Faults:

Had to replace the clutch - but at 290,000 km!

Other than that, brakes, fuel pump, alternator - all the general things you need to fix. Nothing out of the ordinary.

General Comments:

My wife purchased this car in 1998. She sat in it, liked the feel, never test-drove it, and drove off the lot with the '98 RAV 4.

We have driven it thru four kids. Drives to and from Calgary to the in-laws farm in Saskatchewan, a road trip to Lac La Biche... I had to "commute" from Edmonton to Calgary for four months, and this car never quit. Many highway miles. After all these years - and kilometres - the biggest expense was the clutch replacement at 290,000 km. But, it was worth it.

The body's starting to rust... But the interior is excellent - and this, after four kids, three still at home! It's gutless up a steep hill, and passing on the highway, but it's great in the snow, and starts every morning.

Since my wife got a new Honda Fit, it's my daily driver - now a beater that never lets me down. Ever. A bit of a head gasket leak is visible. But no white smoke from the exhaust. I've hit a deer with this car going 120km/hr, and received a ding that's now rusting, but the car continues to roll.

The driver's seat area feels cramped at times - and I'm only 5'9"/165 lbs. Not a lot of leg room. But it's a car I know will get me from point A to B daily. And I think I could drive it cross country. Maybe.

One thing I did do, after 370,000 km; I went to 91 octane fuel, and fuel line cleaner every fourth fill-up. Red Line is the fuel cleaner I now use, after sampling many. I get 24-25 MPG, commuter driving, mostly around 80 km/hr. Not bad, for a 21 year old beater!

Faults:

- Rear door lock actuator.

- EGR VSV (Vacuum Switching Valve).

- Gas tank strap rusted through.

- Rust repair on body.

General Comments:

My '98 Rav is my second favourite car I've ever owned (out of more than 15). Bought a used and neglected example on a whim as it was too cheap to pass up. Fixed a couple small items (see above) but the drivetrain has been extremely reliable from day 1. This thing is an absolute tank in the winter (with its factory locking centre diff and winter tires) and a joy to drive with the 5 speed manual transmission.

The engine compartment is extremely cramped and working on it can be a pain; thankfully you likely won't have to thanks to Toyota reliability. It's noisy and underpowered on the highway but doesn't bother me. Extremely well built, typical Toyota. Just watch out for rust. Can't recommend this car enough.

Faults:

Not much went wrong. I did have to replace the timing belt around 120K (though it is recommended at 100 and it had not been done) and the alternator. All other work done (besides when I wrecked it) was routine.

General Comments:

I loved this car, it was my favorite car I have ever owned! It drove great (even with 150K) and was the perfect size with all the features I wanted (CD, sunroof, storage space, etc.

The only thing I did not like, was when I took a turn a little too fast, I got the feeling I was on the verge of tipping (though I don't believe I ever was).

I reluctantly sold it to "upgrade" to a station wagon when kids were pending and have often wished I hadn't.