Faults:

Rear brake rattle.

Faulty ECU at 186000 replaced for cost of $800.

As a result of the faulty ECU, the transmission failed and needed to be fixed. I asked the dealer for a full rebuild, which they said they would do. After forking out $5100 for the new ECU and rebuilt transmission, I drove off, only to feel the clutch from 1st to 2nd gear slip and flare on the downshift from 2nd to 1st.

I went back and they said they would re-flash the ECU.

It did not fix it. I asked to see the breakdown of the work done to my transmission. To cut a long story short, they charged me for a rebuild and showed that on my receipt, but only did a minor patch up repair on it instead. The same minor job elsewhere would have only cost $1350.

I am taking them to the tribunal over this fraud.

Engine rattle.

General Comments:

The car uses too much fuel for such a small engine.

Issues with dealer service and transmission problems make this car one to steer well clear of.

Avoid the 2002 RAV4 like the plague.

Will never buy or deal with Toyota again.