How to improve handling?

INDYMAC · #1 (**permalink**) 02-15-2009, 11:01 AM

I just bought a 2009 RAV4 FWD V-6 a couple of weeks ago. I haven't had a chance to drive it much (my wife does) so far, but I'm not impressed with how it dips and doesn't want to stay on a straight course while accelerating harder than normal (think passing on a two lane road)...and I'm not even talking about wide open throttle since it's not broken in yet.

I'm thinking about sway bars to start with, followed by gas struts and shocks. Does anyone have any recommendations for what's working well so far for them?

paintsit · #2 (**permalink**) 04-19-2009, 11:48 AM

I don't have any solutions, but I have noticed the same handling characteristics at high speed. It's disconcerting to have to wrestling the steering wheel when passing someone on a two lane road. There seems to be a little choppiness in the electric steering assist. I hope to see some answers on here.

RedToy · #3 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 02:37 PM

I noticed the handling issue when we test drove the V-6. My impression was that it's some sort of "torque steer" being that it's a front wheel drive car. Didn't test drive a 4WD version. There is a lot of power to that engine and when you hit it hard you can feel it get squirrely. Since the wife was to be the primary driver, I decided to go with a 4-cyl instead!!!