RAV 4 - why not?

Rich L · 30 January 2007, 00:43

So putting aside machoism for a moment, what's the general consensus of the RAV 4?

Here's my Dilema. I launch my boat rarely on unstable ground, slippery slipways, but like to have a car that would cope if circumstances arose. I'm not talking deep sand or mud, more likely shingle, compacted sand or weed.

On the otherhand, my wife wants a car thats fun to drive, stylish, quick, easy to park at Tesco (i.e compact), good on motorways, is reliable, comfortable & fuel efficient. We don't need 2 cars. She DOES like being high up.

The RAV 4 is all these things - particually offering a saloon car feel. Is there another? How does the RAV 4 compare to a saloon 4x4?

Obviously I understand that it is not going to win any off road medals.

Any advice appreciated

Rich

Stoo · 30 January 2007, 00:51

Personally, I can't imagine a RAV pulling a 6m boat... Does the RAV have a "low" range on the 4WD? Or is it full time AWD?

According to Toyota's towing guide, the tow rating of the 6 cylinder is 3500 #s. I suspect that if you exceed that, your warranty will be pooched... If you are within that weight, and not going far, and not on major highways.... maybe!

http://www.toyota.ca/cgi-bin/WebObje...ing%5fe%2ehtml

Rich L · 30 January 2007, 02:00

AWD. It has electronic variable control but also has the option to 'lock' the torque to all 4 wheels.

My boat borders on the unbraked (750Kg) capacity, but same with my Shogun...

Braked it's easily within capacity. A 2.2L diesel will definately pull OK.

Incidenly we don't have the choice of V6 or anything above 2.2L over here.

Thanks

Rich

Nos4r2 · 30 January 2007, 04:44

Because it's a hairdresser's car...

No low range AFAIK. There's no point in having 4wd for a slipway without it. With a low range it'd probably be a pretty good idea.

prairie tuber · 30 January 2007, 05:28

Myth dispelled;

BogMonster · 30 January 2007, 09:56

I haven't driven a RAV4 but I know a Freelander would struggle with mine due to the lack of low range doing a hill start with 2 ton of boat and very heavy trailer on the back, so a RAV will too, unless it is available as an automatic which may help (as long as it doesn't burn the torque converter out!). If the boat and trailer together really is only 750kg then it will be much easier.

Speaking as somebody with a "slightly challenging" launching site I would say it depends on a number of factors

- How steep the slipway/approach is (I always use low range in the 90 and would struggle to pull away uphill in high at some states of the tide)

- How slippery it is - just 4WD will deal with this though a vehicle with low range is more controllable for gentle starts with no wheelspin, important on gravel launch sites as you don't want to dig yourself in!

- Also think of the boat. If I had to do a revving clutch slipping takeoff up the launch site I use, I'd probably end up with the boat half off the trailer as it is rough and rocky and even tickover in low range makes the boat bounce around a bit on the trailer so I need to pick my way up the first 20 yards really slowly and carefully.

Rich L · 30 January 2007, 10:51

Rich L · 30 January 2007, 11:00

Thanks all

The 2.2L Diesel isn't available in Auto. It doesn't have low range.

I guess the RAV-4 offers little advantage over a 4 wheel drive saloon car then, except possibly ride height.

Is there a compact 4x4 or saloon style car, that drives like a 'proper car' and DOES have low range option?

Anyone recommend a decent 4x4 forum?

Cheers

Rich

donutsina911 · 30 January 2007, 11:33

would opt for a subaru estate, either the impreza or foresster - both 4X4 and the turbos are pretty quick and certainly much more fun to drive/quicker than a RAV4. I think the forester has a slightly raised driving position but cant be sure - mate tows a hefty Boston Whaler behind his impreza and its a piece of cake - styling is subjective, but if you avoid one with gold alloys I think both subarus are more appealing than a RAV4.