezed in a little tightly you will have to get a minivan or large SUV.
Does anyone here know any more about the 2007 Models? I have seen the information showing that they will start accepting orders on June 12 for them. If they are taking orders, it seems that information on the changes will have to be out by then. I wonder if Edmunds has or will have the information by then?
Okay, I think you will be able to help me. I have 3 kids who spend summers with me and possibly one on the way. Fact is, I don't need to have room for 7 or 8 all the time. I was looking at both RAV4 and HL understanding that it might be a bit of a squeeze in the summer and that we probably shouldn't try to take very long trips. There is a 13 yr old, 12 and 6 then baby makes 4. I'm thinking that other than the summer, the baby and I can live in either vehicle. I don't see much difference but dealers are suggesting the HL. It seems the RAV4 might be more adjustable though. Tell me the truth. Am I pipe dreaming with these 2 vehicles and should I just go back to looking at (for example) the Pilot or Ody?
Yes. My last car was a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and it was much more supportive. I'm tall and have long legs, and it does feel as if the front of the cushion drops away fast. I use the tilt control to push it up and lean back a little, which works pretty well. FWIW, the Boston Globe auto writer also complained about thigh support - and he's a short guy.
Dealers may be pushing Highlanders because they're not selling as well since the new RAV showed up. I can't see any reason that the RAV won't satisfy your seating requirements. The Pilot isn't going to address your concerns any better. The Ody is a whole other story .. it is a people carrier for sure but now we're talking apples and oranges. Do you want a minivan or an SUV?
We got the V6 LTD 4x4 w/ 3rd Row. We have a 14 and 7 yr old, and frequently have to bring along the friends or grandma & grandpa. We downsized from a mini-van and are loving it. Our gas mileage went up 50%, we got 4WD traction, and we have more usable space NOW with not having to remove the 3rd row seats altogether like we had to do in the minivan. When we were shopping, the dealers were big time pushing the Highlanders. We even walked out on one and have never returned there communications after I expressly said I didn't want a HL, and the 3rd time in a half hour he asked if I would take one, we stood up and walked out before he could finish his question. You will LOVE the RAV4 w/ 3rd row.
Not if you look at the load capacity. There's a glaring deficiency with the RAV 4 as its Max load is a meager 825 lbs. Compare that to (say) a little VW Beetle which is >900 lbs. I don't think this is any better (worse?) than the 2005 RAV 4 Seems to me it would be very easy to overload!
I wonder if those seeking to transport 7 people realize that with a load capacity of 825 pounds, they need to average less than 118 pounds each. Of course, that means no luggage. I read on one RAV4 site about a RAV4 owner who had a car full of 7 adults and luggage on a long trip. Must have been hard on the car.
Thanks, it's a base V6 4WD, no window tint changes, glass is factory stock. I added the Limited grille and left the V6 emblem off, didn't want to advertise for joy riders and thieves! I'm installing Hella driving lamps this weekend so I can loose the blackouts!
Well there is lots of real MPG info from oweners here on the net. It is a big RAV4world and if you look around you can find lots of helpfull data. CU mag got 22 in their test, only 1 MPG less than I4. Lots of owners see 25+ on highway with V6 it seems.
Well I guess Toyota is trying to get us all to loose weight since four 200 pounders and a case of beer going to the beach in a RAV4 would be close to the limit.
I think it is easy to loose sight of the fact that while it is roomy and powerfull with V6,AWD etc, it is still a "small SUV". The load capacity is similar to compact cars 800-1000lb. If you need to carry big loads I guess the Explorer and Jeep Commander top the list. They sell $7000 under MSRP but......13MPG. Yikes
While I am not a fan of Consumer Reports car tests they do provide data. I was impressed that the RAV4 braking and avoidance manuver speeds were not far off from the BM# 3 and the Audi A4 which are considered great handling sport sedans. And the RAV4 had what I call truck tires. The Sport with a set of performance tires would probably be close to the sport sedan numbers.
But what is with the poor headlight rating. I noticed this on several Toytoa cars including some smaller Lexus models.
96gc1owner, To the best of my knowledge, it does not appear to be removable. When the seats are up, you have the seatwell behind adding more storage space. When the seats are folded down, you have all the space above deck. They fold down into the floor.
