A design that has aged well

"Tristan" (casselts) 05/20/2018 at 17:53 • Filed to: None

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Third gen RAV4. I hated them when they were new, but I find them handsome now. Maybe it’s just because the fourth gen is so hideous? Idunno.

I’ve basically decided upon one of these or a Mazda 5 for the Mrs. It’s boring, but I can’t argue with Toyota reliability or the incredibly intelligently designed interior. Room for daaayyyzzz.

Are there any glaring flaws I should know about other than the fact that no manual was offered in the US :( ?

Under_Score > Tristan 05/20/2018 at 18:04

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I think I’m the only user on here with one. It’s a 2012 Limited. Do you have any specific questions about this generation, as I can tell a lot about it.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > Tristan 05/20/2018 at 18:04

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Older designs that have been around for a bit are less harsh than when they first came out cause you’re used to seeing them.

Tristan > Under_Score 05/20/2018 at 18:07

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Should I spring for the hot rod (3.5 V6) or stick to the 4 cylinder? I’m leaning towards the four, but 270 hp sounds like a hoot in an otherwise pretty boring car. Are there any areas subject to premature wear, or is it standard Toyota stuff that just lasts and lasts with a bit of oil consumption?

boredalways > Tristan 05/20/2018 at 18:08

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If you go for the RAV4, try and find one of the last V6 models. Had one riding my ass on the way to work the other day. Still kind of dig them.

Tristan > gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee 05/20/2018 at 18:08

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True, but I still gag when I see a ‘97-’04 Ford F-150.

HammerheadFistpunch > Tristan 05/20/2018 at 18:11

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RAv4's are like Playstations or Grand Turismo games. Skip every other.

YES!

No

Yes! (with V6)

NO!

YES!

Tristan > HammerheadFistpunch 05/20/2018 at 18:13

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This is so accurate!

E90M3 > Tristan 05/20/2018 at 18:24

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Always go for the one with more power. That said, I’m perfectly content with how fast my 3 is, but then that might be because I’ve got much faster version as well.

wafflesnfalafel > Tristan 05/20/2018 at 18:27

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My folks have that exact car - same wheels, same color, 4cyl 4spd auto. It is surprisingly roomy, (it’d say a smidge bigger than the more recent version.) It is tinny and a bit loud on the freeway. The seats are big and flat - ok, but not great for long distances. Some of the early vehicles have the dreaded oil consumption issue. Rear door latch can get gummed up with dirt.

Tristan > E90M3 05/20/2018 at 18:27

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It’ll primarily be the wife’s car, so the extra power will go unappreciated most of the time. I’ll be the driver for family trips, though, so if there isn’t a big fuel economy penalty or huge price difference, I’ll keep it on my radar!

Tristan > wafflesnfalafel 05/20/2018 at 18:30

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I’ve noticed that some models have adjustable lumbar. That will be a must-have. My wife’s current 2016 RAV4 (company car) doesn’t have this and my back is screaming after about 10 minutes. I have theorized that those seats are designed to punish you for not buying a higher-spec model.

E90M3 > Tristan 05/20/2018 at 18:31

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Sometimes the bigger engine gets just slightly worse fuel economy cause it doesn’t have to work as hard.

Tristan > E90M3 05/20/2018 at 18:33

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Truth. I’ve often wondered if I made a mistake buying a 6.0 Suburban. The 8.1's mileage can’t possibly be much worse.

Under_Score > Tristan 05/20/2018 at 18:40

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Please stick to the four-cylinder; my RAV4 has the 2.5 (please choose a 2009-2012 Limited if you do decide on a RAV4) and it’s plenty fast. While 6,000 RPM regularly looks concerning, even though I don’t know what it means, I still get up to speed quickly. When I went on the Interstate a lot these past few months, I’d get up to 80, 85 in no time. An extra 100 HP would definitely be way too much.

