Toyota RAV4 reviews

The reason I originally bought 'Timmy' RAV4 was after watching J Clarkson/Top Gear team trying to destroy a Toyota Hilux and they didn't succeed - so Toyota engineering must be good. And so 'Timmy' RAV4 and I began an 11yr journey. The leather seats were like Lazyboys and all back-seat passengers told me the rear seats/ride were so comfortable (like sitting on expensive leather sofas); so much so they'd ask 'where's the RAV?' if I turned up in my husband's vehicle. Having driven a Freelander previously, I wondered how the AWD drive was going to perform compared to 4WD and it was *amazing* - in snow/mud being in Timmy was like being on the back of a bear, with the engineering making the decisions instead of me. Feeling the wheels turn independently of each other was so amazing. He also did his fair share of driving in floods with no problem. I'd get home telling my husband 'Timmy's been swimming!'. The worst was getting stranded in major floods in the Lake District and having to seek refuge upstairs in a property ... except Timmy had to stay outside. Overnight, with water pouring down the streets in fast rivers, the water rose over the top of his wheel arches. After a check in the morning, he just started first time with no water ingress into the car ... a-la-Mr Clarkson's Hilux adventures. Being more about engineering/reliability than the 'frilly-bits', I never thought things like key-less entry and Start-Stop ignition would be so marvellous and missable; but particularly being a woman walking to your car and just getting in and driving away instead of fumbling for keys had become wonderful. Reliability over the years was pretty good in that nothing stopped him and nothing major needed to be replaced. I have felt so, so incredibly safe in him. But ... (I guess you knew that was coming!) Three years after buying Timmy I suddenly experienced periods of loss of power and every single error light would come on on the dash. Diagnosis found nothing but various 'well, it could be ... but we don't know' conversations. Toyota themselves recommended to the Dealership to replace the entire Engine Management System at over £1,000 for the parts alone (back in 2014!) but thank goodness the Dealership were amazing guys and said to me confidently 'it's not that'. The Dealership asked Toyota to fund the EMS until they could determine if it was that (and then charge me) and Toyota refused. And so we began a long journey of tinkering, resetting error lights, waiting and then back to the beginning. The problem went on without resolution for **8 years**. I'd always used Redex in every refuelling, but someone told me to use only Shell or BP premium fuel and after a while that seemed to eliminate the mechanical effect of the problem but the dash error lights would always return. It took until 2021 (!!) until a mechanic said 'it could be the fuel rail' - expensive work (£1,000+labour again) which no-one seemed to want to undertake, and I got the impression it was because no-one was confident it was actually that and didn't want to charge me large sums to find out it wasn't. The dash would tell me 'Check Engine System', 'Check 4WD', and the ABS light amongst others would come on. Everyone told me this was just because Toyota didn't have an error message to say what was wrong and there weren't any actual problems after checks. But when the error lights came on the Cruise Control would never work; so 'something' was actually not working other than error lights and it did always make me nervous if ABS, etc, was also not actually working. Then I started to hear about the millions of Toyota and Lexus recalls globally for a fuel pump issue ... the issues were exactly the same as those with Timmy; dramatic loss of power with the engine cutting out on some vehicles and then failing to restart, and lots of dash lights. Fortunately, I never experienced the cutting-out problems. Those Toyota recalls/repairs are still going on and affect even new models. The last discussion I had about replacing the fuel rail the engineer said it would need to be tackled as a larger problem of 'is it the fuel rail, or is it the Toyota fuel pump problem'. If you've been wondering why that part of the tale doesn't have a conclusion and why much of my review of Timmy is in the past-tense it's because last month a little old lady succeeded in smashing into him while he was stationary, hitting every single panel down one side ... and so Timmy has just died, being written-off! I'm absolutely heartbroken and miss my bear *so* much. Because of the fuel pump recalls, I'd started to look at different makes to replace him but none of them are a patch on Timmy. I've cried buckets and can't believe in !!2022!! (12yrs after Timmy was built!) there isn't a vehicle I can sit in that doesn't make me feel 'this isn't as good as Timmy'. And so I'm coming back to buying another RAV4. But ... now knowing about these fuel pump recalls I've yet to decide how to manage/mitigate that potential issue. Because when you get it it seems absolutely horrendous, and that even the recall repair may not solve it. That said ... going back to Mr Clarkson/Top Gear and their failure to destroy a Hilux ... the fuel rail/??pump?? issue never, ever caused Timmy to stop. He started every time I drove him and never broke down over 164,000 miles - he was just lit up on the dash like a Christmas Tree. He made me feel *so* safe in horrendous driving conditions that he got a name and became a personality. Even the Insurers mechanics that got him in the end loved him with his name, and worked on him like 'ER' doing everything possible to save him, but the numbers/age just didn't add up. Like Top Gear, it's taken a little old lady to brutally smash him up before he's died - and, like the Hilux, he still starts! RIP Timmy-Toyota ... you were by far the best vehicle I've ever had, even with the 'fuel-thing'. But if you're looking to buy a RAV4 or Toyota (or Lexus) I'd do a lot of Google research on the fuel pump issues and make sure you're aware beforehand when doing your buying.

