will toyota get rid of that external spare tire

[98xlt]

A lot of people don't buy the RAV 4 simply because of the appearance and vision blocking qualities of the externally mounted spare tire. I understand Honda has figured out how to get rid of the one on the back of the CR-V. Does any one know if toyota has plans to follow suit? Sure would improve the desirability of the vehicle.

[klmay65]

I don't know where you heard that people were not buying the RAV because of the spare tire, and I don't know what Toyota's plans are, but I like it.

For one thing, it gives me a full size spare instead of the little black donut "space saver" spare I have on my Corolla.

For another thing, it is easier to get to than other spares I've had.

As far as it blocking vision. I had a worse time with the back seat head rests in my Corolla. They blocked a lot of my view until I removed them.

Of course this is just my opinion... I could be wrong.

[kavatski]

I don't like the rear-mounted spare, but I bought the RAV4 anyway because the vehicle as a whole was still overall the best for our needs. I don't find that it blocks rear vision to any real degree. That's a non-issue. On the other hand, it is something hanging off the rear of the vehicle that you need to remember is there when parking in a confined area, and it does necessitate the use of the large, heavy swinging rear door, which is inconvenient more often than not. As with many other design features, there are trade-offs that some people will be more content with than others.

[sotol]

Just my two cents worth......... I haven't considered the spare tire any
view obstruction at all. I prefer the spare out like that rather than under the
vehicle or under the stuff that may be carried in the back. Also like the
swinging door rather than one that lifts.

[rumbler]

Before I bought my Tundra I was seriously wanting a new Rav4(v6 awd). I loved everything about it EXCEPT the spare tire location. Not because of looks or visibility but because of the fact that it protrudes beyond the bumper. I've seen similar arrangements get hit from behind and it's a carnage. There is alot of body damage(expensive) as the point of impact is the spare tire/rear door and not the bumper.
I bought the tundra instead of the rav4 only because of the spare tire.
btw-also in the short list was the ridgeline-really nice but underpowered.
Patrick

[wildhorses]

My 2004 RAV4 got hit from behind and the spare tire actually saved body damage. Dented the cover, but that's it.

Must be why they put old tires on the sides of docks and piers instead of plastic $1000 bumpers from cars.

By the way, "bumper" is a misnomer. The definition of "bumper" is: "something to absorb impact in a collision." No bumper I've seen 'absorbs' the impact of the collision. Most absorb $800 - $1000 from your wallet after a collision.

[flyingn]

I love the door mounted spare. It fords us the best interior room having the spare out there too