Used 2006 Toyota RAV4

"The Best Rav4 Ever Made - V6 4WD"

"I have a 2012 Limited V6 4WD. If you have a chance to get one of these you should do it! In my opinion it's the best looking Rav4 that's been made. I could have spent the same amount on a much newer SUV with similar miles but I chose the 2012 for a few reasons. 1) the 269hp V6. This is the same V6 from the Avalon and Lexus RX350. It was the fastest car in Toyota's line-up for a time. It's a proven engine with power to spare and they stopped offering it in '13. Any small SUVs with similar power have turbo 4 cylinders that take premium gas... plus turbos break and require more maintenance. It does fine on regular oil every 5000 miles - not expensive synthetic. 2) 4WD. This was the last generation with a 4WD lock button so you can lock the differential at 50/50 front/rear power under 25mph (technically 55/45). That's why these models say 4WD and not AWD. It still has an AWD system that's always active - in most cases you won't need it BUT having the ability to lock the diff is hugely important for deep snow/mud and getting unstuck- or getting through the worst conditions. Without the lockable diff Toyota's AWD system doesn't really keep up with a Subaru or other true 4x4s. 3) Full-size spare tire. Yes, that means the tailgate swings instead of lifts... but driving slow on a tiny spare sucks! It's already saved the day twice. 4) OPTIONS! because this generation of RAV4 is getting older I was able to find one with low miles and all the options I wanted. I have a backup camera, navigation, wireless bluetooth audio/calling, leather heated seats, dual zone climate control, sunroof... great value for the money. Finally, it's a notoriously reliable car even by Toyota standards... every review you will find from Consumer Reports to KBB to Edmunds rates it super high. I've yet to have any problems and that's why you see a TON of this generation on the road. This is my second Rav4 after putting 220k on my 2000.... I'm looking forward to every mile with this one. CONS The factory speakers are terrible (unless it has the JBL system). The interior door seals can be squeaky so you need to keep them clean/lubed. The handling and steering is not very sporty compared to the sport version, subaru, or mazda. Finally, Toyota's Entune system that connects to your phone for apps doesn't work for the newest phones and they don't keep it updated... Bluetooth audio and calling works great though. I average 21 mpg which isn't the best but could be worse considering it has 269hp. Toyota interiors always lag behind in my opinion and while it's comfortable, logically done, and perfectly adequate - it still feels a bit outdated compared to other brands."

"EXCELLENT, RELIABLE CAR"

"Roomy. Excellent mileage for a V6, and plenty of power--almost "stupid fast" for a car of this type. Squeezed 370,860 miles out of mine before it became time to retire the car. Would I buy another? I already did...a 2009 RAV4 with 125,000 miles on it."

"Power and prestige"

"Incredible ride for the size. Mine is the sport model with 6 cylinder, 3.5 liter engine 4x4, appearance package. Oh what a feeling. Got it at 90k Miles knowing it had the rear differential shuddering issue and Toyota replaced the entire rear-end free of charge. Gave me a loaner to use while replacing it. The service bulletin was printed in front of owners manual stating it was covered. It wasn't a bad vibration, just a resonance. I got it from a used car dealer who didn't even know about the warranty coverage or what it was. Got a deal and a half for it, $7500 for a 12k vehicle and was repaired free. This thing is a beast with the huge 3.5 engine that has 270 horse power and the torgue is incredible. Thank goodness it is 4x4 to reduce steering torgue. It's exciting to drive after I got used to its prowess and uncompromised performance. Only issue was replacing the waterpump at 130k miles and only because it was making noise, but never leaked anything. This vehicle is unsurpassed by the domestic vehicles I've owned which had countless little issues to complete ac failures, steering and drivetrain problems. It's just a super reliable, no frills practical solid vehicle that won't even slide on solid ice. Just incredible ride. It's still kbb at 10k and 13 years old. No wonder Toyotas have resale value. The proof is in the pudding."