1997 Toyota RAV4

The best car ever!

By Fit1too (IN) on Wednesday, November 21, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 264,000

Pros: "Great gas milage, low maintenance, reliable"

Cons: "Engine pings sometimes for no reason"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is by far the best car I have ever owned, and I have owned 47 different models over a 30-year period of driving. Mine is a white 2-door model. I purchased it used with 156,000 miles on it. It had 1 previous owner and was taken care of very well. The only options are a single disk CD player, cruise control, and air conditioning. No power windows or door locks to worry about. I have put over 100,000 miles on it and the only trouble I have experienced was a leaky water pump, driver’s side wheel bearing, and a leaky oil pump seal. I had the timing belt done when the water pump went. I changed the wheel bearing myself. When I got tired of putting a pan under the car to catch the oil drip (so as to not stain my new driveway), I had Toyota replace it. They did an excellent job, were very professional, quick, and even offered a 10% discount. I don’t baby the car. I merge onto the Interstate at wide open throttle (WOT), keep up with traffic, and even lead the pack sometimes. If I keep my foot out of it I can get 32mpg (with the A/C off). I usually run with the A/C on and drive it pretty hard and still average 27 mpg. I change the oil regularly and keep up with maintenance. I would literally start out on any trip that I could think of and never think twice about it having 264,000 miles on it. In 5 years of ownership I have put over 100,000 miles on it and still only have just over $8,000 in it (including $4,200 I paid for it)."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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This vehicle is a workhorse!!!

By Sherry (WI) on Saturday, October 06, 2012

I owned and sold this car
Reason: Need a newer car with newer safety/crash features for frequent long mileage trips - My approximate mileage is 160,000

Pros: "Workhorse, fun to drive, very versatile vehicle"

Cons: "Should have a 5 speed transmission"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is and has been an excellent vehicle. My only complaint has been that it should have been built with a 5 speed transmission as at high speeds, it sounds and feels like it needs to shift. I'm surprised that they still make the Rav4 with the 4 speed, since adding that fifth gear would increase mpg. too. Over all though, this is a great vehicle."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Great little workhorse!

By LynO (WV) on Monday, September 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 120,000

Pros: "It needed a little more leg room, front and back."

Cons: "Not good for tight turns."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased this RAV4 new in 1999 and although I had problems with a 1995 Toyota Tacoma, I have been extremely happy with this car. I delivered mail out of it, use it for family and now put my walker in the back. It's never let me down in the 14 years I've had it. Never a breakdown and completely reliable."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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LOVE MY RAV4

By off road king (NY) on Tuesday, August 14, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 97,000

Pros: "great on gas, fun to drive, handles well off road"

Cons: "sorta plain looking inside,"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"i love my rav4, it is the best small suv out there. My year is a 2000 it was 4wd and drives great. Mpg are so so. i have updated the engine a bit with a cold air intake and a new water pump. The car sounds an drives great. i would recommend this to anyone looking for a tough and a reliable suv without spending a fortune."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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