Toyota RAV4 (2006 - 2012) 2.2 D-4D T180 5d (2006/56) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
A quality, classy car - seen no vandal damage though. Driving a quality feel vehicle, makes you feel positive.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
If I said I would 'give-away' the queue would stretch for miles!
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, as had Toyota's before like a Starlet 1.0 12valve new company car in 1993 (when I was aged 19 and thus it suffered a hard life!). In 3 years it did 90k and was unburstable even at this mileage!
What are you likely to buy next?
Another Toyota if this one is as reliable as the Starlet and Corolla (85K) I've had between 1993 & 1996!
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£24,870
When did you buy the car?
October 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes got a great deal, as got a quote from a broker for an UK sourced car and local dealer matched this to secure the sale!
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Needed a 4x4 for my self-employment and drawn to the Toyota has had Toyota's in the past (1993 1.0 12v Starlet - did 90k in 3 years with me) so knew of their reliability. The Rav4 also being the only 4x4 with a ski-style hatch
What was the dealer like?
Forever courteous (although will be interesting when warranty expires?)
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Very smooth and like an exec' car like a high spec Lexus. Quick in any gear and low down revs. Handles like a car. Will start off in 3rd if selected by mistake! All reviews say its no 4x4, BUT I've never been stuck. My work takes me down slippery/muddy/large holed dirt tracks, through 2ft deep streams, snow covered rough fields - NEVER doubted it
What's it like to park?
Easy and I have meaty tow-bar on, that I am courteous not to hit another vehicle with (would crack a number plate) when reversing. Its all about knowing your car and THINKING what you are doing! A rear view camera would be handy for such a high back though, thus have a parking lens fitted.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Although Toyota claim 40mpg+, can only achieve 37mpg best tank to tank and a manual calculation plus Green driving! Being a heavy car it will free wheel longer, thus using least fuel. Rear door hinge collects muck on the bumper and no way of removing! Battery failed at 2 years, 2 months and dealer didn't accept initially as computer didn't say so, until more thorough check carried out and after vehicle left overnight with them! At least its still under warranty!
What's most practical about your car?
Can get 2 young kids in on booster seats, plus my self-employment photography equipment (would need to fold the 40 bit of a the rear bench on others) with ease with ski-type hatch. Plus BIG boot helpful having a family. Sat-nav can divert you away from traffic jams.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Start/stop button with no card inserted only present, when you touch the door handle it unlocks, rain sensitive wipers, auto headlamps, voice activated Sat Nav & phone, cruise control....... Its all great!
