Rav4 Starting Problem

[mousesmom]

I bought my 2000 RAV4 August 1. Two days later, when I left for work, it would not start. It sounded like it wanted to turn-over but as soon as I let go of the key, it died. The engine light was not on and no codes could be located. It's a 5 speed so I put it in neutral and held the gas pedal down for about 10 seconds before attempting to see if it would stay running. It stayed running and I didn't have further problems until the other day when I left work. It started but immediately stalled. I tried to start it again and it wouldn't start. I again put it in neutral, held the gas down and started it that way. I held the gas pedal down for about 5 seconds before releasing to see if it would stay running. It did. I have contacted the dealer where I bought it and they are telling me that the RAV 4 is known to having flooding problems. They are telling me to run better gas in it and try dry gas in the event I either got a "bad" batch of gas or moisture in it. They are also telling me to make sure that I am holding the key long enough when starting it. I am not sure I am being given accurate information or being treated this way because I am a woman. Any ideas?