1995 Toyota RAV4 GS 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

4x4 and hot hatch in one

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th February, 2004

1995 Toyota RAV4 L 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

It's so good I'm going to buy a used new-style Rav 4 (when they come down in price!)

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!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th September, 2002

8th Sep 2002, 13:36

£1.45 a litre I know we have Europe's most expensive fuel, but that's stupid, it's only 69.9p at litre at Sainsbury's.

25th Jul 2003, 17:27

I was thinking the same thing, must be a new mixture of unleaded and liquid gold your feeding your rav :)

12th Mar 2005, 07:41

Yeah, 1.49 is pretty steep!

4th Nov 2010, 16:34

Oh, looking back this was like foresight, 69.9 petrol is a long time ago.

In reply to 4th Nov 2010, 16:34

13th Jan 2013, 14:58

And now look, 1.45 it is ;)

In reply to 8th Sep 2002, 13:36

2nd May 2013, 15:55

Fuel's 1.46 per L up here in Caithness.

1995 Toyota RAV4 J 3S-FE 2.0 from Malaysia

Summary:

No frills MPV

Faults:

Back door lock wore out causing irritating knocking sounds. Took more than a month to order the parts.

Battery needs to be replaced once a year.

Tyres squealing on 30km/h corners.

Alarm system malfunctioned twice this year.

General Comments:

Not really as fast as I expected but then again, this a 4 wheel drive.

A bit cramped in the front seats.

Expensive to maintain at a Toyota dealership. But all original parts guaranteed.

Full tank of fuel (60 litres) only goes 280 to 300 km.

Camry based engine a little on the rough side.

Transmission is smooth, but very slow to react when overtaking.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st September, 2001