Here's why the original Toyota RAV4 was so good

[@dtran1379]

Mine has nearly 438,000 miles on it and is still running strong! Only paid 500$ for it years ago. Could not be happier.

[@dtrangraphics]

@Sheps 1998

[@reynaldoflores4522]

$500 ? The seller must've been totally naive or really desperate !

[@jakelynch5113]

fuck that's a distance

[@landsky5925]

automatic ?

[@oddfatherskids9080]

I just bought a 97 for 500 nothing wrong with it other than a brake switch and needs tires with only 135k miles no rust

[@Tahara-Aichi]

Got mine when I was 18 years old brand new. We are on 2019 and 21 years after I still own it, 350 k miles all originak! Motor transmission.

[@notmebutyou8350]

That is freaking AWESOME!! 😀😀 I want one of these!! What do you think about the 2016 model? I am a new driver, and I don't want all that fancy stuff. Just base model with enough power to take me where I need to go and will start up consistently.

[@Tahara-Aichi]

@@notmebutyou8350 they are grear too. Make sure you take a look at the vin number that starts with the "J"

[@notmebutyou8350]

@@Tahara-Aichi Thanks! I will.

[@chadhansen5057]

I got a 2001 black rav 4 L awd, and it's like a car but can do decent off road great compact suv

[@Starlaangel]

Same! My mom bought it as her first car in 99, and now it's my first car in 2019. Has 250k miles and has never had any major issues!

[@socarboy]

I've said it before and it bears repeating Toyotas made around the turn of the century will go down in history as some of the best vehicles ever made.

[@weimss]

Paul McGowan Im soo pleased to hear how the rav 4 did you over the course of time, as a current ‘04 rav driver I can only hope that she lasts around as long as yours did and then some!

[@robertorazo4694]

I got my 1998 Rav4 in 2000. My dad bought it new and gave it to me as a gift. I will be turning 40 in 4 months and I still have my little ReliableAssVehicle😂. She's currently at 236k miles with no check engine light, lifted on since BF Goodrich K02s looking like a full overlander. I love it! Still get thumbs up! 👍🏻

[@topdawgfresh]

I bought a 98 Rav off craigslist with 160 thousand miles. I have fell in love with it. Might buy another one for my son

[@marckleejoseph2498]

Hi. Great. Can you tell me How many it coat plz?

[@wayneghost848]

My mom has the 98 and I think its just awesome

[@ALMUDDY]

Still runs?

[@SERGUMUM]

I purchased one 2 years ago. After much research for a small off-roader I came to the conclusion that this model was my best bet for a vehicle with farming, off-roading used. And it is very reliable. Mine is from 1999 in dark green, 1999's were made by the Lexus division in Japan.

[@Tahara-Aichi]

Motomachi was making these trucks along the Lexus from 1998 to 2000

[@wickedmuffin76]

I have a '99 I bought new, I now have a 2019 Tacoma, but I kept the RAV.

[@3shellyiam]

I bought mine new in 96 and I'm still driving it.

[@nevermore99x30]

Just got mine yesterday, needs minor repair work but it's everything I wanted and needed. I'm so excited

[@kathrynperreault6480]

lucky!

[@charles-antoinebayouk5343]

Just bought mine today 😁

[@kathrynperreault6480]

Charles-Antoine Bayouk how much did ya get it for?!

[@kathrynperreault6480]

Charles-Antoine Bayouk also congrats

[@charles-antoinebayouk5343]

2700$ (Canadian dollars) Appart from rust in the front fenders, the car is totally restored and original

[@bryanjarosak7753]

just bought one two days ago! 1997, and it just hit 160k with no dents, scratches or almost no rust! a steal for $2,400! ive already ordered a brush guard and a nice roof rack and other interior stuff. very excited to be part of the rav4 commune

[@evanfehrman2606]

what roof rack do you have?

[@smallgreentreefrog]

You got a better deal than me. Two days ago I flew to Utah to get mine for $2,600 also a 1997 4wd but with 167k and been in a light wreck as it’s missing a front bumper. What bumper should I get? Does someone make overlander style bumpers?

