.....appreciate all the postings here, and would like to ask that when posting MPG please include which Engine ( 4 or 6 Cylinder )...this is really coming from reading the postings over at "RAV4 Problems and Solutions"
I just finished a 2-Week Rental of a RAV4 Base with 4-Cylinder and here are my experiences:
The 4-Cylinder is a fine engine but its hooked up to a slow-shifing (4-speed) automatic....I learned in the course of the 2-weeks that I had to press the accelerator with certainty and press it down further than expected to avoid some of the "...downshifting delays" or "power delays" being reported here;
A 5 or 6-Speed Manual Stick-shift would be a most appreciated option on the 4-Cylinder as I think the Engine has sufficient power....it just needs to rev about 3000 RPM and above for the vehicle to be really responsive ( ...Toyota are you listening ??? )
MPG: (again 4Cylinder engine) The first tank was approx 85% Suburban, "in-town" driving but NOT stop-and-go city driving, and approx 15% Highway / County Road. Mileage was 23MPG over 214 miles traveled;
The Second Tank was just in-town Suburban driving and was 21 MPG;
I hope Toyota puts in a responsive 5-speed Automatic for 2007 ( and offer a Manual Transmission Option);
Driving Experience: I really liked driving it. You sit up a higher than a sedan, but the vehicle does not feel "tippy" and this was a Base-Model....not even the Sport; I'm 5'9" and found the seat comfortable and occasionally had a elderly passenger who had no trouble getting into the seats;
Visibility was great; however the base radio is a little "boomy" and could use a sub-woofer and more power;
There was noticiable road noise at Highway speeds; ... I wonder if that is from the tires; If I buy one, I would not hesitate to change the tires if thats the case;
I would rather the full-size spare tire was not outside on the Tailgate, but rather in a well in the back or bolted under the vehicle. ( I have no interest in the 3rd row seat, so I'd be happy if that space held the spare tire)
I think I could manage with the 4-Speed automatic if there were no other choice but that "slow-downshifting" or sense of "power-delay" is a bit unsettling.....I found it really does take a good press of the accelerator to show the vehicle "who's in charge"
I drove up and down the Rocky Mountains in one Highway trip and got 28 MPG over 100 miles travelled. In order to keep the RAV4 more responsive I clicked the Transmission lever to "3" and even sometimes to "2" to keep the revs up.....again, I think the 2.4L 4-cylinder has enough power but I think it needs a better, more responsive Transmission.
Overall, I really liked it and enjoyed the 2-week "test drive".
In our old Rav we had no fancy carpet mat or cargo tray...just a piece of rubber matting I bought at Home Depot (by the foot) to protect the cargo area. Well, our new Rav has a much larger cargo area and came with a carpeted mat to protect the cargo carpet area. My wife now wants to protect the carpet mat....seems redundant to me. Anyway, the cargo trays are rediculously expensive in my opinion. The rubber mat option from home depot won't work....the hatch it too deep. Today I bought some of the cut to size rubber matting from WalMart ($11 on clearance). I removed the carpeted mat to use as a template. When I turned it upside down I notice the bottom was........smooth rubber. What would be wrong with just flipping the carpeted mat over when necesary or just leaving it that way. I'd rather invest in a hood protector and mud guards at this point anyway!
I have been doing just that with the mat in my present vehicle. It works just fine. The expensive rubber mats with the lipped edges are probably good for people who need to carry wet or muddy things things.
This is a hard vehicle to find in NorCal, but finally, I have found one 06 RAV4 Limited V6 4x4, Blizzard Pearl, taupe cloth interior, tow pkg, side air bags. Dealer says $28K + tax, license. Good or bad? I would like to add leather with heated seats. I know that leather can be added aftermarket...What about the heated seats?
I agree mine got chips two days after I bought it. I have the 2006 red base model. Have to order the paint! I am thinking the dealer didn't tell me the paint was going to fall off because I didn't purchase that top coat they wanted to apply for 400.00.
Bolt, That seems a little high. I got V6 Limited Barcelona Red AWD, all airbags, heated leather, tow package, moonroof, all the mats, remote starter and mudflaps for just $800 more than that. But that Blizzard Pearl is real rare from what I've read.
