We are actively looking for a new(ish) car, as I have mentioned here before. My choices have been Cherokee or Volvo wagon. SWMBO does not like Jeeps, as she has 4 family and friends that have had problems with theirs. I have no idea what the problems were, but her mind is made up. She likes the RAV4, and I would like any input from you. Driving experience, repair problems, etc. Thanks, everybody.
On the 1st-gens you have to take the engine out to change the spark plugs, that's what I know...
The 01-03 models had some kind of screwball transmission hard shift problem which required first replacing the ECU and reflashing it, then if that did not work the transmission had to be replaced. The problem and Toyota's extended warranty to cover it are definitely VIN specific. If you find one she likes, get the VIN and check for that with the local 'Yota dealer, do NOT trust the gov't sites etc for accurate information. IIRC the extended warranty is good to 10 years/150K miles and is transferable to second/subsequent owners, but again verify this with a dealership!
http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1047201_transmission-woes-prompt-warranty-extension-on-toyota-rav4-models
Otherwise, the little things are pretty tough and trouble free. They are about as exciting to drive as any other appliance.
It's either the RAV4 or CRV, can't remember which but one of them has a history of the head bolts pulling the threads out of the block.Saw one in a local garage getting put back together. Not a cheap repair at all.
We have an 06 base model Rav 4 4 cylinder. It's been nearly trouble free for 40,000 miles. Other than tires, brakes and oil, it's needed an intermediate steering shaft, spark plugs, and it now needs a rack. It also has a detonation issue right at throttle tip in, and intermittently gets sluggish. I suspect both are DBW issues. It has about 140k on it now. It doesn't do anything well from a drivers perspective, but the misses likes it and it hauls the kids admirably. I dearly miss the Matrix XRS we had before it. Bonus Toyota points for no timing belt.
GameboyRMH wrote: On the 1st-gens you have to take the engine out to change the spark plugs, that's what I know...
not sure if serious.
Sorry it's the V6. But you can do it by removing the whole wiper tray area and using a ridiculous custom tool:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/122-2nd-generation-2008-2012/413790-2gr-fe-v6-spark-plug-replacement.html
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