Toyota RAV4 SUV 2006 - 2012 review - CarBuyer

[@MemphisMojo15s]

I'd rather have a bland interior than a fancy computer on wheels that needs a software upgrade every 12 months. Buy what is practical. You get a better vehicle most of the time

[@saifakh7843]

I’m a motor trader I bought this exact car to sell but in manual I love it so much I’ll be keeping it, best crossover I’ve driven.

[@chrishewson40]

Had this car 2 yrs ago, a used 2011 rav4 2.2 d cat Sr auto model, the best rav4model ever made in my opinion, fully loaded with everything you need,loads for money, powerful,nippy and sporty,loads of torque, great off road, better looking than the newer generation ones. Loads of room,they hold their value well. I'm changing my Toyota GT 86 for a used 2012 rav4 2.2 dcat sr as i missed it and its just so good. Pick it up next week. I highly recommend it.

[@jasonjuggler3457]

how much did you buy yours for?

[@asnark7115]

Indeed. Rav4s have gone downhill since 2012. The most critical feature of this car, IMO, is the storage and spare access WITHOUT having to put all your nice things on the side of the road to replace a tire.

[@rajabumalilo1875]

Is it with turbo engine

[@johnsmith-gt3po]

@@rajabumalilo1875 Rav4 never had Turbo engine, unless you put in yourself.

[@RRGunner10]

@@johnsmith-gt3po That's a real surprise, because my MK3 has a turbo as standard. (Mine is a 2.0 petrol manual if your asking)

[@ElectoneGuy]

I don't understand the hate for the swing-out door. If you have roof racks, you can step onto the rear bumper and load things easily onto the roof. Try to do that with an up-swinger.

[@SavedbyHim]

Imagine being parallel parked and the car behind you is so close you can't open the back door all the way to load something

[@ElectoneGuy]

@@SavedbyHim I've owned my RAV for close to 10 years. That has never happened to me. Love my swing out door.

[@SavedbyHim]

@@ElectoneGuy Ok great! I'm looking to buy one in a year or two. How is the fuel economy? Thanks for the reply!

[@ElectoneGuy]

@@SavedbyHim Decent for its class. Also depends of if you get a 4 or 6 cylinder.

[@DMDaskalakis]

@@ElectoneGuy In the EU we only have the 2.0 VVTi I4 engine and some diesels. That said, not being able to open the tailgate when parked tightly has happened to me about 10 times (in 13 years) and it's annoying. But then again, having a swing up door would look stupid and be very heavy if you opted for the version with the external spare wheel (which looks better and gives you space for an LPG tank).

[@Musa812]

I love watching old carbuyer videos

[@Rallysong]

I’m watching in 2024

[@BrianAndersonTT]

I still drive this car today and hats off to you Mr. Watson. Despite your limited time with it your review was spot on. The ride is horrible. A lot of plastic bits did break. The road noise sucks. There's no way you could've known it would have one of the most problematic Toyota engines ever made. There are solutions to everything except the ride quality so it's a very solid enjoyable SUV despite that. The 4x4 system works well too. The current model does not appeal to me.

[@zanderalberto3576]

If possible, could you explain some of these issues/fixes? Looking to fix an 06 thats being handed down to me and want the best life out of it...

[@motleydude73]

The engine is fine. Very reliable. Done 75000 kms in mine no issues, and it's one of the longest lived engines Toyota have ever used. Sprightly yet economical, easy to work on.

[@gypsygirl1485]

Just purchased a 2009 RAV4 V6 4WD Limited I absolutely love it. Living in Colorado I now feel so much safer driving in the snow. That baby's got some power when I need it on the highways.

[@thetechlibrarian]

The v6 Rav’s are a monster people don’t realize how much power they have for a small cross over. Your as quick or quick than v6 mustangs and Camaros that were out at the same time.

[@donnycross]

I picked up an 03 Rav,couple of years ago,it has sailed through two MOTs,without even an advisory,easy for the DIY service,great ride,loads of room,picked up a new washing machine and tumbler dryer,from local supplier,both went in the back,all this and 4WD.

[@Amicablejlm]

Still using 2012 rav4❤

[@regineluvr]

I just got this car yesterday as a surprise and so far, the exterior and interior is fabulous!

[@ngusob9741]

Daniela Regine Banci

[@ryxis2792]

Can i connect my Smatphone with the car to listen music?

[@rubenc9028]

I actually like the rear door because i can stand in the back and load stuff on to the roof rack instead of trying to do it trough the passenger doors which is awkward if the object is big, in the back you can stand without having to try to balance or hang on as oppose to the passenger door . also if you have a long roof cargo box you can still open the rear door without having to place the box really far forward so the hatch doesn't hit the box.