Glad I waited then. I almost jumped on it because it is hard to find, but looks like you got everything that I wanted. Did you buy in Cali? Can't find anything up in NorCal.
I just got the 06 Rav4 Limited V6. The option pack had leather, moonroof, JBL...color is Everglade Green with Ash interior. MSRP was 28,700, I negotiated 27,100
I have 5 Toyota dealers within a 30 mile radius of where I live. I was able to get some price bidding going between them. Real issue was not price negotiation, but rather availability of the V6. Hard to find a V6 limited with leather.
I originally declined the extended warranty (I never buy them), several respected friends pointed out that: 1) This is the 1st year on a redesign 2) Lots of new electronics, sensors, etc.
Decided to go ahead and get it. Since the warranty is through Toyota, not the dealer himself, I realized I didn't have to buy from the same lot I got the car at. I did the same price bidding process as with the car itself.
Original dealer price for 6yr/100K was $1900. I ended up paying $1230. (Still think I paid too much, but got tired of the game)
Things I like: 1) Engine is very quiet and peppy. Freeway merging is very easy now. 2) Car feels tight and connected to the road. 3) Stereo is nice. Playing MP3s off a CD is a nice touch. 4) Yokohama tires! I hate Firestone/Bridgestone.
Things I'd change: 1) Antenna mast...why? 2) No way to lock the spare tire cover 3) Drink holders are a stupid design. What's with the springy tab? It doesn't prevent small cups from moving at all.
Haven't gone through a full tank yet. Impression is that milage is less than advertised, but not significantly so.
Still in the honeymoon period, so my opinion is biased. Happy so far.
We have only had our 2006 V6 Limited for less than a month and this past weekend when highway driving noticed an unbelievable amount of noise and thumping and pressure when we were driving with just the back windows down. The noise was one thing but the entire episode gave us terrible headaches. This has never happened to us with any other car. Has anyone else experienced this? It only seems to occur when just the back windows are at least 1/3 down.
Our rear bumper cover was dented and they want to replace the bumper cover with a new one. It involves painting the cover to match the Rav. I noticed on my rear bumper, in the area covered by the closed rear door is a black runbber protector that is apprently glued down and looks like it may be screwed at the top, at each end. It simply says: RAV. I thought this was an option but did not see it listed on my window sticker. Is this standard on all RAVs? You can not see it when the rear door is closed. I just want to make sure that if this is not part of the bumper cover, they install one.
Anyone else getting an annoying tick from their seat belt adjuster area?
We got a Husky cargo tray from autoanything.com for $59 delivered. I used EXCLUSIVE10 in the coupon box at checkout to get the lower price (free delivery).
Ok. I know this has been a discussion of many threads here in the past. (Jimd4---I'm hoping you can/will pipe in on this one).
Anyway, I am wanting to get my V6 Limited ready to haul my pop-up trailer. Mine came with the "(Almost) Tow Prep Package" (as it has been called). I just want to know exactly what I should be buying to get it ready. I understand I will need to buy the hitch, receiver, and ball mount--that much, I understand.
But I am still confused by the wiring. Exactly what else will I need to buy in order to get the install completed? I have heard discussion of a "wiring harness" and a "converter box" and a "connector at the rear of the car", etc. I don't understand exactly what those things are or where I can purchase them? Can someone who has dealt with this explain exactly what it is I will need to purchase and where I can purchase them (hopefully not from Toyota directly)? I swear, I'm half tempted to go to the dealer and insist they install the wiring for free because their representation that my car came "pre-wired" is just simply false, or misleading at best. Can anyone explain what exactly I will need to buy to complete the install?
I have read in past threads that side mouldings are available from a Canadian dealer/retailer (as I have seen in past threads). But, is anyone aware if there are side mouldings that can be purchased from somewhere in the US? I want some side mouldings for my V6 Limited Everglade color.
One other thing--have people found that the mouldings match the color?
