2nd vs 3rd generation RAV4 question

joewildlife · #1 (**permalink**) 11-24-2006, 08:58 PM

Hey,
I once drove a late 90s RAV4 with mileage in the 80,000 range, when looking for a vehicle for my wife. I was surprised at how tinny the vehicle was. The engine was loud and the vehicle was just very "unrefined". We were not impressed. I later bought a 2000 CRV and then a greatly improved 2002 CRV. I now drive a Tundra.

I just drove a loaner Avalon V6 and was amazed at the power of that engine, and I was real close to buying a 2006 RAV4 with the V6 but opted for the Tundra.

I switched to a loaner 2001 4 cylinder RAV4 and while I don't want to offend anyone here, I was very unimpressed with it. It sounded and drove just like the earlier model. It was loud. loud engine, loud road noise, loud wind noise. It was so much worse than the Hondas, I was surprised.

My question is how much better is the 2006, (third generation?)? Especially with the V6. If the vehicle is built more solidly, and with its new V6, if it is a more refined vehicle (at least as good as a second generation CRV) we might want to look at it as a third vehicle once the truck is paid off. If it is anything like the first two generations, I'm not interested. They don't have any V6s to test drive right now and I don't want to deal with a salesperson at this early date to test drive one, especially a 4 cyl when I know I want the 6.

your thoughts?
Joe

photorick · #2 (**permalink**) 12-02-2006, 05:05 PM

In September I purchased a 2007 Rav4 Sport. The sport suspension, wheels and the V6 (265 hp) option make for a VERY lively vehicle. And I say this as a 2001 Bullitt Mustang owner. The Mustang is not a daily driver and is driven only in good weather. The Rav4 is my daily driver and I am very pleased so far.

Weight is a big factor in performance so I weighed my Rav. Results: 3450 lbs which is much better than many cars in this catagory.

If anyone would like more specifics of the 2007 Rav4 Sport V6 FWD (front wheel drive), fire away.