2002 Toyota RAV4 NV 1.8

Summary:

Fun to drive and funking looking, but more suited as a 4x4 rather than a 4x2

Faults:

I have had the car from new almost a year now, and I have had a few things go wrong.

1) Wheel alignment not correct, three visits to put correct, very annoying, should have been correct on delivery inspection before I got the car.

2) Speedo head had to be replaced, very common on cars build between 09/02 to 12/02.

3) Gearbox sensor had to be replaced twice.

4) Airbag sensor had to be replaced, as the warning light would not go out.

5) Driver window motor replaced, failed at 3000.

6) Dashboard bracket had to be installed to stop the dash making a rattling noise, very common problem so I was told by my dealer.

7) Seat base plastic casing broke, replaced.

8) CD changer replaced twice, and the third is currently not working.

Before this car, I have only ever owned two Renaults, a Megane and a Clio, not one of these cars presented me with a fault within the three years of owning each.

General Comments:

Overall it's a good car, not sure if I would buy another one, my brothers Nissan X -Trail drives and handles better, has more room for all passengers and seems to more reliable and better build.

The handling on my car, 1.8 front wheel drive only, seems to have lacked grip on too many occasions, this has almost cause a few accidents near the crossroads near my home, as when I lost grip the car doesn't move in front off on coming traffic. I feel very uncomfortable driving the car in the wet as there is too much wheel spinning. I think the Rav was only even meant to be a four wheel drive. Hope changing the tyres will improve this.

However the performance from this car is excellent, and the fuel economy is unthinkable for a car of this size, fill ups are fewer that I ever expected. Noise levels inside the cabin are very low, well except for the annoying dashboard rattling. Not sure if it's just me driving on the M25, or the design of the car, but am on my third windscreen, after being hit by stone chips on three occasions, my insurance company must love me.

Would recommend a Rav, but only the more expensive 4x4 version, and would consider the 5 door, as I'm finding my car a little too small, you can't bring your friends away for a weekend, without a roofbox or a trailer, there's no boot on the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd June, 2003

11th Aug 2003, 08:54

Totally agree with Steven. I have a 1.8 VX 4x2 short wheel base (Feb 2001) and feel totally uncomfortable driving it in real bad weather (rain and snow. However, except for the common crackle in the windshield (which I fixed myself) and a bad antenna connection, the car is very, very reliable.

I do think it handles extremely well in good road conditions and the brakes and ABS work very well.

I would advice everyone who wants to buy new, to wait for the October 2003 Rav4 Face lift and then get the 4x4 version (LWB or SWB), even if it does cost more than a 4x2. With the face lift, I hope they will replace some of the plastic interior (it scratches easily) and add a couple of airbags.

Jeroen.

16th Dec 2008, 06:15

I think my Rav4 4x2 is wonderful.

2002 Toyota RAV4 d4d 2.0 turbo diesel

Summary:

A brilliant, but sporty little 4x4

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The 3 door 2l turbo diesel is a brilliant little 4x4. It handles really well on the UK's icy roads during winter. But not too sure how it would handle in mud or thick sand. For a 4x4 its pretty quick, I have had 110 mph out of her on the open road.

Roomy cabin and a good dash layout. Mind you Toyota wanted £700 extra to install a cd shuttle. That's a bit of a rip off in any language.

The dealership was good, honest and to the point. Customers are treated well and in a professional manner.

The first yearly service was £106. This was at 5000 miles. The engine oil and filter was changed and the Rav was checked over by the mechanic. The oil alone on the service was £30.

All round trouble free motoring. My next car will be another Toyota.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th February, 2003

2002 Toyota RAV4 VX 2.0

Summary:

Fantastic for a 4 X 4

Faults:

Nothing, I have only had it for two weeks.

General Comments:

I am used to a sports car and I like cars that handle well.

I love this car it isn't slow on acceleration, it's very comfortable (in the front and the back), also handles well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd October, 2002