Well sadly the car is "pre-wired" but only from the battery to the dash board! So you will need one of two things. From Toyota you need the trailer harness with a converter that goes from the dash to the rear of the car. I have seen people talk about this on other sites in the big RAV4 World. This can be had for $112 at some dealers and then needs two hours of install as lots of panels have to be removed to run the harness inside the car from dash to rear door area. Some people have paid for the harness and yelled at the dealer until the dealer put it in for free.
Another choice I have seen here is an aftermarket harness thing that costs $50 or so. For this you get wires and a converter and you have to run on power lead from the battery to the rear of the car and tie the module into the rear brake and tail lights.
In both cases the converter apparently isolates the trailer from your car DC systems. If you trailer needs 10 amps or less you can apparently use the 12 power from the outlet at the rear of the truck. You can find these modules at the Draw Tite hitch site and I think the name is Module-Lite or something like that.
No of this looks that hard but it is a pain.
There is a good site on the web that talks about all this and includes details on all the panel removals etc. Edmond's gets mad if I mention the site name but you can find if you look around the big RAV4 World on the internet.
Some people have said they have gone to a hitch installer and managed to get the hitch and all the wiring for $350 or so. That might not a bad idea since the hitch assoicated stuff is $200 and the module and wireing kitis $50 plus or more or more from Toyota.
I am not buying my RAV4 till 2007 models come out, and if Toyota has not corrected this dumb arrangement I will try to negotionate the harness etc in the car price when I sign up.
Thanks Jimd---I knew I could count on you. I cannot believe Toyota has made this process so burdensome when I have specifically paid for a tow-prep package that is supposedly "pre-wired."
The other day I saw an older RAV4 (I believe it was a 2005 model) that had some chrome side-step tube bars on it (I'm not sure if that's the official name for the accessory). Frankly, they really looked nice and I'm sure add a little extra side-impact protection. Has anyone seen if/where these can be purchased for the 2006 RAV4 model? About how much do they cost? Is it an easy install? Any pictures?
Well I do not have a RAV4 but I have heard people here talk about a small black protector in the top middle of the bumper at the door. I drew the conclusion is was a 6"x12" thingie but have never looked closely.
I have never heard of the term "helicoptering" but that really explains the noise and pressure. I'll try the variations of other windows open. Thanks for responding.
original Equip Mannufacturer..? All I know is the dealer said they were a genuine Toyota Accessory for the Rav. Click the link for pictures or better yet giv ethe dealership a call.
Hi--did dyou say you had a Limited? I have a V6 Base 4x4 and got rear-ended the day after we picked it up from the dealer, so we had to have the bumper replaced (repainted by dealer) and, at least with the RAV 4 V6 Base, the black cover you mention was not standard equipment.
I think it came as an accessory option, which we did not get, but I now understand why it would be wise to have one.
This is really disturbing. I think this should also be posted under RAV 4 2006 Problems thread. If this continues to be a problem, I really hope that owners will bug Toyota Corporate about this--it would be worth a recall, as it is a real safety problem--if the glass is cracking upon such a small impact. I looked on my windwhield and it says DOT 20 and my husband's Nissan has DOT 147--so what are the DOT ratings on safety glass?
This pic shows the standard bumper protector and the optional applique.
Both the Canadian and Gulf Coast versions cover the standard flat protector, they use the same 4 push pin fasteners that are in the standard protector to fasten the leading edge. You can see both of the other protectors in this link.
Thanks, I will assume that when the new bumper cover comes in it will have the black rubber piece...or they will remove it off the old one. By the way...is that a cargo net or the support pole net. My wife hates the support poles and I am looking for a cheap net....
Please look at the post with the picture...do you have one of these black rubber things on your newly painted bumper...it can only be seen with the door open.
Also, did your paint match and did the new bumper cover go on ok...ie it fit as well as the original. Thanks!
The small standard bumper protector can be removed with a little heat from a hair dryer or leave it in the sun for a bit, lift a corner and pull it away from the bumper, then use WD40 or 3M cleaner to remove the adhesive residue.
I installed the DeLand(gulf coast) protector right over the standard protector, but one person at R4W removed it first.
In case you're wondering, I have the Husky cargo liner with the factory cargo mat upside down in the liner. The back side of the mat makes a nice no-slip surface to keep things from sliding around.
