Toyota RAV4
A brilliantly original idea in the 1990s, the RAV4 is still a clever concept today, not least because it predicted our SUV future. Four generations later, it has continued to grow from the sort of hot hatch Land Cruiser mash-up it once was to looking like everything else boxy and 4x4 today. That’s despite a lowered roofline and a nosey front end.
There are just three engine options: 2.0 and 2.2 diesels and a 2.0 petrol. In fact, you can effectively get a RAV2 with the 2.0 diesel engine and two-wheel drive. It makes sense because the combination will save fuel and, when combined with the stop/start system, that means more than 55mpg is possible. That’s pretty good for an SUV and helps keep costs down. What helps the most, though, is that this is a Toyota, so reliability isn’t an issue.
The five-year, 100,000-mile warranty is transferable, so there shouldn’t be any worries when buying a nearly new example. In the past, it was just minor electricals such as airbag sensors and window motors that played up. Recalls recently have been corporate issues relating to rear suspension arms, airbags and seatbelt issues. If a car boasts a full service history, check every recall box has been ticked.
Prices are always on the firm side and there are three trim levels: Active, Icon and Invincible. The Icon is probably the one to go for because it has the Toyota Touch multimedia system and a powered tailgate. These are the things that buyers will like when you come to resell. There are lots of options and style packs that beef up the looks a bit and may make a car more saleable, but won’t add anything to its value.
The RAV4 remains a lifestyle offroader worth considering. Provided that it isn’t pushed too hard and fast off tarmac, it’s a stylish estate for those who don’t want to look silly in a giant 4x4 in the supermarket car park or outside the school gates.
With four-wheel drive, this is an honest off-roader, allowing the owner to occasionally get slightly muddy, but mostly they will be spending quality time on the tarmac. Then again, the two-wheel-drive option is all you will ever really need, so let’s all go and buy one of those.
A brilliantly original idea in the 1990s, the RAV4 is still a clever concept