I bought my 57 plate Rav4 Auto in 2012 with 46k on the clock from a dealer in Southall West London. I fell head over heels in love with this car instantly.It was stylish smart comfortable, versatile and a dream to drive. It was an eye catching car in shiny jet black with factory fitted private windows on rear side and rear screen.I had some smart chrome and black running boards fitted the day I bought it. I had many people over the years offer me good money for it. I looked after it, I polished it and treated it as one of the family. It was good on fuel even on short school runs it turned around 28mpg and on long runs it would turn in around 38-40mpg. Over the 7 years I owned it I did around 110k in it and it was always trouble free.I sold it in 2019 with 157k on the clock but it still looked like a new car.This was the best used car I have ever bought and miss it like crazy. I sold it because I needed to reduce my annual costs a bit because I am now a pensioner but young at heart. The MOT history on my Rav4 over the years I owned it, involved only things like tyres or on one MOT a rear shock absorber. Beyond that and routine servicing costs, this car cost me nothing else.

Have had this RAV since 1999, it has low milage and has never missed a beat. I expect it to last me for many more years. Faultless and reliable. No, you cannot have it!

This is by far the best car I have ever owned. Not the fastest, not the most economical, not the prettiest, but definitely the best. 4 years of ownership and it hasn't missed a beat, not even once. Its fairly nippy for what it is, its comfortable, the fuel consumption isn't bad for it's size & weight, but the reliability of this car is phenomenal. It would have been nice if the back door opened fully but hey ho, life is full of compromises! This car has been so good that I have just bought a 2017 RAV4. I am a full blown convert.

The Toyota Rav4 is ideal for carrying large loads in comfort over long distances. The actual MPG I am getting is excellent for the class of car and engine size at 47.5, however I do a lot of long journeys on motorways, for just urban use the MPG go reduces to around 30. The ride is much better than stated by general car reviews and the power of the engine is great. My driving experience includes the 2015 Qashqai and Volvo XC60's. The Qashqai was under powered with the 1.5 engine, the Rav4 is close to the XC60 in performance, but much better MPG (by 10+). Mine is/was the top of the range and the parking sensors and camera are excellent. My biggest gripe about this car is for the included SatNav. As I travel a lot it is an intrinsic part of a car for me. It knows about Motorways and A roads, any thing else (B,C,D in the UK and the equivalents in Europe) fall under the same category. Therefore wherever you want to go that is below and A road it is as likely to direct you down a farm track as the B road next to it. I have got into trouble many times around the UK and in France being directed down unsuitable roads, when a perfectly fine route was a few hundred yards away. Having bought this up with Toyota, their response was "Yes - Have a nice day!". Having driven lots of cars with internal SatNavs, this is by far the worst on the road (not sure of the make fitted). Plus is it standard across all Toyota's (to my knowledge), so if you buy one, please do not rely on the SatNav and fit your own! Pros: Comfort & ride MPG for long journeys Parking sensors and camera Cons: SatNav Dashboard is a little dated and in bright sun, if you are wearing sunglasses it is difficult to read Attitude of Toyota Staff

I can't speak highly enough of the Toyota brand. This car has done over 147000 miles and still doesn't use any oil. Reliability is second to none and I would always recommend a toyota to anyone.

