Toyota Rav4

MyCharlie

Anyone have one?

We're thinking about trading in my Yukon for a smaller, newer, more fuel efficient () SUV. Plus the yukon has 125k miles on it and is burning oil like crazy - we have to put a quart in every month or two.

Anyway, the Rav4 seemed to be rated pretty high in most of the reviews I have read. We haven't test driven anything yet, but wondered if anyone had any personal experience, pros/cons for the Rav4 or any of the other "smaller" SUVs.

Thanks!

Trixie

I almost got a Rav4, but it was sold before I could make up my mind. Anyway, it was older, so I don't know if the same applies, but they are kind of small. The loading room was nothing to get excited about, and the backseat was cramped.

I ended up with a Subaru Outback, which is a station wagon. It doesn't have a nice, high ride like SUVs and smaller SUVs (CR-V, Rav4, Subaru Forester), but it has great loading room and is a 4-wheel drive.

I DO like the CR-V, which is Honda's version of the Rav4. It was roomier and more comfortable and had better loading space, but it is still a small SUV.

ACampbell

The older ones are pretty cramped...I have driven one and ridden in another and being in the back seat kind of sucked as far as leg room (I'm 5 ft 3 so I shouldn't be cramped in a backseat too much!)
Something like the Hyundai Santa Fe has more room but is still fuel efficient. We were looking at trading in our Explorer 4 door for one but decided to keep the Explorer.
Speaking of which, it gets decent gas mileage (somewhere around 20+ I'm not 100% sure) it has a 4.0L 6 cylinder and LOTS of room (it's a Sport Trac so it's the pickup style SUV).

MyCharlie

The Santa Fe and Forrester are two we looked at online last night also. I think they have made improvements to the Rav4, so maybe it will be less cramped now..... hmm....

RonE

My daughter is driving a Santa Fe and I'm driving an Escape Hybrid.

I always figured my next vehicle would be a Honda CRV, but I was disappointed with the fit and finish of the showroom model I looked at. Also, they couldn't find a key for the one I could test drive, so I took that as an omen.

Puppy & Dog Forums

 

lovemygreys

I test drove one 5-6 years ago when I was getting a new car...it was like driving a tin can. Very loud and felt cheap. Maybe they've changed since then, I'm not sure. (I ended up buying a Jeep Liberty)

Our new Prius should arrive any time in the next four months Hard to beat 46-50+ mpg!

Trixie

I'll sing the praises of any Subaru, if you need feedback on the Forester or Outback. I have 200K miles on my Outback, and she has life left in her.

But they aren't without their quirks, like most cars.

I'd go with the Element over the CR-V these days, but that is just because my needs have changed lately.

MyCharlie

Ron, does your daughter like the Santa Fe? It looks nice but I was a little leary of the Hyundai since it's a relatively new manufacturer.

I don't care much for the look of the CRVs, and I saw an old Rav4 at lunch today - ewww! LOL they've made improvements thank the lord.

cshellenberger

You can do just as well with the Tahoe Hybrid!

MyCharlie

I would loooove the Tahoe hybrid, but unfortunately I'm thinking it would be quite a bit out my price range.

RonE

My daughter loves her Santa Fe, but hers gets maybe 15 mpg. I get 32.

Don't worry about Kia or Hyundai. They are pretty much the same company and Consumer Reports loves them.

CrazyDog

I have a 2003 Toyota Rav4 Sport TRD. We sold our Jeep Wrangler and bought it new in '03. I love it! It is awesome on gas. VERY reliable. It is very roomy compared to any of the smaller SUV's. It has all around great power for a 4 cylinder........ but I've heard the new V6 has A LOT of power, yet still good on gas. Good, smooth ride, got to love the stability control. Great buy for the money. What else can I say about it except I love it, but then again I maybe bias, I just Love Toyota's. Just check out all the reviews, The Toyota Rav4 has gotten great reviews and has been one of the top small SUV's for awhile now. The only Con for me......... I wish it had a little more passing power on the highway......but then again what else could you expect with a 4 cylinder......

We have taken this vehicle on MANY trips and it is great going up and down steep inclines....... We set the cruise and it had no problems and maintained speed. We have even taken this thing on off-road trips in CO, AZ and NM..... everybody laughs until they see the RAV in action....... we keep up with all them jeep people, though we don't have as much clearance as some of them so we can't hit the BIG stuff. We've gotten this thing pretty dirty and we've loaded it down with just about everything (bikes, canoes, luggage, dogs, people, etc).......

Here are a few pics:
Driving from Silverton to Ouray, CO last month






Good Luck with your decision!

bluedawg

Ive only ridden in a 2006 Rav4 as well as on ehte was a few years older the previous model. The newwer model was plenty roomy for my 6'2" 250lb frame, had a great smooth ride as well. More room inside and a better ride then my 96 Jeep ZJ anyway. The previous model was smaller and a little rougher ride.

harrise

... and after selling cars for ten years, I can help you tear apart the system to your advantage.

With stories like that, you may find a Tiguan near CRV prices (VW starts at 29,565 with 4Motion). They seem mighty proud ($$$) of that thing despite $4+/gal gas. Any new vehicles are going to be at the mercy of the weak dollar, if they're manufactured and shipped from overseas...

cshellenberger

Hey Harrise, VW's getting desparate and have started spamming dog forums, it's been deleted!

harrise

Dang, there I go making all your jobs harder...

RonE

Lets go find a VW forum and sell some puppies!

harrise

Heh, you guys launched him too fast! I was going to give him grief about surfin' the web when he should be making cold calls or following up with previous customers.

Shaina

Dunno if you've seen this...

http://www.dogcars.com/cars/2007/toyota/rav4/

bluedawg

I believe that is the website that convinced a former friend of mine to get the Rav4.

Puppy & Dog Forums