3rd Gen Rav4

[toyotechwv]

I am considering a Rav as I am attempting to get back into the world of off-road vehicles however my current vehicle's MPG has me a bit spoiled. I would obviously be better off with a 4runner,FJ,Tacoma type vehicle but just can't live with the fuel economy on my 90 mile roundtrip commute everyday. I've seen a few 2nd Gen Ravs with mild lifts, racks, lights etc. but have not seen anythiing similar on a 3rd Gen. Can anyone point me in the right direction?:safari-rig:

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

I'm not sure about aftermarket support for the Rav's but the 3rd gen is a really nice vehicle. We considered getting one for a while. I also remember seeing a Consumer Reports test done on all of the small SUV's that actually tested them off-road since obviously they are really marketed for the mall crawling...and the Rav4 won! I thought that was cool. :sombrero:

If you end up building one up I really look forward to seeing what you do with it. Rocky Road sells an OME lift kit for 2000-04, plus an ARB nudge bar, etc. Good luck!

 

[Richiezook]

Heres mine on the Wayfarer Green lane in North Wales. (Dragged its underside a bit but got through). This bits quite tame compared to some other bits.

Cracking vehicle , 40mpg constantly from the 2.2 diesel.

Richie

 

[Pskhaat]

Oh wouldn't we in NA be so lucky to have a Toy diesel RAV4?

 

[Richiezook]

The Diesel is agreat engine, pulls really well.

Theres a compant (part of Toyota ) called TTE in Germany does some cool stuff for them. See if i can find a link.

Richie

 

[Richiezook]

http://www.tte.de/cm_rav4_A3.htm



Richie

 

[ttora4runner]

If I remember right one of main guys of the Nevada Chapter of TTORA has one or his wife does that they are slowly building. You may want to check that out.

 

[toyotechwv]

If I remember right one of main guys of the Nevada Chapter of TTORA has one or his wife does that they are slowly building. You may want to check that out.

Thanks, I'll check that out.

 

[neverestablished]

I think you might be better off getting a beater hatchback for commuting and a real truck for the weekends

 

[toyotechwv]

Something similar to this would be great...http://rav4world.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8784

 

[FLYFISHEXPERT]

Something similar to this would be great...http://rav4world.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8784

If my wifes 2008 looked like that, I probably would not be selling it right now.

The only down side to the Rav, and any new car for that matter, is all of the plastic. We got into a minor fender-bender and ended up having to replace the back, plastic by the way, bumper be casue it had been torn off. Auto body shop quoted $900 to fix it. I fixed it for $500.

 

[RusM]

I have pretty much decided that will be my next rig! Well not quite, I am looking for a '00, or '01 with my preference being for the '01 and the newer model. From everything I can gather these are sweet little rigs that combine a lot of qualities many of us need in a rig.
As far as getting two rigs, I have totally considered that but do not want to make the compromises it would entail. I would rather sacrifice my off road, for the road at the moment. :smiley_drive:

 

[zaitcev]

I have a 4.3 (2006) RAV, with 2.4L, and take it some places. I have to say, it definitely has some reach in the sense that I am able to get where I wasn't previously. That said, RAV4.3 has serious downsides when used off-road.

#1 is the lack of low range. It's very easy to get into a gulch and not being able to get back out. I carry a Hi-Lift for a case like that, and on a lot of terrain you'll need a Pull-Pal anchor, and very long straps. When driving over sand dunes, you must not stop on any incline, or the car will not move again.

#2 is the underbody. RAV4.3 has a respectable clearance for a CUV, but stones and trail shelves are the enemy. I collected a few good dents in exhaust, fuel tank, and evap canister shield.

Other than that, it's 26mpg in real life driving. The V-6 version is the fastest car in Toyota's line-up (they have faster Lexuses though).

-- Pete