Toyota RAV4 to replace Tundra (RAV4 Website)

[tmr812]

Does anyone know where I could find a forum on the RAV4? I'm thinking about replacing my Tundra with a RAV4.

The main reason is gas mileage. The RAV4 claims 22/27 in the AWD model. What I'm really trying to find out is how true these mileage estimates are. I do 90% highway driving, and am wondering if I can really expect to get 27 or better out of the RAV4?

I get 17 to 19 out of the Tundra depending on the season, and wonder if that might translate into 27 to 29 out of the RAV4 under the same conditions.

I reallize this is a Tundra forum, but was wondering if anyone could help, or point me to the right web site.

Thanks,

TMR

[Rlockyer]

Ravworld just closed it's doors last week, but you can still view the archived board.
Especially with the new 2.4l engine, you aren't going to get much better than 24mpg... my wife generally runs between 22 and 24 with a mix heavily biased toward highway. Best tank was 25, and that was all highway, running at about 60-65. Hers is a 2wd model.

EPA estimates are generally optimistic. Shelling out $25k for a new Rav is going to take a LONG time to pay for in gas compared to the Tundra.

[tmr812]

Originally Posted by Rlockyer

... my wife generally runs between 22 and 24 with a mix heavily biased toward highway. Best tank was 25, and that was all highway, running at about 60-65. Hers is a 2wd model.

Just wondering.... Aren't you in California? If you're getting 24 in CA, couldn't I easily expect 27 to 29 in the midwest?

Don't they put so much crap in the gas out there that it almost doesn't even burn?

TMR

[Rlockyer]

I'm getting 18-19 highway in my V8 Tundra. Overall average is 17 over 65k. Worst tank ever has been just a hair under 15 (14.8 or something close).

My best runs have been from Salt Lake to Vegas at 22, but I haven't been able to duplicate that from Salt Lake to Fruita, or anywhere else for that matter. I have a suspicion that Hwy 93 is a long, steady grade that doesn't have much of an impact leaving Vegas but really helps coming home.

[tmr812]

Man!!! You have a one year old Tundra with over 65k on it? You must drive a ton!!

Thanks for the info. Wasn't what I wanted to hear, but if I'm not gonna get 27 to 29, then I probably won't replace the truck (at least not with a RAV4).

I drive 90 miles a day for my work commute. The Tundra is just not a sensible commuter vehicle, but it is truly the best truck on the planet.

Anyone else know where I might be able to question some more RAV4 owners?

Thanks again,

TMR

[Shite2k]

Get a different job that is closer - that'll help your commute. It may pay less but it'll help your sanity and you get to keep the Tundra.

[Rlockyer]

Hehe... I wish I only had a 90-mile commute.
I'm a traffic signal tech, which, as far as the commute goes, is like being a contractor. One day I'll be in Fresno and the next, San Diego.
$0.31 a mile so the truck pays for itself.

[shelbix2020]

Originally Posted by Rlockyer

Hehe... I wish I only had a 90-mile commute.
I'm a traffic signal tech, which, as far as the commute goes, is like being a contractor. One day I'll be in Fresno and the next, San Diego.
$0.31 a mile so the truck pays for itself.

hehe thats for sure :-D .... I looove bein a cable guy, only I go anywhere from Oxnard to San Diego ... still a lot of driving!

[tundrabrad]

Holy Cow! 65,000 miles - 17 mpg - $2.20 per gallon...ugly math!

Seriously - I would never put a family member in a Short Wheel Base 'Compact' SUV. We call those Rolly Polly's around here and they have less room in them than a Corolla.

Speaking of Corollas...If you are looking for gas mileage, A Corolla or 4 Cyl Camry will get you well over 30 mpg on the hwy. You can buy either new for under $16,000 too!

Our 04 Camry is rated at 32 mpg hwy - kids 99 Corolla rated at 36 mpg. My ex Corolla, a 96 never got less than 33 mpg on the hwy...

Good luck!

Brad

[Rlockyer]

Originally Posted by tundrabrad

Holy Cow! 65,000 miles - 17 mpg - $2.20 per gallon...ugly math!

That's $8400 (and most of that was bought at closer to $1.75, I still haven't paid more than $2.09, so 8400 is a high max). Now figure that 55k of that was for business (I have exact numbers in my PDA and tax records, 55 is a ballpark)... At $0.31/mile, I was paid $17,000 for that 55k.

Subtract $700 for tires, $350 for 10 oil changes, $75 for brake pads, $45 for air filters, $32 for plugs... That's $1,202 + $8,400 - $17,000 = $7,398... $7,398 / 16 months = 462. My payment is $550, so the truck is only costing me $100/month.
Not exactly ugly math.
http://www.linkline.com/personal/rlockyer/TundraGas.xls

Seriously - I would never put a family member in a Short Wheel Base 'Compact' SUV. We call those Rolly Polly's around here and they have less room in them than a Corolla.

I wouldn't say less room than a Corolla. Camille loves hers and it's WAY more stable than her Echo was when stock (195-55-15 Yokohamas helped that).

[Wadingboy]

I undersatand the Rav4 is available overseas as a hybrid and may be coming to the US. That would be the best milage way to go!

[Rlockyer]

Originally Posted by Wadingboy

I undersatand the Rav4 is available overseas as a hybrid and may be coming to the US. That would be the best milage way to go!

Maybe, maybe not. Prius does not seem to be living up to expectations.
Add to that, he has a 90 mile commute... I would assume that is highway. Hybrid technology helps most in city driving, with the highway numbers not much better than a comparable conventional vehicle.

[toyotaofparis]

This was the main form as far as I know, but I work at a dealership if you have any questions on the Rav4 06 I can answer any questions you have.

[dsrtrcr01]

Originally Posted by Wadingboy

I undersatand the Rav4 is available overseas as a hybrid and may be coming to the US. That would be the best milage way to go!

There is one in Escondido where I live. It came into our dealership and everyone was making a big deal about it. Salesmen wanted to know why we wern't selling them and where it came from. I never did find out where he got it but I see it every now and again around town.