- #328 of 404
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Re: Ride Quality [cfreas1]
by verdi942
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Nov 28, 2007 (3:13 pm)
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Replying to: cfreas1 (Nov 28, 2007 2:06 pm)
Yes, we'll both have to get used to the stiff "SUV" type ride. It's not a real SUV, as in, "truck based", but it does fail to damp out small bumps, just like, say, an Explorer. It also uses more gas than a vehicle of its size and weight should, IMHO. Still, I have to say, I like it a lot.
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- #329 of 404
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What's This?
by verdi942
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Nov 29, 2007 (8:42 am)
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On my 2007 RAV4 AWD, there are curved pieces of clear plastic glued on both rear doors, in the lower rear corners. Also on the body panels just to the rear of the doors. I only noticed them because of dirt trapped along their edges. Does anyone know what they are? Should I, or the dealer peel them off? Thanks for any help.
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- #330 of 404
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Re: What's This? [verdi942]
by bdyment
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Nov 29, 2007 (1:45 pm)
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Replying to: verdi942 (Nov 29, 2007 8:42 am)
Those are there to protect the paint from stone and sand chips from the wheels. They were installed at the factory. Best to leave them on.
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- #331 of 404
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Re: What's This? [bdyment]
by verdi942
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Nov 30, 2007 (9:08 am)
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Replying to: bdyment (Nov 29, 2007 1:45 pm)
Thanks for the info; although those plastic stick-on protectors are totally cheesy - why couldn't they have simply continued with the very effective "pebble-grain" stuff already sprayed on the rocker panels? GM and Ford do! Speaking of the paint, I'm finding my white Toyota paint to be VERY fragile! Every day I see minor scratches on the hood, doors, etc. There doesn't seem to be much of a protective clearcoat. I'm running out of touch-up paint! Is it just me or my car?
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- #332 of 404
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Re: What's This? [verdi942]
by 719b
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Nov 30, 2007 (10:35 am)
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Replying to: verdi942 (Nov 30, 2007 9:08 am)
just my thoughts and not based on any documentation.
for many years toyota and quality have been synonymous. ever since toyota has made an attempt to take over the #1 position in auto sales throughout the world, they have been neglecting quality and emphasizing quantity.
the more the output, the closer you get to the point of diminishing return... i think toyota has reached that point.
after reading the postings on this site and other automobile sites, i have never seen as many complaints about the annoying rattles, cheap paint, unknown engine noises, knocking in the steering column that toyota now has. there are many other complaints, but i think you get the point.
like i said this is just my opinion.
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- #333 of 404
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Re: What's This? [719b]
by verdi942
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Nov 30, 2007 (11:29 am)
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Replying to: 719b (Nov 30, 2007 10:35 am)
I share your opinion. This is my first Toyota. I wanted a crossover vehicle of the RAV4's size; the USA competition was much more expensive. I also drive an '04 Buick, and I can tell you that GM has matched Toyota in assembly quality, zero defects and 100% reliability. When it comes to minor bits of content, such as a Driver Info Center, backup sensors, auto door locks and headlights, etc., etc., Toyota is obviously failing to go the extra mile. Add to that such issues as paint durability, space and fuel efficiency, all of which seem to have taken a back seat to keeping the MSRP at some "low" point - things that, for a few $$ would make a BIG difference to me in terms of satisfaction, well, I'm underwhelmed. Buying American looks like the future, IMO.
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- #334 of 404
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Vibration issue at speeds over 50mph
by kelntomh
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Dec 05, 2007 (11:16 am)
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Hi,
I have a 2007 RAV4 4x4 base model with V6. I have noticed that when driving on smooth roads at speeds greater than 50 mph I can feel a vibration through my feet and also in the seat that seems to come and go. Sometimes I can feel it in the steering wheel as well. It is not a major vibration, but it is annoying. I had the car to the dealership twice and they just rebalanced the wheels and rotated the tires, but that did not make any difference. Does anyone else have a vibration issue when driving at faster speeds.
Thanks.
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- #335 of 404
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Re: Vibration issue at speeds over 50mph [kelntomh]
by cbmorton
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Dec 05, 2007 (11:30 am)
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Replying to: kelntomh (Dec 05, 2007 11:16 am)
Yes - some V6 AWD models from MY2006 and part of 2007 have this issue. Ask your dealer about Toyota's service bulletin TC006-07. Dealers will replace the AWD ECU to cure the vibration.
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- #336 of 404
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I have question about price
by getmeanewcar
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Dec 09, 2007 (10:41 am)
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The Toyota.com webpage suggests MSRP as $27000 for the RAV4/year:08/V6/2WD/3.5L/black/LIMITED/without Navi. But when I requested a quoto from Online retailers, they call for nearly $30000. Why do the local retailers call for higher price than the MSRP? And what are some effective strategy to have as much discount as possible from the local dealers? Should I get 2007 instead of 2008 for cheaper price? or Wouldn't there be big difference between 07 and 08?
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- #337 of 404
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Re: I have question about price [getmeanewcar]
by karlytr
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Dec 10, 2007 (5:46 pm)
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Replying to: getmeanewcar (Dec 09, 2007 10:41 am)
It seems that each dealership adds its own items to the new vehicles, in order to bump up the sticker price (which = greater profits). I just purchased a leftover 4-cyl. 2007 ltd, fully loaded (leather heated seats and all) for $25,600. I think it's possible to get better deals on the '07's, because the dealers are desperate to get rid of them. Mine has the 6-cd changer, is satellite 'ready' and has the bluetooth on the steering wheel. I'm not sure what else the '08's would have. Effective strategies would be to know that Toyota Rav4's for the '07 model year have a 2% dealer holdback, off the base MSRP. Also, know the dealer invoice price (it can be ordered online), or ask the dealer to see it. There is often lots of extra money that is paid to the dealer from the factory, after the sale of the vehicle. I got mine for about $3800 under MSRP (off of $29,467), and over a thousand under dealer invoice. However, I was unrelenting in my approach to negotiating.  Oh... and NEVER EVER mention you want to trade your current vehicle (if in fact you do), until you negotiate the price on the new vehicle. If they ask you if you plan on trading, just say, "I doubt it," or "I don't know, so let's keep that out of the deal."
Good luck to you!
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