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Toyota RAV4 (pre-2006): Problems & Solutions

56 messages,  Last post on Nov 28, 2012 at 4:34 PM

You are in the Toyota RAV4 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota RAV4, SUV

Messages Page 6 of 6

#46 of 56 Rav 4 problem by trosenberger

Jan 17, 2009 (3:02 pm)

Can someone help me? my 2001 Rav4 all of a sudden, has NO power. Check engine has been on for awhile, and Autozone says its the cat converter. It ran fine, and they said not to worry about it. Now that it isn't running right, I checked the tailpipe, and NO exhaust is coming out when Idleing. Is it the cat converter, and how big of a job is it to replace it?
 Thanks

#47 of 56 HELP!! by candygugo

Feb 08, 2010 (11:12 pm)

HELP!!Well I am planning on buying a Used RAV4, but by looking at your commemts I am frightened by what you say about yours. So I need help, from experts like you, Is it really worth buying a used RAV4? If so, What year? How many miles should it have? What should I check for? I would be extremely grateful if you are honest, and sincere when replying. Its my first time looking (in the process of buying) a car, so I need all the help I can get.

#48 of 56 Re: HELP!! [candygugo] by mdeveau

Feb 10, 2010 (3:30 am)

Replying to: candygugo (Feb 08, 2010 11:12 pm)
My RAV4 is 2002. It's been my only Toyotaa (I drove Ford Taurus x 3 for 10+ years). According to it's recent Toyota check-up, it's in pretty amazing shape. Both myself and it's previous owner are on the road a lot, so I basically live out of it. It gets its regular check-ups, whether I can afford it or not. At 170,000 miles and 8 years of Maine winters, it's held up pretty well. There have been little things, but nothing to make me never trust a Toyota again. I do wish they were a little less pricey.
 
As for the recent recalls, I personally believe Toyota is taking responsibility and putting things right. They will hopefully learn their lesson of never sacrificing the details to advance business expansion. The media has simply got a bone they can't let go of.
 
Have you looked at what KIA and Hyundai have to offer? Their new car deals are pretty amazing and far less pricey than Toyota and Honda. We recently bought two new KIA (sedans) in our family and the info on KIA's quality/service is very good (they are owned by Hyundai). Just a thought.
 
 Hope this helps!

#49 of 56 Re: HELP!! [candygugo] by markbc

Feb 10, 2010 (2:02 pm)

Replying to: candygugo (Feb 08, 2010 11:12 pm)
I have a 2004 RAV4 Automatic and I have about 36000 miles on it driving in Washington DC, Hanoi Vietnam and now California. Overall it is ok. BUT...
The gas mileage is not so good (20 city, 22 highway). The maintenance has been ok, no major problems --but I do have two complaints.
#1. Almost since puchasing it new in 2004 there has been a lag in acceleration. press the gas count one-two and THEN the car accelerates Dealers claim there is nothing wrong with that, but it is not even consistant. Sometimes --usually when the engine is warm and running for a while- there is no lag and other times I have a noticable pause between press and response. This is a problem if you drive in crowded city traffic and conditions changes in seconds. I have seen no clear good fix for this -others have mentioned it, and there is one part that I could pay to replace (a computer module whose name escapes me at the moment) for ~$1,800 or $2,300 but I am not going to try that -non guaranteed action.
#2. Quality is not so hot. Once in a rain storm and driving in about 18 inches of water my right front tire went into a pothole of about 10-12 inches. This bent the rim of the tire (no other damage) and since I was driving less than 10 mph (really!) I was disappointed that an all-wheel drive small suv can be so easily damaged.
 
finally, it is a bit noisy when you drive over 60. Not that I do that much, but when on the highway I notice the wind noise is quite a bit louder than other cars I have owned or dirven.
 
I won't buy another RAV4 and am not so hot on Toyota's "nope...there's no problem with it." approach to individuals like me who are not perfectionists, but do think there are sometimes problems even with new cars ;-(
 
When I have driven this 10 or 12 years (I am sure it will last that long --it does have that much quality), I will buy a different brand -maybe Hyundai or even Honda (but Honda's are quite pricey for what the provide ).
Good luck! &
 
hope this helps!

#50 of 56 2005 Rav4- 6cyl? by eosinseattle

May 10, 2010 (12:20 pm)

anyone know if the 05 or 04 Rav4 with auto trannie was sold in a 6cyl or supercharged in any way?

#51 of 56 Re: 2005 Rav4- 6cyl? [eosinseattle] by typesix

May 11, 2010 (7:37 pm)

Replying to: eosinseattle (May 10, 2010 12:20 pm)
Only 4 cyl for those years. Starting in 2006, 6 cyl became optional.

#52 of 56 rav4 b solenoid by joe280

May 21, 2010 (11:11 pm)

trying to find the location of the b solenoid on the 2004 rav4 trans...please help...thnx

#53 of 56 2004 rav4 transmission by joe280

May 21, 2010 (11:24 pm)

can any one help me locate the b solenoid on my 2004 rav4.there is a total of five solenod in the transmssion.can not find any info in any repair manuals that tells me what solenoid is what...please help..thank you...

#54 of 56 2006 Rav4 by anio1424

Nov 08, 2012 (7:18 pm)

Since I purchased this car in 2006 I have had problems with driving in the rain. It skids so easy. Tonight I was stopped on a hill, there was a light rain, and when I slowly excellerated the car start to skid and not gain traction. Each time the auto lsd light came one. This happened since I have had the car. It is a 4 cylinder, two wheel drive.
 
thanks for your help.

#55 of 56 Re: 2006 Rav4 [anio1424] by suvshopper4

Nov 28, 2012 (4:21 pm)

Replying to: anio1424 (Nov 08, 2012 7:18 pm)
Could be cheapo or worn tires.

Messages Page 6 of 6

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