It’s reliable, it drives well, and the visibility is decent. If you’re a single person, this vehicle would be good. Mine is also free, as it’s technically my parents’ car. However, it flops as a passenger car. The A/C is weak, there are no backseat vents, the other seats (leather models) are firm, the backseat is tight with hard pads on the front seats, and the interior is designed awkwardly, like tiny cupholders, window switches that jut out, etc.

While I suggested a RAV4 to my mom six years ago, I complained about it a lot before I drove it. My family took a roadtrip to DC in it in early 2013 and it was miserable. It’s excellent for what I, a college student that doesn’t have a family and usually doesn’t carry people around, need, but I also have another crossover in my family, one you may not have considered. The seats are comfier, the A/C is better, despite no backseat vents, and it has big cupholders. Quality, not quantity, as they say. This car has also held up for 10 years and 100,000 miles with minimal issues, and they are usually cheaper than RAV4s.

You need a first-generation Nissan Rogue. I strongly recommend the refresh, since it adds on goodies like Bluetooth and a backup camera. Very slept on vehicles. Yes, they have a CVT, but the newer ones don’t have issues and they still drive well. Here are a couple near me to give you an idea of what they’re like.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/735921440/overview/

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/736713949/overview/

EDIT: I saw you’re very tall as well; I’m 6'5". The Rogue does a good job for tall people, too, and the RAV4, eh. I fit up front with a sunroof, but like I said, the backseat design wasn’t very good.

oneavejoe > Tristan 05/20/2018 at 18:41

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I also have one. 2009 limited.

Definitely go for V6. Economy is fine:

Nibby > Tristan 05/20/2018 at 18:45

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this looks like sex on wheels when you think of the gen that came after it

Tristan > Nibby 05/20/2018 at 18:47

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There’s one in my driveway. *shudders*

Nibby > Tristan 05/20/2018 at 18:47

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burn it all into oblivion

Tristan > Nibby 05/20/2018 at 18:51

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Nah, when baby number 2 comes along, it’ll get returned to the fleet company from whence it came. I shouldn’t complain about a free car, but the 4th gen RAV4 leaves me with little choice. #firstworldproblems

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > Tristan 05/20/2018 at 18:54

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My sister has one with a serious puppy gate, the great Dane approves of it for road trips.

Tristan > Phyrxes once again has a wagon! 05/20/2018 at 18:58

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They do have a capacious boot with a tall roof- perfect for a great Dane!

boxrocket > Tristan 05/20/2018 at 21:35

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*shrug*

I don’t like the front. I like it when the shape of the headlights next to the grille is the same, whereas these are opposing, which gives it a bit of a snout. The sides and back are OK.

I will say it has a damn big dead pedal/foot rest, and is has roomy front foot wells, which is nice for road trips.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Tristan 05/20/2018 at 22:54

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I like my 2006 CRV, quirky and really useful.

Tristan > boxrocket 05/20/2018 at 23:06

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I agree, it’s totally shrug-worthy. If my wife had no say in her choice of wheels and would happily drive whatever jalopmobile I wanted, I’d be looking at any number of fullsize wood paneled station wagons.

But in a sea of meh, it’s a very useful and inoffensive meh.

Tristan > oneavejoe 05/20/2018 at 23:07

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That’s about equal to what our current-gen 4-cylinder gets.

Tristan > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 05/20/2018 at 23:07

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I don’t hate those.

Future Heap Owner > Tristan 05/21/2018 at 00:57

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The way it tapers at the back makes me feel bad in this strange, visceral way. I dislike the way it curves on one side and has an angle on the other and none of the lines match up at all. I’m repulsed by it.

Great cars, though. My brother just bought one.

boxrocket > Tristan 05/21/2018 at 06:30

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Fair enough.

My wife and I both appreciated the RAV4 when we were shopping for her replacement car a few years back. However, we didn’t love it and there were a few glaring issues (mostly how dated it felt compared to the Escape, CX-5, and Tucson/Sportage twins). We went with CX-5, though the Grand Touring trim so the manual option wasn’t available, and been extremely pleased with our choice.