Toyota RAV4 (2006 - 2012) 2.2 D-4D T180 5d (2006/56) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

A difficult one in light of the current anti 4x4 lobbying. Having said that, it has the cleanest engine of it's type currently on sale and returns 37 mpg. Mine's silver and looks understated, certainly when compared with a similar costing BMW X3.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My neighbours liked my car so much, they've gone and bought a brand new 07 plate one of their own. Most of my friends think it's a good looking, well spec'd car.

Would you buy this car again and why?

This is my 3rd Rav4. All of the previous ones have been models of reliability, I see nothing in this new one that makes me think that the T180 won't be just as good. The build quality of this model, I think, is the best yet, and is certailny a match for BMW.

What are you likely to buy next?

I haven't a clue at the moment. Unless Toyota bring out a model that supercedes the T180 I can't see much point in changing cars too soon. I don't need any more room, so a Land Cruiser is out of the equasion, but until my kids have left home, I'll need a car that can transport us all safely, securely and comfortably. I do quite like the look of the Lexus RX though.........

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£22,496

When did you buy the car?

January 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

The car was 4 months old and when new listed at £28,745 with the extras it had. The dealers had it on sale for £24,995 with 3,000 miles on the clock. They also had a 10% off deal on all cars for that weekend only, so I got her for £22,496 in the end, and negotiated an excellent deal on my 12 month old XT-R as a trade in.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Was upgrading from a 55 plate D4D XT-R and needed something with a bit more room and a bit more power. Initially test drove a Land Cruiser but didn't think it was worth the money for the way it drove and the running costs/fuel consumption etc. Dealer had a T180 demo and told me to try it out. Reluctantly I did, only to return 30 minutes later grinning from ear to ear!

What was the dealer like?

St Leonards Motors - Superb. Both from the sales side and also for their aftercare.

What's it like to drive?

It's like a GTI 4x4. The engine is fantastic - 177bhp and 295 lb/ft torque - and pulls smoothly from low revs right up to the redline. It's fast, powerful and handles (not just for a 4x4) very well. I took it to the continent recently and had an easy 100+mph cruise on the German Autobahn for a number of hours.

What's it like to park?

It doesn't have a spare wheel on the rear door, which is a bonus, but I would still like rear parking sensors if I'm being picky.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Only one matter, an Initial problem with the Tyre Pressure Warning System. The garage had to replace one of my car's tyres. The whole wheel/tyre is replaced as a matter of course, and the new wheel had not been properly registered with the car's on-board system, which caused the TPWS light to come on a few days after I bought the car. Needless to say, the dealers fixed it in a day, and gave me their new T180 demo to drive around in whilst they had my car.

What's most practical about your car?

It is a great family car. Lots of room inside for two kids and a dog and a big boot too. Fuel economy is good for the performance it offers.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

It comes fully loaded - and I mean FULLY LOADED. The only strange omission I think is no rear parking sensors as standard. The neatest gadget - The Bluetooth hook-up for my mobile phone, which allows total handsfree use as soon as you pair your phone to the car!