Mk2 Toyota Rav 4 - Buy One Before It’s Too Late,

This little car from 2002 could be one of the best bargain used cars on the market today, and is sometimes more enjoyable to drive than my M140i on the congested public roads.

Sometimes, less is more!

[iLouieTube]

I just bought one of these here in the UK, 5 door Rav4 2005 T3, VVTi 2.0L petrol, 5 speed.
Its a one owner from new car with only 60k miles on the clock, i drove over 600 miles to pick up the car after looking at some sorry examples close by to where i live. The drive home was fantastic, super comfortable, lots of power for a little car and such a nice place to be sat in the drivers seat. It ticks every box in my book for a family car, the only negative being i only got 29mpg max on the motoway driving in a straight line for hours 😂, i opted for toyota reliability over fuel efficiency, these little cars are an absolute gem, an this example i bought is in immaculate condition and garaged all of its life the headlights, rear lights and paint are like brand new, the underside with only very minor light rust on suspension components which is unherd of. It was an xmas gift for my partner she loves it but not as much as me! 😅.

[bakielh]

I have a 4 seat 05 Rav4, 240k kms on it, awesome car to get around the city, never failed me driving long distances in mountainous condition, all around one of the best and last well made automobiles.

[edlakota]

This is exactly why I sold my M140i and bought an MX5. I found the only place you could safely open the taps was on dual carriageway on-ramps and even then for just a few seconds before you are in license losing territory. And MX5 can be enjoyed at 30-50mph B roads and can be revved out frequently. I miss the noise but not the worry of parking it. A lot of people I know don't get it I am a much happier driver in my old MX5 and I think you have captured that feeling here!

[sketchbabu]

Such a good review. Not many people bother with this gem. I salute you for this informative piece.

[ukcabbage]

Thanks so much Reg. I've literally been mulling over what cheap run around I need after the 140 goes. This is what il be looking for

[DirtyDan]

I wish we got the second gen 2 door in NA. I loved my 4 door, but the smaller car definitely appeals to me

[justdanaus]

Can't believe you can find this car in such a good condition. They are so rare to find here in Australia.

[alannicholson]

I’ve had at least a dozen cars over the years new and old alike but as an all round practical, good looking, comfortable and reliable car, my favourite is my current one which is a 2001 Rav4 2.0vvti 4 wheel drive 3 door. Just makes me smile when I drive it plus at 80, 000 miles I would expect it to go on for a long time given Toyota reliability as you often hear of these with 300k and still going with only routine maintenance. Great car.

[mgmarrison]

Recently swapped my F20 1 series for a Volvo V50. Genuinely one of the best manual gear boxes (and changes) I've ever expierenced and I would say it drives better too. Okay, it's not a track toy, but it doesn't shy away from the odd B-road, either. Great car. This video reisinated well with me. Good video.

[samellio]

Absolutely no interest in the Rav 4 but watched the whole vid!! Great stuff Reg, really impressed with how professional you’ve made your vids 👏👏👏

[simonh]

Even though i would never consider a Rav 4 I totally get what you are saying. I would consider something like an original 1.7 ford Puma, Renault Clio 172/182 or even a later Fiesta ST as a fun but slower replacement to my M140i. The other major upside of running an older car though is far less worries about people damaging it...

[paultreneary]

Got a 3dr 2.0 XT-R '05 4WD. Fun to drive (maybe a bit too fun sometimes). Going to be thirstier than the 2WD. Would've liked the locking diff off the mk1 (a model which has it's own charm). Gearbox is solid, but not great for quick shifting take-offs (due to 4WD I guess). Later model has cruise control, airbags and a 10th cubby (for sunglasses?) above the auto dimming mirror. 140, 000+miles and the oil still never looks like it needs changing at each service. Most fun car since my mk1 MX-5(Eunos) and tons more practical (ok, I'm getting old) - I'd buy them both again.

[davidmilla]

I bought a 2L VVTI AWD in 2018 with only 50k miles. The only thing I’m disappointed with is the MPG. Around town 22 & freeway 25/26. Outside or this, VERY happy with it.

[Pond]

This model is one ive never seen before in Canada. I think the mk2 Rav4 in Canada is only a 5 door.

[IvanS-]

Came to the same place bro. m140 is a weekend warrior, b road and so on, since we have endless amount of speed cams, in Moscow.. I am so happy with my n/a impreza, its much more interesting to rev all the juises of it, then hitting a speed limiter in 2, 5sec om a m140…p.s hat parking scene really touched my heart. Lock the door and go 😂

[geoffreykenna]

I own a 3 door 2004 Rav4 which I purchased new in New Zealand. It came with a factory 2.4 litre vvti engine and is permanent 4 wheel drive.
It has approx 75000 km. Has a 4 speed auto and is quick off the line. I have kept it garaged and it is in excellent condition. Very popular model here.

[zaink]

Im sure youll be getting a cayman to replace the 140i from the videos. Have to say that rav 4 did surprise me with how it moved off when you put your foot down

[SittingWithDogs]

Rich. Greetings from Detroit USA. I’m not sure if you noticed but the steering wheel is on the wrong side of the car!??…..also everyone is driving on tge wrong side of the road 😂

[Tambolero]

Finally Ive found you, Ive been looking for a review about Rav4, I own a 2005 Rav4 GXS 1.8 5doors, absolutely love it had it 2nd hand with 89, 000 km on the Odometre.

Anyone knows how to customise the 5th gear in the gearbox? I saw a guy that did it (he wouldnt tell me where he got it fitted) and his RPM on 5th gear dropped at 2500 whilst going 65 Mph on the motorway.

My Rpm is 3, 000 on 5th at 65mph. Please let me know if you know if you know a garadge could do it. Thanks very much.

[FeathersMcGinty]

I've had a 2003 MkII Rav4 D4D for a few years; 3 door, same (ish) spec as that. Awesome lil car tbh and you're 100% wrong with the steering; must've driven a shit one or you can't drive :)