Faults:

Paint job leaves something to be desired. Paint started to peel near the edges and where the bumpers connect to the body. This occurred about 1.5 years after purchase of the car.

I would like the interior to be a bit more quiet.

General Comments:

In general, this car has served me well over the past 6 years. My only complaint is I wanted the car "trunk" area slightly longer, so I can put more stuff in it! I only want about 4 inches more, as in California, it's tough to park cars that are any longer or bigger. The narrow body also fits into a "Compact" parking space. I love how it rides higher. It would be tough for me to get back to driving a lower clearance regular car. Now that my 70,000 miles warranty is nearly up, I would buy another RAV4 if it's a bit longer.

Unlike several of you, I did not have "Check Engine" light come on. I was lucky.

Faults:

Several days after purchase of a 2001 Rav4, the engine light came on. The car has about 50,000 miles on it, and came with a warranty for any work needed for the first 30 days after purchase. I sent the car in, they switched off the engine light - it came back on 5 miles down the road. The second time it was sent in, they kept it for a month, replacing the catalytic converter, spark plugs and eventually an engine rebuild... all to get the light to turn off! After a month of scratching their heads the car was returned to me, and of course, the light went back on as expected. The vehicle runs great, but beware if you live in a state that requires emission testing. We are unable to pass the test, and are required to spend $800 more in useless repairs by the state to correct a problem that doesn't exist. A recent recall has been posted by Toyota, and we're hoping having the ECM reprogrammed will set this whole issue to rest.

Faults:

It is the 5th time the check engine lignt turns on.

First at 55,000 miles with an oxygen valve problem with $600 cost repair. Three months later the light came up again in a different city with different Toyota dealer, the car passed the diagnostic and the dealer said the problem was with the computer, not the car's engine. Two months later again the check engine light came up and the dealer checked the evap system, but said nothing was wrong with it.

A week later the check engine light problem showed up again and being in a different city the Toyota dealer wants to change the charcoal canister and the vacuum switch valve, an $800 job.

Engine problem codes: PO440; PO441 and PO446.

Reading the postings here and elsewhere in the internet, it seems that the RAV4 engine and/or computer's reliability is very questionable. This gives a very bad reputation to both the Toyota car manufacturer and the dealers, who are making a good deal of money on the side.

I bought the RAV4 new because it was given great reviews as a low maintenance vehicle. I'm very disappointed.

Perhaps someone reading this could offer some advice.