[@jakeschindler1762]

I inherited a 1999 rav4 from my grandma, her being the only owner was great. It still runs like brand new, the only issue is the fuel gauge being broken, but it’s not that big of an issue you just have to pay attention to the miles you drive after every refill. I’ve also driven it for five days a week for over a month and not had to refuel the thing. It’s great and the all wheel drive is helpful in midwestern weather. It’s awesome I think it’s the best first car you can get.

[@samgreat4047]

I got the 98 Rav4, Used for 1 year now and OMG this car is super good. Very reliable and runs great. Im still hitting 130,000 miles and engine is super quiet.

[@cirkuitknight]

I inherited my grandmama’s 99 rav4 when she passed away RIP grandmama. She kept it in good condition. I recently gave her some upgrades changed all fluids and at 121,000 miles she runs like a champ.

[@patriot0971]

I had the same color 1997 RAV4 also. Loved it and kept it for 10 years, 160k trouble free miles. Sold it when my family grew .. amazing car, zero issues. I miss my RAV4. :)

[@harrisonrakhshani4706]

"In fact, just the other day I had a hotcake salesman tell me that his products were selling like small SUVs."

[@truth959]

This one truly was the best shape and design for a crossover.

[@zoespanos4639]

I'm 16 I have a 98 rav and my first car, only owner was my grandmother so its in stellarr condition ❤

[@kathrynperreault6480]

LUCKYYYY

[@unclesalty7778]

kathryn perreault Just bought one today a 98 with 148;000 miles original grandma driven in and out mintttt! Cd/ cassette cigarette lighter love it $2;400:00

[@RegularGuy76]

I had one just like it 1997 and it was stick so even cooler........ my dad gifted it to me when I started college........ we finally sold it in 2017 with 125k miles!! Never had an issue....... ever........just a clutch replacement........ awesome vehicle indeed!!

[@everestjk]

Those original RAV4's are nice SUV's! In 1997, the same year as your RAV4, Honda launched the CR-V in North America and it was also very successful. Love your RAV4 videos, Drew!

[@jamesharden8033]

I was given a 1997 rav 4 four door from my aunt…it has 245000 miles in it and treats me very well ! very fun, cool car.

[@ariannaflores8499]

My cheap dad gave us this car years ago bc he didn’t want to by a new one. At first I didn’t like the look, but once we actually used it, it grew on me ALOT. That car was so well made and amazing. It was strong throughout the winter and everything. Very spacious as well which shocked me. It’s a very cute car too. Sadly it broke down bc of how old it was. I’m sad how the design was was changed so drastically

[@AlexW-wv4nt]

How many miles did it have when it broke down?

[@marisha530]

I love my 99 RAV4 only 2 owners before me and the first owner had it for 18 years and had it was serviced regularly and it only has about 130 thousand miles everything still worked I lucked out

[@danielpepperoni6759]

YES!!! I have a Rav4 that was my grandma's for yearssss and its still driving like a dream. That car is like a child to me I let everyone know it's the best car around

[@gman15ida41]

Doug, the type of guy.... Wait wrong video.

[@emiliorivera2910]

im 15yrs old and i have a 1999 rav4 that needs some work in my driveway. i cant wait to be driving it this time next year

[@poeter14]

Nice bro, I have a 2000 one and is great for light offroading and saves a lot on gas

[@annhenry1226]

what work does it need ?

[@emiliorivera2910]

@@annhenry1226 so far I changed battery, tires, fuel pump, fuel float, thermostat, water pump, some hoses, spark plug and serpentine belt. Now it’s due for new tires again and I have to fix the two front windows that don’t work, replace front windshield that has a small crack, fix a dent it has in the back that prevents trunk from closing correctly and repaint. I been using it for a while and for a car that hasn’t been used for 5 years before I got it it runs pretty good.

[@DlCKWALLACE]

Had my 98 since 2016. I love it. Just hit 200k miles. Recently repainted it Kelley green, I love it even more now. It's a manual too so it's fun to drive. I did have a new clutch put it in and my shifter cables snapped (both at different time), and put in a new alternator. Other than that's it's been a tank.

