2006 - 2013 Toyota Rav4 (Mk3) Review

[@davidflinn3599]

Thanks for the video, I totally agree with all your comments. I have had my Rav4, 2010, Diesel 150bhp for 5 years now and have 144,000 miles on the clock. I make my own biodiesel from waste vegetable oil and have run the car entirely on 100% biodiesel for the 5 years with no problems at all. I have just replaced the two rear handbrake cables, I do my own oil and filter changes every 7,000 miles. Still have the original clutch and duel mass flywheel and exhaust. I bought the car with a new battery and have not replaced it over the 5 years of my ownership. Replacement tyres are very affordable. What a reliable car with a very good riding position. This car lives up to its hype.

[@midlifemotors5050]

Fair play on the biodiesel 👍 We're off to view a Rav tomorrow, a Mk4 this time, need a bigger car again. My best mate still owns the blue one in the video and despite my best efforts I can't convince him to sell it back. Do still drive it regularly and its now at 125K and still going strong, original clutch, battery, turbo, etc, etc. Rust seems to be the one thing that needs kept a bay now, we've been looking at lanoguard, just checking out the reviews.

[@peterclarke3990]

I’ve got an ‘07 2.2 diesel Rav 4. Had it since September 2020. Have to say it is TOTALLY reliable! Extremely powerful, comfy, pretty good mpg for the size of engine (about 48 to the gallon)and now up to almost 107000 miles. Incredible motor. Absolutely recommend them. Amazing cars!

[@midlifemotors5050]

They are great cars, no doubt. I was borrowing this car at the weekend to collect some materials, 125K miles now and still driving like a dream. Just passed its MOT for another year too 👍

[@albert21able]

I have a 2007 Rav 4 XT5 Petrol Automatic, I've had it 6 years, Best car I've ever had, Actually the XT5 is the top of the Range lol

[@midlifemotors5050]

That car is still going strong and I still borrow it from time to time. Superb bit of kit and nice to drive too 👍

[@rthomson5048]

Looks good, and more than capable for everyday use

[@midlifemotors5050]

Great car for everyday use. As good as any of the current stuff, with a decent turn of speed too 😎

[@shirajhaque7688]

Ive got the 08 2.2d4d xtr on 170,000 miles! 48mpg - absolute beast. I love it but would really like a land cruiser one day. I do my own oil and filter change every 8000 miles. Great on the motorway and capable offroad!

[@midlifemotors5050]

Good stuff 👍 Hoping to borrow the car featured again this year for an update. Still with the same owner, still original bar a new battery and now approaching 150k miles. Mega vehicle.

[@omphemetseramatu8788]

Wow, i like the way u put yr skills on this❤

[@midlifemotors5050]

Many thanks 👍 Great cars these, no doubt.

[@midlifemotors5050]

Revisiting an old friend...

[@davidwayne9982]

I've been researching vehicles for MONTHS-- every bit of info- reviews, talking to master technnicians- and much more-- and THIS- 07 through 2012 are THE BEST-- period!!! Best reliability- best performance, best all round!!! NOT 06, or 2013.. they had issues.. I'm looking for a good one now-- and have found several to go check out. I'd rather spend $20k on one of these- and including fixing it up some-- than $60k on something new that will fall apart in a year..and these are NOT overloaded with TECH BULLs....t!!!! Simple- they WORK- and that's all one needs.

[@mfree9202]

Is that Largs/Fairlie area you were driving around in? I watched this video as I am thinking about making a move to buy a Rav4, it looks a wonderful car. Just not sure what would be the best spec to go for yet. Thanks for the video

[@midlifemotors5050]

Well spotted 👍 Great car the Rav. That actual car is now 15 years old, 150k miles and still going strong, no issues.

[@blankblank124]

Great car and a great vid. Bit of a random question, but do you know if you can get a couple of mountain bikes in the back of it without removing the wheels from the bike? Cheers

[@midlifemotors5050]

Plenty of space for a couple of bikes in the back with the seats down, yes. Never had to remove any wheels either. Do need to in the Corolla, but never the Rav.

[@georgeduffy2654]

Really, really good review. Will be following! Would you say the ride is very hard? I've got an 09 Auris SR. Looking for a rav4 to be kinder on my back as I suffer!

[@midlifemotors5050]

Many thanks 👍 I’d say the ride is a bit “jiggly “ but not harsh, no. Seats are nice and it’s easy to get in and out. Car still going strong.

[@thomasluggiero3413]

I'd love to pair that manual transmission with the V6 2GR-FE

[@midlifemotors5050]

Shame we never got the V6 here in the UK. Would have been all over that for sure

[@Juamba3434]

Using Michelin Latitude totally transforms the car... much less understeering.

[@midlifemotors5050]

Good info 👍

[@blueSky-p3w]

Something you said, it doesn’t have a DPF. I’ve had 2011 & the engines require replacement I’ve noticed so I’m deciding to buy a 2009/10 plate. The idea of not having a DPF seems fantastic. Are these 2009/59 better than the 2011/12 ravs 2.2 diesel? Does the 2009 have better reliability than the 2010-11-12 shape? Thx

[@midlifemotors5050]

That car is still going strong. Still owned by my friend and in daily use. Definitely go for a non dpf car, so 2009, 150bhp not the 180. Zero issues. Just check rust, they’re getting to that age where it’s starting to show underneath. We’re probably going to treat this summer.

[@blueSky-p3w]

@@midlifemotors5050 2009/59 it is then. I usually try to find one with a full dealer history always gives peace of mind. I’ve had two 2011 models and both engines were either replaced or needed replacing luckily It wasn’t done in my ownership. Glad the car you own is still going strong, a testimony to its former and current owner and the reliable Toyota brand. Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

[@brianwood9849]

Nice video! When you say rust on it from the coast, where is the rust at? I’m thinking about buying a 2011 Rav 4 with only 40K miles on it here in the USA.

[@midlifemotors5050]

Hi Brian, thanks for watching. Check the suspension components, fuel filler tube and rear door hinges for rust. We've had to replace a spring and a couple of drop links. The body itself seems fine 👍Sounds like you've found a great car there, nice work. Pleased to report this one is still owned by my best mate and still going strong as his daily driver.

[@PrettyGreenMonk]

Petrol rav way forward bit juicer but bang on reliable

[@midlifemotors5050]

Think you're probably right. They're all great cars tbh. This one is still going (very) strong 💪

[@vishnuramravindran5010]

❤️

[@davidwayne9982]

GREAT REVIEW-- and yes - the gears ARE a bit far to the left-- but considering you're all on the WRONG SIDE to begin with... :) (kidding there-- partly- although it IS the wrong side)...

[@midlifemotors5050]

We are on the RIGHT side to be fair. It may not be the correct side, but it is definitely on the right 😉

[@colinwaite697]

In Japan, they drive on the left... like us. So, I would say NOT on the wrong side. Perhaps they were made for American market.@@midlifemotors5050

[@hippopotamus86]

Isn't XT5 a higher level trim than XTR?

[@midlifemotors5050]

Think you might be correct, oooops!!🫣

[@kroon275]

Thanks for video mate. Im eyeing one of these up atm. I thought tho that all XRTs came with sunroof 🫤

[@midlifemotors5050]

An option on the MK3, but not a particularly expensive one so many cars do have it. Worth seeking out IMO. Car in the video still going strong, no issues, approaching 150k miles. Strong vehicles, no doubt 👍

[@kroon275]

@@midlifemotors5050 thanks for the advice 👍