[@sirbertramtriggertonks1341]

Got a 2012 model that's, once again, flown through the mot with no advisories. Winter is a breeze, as is minor off roading. Bought this to put me on in-between a merc gla and a bmw 128ti, loved the rav so much I cancelled the bmw. Awesome car!

[@Top_Gear_Clips_Central]

Good idea the bmw is prob more fun but this wont make you go to the repair station once every week

[@donnycross]

My ten year old Rav 4 GX VVTI,has just walked through its MOT,without even an advisory,the garage owner stated that he had not seen an MOT without advisory,for several years.COOL or what!

[@lifesavrdwd]

Just love your reviews even though I live in the USA. Keep up the good work and thanks.

[@ismailbassam1303]

This is Matt Watson and you're watching carwow 😁

[@00kirbyd]

car buyer might help you decide what car to buy, but when the reviews are this good its hard not to like every car that's reviewed.

[@GreasyChicken]

i have this car and i love it

[@frankwamukoya4035]

Hello there, i also have one but do these rav 4's still have the problem of the rear wheels tilting inwards like the older models after a period of usage?

[@edwinalexander1170]

@DreamyQen does your vanguard have spare tyre?

[@betheone6313]

I want to buy one, would you recommend it?

[@inulasamarakoonsl7871]

Matt is now on CARWOW tooo right

[@markg999]

Had a 06 V6 Rav4...biggest issue was the coils...dont buy cheap $100 Chinese ones...get OEM or used ones and they last well much better. The oil line had a recall make sure done or your hose will break and you'll run out of oil on road. Otherwise sold mine with 222k miles with a small oil leak. No ac issues, transmission, cooling issues just one alternator at 160k miles. Good car

[@myochit325]

I want to buy a RAV4.

[@magalielazard4984]

Used car

[@donnycross]

I'm sure it isn,t.but the garage owner was impressed.as most of his MOT,s have advisory, this is the fourth time it has sailed through its MOT,perhaps a lot do,but not according to the very large garage, owner.I just posted to promote the Rav 4,as I think they are a great vehicle.

[@BlahBlahTheSecond]

There are people complaining that the American/Canadian versions have the spare wheel, ugly front etc.. but don't forget that we have the 3.5l v6 good for 0-100km/h in just over 6 seconds. Also, get the limited trim and put a hood deflector on it with some OEM side steps and you have yourself a pretty elegant looking and powerful compact SUV.

[@FantomLightning]

BlahBlahTheSecond People are pretty fucking idiotic to complain. You can get a version (at least in the US) with run flats and this rear door without the spare.

[@berniepfitzner487]

That's not a differential lock. The lock button just stops the rear axle from dis-engaging. Usually the car drives in front wheel drive & only engages the rear wheels when slip is detected.

[@markkelly3246]

My 2001 Nissan Micra has done this for two years running. It can't be that rare!

[@snuffels]

I just bough one happy so far.

[@musadays8083]

Planning on getting 2 of them. 1 myself and my mom's. Hopefully i'll make that happen 🙏 It's such a beauty 🙂

[@andyburton1160]

What's your final conclusion @snuffels

[@jairperalta1398]

In my family we have the CR-V and the RAV4, both automatic and 4WD and 2010. And I take the CR-V anyday. It's way more comfortable, fun to drive, the interior is by far better made. The RAV4 is a little bigger in the back seat, but the CR-V has a larger boot and the sound of the Honda 2.4L gas engine is better. Greetings from Panama!

[@checktherapper]

I Toyotaly agree!

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

"C'mon people, Camry get a big applause for this guy, eh?"

[@johnteixeira8666]

JanR8 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽well played

[@samanthafraser8560]

The corolla virus is here!

[@MemphisMojo15s]

When people say the CRV is better, what are you talking about, exactly? Fuel mileave? 0-60? ground clearance? Room? Because the RAV4 has great overall scores. I like the CRV too, but you need to be more specific in "What is better."

[@robbelliii]

zero to 60 in 6 seconds ....don’t forget....towing non existent with CRV. My v6 RAV pulls my 2500 sailboat and then gets 21 mpg city. Ask the CRV to do that.

[@richardwilliams2853]

The guy in the asda ad at the start of this video talks just like the moon on The Mighty Boosh

[@robjones1520]

It's a shame they didn't carry on with this model for a few more years.

[@rossi19931]

Who cares about hard plastic?

[@rhys_thomss7013]

I know right

[@CourtyardPigeon]

I drive a 2004 Chevy Suburban z71 and I read-ended a Rav4 yesterday going between 3 and 5 mph. I didn't even step on the gas, just simply lifted my foot off the brake and I smashed out the rear window of the Rav4, caved in the back door, and knocked off the rear bumper thing. My truck had zero damage. If I was doing 30 mph I would have killed the people on the Rav4. If by posting this I can prevent one person from buying this death-trap then I can sleep better at night.

