RAV4 info?
- Thread starter mtnbike28
- Start date
paulj
Expedition Leader
I have a 97 RAV4, bought it a 30,000 miles, and it is now 65,000 (i.e mostly errands aboud town). Other than a brake change and the usual fluid maintenance it has had few problems.
I used to follow a RAV4WORLD forum, but I don't know if that is still active.
This generation has a reputation from smoking when first started in the morning. Apparently while sitting, some oil drips into the cylinders. The oil consumption isn't significant, so I don't worry about it.
I had a bunch of body noises at the start, which I traced to dirty and sticky door seals (including the wiring grommets into the doors). I've dealt with that by regularly cleaning and lubricating the seals with 303.
I've also had problems with the doors freezing. Because it is kept outside, rain water can seep into the latch mechanism, and then freeze on cold nights. It's not the lock cylinder that freezes.
Gas mileage isn't as good as a newer cars with comparable (or better) horsepower and size. And compared to my Element, it lacks power. Road noise is higher in the RAV4. But the steering and road handling is secure. It almost 'begs' to be taken on twisty roads.
I used to follow a RAV4WORLD forum, but I don't know if that is still active.
This generation has a reputation from smoking when first started in the morning. Apparently while sitting, some oil drips into the cylinders. The oil consumption isn't significant, so I don't worry about it.
I had a bunch of body noises at the start, which I traced to dirty and sticky door seals (including the wiring grommets into the doors). I've dealt with that by regularly cleaning and lubricating the seals with 303.
I've also had problems with the doors freezing. Because it is kept outside, rain water can seep into the latch mechanism, and then freeze on cold nights. It's not the lock cylinder that freezes.
Gas mileage isn't as good as a newer cars with comparable (or better) horsepower and size. And compared to my Element, it lacks power. Road noise is higher in the RAV4. But the steering and road handling is secure. It almost 'begs' to be taken on twisty roads.
jim65wagon
Well-known member
Jay, I'd check it out like any other used car. Brake pads, smell the transmission fluid, tire wear pattern, does it look well maintained?, any service records? regular oil changes? drive it...listen for any odd noises that any car shouldn't be making, does it steer well? hit a bump and feel it/listen to it, got a trusted mechanic? take it to him/her and let them give it a once-over.