[@fatalberba]

Still daily driving my 5 door manual rav4 XA10 series. Got it pre ABS and can say that it is the best car I have ever and probably will ever drive in snow and ice. I have never lost complete control with that vehicle and have made a winter drive up to anchorage and back with slightly larger tires than stock. Will note that the rear differential did have a mounting defect from that year and tore itself off the frame, however an inch thick steel plate and a few bolts later and its good as new. Absolutely phenomenal car if you are into big game hunting as it is so small, it can fit on even some of the most overgrown forest roads, and has a surprisingly large back area.

[@thebipolarbear1]

I just bought one in great shape . So far I'm amazed. They run forever too. Mine has 140k and that's nothing! These hit 300k if taken care of. Awesome video man

[@Masculinemindedman]

Proud owner of a 2000 Rav-4, 230K miles strong.

[@siciidaxmed2963]

I have 166k mile 2000 rav 4 in ethiopia how is it

[@aaxen7255]

Heck yeah it is! I was happy to find a used one with not too many miles on it and a manual transmission. It's been great in the city, on the highway, and a bit of conservative off-roading. Hope to drive it forever.

[@GameOver321]

Very short and very sweet, love it! Loved the comment about it being old enough to buy a beer lol

[@PatrickRich]

my 96 5 speed had the center locker and rear torsen. it was a monster, especially in the snow. I miss it.

[@melindapham856]

Does it have a indicator light to tell you the axle interlock is engaged or do you just push the button and it comes on .

[@rporcopio2190]

this thing cranks in the colorado snow with winter tires

[@patrick280zx]

The 2 door RAV4 is the best, and super unique looking.

[@JeremiahRaem]

Pat model Cars where can I find one?!! Been looking everywhere lol

[@patrick280zx]

Jermiah Raem Try Auto trader, Kijiji, and Gateway classic cars.

[@a.jrodriguez980]

yeah but pretty useless

[@bengarcia3063]

Just picked one up off my grandma for $100 and a cheeseburger. My new daily to compliment my 1970 impala and my lifted 1992 Nissan hardbody pickup

[@jamesgaudreau8315]

Found my 1998 Rav4 with only 80k miles!!! Unfortunately that means it has sat, and it is fairly rusty; however, I’m keeping it alive and I love it!!!

[@B8.5A5]

Nice review man. The Rav 4 is a solid car

[@peteracke2209]

I have a 1994 Rav 4..with 320,00klms on the clock..still going strong..I live 1500ft up a mountain ⛰ and being light with a central diff lock it is fantastic on clay tracks..would not swap it for any other 4x4 today..its a 2 door and I have only had to replace the coil and 4 ignition wires and an ignition barrel in 14 yrs of owning her..

[@tophatvideosinc.5858]

i have the same model as a '98. its the facelift model without the side reflector and it has larger brighter fog lights and a more robust and less blue tint. i fullu plan on doing to it what you do to yours since you clearly love it as much as i do and i trust your choices

[@AbeNXC]

This was my first car about 5 years ago. A 2000 base model RAV4. The most fun I’ve ever had on 4 wheels was in this car. I was stupid and would hit the “backroads” with it. It had enough power to get adrenaline pumping and to catch air... although I do not recomend it as I could’ve killed myself or someone else. Anywaayyyy, when I grew out of that stuff it was a great road trip car and beach day car, the suspension could eat up the biggest potholes around. One time I wasn’t paying attention going about 50 and turned the wheel slightly too much. Ended up mounting a curb onto a grassy area going 50... the suspension ate it up, nothing bent and the tire never popped. IMHO it looked pretty damn good in this maroon color with black tints, it’s paint was pristine because my dad had garaged it and only drove it Sunday’s to church since the year 2,000 (only had 63k on it). I’m in the market for a car now and am looking at the newer 2018 RAV4... but something makes me feel like they just aren’t as durable as they used to be... I’ll have to check them out and see.

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

They are a different car entirely and not nearly as tough or simple nor as good off road plus only some are 4wd and really more awd than 4wd. Plenty of the solid mk2s around which are a safer and much cheaper bet. They are an improved mk1 with permanent 4wd.

[@reynaldoflores4522]

I have a 2-dr 1997 in original aqua green. But sadly, it's been sitting in my garage unused for almost 3 years now. The battery's long dead and the engine hadn't even been fired. I'm thinking of getting it running again if I find the time ( and money).

