2004 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 2.4 petrol

Summary:

Stunningly reliable beyond all measure. The best car I have ever owned

Faults:

Nothing. No really, nothing.

General Comments:

In 2004, I decided to buy a new car and I wanted a small-medium 4WD. I test drove most of the cars on the market at the time. But because I had a good experience with my Toyota Land Cruiser, I decided to buy a RAV 4.

The exact model I got was a RAV 4 Cruiser, 5 door, petrol, manual.

We added a safety pack to it, a bull bar, spotlights, window tinting and a few other things. It cost about AU$45,000 when we bought it.

As I write today, in 2015, my car has done 438,000KM.

It still has the original engine, clutch, and everything else. I have bought new sets of tyres many times.

The car has never broken down, and never had a major problem of any kind.

All we have done for the past 11 years is:

- Service it every 10,000KM.

- Use Premium fuel at all times.

My wife and I still use it daily.

The RAV 4 is simply an unbelievable car, and Toyota is an incredible car maker.

How many cars do you know that will run for this many kilometres, with no issues? Some cars only last for one-third that distance, and compared to those, the RAV 4 is like getting 3 cars for the price of 1.

Having now decided to buy a new car, I also intend to write to Toyota soon and offer them the story of my good old RAV. Just in case it's useful for any marketing purposes. And why not? They sold me one of the best, most hassle-free products I have ever bought in my entire life. I'd be happy to give something back.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th February, 2015

10th Feb 2015, 14:45

What is stunning about this review is its degree of surrealism. There is no such vehicle out there today or in the past 10 years that can do 400000km without having wheel bearings replaced, tie rods and dust boots replaced, alternators and many other parts replaced. Because these parts are designed to last no more than 200000-250000 km. Speaking from an engineering point of view.

In reply to 10th Feb 2015, 14:45

15th May 2023, 02:39

Not strictly correct. I have a Toyota Corolla 2003 with 312000kms on it and none of the components mentioned have been replaced, they are still original. I agree that at over 400000 k's it is an unlikely scenario, but still entirely possible.

In reply to 15th May 2023, 02:39

15th May 2023, 21:08

Did you own the car the entire life of that mileage? If not those items could have been replaced anytime before.

2004 Toyota RAV4 CV 2.4 Unleaded

Summary:

Never looked back!

Faults:

The Car is now 17 months old and nothing has gone wrong, mainly due to the low kilometers as we live in a small town. Our cars are generally only kept for 2 or 3 years so we encounter no problems.

General Comments:

The car was purchased for its height, making entry and exit easier, after many decisions it came down to the Rav4 CV or the Honda CRV, the Rav4 won in the end because of its end price and our history of excellent Toyotas'. A noticeable absence from the Rav4 is ABS. Not a major problem, but Fog-lights weren't included unlike the previous Rav4 Edge, the black plastic ovals in their place don't look too good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd July, 2005

18th Feb 2006, 23:04

My Grandparents own this car, they like to update every 2 years so the little Rav4's time is up. They went to the local dealer and looked at the new 06 Rav4, they went in with high expectations, but came out extremely disappointed, the extra weight has blunted performance and my Grandmother, who needs a high seating position was disappointed with the seating (high window sills and she can't see the bonnet) so after 2 years and only 20,000km a new 2006 Subaru Forester sits in their driveway.