The Toyota RAV4 That Started It All 1st Gen. RAV4 1995-2000 Review!

[@globalcitizen8321]

The Gen 1 RAV4 has proved to be the most versatile, reliable, durable and capable generation with a good quality price result.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Agreed! Love this thing 👍👌

[@jira__9538]

Is it recommeded to buy one in 2024?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

@jira__9538 💯

[@JesusAan]

@@jira__9538I’m bought one today rav4 2000

[@muharremkayal8828]

​@@JimmyMeatwhistle otomatik viteslilerde neden diferansiyel kilidi yok biliyor musunuz

[@Breakingbylaws]

pick up my 98 for $500, needed a clutch & a water pump, best vehicle I've ever owned.

[@victoriamorales2539]

I have a 1999 RAV4 green color that we purchased 2 years ago and drove 3.5 hours to get it. My husband was looking for a simple car and when I made him aware of the sale. He never hesitated to go for it. At the time, we already owned a 2005 RAV4 and so… he used to be a mechanic during his teen years, and loved the fact that he can fix these cars himself. That keeps some money in our pockets as well. These cars are totally reliable!

[@ngashmir]

Am so excited. Today I found a hidden gem by what can only be a miracle and I bought it on the spot. Its a 1996 Rav4 that looks like owner loved it so much. It's so clean that I can't still believe it. I look forward to enjoying it. I thank God.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Congratulations 🎊 👏

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

As always, the landscape is just breathtaking!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thank you very much 🙏😀

[@betok3382]

I have a 00 rav4 auto and a 97 rav4 5 speed...best vehicles I've ever owned and I've owned a lot!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

They are tanks! Thanks for the comment 👍

[@BAMFSpYdy]

I just got a 98 Rav4 that was pulled behind an RV it's whole life. OD says 275,000. But interior and engine are like new. I need to replace the oil pump seal and O-ring because of a leak. They were last done at 214,000 along with timing belt, water pump, pulleys, cam and crank seals. I'm replacing all those also. Needs nothing else. Can't believe how well taken care of this vehicle was. It's a manual 4 wheel drive. I paid $2500. Liking it so far.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

WOW! What a great find! Congrats!!! 👌👌🍻🍻

[@StoneKathryn]

I live in Minnesnowta and I love my 2000 Toyota AWD Rav4! I can get up and down our hobby farm driveway without worries! My son has learned to drive with it and he loves the visibility it has. It's fun to drive too! Thanks for talking about your Rav4!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks for the info and comment! These 1st gen RAV4's are great fun! Enjoy your week 👍🍺

[@kserye0829]

Hi Jimmy, you inspire me to buy my 1st rav4 which is an 03 couple years ago. I sold it last January 24th with 306,000kms ,tomorrow i'm gonna pick up a 97 rav4 auto with only 207,000kms with no rust owned by an elderly couple in Creston BC. funny I found your channel on youtube and Im gonna have the same car like yours again!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Wow, that is awesome, and thanks for posting this! 👍BC is the place to find minty vehicles for sure, and it sounds like you have a gem. Have fun with your 1st gen RAV4, and have a great week 🍺🍺🍺

[@DirtyCrackPipe]

Awesome video! I have a 2002 rav4 going strong at 250k miles! Handed down by family. Have had it for many years I’ve put over 100k miles no major issues. Lots of maintenance done. also back in the early 2000s jiffy lube didn’t tighten the oil pan drain and seized the engine at 50k, Toyota replaced the engine for no cost. Also we Recently replaced my gfs Camry with a 1st gen 2000 rav4. I’m so stoked to have one of each of the early generation!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Wow, thank you for the awesome comment. These old Toyota's go forever👍. I just bought a 1st gen RAV4, but also had a 2nd gen, here is the video kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6awc55tfMScrsU

[@Sakkeboy272]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle Why did you get rid of the 2nd gen rav4?

[@ETS2-yf5jf]

Waching this video as I'm sitting in my 1999 Rav4. Such a great car, especially during the winter here in Norway. My daily driver, and favourite car other than my 2019 Prado.

[@joelove1987]

I have to remind myself of that with my 97 Rav4, "Like damn everybody can see everything I'm doing" 😂. Love the reliability of this little suv though 😊

[@cedricscott4733]

I have a 2000, 5 speed, FWD, it has 314,000 miles on it now. I'm working on replacing the timing belt and water pump. I cleaned the throttle body a month ago and it wouldn't restart. The timing belt was loose, looks to have slipped. It was difficult to break loose the harmonic pulley bolt, found a tool to keep it from turning. A 24 inch breaker bar and hollow steel tube for leverage finally broke it loose. I live in North Central Arizona, a few miles south of Prescott, I have a permit to pick up wood in the forest to use as firewood. I really like how versatile it is. The 5 speed has that 1st generation problem with the manual transmissions fifth gear popping out when accelerating, so I don't use 5th gear. I took out the back seats last year to replace the fuel pump, didn't put them back in. The extra room is nice, it's only my little dog and myself. I've owned it for 4 years now.

[@1189berlin]

I have a RAV4 1998 128000 km bought from an elderly woman and fell in love with this car, I also have a Tesla, but I stopped driving it, friends laugh, my wife wants to leave me)))) but I do not care, I love this car

[@brayanestrada5813]

Beautiful truck I currently own a 1999 and they are champs!! Also amazing video quality!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thank you very much 👍🍺

[@AdamCurrey-iy8hk]

1995 Rav 4 3 door been all around NZ, we take the tent its great, it goes any where, and we often sit on 120km/h hour after hour, it goes to beaches, forests, I cant have a motorbike, so this lil machine is fun. Liked Your Video, ive never driven in snow, but ill head of next winter to Our Desert Road, to check it out, so thanks again enjoyed Your content

[@lewispedraza996]

So good i own two and had 3. Still see them all over my area in ventura.

