New Rav 4, sensible purchase?
Discussion
Unfortunately one of my cars needs repairs beyond its value, so I'm going to scrap it. It was an everyday day, so the replacement will have to be the same.
I'd like something practical (enough space for dogs), reliable, economical, preferably AWD for winter.
First thoughts were a Rav4, so I looked at a new one today, although there is a NEW model coming out Jan/Feb next year.
It's a 2.0 petrol with CVT box. The CVT puts me off, as I drove an Avensis with same box and thought it was an odd sensation of revs staying the same but speed increasing, like a slipping clutch.
Also drove a diesel 2.2 manual which had enough poke, so I was happy enough with the car overall.
What say Pistonheads massive? What are the alternatives?
Would I be mad to get a new one now, knowing there is a new model a month away (but more expensive).
The other big plus now is 0% finance on new toyotas, this will not be available on the new model for some time according to the sales guy.
I'd like something practical (enough space for dogs), reliable, economical, preferably AWD for winter.
First thoughts were a Rav4, so I looked at a new one today, although there is a NEW model coming out Jan/Feb next year.
It's a 2.0 petrol with CVT box. The CVT puts me off, as I drove an Avensis with same box and thought it was an odd sensation of revs staying the same but speed increasing, like a slipping clutch.
Also drove a diesel 2.2 manual which had enough poke, so I was happy enough with the car overall.
What say Pistonheads massive? What are the alternatives?
Would I be mad to get a new one now, knowing there is a new model a month away (but more expensive).
The other big plus now is 0% finance on new toyotas, this will not be available on the new model for some time according to the sales guy.
Hm, not conviced. Assuming you don't live in the Alps, sounds like you need an estate car and a set of winter tyres.
What you *want* might be something different though, but that is not going to be sensible (as per thread title). And if you *want* something for the rugged looks etc, why a RAV4? Cheapest way to get some of that might be a Dacia Duster.
What you *want* might be something different though, but that is not going to be sensible (as per thread title). And if you *want* something for the rugged looks etc, why a RAV4? Cheapest way to get some of that might be a Dacia Duster.
The Rav4 you are looking at is rare now, we cant get a Diesel from stock or factory, and only a few CVT petrols laying around, funnily enough, our most popular model at our site.
The car is good, dated compared to the competition, hence the new one come end of feb. Its showroom car beginning of feb, demo end of feb, with orders for march. So depends if you want to wait.
0% PCP is good, no deposit needed, max of 25%, its not too shabby. Seeming well for the car. Im doubting the new one will come with 0%, but the new Auris has, so could be a suprise. We only found that out on the course last week, car launched Monday, so not something we will know on the Rav4 for a little while, although ill check our info for you and feed back tomorrow if you so wish
The car is good, dated compared to the competition, hence the new one come end of feb. Its showroom car beginning of feb, demo end of feb, with orders for march. So depends if you want to wait.
0% PCP is good, no deposit needed, max of 25%, its not too shabby. Seeming well for the car. Im doubting the new one will come with 0%, but the new Auris has, so could be a suprise. We only found that out on the course last week, car launched Monday, so not something we will know on the Rav4 for a little while, although ill check our info for you and feed back tomorrow if you so wish
MonkeyMatt said:
Cars like the new Mazda CX-5 are far superior, as are the new Korean rivals and the Skoda Yeti along with quite a few other
The CX-5 and especially the Yeti just aren`t as spacious as a Rav, the OP needs space for dogs. I`d have got a Yeti over our present CR-V but the Yeti`s boot space is quite small, particularly in plan view.If space isn`t an issue (the OP might have a couple of chihuahuas) then a Kuga might be worth a look.
Deerfoot said:
The CX-5 and especially the Yeti just aren`t as spacious as a Rav, the OP needs space for dogs. I`d have got a Yeti over our present CR-V but the Yeti`s boot space is quite small, particularly in plan view.
If space isn`t an issue (the OP might have a couple of chihuahuas) then a Kuga might be worth a look.
From what Im aware the CX-5 Hyundai Sante fe and Kia Sorrento all have as big or bigger boots. The Skoda I agree is a fair bit smaller.If space isn`t an issue (the OP might have a couple of chihuahuas) then a Kuga might be worth a look.
MonkeyMatt said:
Deerfoot said:
The CX-5 and especially the Yeti just aren`t as spacious as a Rav, the OP needs space for dogs. I`d have got a Yeti over our present CR-V but the Yeti`s boot space is quite small, particularly in plan view.
If space isn`t an issue (the OP might have a couple of chihuahuas) then a Kuga might be worth a look.
From what Im aware the CX-5 Hyundai Sante fe and Kia Sorrento all have as big or bigger boots. The Skoda I agree is a fair bit smaller.If space isn`t an issue (the OP might have a couple of chihuahuas) then a Kuga might be worth a look.
i own one and love it. The CVT is odd at first but you adapt. it's smoother, more flexible and more responsive than the old RAV i owned with std auto. you get more usable power without the ugly kick-down needed in the std auto and MUCH better mpg (way over 30 in real life). big boot for dogs. Reliability key for me when skiing in harsh climates (rules out Freelander et al). Avoid after market large alloys, ruins the ride. I was new to CVT too, but i think it suits SUVs very well, they are barges after all. we have our fun with our other cars. Also, if you want this type of car it attracts less adverse reaction than many others, people aren't offended as much as with their German or Land Rover equivalents.
MonkeyMatt said:
On paper a new Rav4 appears to be one of the most dated cars in its class! Cars like the new Mazda CX-5 are far superior, as are the new Korean rivals and the Skoda Yeti along with quite a few other
Thank you very much for mentioning the CX5, I hadn't done any research at all as I wasn't expecting to need a car so soon. I hadn't even known about the CX5, so I went to a couple of dealers today, got a test drive and now considering a 175BHP 2.2D Auto AWD with Sport pack, interior looks great IMO and has some nice features with dual xenons, reversing cam, nav, heated leather, etc etc. Really impressed and it's put me off the Rav 4.
Kinda liked the reclining rear seats in the Rav, but they'd never be used.
Boot space in the CX5 looked bigger than the Rav4.
Thanks for the opinions everyone, it's been really helpful.
I'd wait for the new model due quarter 1 next year. Along with a much nicer interior with better quality materials, you'll also get a much more modern exterior, the promise of a better drive and the option of a 2.0 diesel which (thanks to it being a 2wd) means it'll do (claimed) 57 mpg and is £100 a year road tax!
Also (although this may not bother you) the new one is a 5 star euro ncap. Surprisingly the old one is a 4 star
Also (although this may not bother you) the new one is a 5 star euro ncap. Surprisingly the old one is a 4 star
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