Faults:

Two bulbs replaced.

General Comments:

The Rav4 is surprisingly quick, and handling is excellent. It drives like a car rather than a 4x4.

The permanent four wheel drive gives bags of traction. I live in the Peak District, and even in heavy snow the Rav4 is very easy to drive and sure-footed.

I have the three door version, and although there's plenty of room in the front the back seats are rather cramped.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The Rav 4 is solidly built with not so much as a rattle over rough ground.

It is totally reliable and I have never experienced a mechanical failure which interfered with a journey.

However, you have to be realistic about what it will do.

It is not a proper off-roader and I have never expected it to be. Nor is it a hot-hatch.

However it is a good mix of both. It handles well and is quick off the mark on the road for a 4WD, but chunky and robust enough off the Tarmac if you stick to light towing duties (small boat/trailer). A caravan puller it ain't!

It's worst aspect is lousy fuel economy, which in the UK with unleaded at £1.45 a litre, can be a problem. But then, only an idiot would buy even a small 4x4 like this and expect anything other than than the aerodynamics of a house brick!