An excellent vehicle, versatile, compact & reliable. It is a great shame that it is no longer available in the 3 door variant

Just got back from a 600 mile trip to Scotland. Travelling at full legal speeds including motorways and the car has returned 52 m.p.g. I can't ask for much better that this. Car is easy to drive and never felt tired or stressed once.

as a cancer surviver with a permenant stoma the driving position and all round view plus access and exit in the rav4 is ideal

It's carrying capacity is poor as we feel it necessary to carry a spare wheel as we have had two blow outs which meant AA call out and relay home. The car could not be towed as the blow outs were both back tyres. Personally as I drive small mileage much of the time-approx 5000 a year- a diesel is not the best option, with hindsight a petrol vehicle would have been a better choice especially as after all the hype from the government about using diesel as it was less polluting they raised the price per litre and it has never been cheaper than unleaded petrol for several years. No incentive to use diesel, also in my opinion the performance of the vehicle is less than perfect using diesel fuel.

Not enough places for drinks, snacks containers. Not sure about automatics. Very reliable. Very economical. 4 doors - obvious advanage. Still prefer style of Freelander but surprisinly pleased with the RAV4, which we've had for nearly a year now.

It is a fantastic car and one of the few small 4 x 4 types. It is brilliant in snow and ice, on hills and rough roads. It is very easy to fold down the rear seats or take them out completely, which is good because there is otherwise not much luggage space. According to the V5C, it is a 5-seater, but this model is a 4-seater with 4 seat belts. I shall be very unhappy when the car finally fails to pass its MoT because there is no other car currently available that I would regard as a reasonable replacement.

Very comfortable ride, but limited load space, and rear seats awkward to fold to increase load area. Rear door does not open to a full 90 degrees.

This vehicle is everything they say it is, comfortable, easy to drive, good fuel economy, an all round great vehicle.

Last week I bought a brand new RAV4 Invincible. I used it for 2 days but now I cant drive it anymore as I am too uncomfortable in the drivers seat. The problem seems to be the high bolstered sides of the sitting area and they are particularly high on this model. It is a sports seat shape and unless you are thin your hips gets wedged in between the sides and you sit awkwardly. My back, hips and coccyx get very sore and the sides of my legs go numb. I must stress that although I am not skinny I am not fat either at a 16-18 size. So beware when thinking about buying this model of the RAV4 .I'm expecting to loose money on this car as the garage have said they cant just take it back. The car is lovely otherwise, but comfort is everything so I really wish I had never bought it.

I have had my car from new it has now done over 130,000. Miles. It has never let me down, it still has the same exhaust system. Like the previous reviewer I am struggling to find something as practical, low for my dog to jump into and just fabulous amounts of space but not a massive car. I can wheel in two adult bikes if I take out the back seats, which is easy to do. I have now been looking to replace my car for a couple of years, why on earth does every other crossover get bigger and higher all the time but essentially not really give you any more space??? or with things like the Nissan duke have tiny boots, and very high entrances to them? I would dearly love the same model just updated with Bluetooth and everything else a new car has to offer. I will be heartbroken to say goodbye to this car, but with ageing parents long distances away I need to know that my car is gonna always be ok. At 14 years old I think something has to go at some point. The new Vitara is probably the nearest thing in size (not too big) but offers a much less flexible space inside. At least they offer a fab colour though!,

Had my granite rav4 3 1/2 years. Now on 136000 miles and feels like new. Reliable economic motor.

We have previously had RAV4's and are so pleased to have this one again. They have always been reliable and a joy to drive, and spacious for our own requirements.

Just picked up the vehicle and covered a 200 mile trip and the fuel economy reading on the dash 52 mpg. Evans Halshaw, poor customer service, vehicle not cleaned to a good standard and no feedback from salesperson regarding controls. It was a case of give us the money and go!!!!!!

I travelled from North Devon to cuffley Garageto buy this car. Service was very good and honest on the telephone prior to the purchase of my new car. The car is great, I am sure there will be no problems.