Toyota RAV4 III generation CA30 ownership experience

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Data are approximate* Last updated: 04/04/2017 09:49:45

Toyota RAV4 III generation CA30 ownership experience

Despite the fact that the third generation of the crossover did not feel as free on the market as the first two, the RAV4 easily managed to take advantage of its advantages. A successful combination of consumer qualities made it one of the most attractive offers on the market, even despite the impressive cost and competition. And the image of a ladies' car, rather, even contributed to the growth of sales.

Story

Over the twenty-odd years of the model’s history, buyers’ love for the RAV4 has only intensified. Each subsequent modification sold better and better. Toyota RAV4 is a full-fledged founder of the crossover class, built on a passenger car base with a monocoque body, but with all-wheel drive and serious ground clearance. Today the fourth generation of the RAV4 is on sale, and it still sets itself apart from its competitors with its traditional features and qualities.

06.94 Presented 3-door station wagon Toyota RAV-4 I generation Toyota RAV-4 II generation since 2000 Toyota RAV-4 III generation CA30 (2006-2013) Toyota RAV4 IV generation CA40 since 2012

Our third Recreational Active Vehicle (transport for active recreation) appeared in 2006. Dynamic, excellent handling, comfortable car with a strong suspension and some off-road potential. At the beginning of 2009, along with a slight restyling, the debut of the 7-seater Long version took place, which, however, was not in particular demand. Well, the RAV4 underwent a serious modernization in 2010, when along with the changed appearance came a new 2.0-liter engine from Avensis with a progressive Valvematic system and a continuously variable transmission instead of the outdated 4-speed automatic. However, the extended Long modification, before the generation change in 2013, was traded with the old interior, 2.4 liter engine and automatic transmission.

So, there were only three engines. At first, two naturally aspirated gasoline units: 148 hp. (2.0 l) and 170 hp. (2.4 l), and after restyling in 2010, the place of the 148-horsepower was taken by a 2.0-liter 158-horsepower engine. We do not take into account the 2.2-liter diesel or 3.5-liter gasoline engine from overseas markets. All three engines are distinguished by a high trouble-free service life of about 300,000 km. Further, even with regular, once every 10,000 km, oil changes, the production on the cylinders no longer allows them to be repaired. And the “oil burn”, which can appear at 150,000 km, is eliminated by replacing the piston rings.

It is impossible not to mention the third generation Toyota RAV4 of the first years of production, which had a design defect - a leak in the cooling system pump. But almost all the cars were repaired under warranty then. And perhaps the only nuance that worries owners at the 150,000 km mark is the cooling radiator. Due to loss of tightness, it had to be replaced.

RAV4 transmissions, like engines, do not cause any particular problems. The key to their health is, again, regular oil changes. Even a CVT can boast of reliability. If you are choosing an all-wheel drive vehicle with a clutch in the rear differential, we recommend looking in the service book for records of oil changes in the above-mentioned unit. The interval should not exceed 40,000 km. A “started” differential will hum, and then completely refuse to work, turning the car into a front-wheel drive one.

The RAV4 body can be considered an example of anti-corrosion resistance, although it should not be abused, since the paint is exclusively water-based. The leading edge of the hood begins to “bloom” first; they were even once repaired under warranty. The fifth door is deservedly considered the weak point. If there is a spare tire hanging on it, this is a guarantee that the door hinges (5,000 rubles per set) have sagged and require replacement. There are, however, also versions without a spare wheel. They don't have such problems.

RAV4 owners have a warm relationship with electrical equipment. There is essentially only one typical malfunction - a burnt-out rear brake light switch under the brake pedal. The plastic of the interior is quite hard, which is why it sometimes suffers from extraneous sounds, which complement the very noticeable flaws in sound insulation. The crossover literally transmits into the cabin the cheerful “song” of sand knocking on the inner surfaces of the wings.

The chassis is strong. The only complaint is the stiff suspension, especially at the rear, but reliability is excellent. The front lower control arms will last up to 150,000 km, and the service life of the rear trailing arms is usually 100,000 km. The front shock absorbers are ready to last up to 100,000 km, and the rear ones are 50,000 longer. Silent blocks and anthers have the same resource, but they can suffer from urban reagents earlier. Brake pads at the front (RUB 5,200) and rear (RUB 4,200) can withstand 40,000–50,000 km, and the discs last twice as long.

In short, we have not found any contraindications for purchasing a used third-generation Toyota RAV4. Due to complete loyalty to 92-octane gasoline, the Americanized 2.4-liter engine looks preferable. Although 2.0-liter units are not a miss. We are not afraid of the CVT; all “childhood” sores, as a rule, were eliminated under warranty or by the previous owners. So, after checking the condition of the steering rack and regular maintenance of the rear differential, you can safely take it. If, of course, there is enough money...

Steering rack

Really weak point. Sometimes it begins to knock on uneven surfaces after a mileage of 60,000 km. For repairs, rod kits are available for sale, but they will not extend its life for long. Maximum for 10,000–20,000 km. For safety reasons, it is better to immediately replace the entire rack (RUB 20,000). There are no complaints about the electric power steering.

Transmission

Automatic and CVT do not like off-road adventures with slipping. Or haul heavy trailers. Some owners note slight jolts when switching from first to second gear on cars with automatic transmission. But this problem is rare and not very annoying. The main thing is not to forget to change the oil in the box every 60,000 km. By the way, on manual transmissions the lever sometimes bites in first gear.

Engine

All gasoline engines are considered problem-free and easily digest domestic fuel. The timing chain drive is chain driven, and the chain lasts about 200,000 km. She announces the moment of replacement with an unpleasant, annoying strumming. 2.0 engines can be fueled with AI-92 and AI-95. While the 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE engine is designed exclusively for the 92nd. Attachment belts typically last up to 60,000–70,000 km.

2006-2010

pros

• decent dynamics even with a 2.0-liter engine
• excellent handling
• reliable suspension
• strong, slowly corroding body
• trouble-free electrics and brakes

Minuses

• high cost of the car and original components
• high cost of service from official dealers
• small interval between scheduled maintenance.

2010-2013

pros

• high-life engines and transmissions, including CVT
• comfortable and high-quality interior
• high liquidity of the car on the secondary market

Minuses

• weak steering rack and pump
• Interior sound insulation, which requires special and expensive modifications.