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Toyota RAV4 pre-2006
2127 messages, Last post on Dec 03, 2011 at 8:50 AM
You are in the Toyota RAV4 Forum.What is this discussion about? Toyota RAV4, SUV
#1169 of 2127 Toyota RAV4 by howardf612
Jan 11, 2004 (4:32 pm)
I'm in the process of purchasing a compact SUV and have it narrowed down to three vehicles with the 2004 Toyota Rav among them. One thing that continues to gnaw at me is the 4 cylinder engine. I test drove it and it responded fine but I would like other's input on whether you feel the engine has enough pep for daily driving. My commute around town is normally unremarkable. Thanks.
#1170 of 2127 Hi Howard by ckwong2
Jan 12, 2004 (7:13 am)
I had a 99 V6 Issuzu Rodeo 4WD and now own a 04 FWD RAV4. Compare the 2 there is a huge difference driving on the highway, but driving around town, I like the RAV4 a lot more.V4 engine doesn't mean it's slower. However, in pick up speed, the RAV4 is quicker that my Rodeo. But it has a real high RMP and the VVTi makes the power very non-linear. Before you put your money on the RAV4, test drive the Saturn VUE. It has a Honda V6 engine. The only reason that I didn't go with the VUE was the rear drum brake and more expensive.
#1171 of 2127 Power by wsommariva
Jan 12, 2004 (1:03 pm)
My 2004 has enough power for me. We also have a 2002. One thing that helps with the 2002 is turning off overdrive. Especially when driving at around 40 mph. Keeps the trans in third gear. Although we use it sparingly, it helps alot when we do. I rarely turn off the O/D on the 2004.#1172 of 2127 Re: cold weather realted dash rattle by rav4driver
Jan 12, 2004 (5:15 pm)
My 2004 RAV4's dash rattle was gone when I was driving home this afternoon. (The rattle had been very noticable lately.) The outside temperature this afternood was about 35F, warmer than the past few days. In addtition, we had a light rain this afternoon; the rain stopped when I was about half-way home.I'll see if the rattle comes back on Thursday when the temperature here is supposed to be between 0F and 20F.
About the power of 2004 RAV4, it's more than adequate for my daily commute. The engine is very responsive and quiet.
#1173 of 2127 Power by howardf612
Jan 12, 2004 (5:31 pm)
Thanks for the prompt responses. I did test drive the Vue but I currently own a Saturn sedan. It's been a decent car but I'm definitely looking for a different company. The Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe are also finalists.#1174 of 2127 2004 dash rattle by rav4driver
Jan 14, 2004 (8:21 am)
My dash rattle came back this morning while I was driving to work. The outside temperature was about 10F.It seems the rattle occurs when the weather is cold and dry. The colder the temperature, the louder the rattle.
The rattle seems to disappear when *either* the windshield area is wet (caused by rain) or the temperature is more than 35F.
#1176 of 2127 shake rattle and roll by cobblestone
Jan 14, 2004 (12:12 pm)
I guess I am spoiled, since today is 68, and tonight will be around 45. I have not heard from the dash monster since it was in the lower 20's. Rav driver's experiences seem to reinforce the correlation between low (real low) temps and the rattle. Have any of you other folks experienced the rattle in warm or hot temps?As for the contribution citing the Hyundai and the Ford product as possible choices, may I just suggest you consider resale value...to many THE most important factor in choosing a new car. I dare say Toyota products will far exceed Ford in this category, not to mention crach tests results.
Regards to all.
#1177 of 2127 Rattles and Temp by m4eth
Jan 14, 2004 (4:59 pm)
I've owned 6 Toyota's to date and most are rattle free...Rattles may be more prevalent in the winter when temperatures are cold since metal will contract and could lead to more play in the fit between parts...however it would seem that when the cabin temperature is heated then the rattle would disappear...so temperature may not be a player in all cases.Mike
#1178 of 2127 RAV4 rattle by rav4driver
Jan 14, 2004 (5:39 pm)
Mike,The RAV4 dash rattle is a well-known bug. There are TSBs related to this bug on the previous models. I am surprised that the 2004 RAV4 still has this problem.
The rattle seems to be under the hood beneath the windshield area, not inside the cabin.
Some RAV4 owners have joked it's a "feature" of the RAV4; buying a pair of ear plugs will fix the problem.
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