MM Review: 2012 Toyota RAV-4
03-02-12, 09:32 AM
#31
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
I agree that a slightly-used RX is a good alternative. New Limited RAV-4s, with a lot of options and accessories, can run well over 30K...almost in base RX-range, brand-new. And there is no comparison between even the RAV-4's fairly low noise-level, on the road, and the RX's virtual tomb-quietness.
03-02-12, 10:39 AM
#32
The Rav4 is one of my favorite Toyota models - I've toyed with the idea of selling my GS and getting one just for the sake of utility (gas mileage and repair costs don't hurt either), but I struggle with finding the right model:
The Sport model is my favorite (and quite a looker, I think) but it's impossible to find one with JBL or any of the other nice features. Toyota seems to build the Sport model as a small step up from the base model with a lot of room between it and the Limited.
The interior and features of the Limited are awesome, but I think the exterior is a bit tame for my tastes.
I'd need Limited features in a Sport exterior to be happy. The other curveball is that a nice used RX350, which is quite similar in size, has the Same V6, and way more lux features, is not far off in price from a new Rav4.
The Sport model is my favorite (and quite a looker, I think) but it's impossible to find one with JBL or any of the other nice features. Toyota seems to build the Sport model as a small step up from the base model with a lot of room between it and the Limited.
The interior and features of the Limited are awesome, but I think the exterior is a bit tame for my tastes.
I'd need Limited features in a Sport exterior to be happy. The other curveball is that a nice used RX350, which is quite similar in size, has the Same V6, and way more lux features, is not far off in price from a new Rav4.
03-02-12, 11:44 AM
#34
Rav4 holds its value really well in Europe too... but sales have dropped signficantly ever since recalls and competition that came out in 2009.
03-02-12, 02:24 PM
#35
Lexus Fanatic
Even the 4-speed, though, is seamless and smooth as silk. Toyota engineers know how to do smooth powertrains, even in the hybrids.
Like many SUVs, they are often driven in the snow, with salt on the roads. Perhaps some owners just don't wash the undersides as often as they should, and salt rusts out part of the pipes and attachments. In my state (VA), a vehicle won't pass the annual safety-inspection if there is a hole in the pipe or part of it is dangling.
The hood on the RAV-4, though, unlike the rest of the sheet metal, feels like it is made out of lead. Older, frail, or weaker persons may simply not be able to handle it with the manual prop-rod. The right-opening hatch, I agree would not be a problem unless, when loading/unloading, it forces you to walk out further into city-traffic, when parked, than is feasible. A number or RAV-4 reviewers, BTW, agree with me on that.
Thanks.
Like many SUVs, they are often driven in the snow, with salt on the roads. Perhaps some owners just don't wash the undersides as often as they should, and salt rusts out part of the pipes and attachments. In my state (VA), a vehicle won't pass the annual safety-inspection if there is a hole in the pipe or part of it is dangling.
The hood on the RAV-4, though, unlike the rest of the sheet metal, feels like it is made out of lead. Older, frail, or weaker persons may simply not be able to handle it with the manual prop-rod. The right-opening hatch, I agree would not be a problem unless, when loading/unloading, it forces you to walk out further into city-traffic, when parked, than is feasible. A number or RAV-4 reviewers, BTW, agree with me on that.
Thanks.
As for the hood prop, it really is no big deal. The RAV4 is an entry level model, Toyota needs to keep the price point down. Same thing with Corolla and other entry level models.
03-02-12, 02:40 PM
#36
Pole Position
The Rav4 is one of my favorite Toyota models - I've toyed with the idea of selling my GS and getting one just for the sake of utility (gas mileage and repair costs don't hurt either), but I struggle with finding the right model:
The Sport model is my favorite (and quite a looker, I think) but it's impossible to find one with JBL or any of the other nice features. Toyota seems to build the Sport model as a small step up from the base model with a lot of room between it and the Limited.
The interior and features of the Limited are awesome, but I think the exterior is a bit tame for my tastes.
I'd need Limited features in a Sport exterior to be happy. The other curveball is that a nice used RX350, which is quite similar in size, has the Same V6, and way more lux features, is not far off in price from a new Rav4.
The Sport model is my favorite (and quite a looker, I think) but it's impossible to find one with JBL or any of the other nice features. Toyota seems to build the Sport model as a small step up from the base model with a lot of room between it and the Limited.
The interior and features of the Limited are awesome, but I think the exterior is a bit tame for my tastes.
I'd need Limited features in a Sport exterior to be happy. The other curveball is that a nice used RX350, which is quite similar in size, has the Same V6, and way more lux features, is not far off in price from a new Rav4.
Actually AFAIK - the Sport model is the top of the line model....as it can ONLY be had with the V6 and AWD and includes the run flats so as to include the rear spare tear. We've often deliberated trading in ours for a used RX as well, but I don't typically like buying used unless its for recreational use.
03-03-12, 01:46 PM
#37
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
As for the hood prop, it really is no big deal. The RAV4 is an entry level model, Toyota needs to keep the price point down. Same thing with Corolla and other entry level models.
03-03-12, 06:39 PM
#38
Pole Position
I suspect the new RAV 4-cylinder will have the 6-speed..
With an aluminum or plastic hood, I agree that, except for strong winds, it's not a big deal. But, with a steel hood like the RAV-4's that weighs a ton, for a lot of people, that's quite another matter. That's probably one of the reasons for Toyota's Roadside Assistance.
With an aluminum or plastic hood, I agree that, except for strong winds, it's not a big deal. But, with a steel hood like the RAV-4's that weighs a ton, for a lot of people, that's quite another matter. That's probably one of the reasons for Toyota's Roadside Assistance.
03-03-12, 06:51 PM
#39
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
though it's a good idea to check the oil and fluids every 1000 miles or so; more on high-mileage vehicles with worn-engines.
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