[@march24-lp4pv]

And right around the time Toyota was heavily invested in hybrids. No wonder they're one of if not the most successful car maker in the world.

[@lander2100]

I have a 2000 rav4 @ 284,000 miles and going strong. I’m second owner. I keep the maintenance up on it with required oil changes. The inside and outside in good condition. I plan to purchase a 2019/2020 in the near future.

[@everestjk]

1:57 1997 RAV4 2-door hardtop. 1:59 1998 RAV4 2-door convertible (note the revised tail lights).

[@johnsmith-zv1lo]

autos from 98-00 had limitedslipdifferensial as standard, electronically autogear button ect, ignition coils instead of distrubitor with rotors, upgraded headlights. i got one for almost 3 years now, and i look forward to drive everytime it snows. i would call this model legendary !!

[@farran5692]

Hi, are you sure of that? I've read that torsen rear dif was an option (at least in Europe), I don't know if lsd = torsen. Where can i found some info about that? Thanks in advance.

[@PJ3061]

Wish we still had our son's classic 96, it looked like this one in video. Made me think of the beach. Like my 2Gen 2005 Rav4 they're just fun.

[@n.o.m4385]

I just bought this car am glad to find this video

[@mountainmanmilitia3806]

I’m picking up a ‘99 tomorrow for $1800. Only has 190k on it and in pretty good shape.

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

I bought a mk2 2004 facelift model the other day and it's fabulous....really well made and simple. Ignore most review soff roader comments...I already tried mine off road and it was fabulous as it uses the same 4wd off road. It has an auto locking diff and is permanent 4wd with limited slip diff. Great car!

[@tammerafortner6431]

Best car ever. I bought mine new. 1998, 5 speed manual and I wish I had never sold it at 220,000mi. My nieces and nephews learned to drive a stick in "Sailor". It is now being driven by farm workers in Illinois and the last odo reading I heard was 330,000mi., original clutch, fifth gear must be held in while driving. What a car! And what about the turning radius in the RAV4, amazing!

[@markbro4427]

Just sold my 1998 facelift 3 door Freesport UK model😟....had it for 12 years. Failed it's annual vehicle inspection (mot) ,rusted through rear of both sills and needs two front wishbones (UK salt on roads in winter). I should have really fixed it but I just don't have the time anymore and I have a few other cars. Brilliant small SUV, really enjoyed owning it The guy that bought it is going to fix it up so it will live again rather than broken for parts... I'm away to cry now😟

[@alexandervanwyk7669]

THANKS DREW. Im interested in your classic outdoors RAV adventure. Considers exactly the same.

[@SWilsz]

Is still good! Proud owner of original 1998 model made in Japan :) constant 4x4, 2.0 petrol-automatic 5 door lovely RAV4

[@mrsparex]

Buying a 1995 JDM right hand drive this week Hope to get 250,000 plus. It has about 78,000 on it now

[@rogerbrown1750]

Gave my 1997 model to my son,regretted it right away,got it back now after three years,nice to have "Me Darlin"home again,and with new clutch she is cruising nice,very comfortable car to drive,and she has style.

[@enriqueshockwave8869]

I bought a 1998 rav4 5 door with 108k miles and perfect paint in october and promptly hit a deer with it. Now i'm trying to fix it up so looking for good resources.

[@vickierosemond9694]

I have a 1999 always find parts on eBay or carid

[@FallingShadow]

I have a 98 rav4 and it is so amazing

[@DevinMillarDM]

My grandma literally used to have one of these things and looked JUST like it.

[@peter160266]

I bought a 2 doors rav4 from dec.94 with 257000kms, now, 10months later, without any problems 281000kms. I love the first generation rav4

[@northyorksimonkim]

I remember when this came out and it was not that out of the ordinary because Suzuki and Izuzu also had small SUV/jeep type vehicles.

[@laa98l]

Just bought a ‘98 RAV4 with 220k miles on it as a work commuter and it still drives perfectly

[@Fractal_CZ]

Hard to believe I got this car FOR FREE 1 month ago - basicaly, I saved it from the crusher. It's small, it's jumpy, it's a bit noisy, but it so retro you have to love it :) And kids love it too and are waiting for the first snow to be towed on the sled in the fields :D

[@nathanchildress5596]

I inherited mine for free when my grandpa passed, and while my G35 coupe is fast and cool, I ADORE my 1st gen Rav4. I drive it like an idiot, it handles way better than it needs to, the rear seats come out in 2 minutes, and I can park it anywhere. I've even found an offer note on it, but screw that, I'm keeping it for life.

