If you are shopping a 2004 RAV4, I look at it as a two-step decision. Step 1 is safety. I check the VIN for the Takata driver airbag inflator recall before I do anything else. Some 2004 to 2005 RAV4s were included in a Do Not Drive advisory. That changes everything. Step 2 is mechanical … Read more
If I am shopping a 2010 RAV4, I do 2 things first. First, I run the VIN for open recalls. I do that before I drive it. Some recall items are safety-critical. I do not gamble there. Second, I listen for AWD rear driveline noise on a test drive if it is a 4WD model. … Read more
If you are shopping a 2005 RAV4, I treat it like a 2-step decision. Step 1 is safety. I run the VIN for open recalls before I even start the engine. Toyota issued a Do Not Drive advisory that includes some 2004 to 2005 RAV4s with unrepaired Takata driver airbag inflators. If the VIN flags … Read more
I treat the 2008 RAV4 like 2 different SUVs. One is the 2.4L 4-cylinder.The other is the 3.5L V6. That split changes what I check first.It also changes what can turn into a big bill. If you are shopping used, this guide is built for speed. I want you to know what to test in … Read more
If you are searching “2009 Toyota RAV4 problems,” you are usually trying to do one thing. Avoid an expensive surprise after you buy. I get it. I shop these like a mechanic, not like a fanboy. My approach is simple. I start with open recalls. Then I listen for rear-end noises on the test drive. … Read more