[@flamepeace]

best car reviwer of the world.... chers from Brazil

[@ANigerianPrince]

Sick video. Well done.

[@riasatahmed2594]

This car gets too much hate for no reason

[@Top_Gear_Clips_Central]

Does it?

[@marvinuche]

Great video

[@superthierry1]

Another classic Toyota..giving customers only what they need.

[@KiowaPilotWife]

I have a 2011 Rav4 and I like the rear door. I'm short so it suits me well not having to jump up to close it. Only gripes r the noise when driving and the cheap interior. Oh and it could have better suspension.

[@stewiek]

@MacGyver920 argh i should have downloaded it yesterday!!!! best review thus far!! please reupload the Audi Q3 review!

[@rob21]

I'm not sure if that is the equivalent of the USA "Sport" version, but if so, that would explain the stiff suspension and handling. Road noise is common on all models.

[@robbelliii]

I think it is I have a 2012 Sport that looks the same....I switched out the run flat tires and it rides much better now.

[@barak100]

This guy also reviews cars in auto express right?

[@user-ui5ix9wc3q]

Hi plz tell me, who is better …Rav4 or Crv ?

[@davidwayne9982]

I"m going to get one of these....07 to 12 (06 had a few issues).. these are BEST-- and V-6 which I want-- the new ones dont have enough power to get out of their own way..

[@gandalfwiz20007]

that door is inspired from the previous model where the spare tire was on the hatch door, thus it was impossible to lift up, actually i think this model has a version with the spare tire.

[@alfredbaby1337]

Matt Watson in carbuyer

[@Garmin219]

This is the UK version 2.2 diesel no spare wheel , tyre repair kit supplied

[@Beesa10]

@Heywood Jablowme 'Tire' is the US spelling, 'Tyre' is UK spelling.

[@Beesa10]

@Lord Rupert That's what I was alluding to. Haywood has subsequently removed their comment.

[@TheMightyKinkle]

Interesting how you can't hear your Brummie accent as much in these older videos

[@Robin_R.]

I would like to hear about the driving dynamics for RAV4

[@TheCarArchives96]

the 2006-present Toyota RAV4 is assembled in Tahara, Aichi, Japan Obu, Aichi, Japan Woodstock, Ontario, Canada (from November 2008) Tianjin, China

[@agamadden123]

Can someone help me? Is toyota vanguard 2009 is a rav4 version?

[@mx5hong]

Here in the U.S. the long wheelbase model is the only body style offered along with optional 3rd row seats. I wished Toyota would offer the standard length model since the 3rd row is pretty much useless and I prefer the more compact size.

[@Moodyz3]

It looks so bold without the back spare tires cover! :P

[@eshaanp.6889]

This looks way different than the North American one!

[@leonakita]

nice observation, but only of consequence to roof rack ppl and i think in metro areas the concern for opening in tight parking situations is more paramount...but you do raise an interesting point

[@josephmark7706]

Can you please do a review on TOYOTA VANGUARD? I will be grateful!!

[@Ikedinobimichaelsezeamama]

the uk version is better looking than the american one. the grill for instance is better looking

[@DonVerchi700as]

I like the USA one better. It is way better

[@oi32df]

Where is the spare tire ? Our american version got them attach verticaly outside the rear hacth - door .

[@CCD5150]

I have a 2001 4 cylinder Rav4L with 4wd and 65,000 miles. I need to know if i can go on the drive on beaches here in Delaware. Any ideas?

[@BadgerinSC]

What's really killed Japanese cars since the turn of the century is that they can't undercut the competition on things like interior materials (plastics). Even exterior door handles on Lexus' are really cheap feeling compared to German cars.

[@kamanidanzine1617]

What Year is this specific one ?

[@samanthafraser8560]

My dad had 2 but ones battery died 2 times so I would not recommend a 2000- 2006 model I would recommend 2006-2012, don't feel like driving over 70 or 80.

[@mightywings314]

indeed and of possible look for the petrol version more reliable

[@G0ML333]

Don't want to be reversing into tight parking spots in parking garages with that door on the back, other than that.. it's DECENT. CX-5 or Skoda Yeti would be a better buy imo.

[@tamathacampbell8262]

I love this car, it's so beautiful and reliable very comfortable on road trip and more. some people seems to make big deal about tha hashed the way it open. It's a RAV4 it's supposed to open that way. All RAV hashed open that way even tha bus RV .Great car I will recommend it.