[@wekiwisdofly85]

I had the 95 model back in 2006 til a drunk driver on a suspended license crashed into it and totalled it in 2014. In 2017 I decided to splash out on a brand new 2017 rav4, my first brand new car!

[@Liblibliberty]

You remind me of demuro really good work man!!

[@annhenry1226]

rear wheel drive ? versus all wheel drive an option ? manual transmission ?

[@happycat0411]

The Rav4 and Celica GT-Four were both generally the same Toyota ALL-Trac vehicle with different external car body's. I remember going to SAIT here in Alberta and a female student had one of the original 4WD All-Trac station wagons. The vehicle was literally like the Toyota Land-cruiser. Rusty as heck but all the ALL Trac's mechanical components were extremely solidly built.

[@chadhansen5057]

I got a 2001 black rav L awd and it's great it's like a compact car with 23.mpg with 5 seats with light utilitys like a roof rack and decent trunk space and you can take the seats out for more room with with a 12v outlet in the trunk but you can take in the snow or do some light offloading in it, its a great all around car last owner took great care of it got a 171,000 miles I already put 11,000 miles on it so far but runs great but won't pass emissions about it the exhaust is rusted because it was originally a Canadian car they use salt on the roads it just won't pass emissions

[@iDayVids]

Grew up in one of these

[@johnsmith-zv1lo]

98-00 autos have limitedslipdiff as standard in rear. a very nice feature !!

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

So do mk2 manuals😉

[@thecriticalthinkeroutsidet4947]

Ah, brings back such memories to the vehicle I grew up with when I was a kid...... the nostalgia is so real. :') And speaking of the RAV4, can't wait to see what the upcoming all-new 2019 model will do. :)

[@deathwoomy6749]

This is my first car (bought it in 2017), and I love it! Your legacy continues. :)

[@jonik.1931]

Please tell me best states to search.....great model

[@ellyrobert7526]

I like this car coz it doesn't ask too much questions especially when driving offroad.

[@thomasbegin1204]

Is this a good deal? 1998 Rav4 convertible, 100k miles for $2100 usd. It is mentioned that the car has been restored to new last year.

[@irenniebweendo8728]

My car!!! have been driving it for 20yrs. Definitely I would go for the same. The only problem is the paint used. It looks like it's not environmental friendly in our country once the paint comes out it's very difficult to find the right paint. I love my car "RAV 4 J 4WD automatic" it takes me to all places I want to be 😂😂😂❤❤❤

[@daniels9025]

how can u tell if it was ordered with limit slip diff?

[@RampartPh]

Are all rav 4 vehicles always on 4wd mode?

[@ahmadbanky1106]

I have been using this type Rav4 good ten years

[@happycat0411]

The only problem with the original Rav4 is the engine used a timing belt instead of a chain. Other than that, the original Rav4s were built to last.... The second generation Rav4s switched over to the timing chain and that generation of Rav4 was truly awesome! 2.0 liter 4 cylinder with AWD is really what every single person here in Canada needs for the harsh winter snow and decent gas millage as well.

[@dtomei4236]

if you ask me the timing belt is much easier to replace then a chain.

[@happycat0411]

@@dtomei4236 It slightly easier but timing chains should last the life of the car. Timing belts tend to go out in the 6 ~ 7 year.

[@kg888]

​@@happycat0411 6-7 years isn't that bad since you ain't worry about car note and car reliability

[@happycat0411]

@@kg888 My 2002 Rav4 still runs really strong and burns zero oil. A few minor issues like timing chain tensioner seal and front driveshaft seal but other than that I still drive my 2002 Rav4 in 2023. I only change the oil every 3 years and the Rav4 still runs like a top! Not too bad for a 21 year old car.

[@Ford_TImelord]

Its a good reminder to change the waterpump and only a couple of hundred dollars.