That's right. The 3rd row isn't removable. What's better about the RAV than the HL is the seatwell. The HL's 3rd row is one-piece folding. The RAV's 3rd row is 50/50 split folding. Behind the HL's 3rd row cargo room is almost nonexistant. :P
I had looked at the Highlander and could not see any space advantages over the RAV4. In fact the rear seat and the rear strut tower intrusion into the cabin made it less useful and less convienent than the RAV4 as far as I can see. Yes the gross weight is higher so I guess the payload is maybe 400# higher. But unless your lots of heavy people or cement blocks I am not sure the difference is a real problem.
The other point is the Highlander drives a lot more like a truck than the RAV4. Not nimble and not much fun factor in driving it I do not think.
I'm waiting on my Limited V6 Pacific Blue due June 9th. (Unfortunately I don't plan to pick it up until July 1 as I want to take advantage of the 1% GST Tax reduction that takes effect here July 1st). On the 3rd seat, that was a concern of mine too, as in Canada to get the moonroof (I wanted the moonroof), it must be with a 3rd seat unit - no other option here, apparently. I asked and the dealer told me the 3rd seats can be removed. I had a look and they each bolt to a bracket in the well with 2 bolts. There is also one tension wire connected to a bracket in the front of each seat. The well is carpeted and the frame has the top side indents to accomodate a cover which could be fabricated. The only issue would be the 2 brackets remaining in the well, but that is not a problem. So if I need the storage, I expect I can remove, bag, and store the seats. I'll be stuck with the seatbelts on the sidewall, but that's also not a problem. If anyone else has looked at this, I would be curious to know.
Besides the Consumer Reports data, Car and Driver's testing also showed impressive acceleration, stopping, handling, and noise test results for the RAV4:
RAV4: 0-60 6.3; 70 to 0 180'; 300' skid pad 0.83g, noise at 70MPH 68 dBA, EPA 21 city and 28 highway (V6 4WD), mileage during test 16MPG
The CX-7 was esentially the same, except that it is significantly slower and the fuel usage and cost are worse:
CX-7: 0-60 7.9; 70 to 0 179'; 300' skid pad 0.84g, noise at 70MPH 67 dBA, EPA 18 city, 24 highway, premium required, mileage during test 14MPG
In the next few months both C&D and CU will surely also test the 2007 Acura RDX, 2007 Ford Edge, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, and 2007 Honda CRV. Based on the data available now, it seems that the most formidable competitor for the RAV4 will be the Edge, although if the Santa Fe is not too heavy, it should also do well on the dynamic tests.
I have read that Toyota will start taking orders fo the 2007 RAV4 in a few days, and it seems likely that it will offer some of the features now only offerend outside of North America, such as a navigation system, rain sensing wipers, and mirrors with turn signal repeaters.
Emailed them immediately after your response. Funny, they still have not responded. Most Internet managers have usually responded the same day of my inquiry. Guess I'll keep searching.
I would think that someone who consistantly wanted to haul seven heavy people and gear would not buy a RAV4. A 165 pounder probably could not stand an hour in the 3rd row. I don't think the truck was intended for that. I look at it as a handy, quick hauler that can take 5 people in a pinch for the Sport which is what I am going to buy when the 2007s come out. But then again I do not think I have ever had 5 people in my car in the last 10 years!
Comments
tidester, host
55 mph and I don't need to race. Well today I only drive the car 60 to 65 mph on the highway because the salesman told me don't drive it over 70 yet because it only have 10 miles on the odo. I quessed you have to be easy on it to break it in. For those who owns V6 have fun!! about transmission I don't know, just hope its good, well it's a toyota it should be good.
2006 RAV4 Limited - 2WD - 4CYL
Daytime Running Lights
Cargo Net
Nightvision Mirror Upgrade
Security System Upgrade
Permavin
Window Tint
Wheel Locks
Mud Guards
Carpet Mats
$24,500 + TTL
DFW Area
I got a real deal via Costco Membership buying program.
The dealer must offer what is the predetermined agreed markup on all models of all cars when they are referred via the Costco Fleet Direct program.