[@dennisanz123]

Where's the wheel on the back

[@S360compaq]

It's the UK version

[@DonVerchi700as]

@@S360compaq some us versions come without the tire as well.

[@DustyPearl-13]

It comes with the Limited version only!

[@Rumah15]

In Japan, this SUV is called Toyota Vanguard!

[@subazealand9158]

In Japan, the Vanguard is the "Long" version of the Rav4, like the one sold in the US or Australia. This is the short version (European spec) same as Rav4 in Japan.

[@Felix96xy]

I love Matts white tennis shoes. :)

[@L.A.97.]

What happend to the Audi Q3?

[@OrangePixl]

What model and year is this specific one that they are reviewing?

[@daviesjack12]

OrangePixl 2011

[@johnnizeyimana7070]

How much are you selli g this vehicle

[@L.A.97.]

The back door explains the weird thumbnail picture. I thought it was in the middle of one clip changing to another. It kinda looks like another car driving intro the hedge or something.

[@ryxis2792]

Can i connect my Smartphone with the car to listen music?

[@steferrari85]

When the review of the new model ?

[@saikoro8620]

Soon, I think

[@jarowaro1975]

That is "runflat" version,not the Uk one 😎

[@zanahasan89]

I have 2011 base 2.5L Rave4 , it it amazing but my only complain is the engine noise inside the cabin

[@batmodem]

Why there isn´t a video of the new Koleos?

[@gajgas4464]

I love it

[@kikoclva4570]

How is the Toyota "Diesel" motor "engine" is it the same quality as the non Diesel engines from toyota???? Pliz someone I'm from the US that moved to the EU I only know non Diesel Toyota engines???

[@navidmashayekhi7972]

It's Matt Watson 🤯. Soooo young

[@SotRib90]

Hello guys..... The boot space its ok for a family with a baby to do camping and curry all the staff??

[@tomstoneham475]

Thinking of buying a petrol one as I don't have enough long journeys for a diesel

[@castlebilliards8712]

​@@tomstoneham475Thinking of getting a petrol one myself. Did you get one ?

[@alluminyo]

Isuzu Axiom?

[@KutadguB]

Matt, review Opel Antara too please

[@tudorino66]

lol Opel

[@Fertro]

1:45 - I don't see the point of automatic wipers. Can you see that there is water on the windscreen? Yes? Then put the wipers on you twonk.

[@lightsurfer5721]

RELIABILITY of course. That is a dumb question.

[@BestCarSound]

@catalin357 LC 90 is quite old...or you mean LC 150? Yes, I'm with you!

[@iviewthetube]

"If you don't like the way I drive then stay off the sidewalk."

[@lupischuckle]

The front end of that thing is far superior to the NA version. Europe obviously has no use for the cartoonish fascia of our RAV4.

[@sprmcho]

whats year is the toyota rav4

[@CRIZZY131]

whats a rang rover and a jeep got to do with a audi q3??

[@mohamedmouh559]

الله يرزقنا

[@lightsurfer5721]

Who cares about all the crap we only care about RELIABILITY

[@markg999]

I have on my 06 v6 202k miles and I can count on one hand all the issues ive had with the car. Been very reliable.

[@Intergalactic2000]

True say, talking bollocks get to the bloody point, some even start talking slowly to get more ads in the video.

[@waltercodbollocks3175]

They're professional critics, they have to find something to complain about however trivial.

[@TrannyMinaj]

No idea why Toyota didn't make a regular hatch an option...

[@tehgusbus2716]

how come the front on this one is different

[@booksyn]

They can't be talking about looks either! LOL The new CR-V is very nice though. Well the 2007-2011 model. And it's designed in such a way where I think it will age well.

[@suicidallooneypro]

Swing out doors... parking in a bay, you can't reserve in or else no access to the boot, driving front way in, reserving out onto a road blind? someone parks behind you... no access, now do you understand the hate for swing out doors?

[@TheOne42]

@carbuyer Hyundai Volester review please :)

[@avriett742]

Thank you

[@daizmiester]

looks like you didn't forget your props this time

[@steffonwilkinson7328]

can u guys do a toyota verossa review

[@carbuyer]

+steffon wilkinson 'fraid we don't have that vehicle in the UK... sorry!

[@steffonwilkinson7328]

ok do one with he urban cruiser please

[@honeybee1226]

I have one its a good car great on gas it lasts but its very small you will out grow it

[@montysandor8362]

lol this guy is smaller than my dog

[@Youhavenopowerherelucas]

I would love to see your 5ft11 beast of a dog... I imagine the Guinness World record guys would too!

[@rscosworthfan]

what you got 2 great danes welded together

[@inox1ck]

It's even smaller than my cat!

[@VadimC1199]

Please do a review on the NEW JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE !