LF: 2009/2011 RAV4 Reviews

Postby **NorStar2K** » September 19th, 2011, 1:06 am

The current 3G XA30 facelift model.

* Performance
* Fuel economy
* Maintenance
* Parts availability
* Depreciation
* Problems...etc

In other words, the total cost of ownership VS the 'other' sub-compacts.

Thanks

Postby **NorStar2K** » September 19th, 2011, 10:41 pm

Where are all the RAV4 owners??!!

Postby **NorStar2K** » September 21st, 2011, 12:47 am

Postby **NorStar2K** » September 23rd, 2011, 1:13 pm

There must be RAV4 owners former owners here somewhere.

I'm considering buying one so I need you all to advise me of your own personal experiences.

Thanks.

sweeks · Postby **sweeks** » September 25th, 2011, 9:54 pm

I had a 2001, 2004 and a 2006 (new model). I liked the 04 the most. The 06 was nice with great features but didn't feel as strong compared to the older models. Nonetheless one of the better SUVs available.

Postby **NorStar2K** » September 25th, 2011, 10:48 pm

sweeks wrote:I had a 2001, 2004 and a 2006 (new model). I liked the 04 the most. The 06 was nice but felt cheap compared to the older models.

Thank you sweeks! Anyone else?!

Imran007 · Postby **Imran007** » September 27th, 2011, 2:30 pm

i heard they have some steering rack issues....or just that it doesnt hold out like the older models... a steering rack for the current model is $12k plus....

Postby **NorStar2K** » September 27th, 2011, 2:41 pm

Imran007 wrote:i heard they have some steering rack issues....or just that it doesnt hold out like the older models... a steering rack for the current model is $12k plus....

Hmm.

scotty_buttons · Postby **scotty_buttons** » September 16th, 2012, 10:53 am

The steering rack problems are associated with the first gen new models. 2006-2008
I have a 2006 model and have changed one steering rack already and a lil more than 2 years later have to do the sameZ
I think the newer models supposed to have an updated steering rack which supposed to address the issue. Also had an alternator and clock spring issue (airbag light issue) but otherwise it's great! :lol:

2.0 engine has ok power. Faster than almost all other SUVs in its class with a 2.0 NA engine. The 2.4 supposed to be decent but that's coupled with a slightly bigger model than mine..
The only thing I didn't like is the sound system that came with it.. No option to upgrade it either. No factory HID.
Fuel economy wise..i normally get 10-11litres per 100km on SUPER. And the fuel tank capacity is 60litres. Takes about $160 to full.
But that's with conservative driving.
Also, its not a full 4wd system the 'automatic' 4wd system works great.

sweeks · Postby **sweeks** » September 30th, 2012, 7:33 pm

Scotty the recommended fuel for the 2.0 is premium. I've been using only that and the RAV4 still kicks.

sweeks · Postby **sweeks** » October 2nd, 2012, 12:04 am

Hmmm after today's budget, I might try super after all.

scotty_buttons · Postby **scotty_buttons** » October 2nd, 2012, 12:22 am

Yeah I know the recommended octane number is 93 n up I think and super here is 92 but no pinging or anything like that after 6 years. No engine problems at all. It's a Toyota engine too :lol:

Power still decent as well. Frankly I didn't notice any difference in power since the switch.

scotty_buttons · Postby **scotty_buttons** » October 2nd, 2012, 12:28 am

New problems arised last week. Check VSC, ABS, 4x4 and brake lights come up intermittently while driving. The 4x4 system really doesn't work since I get front wheelspin when those system errors turn up.
Did a diagnostic and apparently the left rear wheel speed sensor gone bad most likely. (slight chance it may just need cleaning)

I honestly don't know why I getting all these problems cuz I take my time with this vehicle. Most offroading is parking or climbing on grassy hills. Only once I got some difficulty and stuck in a 'cliffy' area but that was mainly due to some almost smooth back tyres not getting enough traction.
If after fixing this something else arises eh..