I've heard various names for them as the most common is nerf bars or side step bars. I spoke with my local dealer in the Chicago region about them and they pushed back the availability for the parts to September during the 2007 model year. There is a site that I've seen them on (www.toyotaparts4u.com - $289). Toyota quoted them at around $350 I think and with installation it came to around $500. I've heard that they are not hard to install so I would try doing it yourself but I have not experienced it first hand. There are people who have installed them and have pictures (http://rav4world.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3842). I will be purchasing them in the future.
Who knows. I guess they try to hold the price down. Since it cost more to put in the harness than the "almost tow prep package" , you think they would at least make the harness thing an option.
I thought you would like the instructions memo. I doubt that I will try it when the time comes.
Comments
.....appreciate all the postings here, and would like to ask that when posting MPG please include which Engine ( 4 or 6 Cylinder )...this is really coming from reading the postings over at "RAV4 Problems and Solutions"
I just finished a 2-Week Rental of a RAV4 Base with 4-Cylinder and here are my experiences:
The 4-Cylinder is a fine engine but its hooked up to a slow-shifing (4-speed) automatic....I learned in the course of the 2-weeks that I had to press the accelerator with certainty and press it down further than expected to avoid some of the "...downshifting delays" or "power delays" being reported here;
A 5 or 6-Speed Manual Stick-shift would be a most appreciated option on the 4-Cylinder as I think the Engine has sufficient power....it just needs to rev about 3000 RPM and above for the vehicle to be really responsive ( ...Toyota are you listening ??? )
MPG:
(again 4Cylinder engine)
The first tank was approx 85% Suburban, "in-town" driving but NOT stop-and-go city driving, and approx 15% Highway / County Road. Mileage was 23MPG over 214 miles traveled;
The Second Tank was just in-town Suburban driving and was 21 MPG;
I hope Toyota puts in a responsive 5-speed Automatic for 2007 ( and offer a Manual Transmission Option);
Driving Experience:
I really liked driving it. You sit up a higher than a sedan, but the vehicle does not feel "tippy" and this was a Base-Model....not even the Sport; I'm 5'9" and found the seat comfortable and occasionally had a elderly passenger who had no trouble getting into the seats;
Visibility was great; however the base radio is a little "boomy" and could use a sub-woofer and more power;
There was noticiable road noise at Highway speeds; ... I wonder if that is from the tires; If I buy one, I would not hesitate to change the tires if thats the case;
I would rather the full-size spare tire was not outside on the Tailgate, but rather in a well in the back or bolted under the vehicle.
( I have no interest in the 3rd row seat, so I'd be happy if that space held the spare tire)
I think I could manage with the 4-Speed automatic if there were no other choice but that "slow-downshifting" or sense of "power-delay" is a bit unsettling.....I found it really does take a good press of the accelerator to show the vehicle "who's in charge"
I drove up and down the Rocky Mountains in one Highway trip and got 28 MPG over 100 miles travelled. In order to keep the RAV4 more responsive I clicked the Transmission lever to "3" and even sometimes to "2" to keep the revs up.....again, I think the 2.4L 4-cylinder has enough power but I think it needs a better, more responsive Transmission.
Overall, I really liked it and enjoyed the 2-week "test drive".
Thanks
I didn't notice which tire brand.
Any how, few women weight in that high. I think 200 lbs is typical for an adult male, but 150 lbs or so for a female, and even less for kids.
How often do 4 adult males go to the beach in one single car? And take only one case of beer with them?
Cheers. :shades:
-juice
Isn't that why they invented "Lite" beer? :shades: (Sorry - couldn't resist!)
tidester, host
That seems a little high. I got V6 Limited Barcelona Red AWD, all airbags, heated leather, tow package, moonroof, all the mats, remote starter and mudflaps for just $800 more than that. But that Blizzard Pearl is real rare from what I've read.
I have 5 Toyota dealers within a 30 mile radius of where I live. I was able to get some price bidding going between them. Real issue was not price negotiation, but rather availability of the V6. Hard to find a V6 limited with leather.
I originally declined the extended warranty (I never buy them), several respected friends pointed out that:
1) This is the 1st year on a redesign
2) Lots of new electronics, sensors, etc.