[@randomlychillin_7474]

I just bought one yesterday for 2500 with 179000 miles and with couple fluids low and the check engine light is on but the only thing that is wrong with it is a cam sensor i think i made the best purchase of my life yesterday this might even top my wedding expenses 💀

[@johnsmith-zv1lo]

they rust.... but the facelift 98-00 and has double beam headlight, coil ignition, rearlight and autos had lsd "torsen" diff as standard, no pre 98 had that as it was a option that was barely used. i have one driving it 50k km, and i love it. best car i ever had auto 1999, and that torsen saved my life in a icy road, undercooled rain on road and then i drifted like tokyo... i love my car so much, the rav 4 mk1.... legendary cars !! soon to be cult cars !!!

[@johnsmith-zv1lo]

but there is a difference between the pre facelift and such.... hard to convert between 96-99 because of wiring and such. if want such mk1 legendarys. go for the autos 98-00 as they have limitedslipdiffensial, and when the car is .... used up? u can mount it on a much cheaper mk1.... and then mount the auto 98-00 rear diff on a manual transmission... and have a ball !!! this is the best snow ice car ive ever driven. manual or autos, it dont bother, it just slides controllably, but the pre 98, slides offroad... its a very big difference !!! i had driven 3 lsd ones and 1 without... and in rain that without limitedslipdifferensial... went out..... best car ever !!!

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

The 2000 to 2006 models are better still! All their manuals are better off road and all should have auto locking diffs and rear lsd. Great off road, improved space over thd mk1 too. For me they are the best rav4s ever made. Mine is low miles. 94k miles on a 2004 model and solud as a rock. Love it!

[@murimikaburu1376]

That's Wonderful car for off-road. I wish I can get the same model today.

[@indianatone218]

Bought for a 2 door1997 stable mate to my freelander it seems a bit thirsty but fun to drive love it .

[@jibaritomx]

That should be a sensor...Maybe AFR sensor..

[@gsabella4]

Thoughts on the gen2? I'm picking up a really well taken care of 2003 AWD Rav4 w/ 185k. Stoked to turn it into an all around, daily, camping vehicle, etc

[@Andriej69]

One simple but important question: can someone who's 6'2 even fit comfortably behind the wheel? I've been thinking about short version of the original RAV4 for some time now

[@MechanicParker]

I've got a 2000 Rav4 for sale. I'm 6' and even when I put on thick construction boots it's still fine. I take 4 hour road trips without much hassle.

[@reynaldoflores4522]

The front seat as well as the steering wheel can be adjusted.

[@johnathonmeade6598]

Mine has 258k miles on it still going strong

[@anthonypararajasingham]

Lexus RX 300 - firs, modern, Luxury, Crossover

[@johnbeltran8188]

1999 340,000 miles original engine original transmission never been rebuild my dad the original owner... still running like new

[@dannewton7873]

How can you tell if a RAV4 has a limited slip differential (LSD)?

[@chris59499]

Brought a 1998 model brand new, love it! just don't go over 65mph on a highway

[@unclesalty7778]

Just bought one today a 98 with 148;000 miles original grandma driven in and out mintttt! Cd/ cassette cigarette lighter love it $2;400:00

[@crf122]

The only thing I hate about mine is that when it’s cold enough the locks freeze and you can’t get in it. Anyone have a fix for this?

[@vitharanagevitharana2017]

Old gold.super explanation.Japenes made by mistake.👍👍👍👍👍

[@underwaterreporter]

WOOOOO! The Ravioli Quatro! Thats what i call mine;)

[@dashingmay]

How about RAV4 from 2013-2018?

[@dailydoseofpwnage]

I'm thinking of buying one of these. How can I tell if it has the lsd ?

[@braydenballantyne9309]

Are the Suzuki Vitara gen 1 better they have a solid frame solid axle rear and a transfer case?

[@Walkerdinho]

I Love my 2000 Toyota rav 4 Drove it straight to Baltimore from L.A Mileage is Barely @ 198,500 & I’ve never had a problem

[@akshayrbhavsar]

Doug DeMuro, is that you? Haha great review.

[@fabz4759]

I have a 3door model. Where can I get parts to buy?

[@sexymomma6598]

How do I fold down the back seats to make extra room on my 1997 RAV4 ?