- #7 of 24
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Re: [tireguy]
by typesix
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Feb 03, 2009 (7:01 am)
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Replying to: tireguy (Feb 02, 2009 7:56 pm)
Aside from the nice extra power of the V-6, here are some disadvantages:
-initial cost is higher
-city gas mileage is lower
-for DIYs the V-6 is much harder to service, try changing the rear sparkplugs
-heavier weight of 6 cyl means longer stopping distance on slippery surfaces
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- #8 of 24
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Re: [typesix]
by junebug1701
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Feb 05, 2009 (10:19 pm)
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Replying to: typesix (Feb 03, 2009 7:01 am)
True, the initial cost of the V6 is about $2000 higher. But you get a RAV that is a lot more fun to drive!
City gas mileage is a bit lower. If you do the math, the average driver will spend an extra $150-200 a year. Goes toward the fun factor.
The iridium tipped spark plugs don't need to be changed until 100,000 miles!
Yes, it may be a bit heavier, but the RAV brakes are very good--stopping is not an issue. The V-6 is the main reason I picked the RAV over the CR-V. After a couple of test drives, it was an easy decision.
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- #9 of 24
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Re: [junebug1701]
by typesix
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Feb 06, 2009 (8:07 am)
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Replying to: junebug1701 (Feb 05, 2009 10:19 pm)
More the fun factor for you, ok. Should point out that sometimes the plugs will not come out at 100k miles for any engine, some mechanics recommend loosening the sparkplugs at 30-40k miles and re tight them.
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- #10 of 24
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Re: [typesix]
by steve_ HOST
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Feb 06, 2009 (10:25 am)
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Replying to: typesix (Feb 06, 2009 8:07 am)
I worried a bit about that issue with my minivan. I told the shop to loosen the plugs at 30k, but I have no way of knowing if they did or not. At 125k, I had the plugs replaced and asked the tech if they had any trouble with them being seized or anything. The tech said they always wait until the engine is dead cold (overnight in my case) before trying to pull plugs and that they had no problem with mine.
Could be an urban legend about the cold engine. I recall hearing Click and Clack warning about the possibility of high mileage plugs seizing so some proactive loosening may be in order.
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- #11 of 24
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Re: [steve_]
by wwest
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Feb 06, 2009 (10:41 am)
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Replying to: steve_ (Feb 06, 2009 10:25 am)
I just changed the plugs ($80, first time) in our '95 LS400 at 225,000 miles. Except for a seriously longer spark gap the plugs looked fine. With the new solid state electronic spark genration the spark plug gap is no longer such a big issue.
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- #12 of 24
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Re: [wwest]
by steve_ HOST
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Feb 06, 2009 (10:53 am)
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Replying to: wwest (Feb 06, 2009 10:41 am)
I did the wires and distributor at the same time. My mpg didn't budge a bit, which makes me think I should have just waited until something broke.
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- #13 of 24
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Re: [steve_]
by wwest
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Feb 06, 2009 (12:41 pm)
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Replying to: steve_ (Feb 06, 2009 10:53 am)
Yes, I think the emissions monitoring aspects of the OBDII systems will give us lots of forewarning of marginal perfromance.
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- #15 of 24
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Re: 2009 RAV4 MPG [toughshift]
by toughshift
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Mar 06, 2009 (10:09 am)
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Here's some "real world" mileage figures:
Brand new 2009 V6....took it on a trip to New Mexico and Arizona starting in Minnesota. 4,498 miles....22.6 miles per gallon.
70-80 miles per hour on freeways plus city driving, lots of baggage.
There ya go.
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- #16 of 24
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Re: RAV4 - 2009 4-cylinder vs 6 cylinder [tnboy]
by ohiobob
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Aug 13, 2009 (4:34 pm)
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Replying to: tnboy (Jan 21, 2009 3:51 pm)
tnboy, I agree with the post that indicated where you drive it and who is in it should be the major factors on your engine choice. I live in OH and it is flat and most of the time it will be me and maybe my wife on the weekends and the new 2.5 4cyl. is adequate. If you have hills to climb and will have the backseat occupied you may want to go to the six. If you can afford it and like to go fast the 6 will make you happy. Go with the AWD if you buy the six to reduce the torque steer. The six will be less noisy under hard acceleration as well. I'm sure the 4 cylinder will be easier on your wallet over time both at the gas station and with the maintenance.
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