Decided to go ahead and get it. Since the warranty is through Toyota, not the dealer himself, I realized I didn't have to buy from the same lot I got the car at. I did the same price bidding process as with the car itself.
Original dealer price for 6yr/100K was $1900. I ended up paying $1230. (Still think I paid too much, but got tired of the game)
Things I like:
1) Engine is very quiet and peppy. Freeway merging is very easy now.
2) Car feels tight and connected to the road.
3) Stereo is nice. Playing MP3s off a CD is a nice touch.
4) Yokohama tires! I hate Firestone/Bridgestone.
Things I'd change:
1) Antenna mast...why?
2) No way to lock the spare tire cover
3) Drink holders are a stupid design. What's with the springy tab? It doesn't prevent small cups from moving at all.
Haven't gone through a full tank yet. Impression is that milage is less than advertised, but not significantly so.
Still in the honeymoon period, so my opinion is biased. Happy so far.
Opening the rear windows fixes the buffeting from the moonroof, so maybe opening a moonroof will fix the buffeting from the rear windows.
-juice
You shold have a front and back or moonroof and back open inorder to allow the air to pass on through the vehicle.
Anyone else getting an annoying tick from their seat belt adjuster area?
Anyway, I am wanting to get my V6 Limited ready to haul my pop-up trailer. Mine came with the "(Almost) Tow Prep Package" (as it has been called). I just want to know exactly what I should be buying to get it ready. I understand I will need to buy the hitch, receiver, and ball mount--that much, I understand.
But I am still confused by the wiring. Exactly what else will I need to buy in order to get the install completed? I have heard discussion of a "wiring harness" and a "converter box" and a "connector at the rear of the car", etc. I don't understand exactly what those things are or where I can purchase them? Can someone who has dealt with this explain exactly what it is I will need to purchase and where I can purchase them (hopefully not from Toyota directly)? I swear, I'm half tempted to go to the dealer and insist they install the wiring for free because their representation that my car came "pre-wired" is just simply false, or misleading at best. Can anyone explain what exactly I will need to buy to complete the install?
One other thing--have people found that the mouldings match the color?
Another choice I have seen here is an aftermarket harness thing that costs $50 or so. For this you get wires and a converter and you have to run on power lead from the battery to the rear of the car and tie the module into the rear brake and tail lights.
In both cases the converter apparently isolates the trailer from your car DC systems. If you trailer needs 10 amps or less you can apparently use the 12 power from the outlet at the rear of the truck. You can find these modules at the Draw Tite hitch site and I think the name is Module-Lite or something like that.
No of this looks that hard but it is a pain.
There is a good site on the web that talks about all this and includes details on all the panel removals etc. Edmond's gets mad if I mention the site name but you can find if you look around the big RAV4 World on the internet.
Some people have said they have gone to a hitch installer and managed to get the hitch and all the wiring for $350 or so. That might not a bad idea since the hitch assoicated stuff is $200 and the module and wireing kitis $50 plus or more or more from Toyota.
I am not buying my RAV4 till 2007 models come out, and if Toyota has not corrected this dumb arrangement I will try to negotionate the harness etc in the car price when I sign up.
Try beating on your dealer!
Good luck.
I think it came as an accessory option, which we did not get, but I now understand why it would be wise to have one.
Both the Canadian and Gulf Coast versions cover the standard flat protector, they use the same 4 push pin fasteners that are in the standard protector to fasten the leading edge. You can see both of the other protectors in this link.
Also, did your paint match and did the new bumper cover go on ok...ie it fit as well as the original.
Thanks!
http://www.brandhollow.com/rav_wiring_harness.doc It has pictures so it takes a minute or two to download
I installed the DeLand(gulf coast) protector right over the standard protector, but one person at R4W removed it first.
In case you're wondering, I have the Husky cargo liner with the factory cargo mat upside down in the liner. The back side of the mat makes a nice no-slip surface to keep things from sliding around.
What was Toyota thinking? You take all that apart and put it back together, and you'll end up with 15 different rattles. :mad:
-juice
I thought you would like the instructions memo. I doubt that I will try it when the time comes.