Also, Costco will check up with you directly to verify the dealer complied with the program. I got my rare to find RAV for $750 over invoice, no haggling!The dealers value Costco's volume business and are on good behaviour when dealing with Costco members. As to 6 vs 4, if gas goes over $4 a gallon the wholesale market will be stronger on 4's Gary
Try Toyota of Visalia - they seemed to get more of the ltds. I bought mine there - no leather tho - will get after market leather, which is about the same price, but a much better leather. I have only seen one blizzard pearl (mine!). Therefore, maybe you'll have better luck in Visalia.
Its near the running light(but its not affected) but they left a nice crease in the plastic, and bend in plastic of wheel well.
Does that mean I need a whole new front bumper?? (the plastic part)
REALLY makes me sick cause the RAV is less than 1 1/2 months old. ANY SUGGESTIONS??
The California DMV had a pretty good faq about this the last time I looked. link
Steve, Host
If it's just the plastic that can easily be replaced. Dent Doctors can do amazing things but if the metal is creased that requires body work. I doubt that a new fender will be required. I feel your pain.
If you havent already, file a police report and see if there are any cameras used in the area that might have caught it.
And there is this big black plastic piece under the Rav4 gets damaged, and I need to find a part to replace it. I went to the dealer, and they tried to charge me 100 for part and labour after my 15% discount. I am just wondering does anybody know what is the technical name/ term for that part I need to replace, because I don't even know how is it called. And does anybody know where to fix? I went to oreilly, autozone, and many online stores, and i couldnt find it. I am greatly appreciated it. Thank you
I got my base with 6 mp3, tonnel, rack and floor mat for 21200 out of door around 3 months ago in birmingham, alabama.
I've heard it called an underguard, skid plate, engine shield, you name it. But I'm pretty sure you're stuck getting a replacement from the dealership.
Here's a thought - it may not be 100% necessary. If it's plastic, at least.
-juice
Does any RAV4 owner here have a problem with "thigh support as CU mentioned?
Can someone please give me the Cliff's Note version of what the difference between the two of these are?
I have the V6 Limited 4X4 if that makes a difference.
Also, the picture of the bumper applique is white, I want black - is there a way to specify the color?
Thanks.
The Toyota bumper thing for USA is not much more than a mylar decal. If you look on the web you can find a much better one in black from Delande toyota.
The dealers steer you to the Highlander but the truth is the difference is minimal--if you want to carry more than three kids long distances, or don't want them to be squeezed in a little tightly you will have to get a minivan or large SUV.
I think it is easy to loose sight of the fact that while it is roomy and powerfull with V6,AWD etc, it is still a "small SUV". The load capacity is similar to compact cars 800-1000lb. If you need to carry big loads I guess the Explorer and Jeep Commander top the list. They sell $7000 under MSRP but......13MPG. Yikes
But what is with the poor headlight rating. I noticed this on several Toytoa cars including some smaller Lexus models.
To the best of my knowledge, it does not appear to be removable. When the seats are up, you have the seatwell behind adding more storage space. When the seats are folded down, you have all the space above deck. They fold down into the floor.
The other point is the Highlander drives a lot more like a truck than the RAV4. Not nimble and not much fun factor in driving it I do not think.
RAV4: 0-60 6.3; 70 to 0 180'; 300' skid pad 0.83g, noise at 70MPH 68 dBA, EPA 21 city and 28 highway (V6 4WD), mileage during test 16MPG
The CX-7 was esentially the same, except that it is significantly slower and the fuel usage and cost are worse:
CX-7: 0-60 7.9; 70 to 0 179'; 300' skid pad 0.84g, noise at 70MPH 67 dBA, EPA 18 city, 24 highway, premium required, mileage during test 14MPG
In the next few months both C&D and CU will surely also test the 2007 Acura RDX, 2007 Ford Edge, 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, and 2007 Honda CRV. Based on the data available now, it seems that the most formidable competitor for the RAV4 will be the Edge, although if the Santa Fe is not too heavy, it should also do well on the dynamic tests.
I have read that Toyota will start taking orders fo the 2007 RAV4 in a few days, and it seems likely that it will offer some of the features now only offerend outside of North America, such as a navigation system, rain sensing wipers, and mirrors with turn signal repeaters.