[@ybirch9735]

You got a smoking hot deal on that truck. I just love my old 1991 Tacoma 5 speed 4 cylinder! To your point it won't win any races, it's very simple when it comes to features, but it will always get me home! Keep the great reviews coming!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks, my friend, much appreciated. 👍🍺 That truck of yours will go forever 😀👌

[@salvadorreynoso7809]

Hilux until 1994 in USA 95 Tacoma

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

Ironically having the less fuel efficient technology in this saves gas because then you wouldn't have to buy a 4Runner.

[@BMXwannabepro]

I love the car content jimmy!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks, much appreciated 🙏 👍🍺

[@nancysmith4529]

Hi Jimmy I love seeing all those vehicles. That Rav 4 is so sweet. It’s in such great condition. The scenery is gorgeous. I love that homestead. I love seeing older places. Great review for your RAV4! You did great with that purchase!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Hi Nancy! Me too, I love the old places, so cool! Would like to know the story behind that old place. Thanks for the awesome comment, and have an amazing Saturday 🍺😀👍

[@jamielukowsky4814]

Hey jimmy I got a 2000 rav4 I love that car I bout it a couple years ago for $100. I thought if was funny when you mentioned the back door bag holder I actually have it in mine right now perfect for holding jumper cables or anything else. I really enjoyed this video. Keep the first gens alive

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

$100! That is awesome 👌. Thanks for the great comment, and have a great week! 🍺

[@jonathanmonger111]

I love this car out of this world

[@cory5197]

2 door open top 1st gen RAV4 is my dream daily

[@orangetractorguy8201]

Top of the morning Jimmy. Gotta say, your videos have some of the best scenery footage and detail out there. This one was no exception. Loved the drone footage especially. The wife and I need to take a road trip to that beautiful country in the future for sure. You have given given that RAV the TLC she needed and she'll pay you back in spades for sure. Enjoy!! Michael

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thank you very much, Michael! Much appreciated. When you come out this way, I'll stear you in the right direction, and we'll have a beer or two 🍺🍺

[@dullylaventure4277]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle please sir help me to buy a car😥😥😥😥

[@VT-fg9uo]

I love these first generation RAV4’s. Grew up with my mom having one which was handed down to my sister then to me. Sadly it got totaled in 2010 when someone turned left in front of me. It had 206,000 miles on it and probably would have lasted me a couple years at least. But I did drive it for a year.

[@zronquillo5683]

Beauty I have a 2000 with push guard and all wheel drive and got it with 115000 miles on it man I love mine

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Sounds awesome. That's pretty low miley for a twenty four year old car 👍👍

[@jesusramos-my2qr]

Great video these are bulletproof proof got my 5 door stock rav and got an 5 speed AWD with a 3sgte in it that I love racing people in

[@weatherboxstudios]

Hey Jimmy, great review! Picked one of these up a couple months ago and it's been awesome. Taking it storm chasing as well as on a 7000-mile road trip later this summer up to Banff. Any recommendations on aftermarket roof racks?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Hi, and thanks for the comment 👍 . Congrats on your RAV4! Sounds like a great road trip to my neck of the woods. I picked up a cheap sports rack, and it seems to be working okay. You can also find, usually on eBay and the wreckers, the original factory racks that fit into the factory slots on the roof. 🍺

[@woofbark4475]

Got a 1995 version and it's still rocking. But the paint job is shot. Great fun vehicle to drive and been very reliable.

[@philliphastings2706]

Welcome to the Ravimalia see you in the next 20 years. Very neat oem👌🏻

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thank you very much 🍺 👍 😊

[@andy-gb5kn]

I've just bought the exact same rav in England as yourself i believe. 1999 Rav4 GX 2.0 automatic. Drives like a dream besides a knocking on full lock at slow speeds 😂

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Congrats 👏. They are awesome 👌 🍺

[@kenbell8752]

Nice review JMW. I recognize some of the prairie locations. Nice to see them again. I miss AB scenery!!😊

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks, Ken👍. Some awesome sites out here for sure. Everything is rugged af 😀

[@bdc1319]

Great vehicle and great video! Cheers Newfoundland!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Cheers And thanks for the comment 👍🍺

[@rajeevpushkar]

Lovely vlog 👍👍👍👍

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks, Rajeev, much appreciated 🍺. Have a great weekend. 👍

[@russg4313]

have a 1997 that is in even better condition. picked it up with 155 000 original km. on it 2 years ago. zero rust and interior was in show room condition. awesome vehicle. Wanted one when they came out but was a broke university student. For prairie winter driving these are great vehicle and also great starter vehicles for a new driver. amazing visibility and stability......and ya - no power, but that just means they can't get into trouble. i call mine the green mule. it's now my daughters and i'm keeping my eye out for similar condition, 1st gen, but manual vs automatic.

[@marcusstephenson8483]

Hey Finndawg! Very much appreciated watching your really straightforward instructional. I’m now confident of undertaking this repair. 👍🙏 Kiwi simplicity & a roadside repair just as it will be mine.

[@LucasCoene]

Just bought a brand new old 1997 1st generation, saludos desde Patagonia.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Congrats 🍻 👍

[@stevearita3267]

Wow, great video! I don't recall you mentioning the mpgs you get, but I would guess at least 25 mpg! Great drone shots and beautiful shots of the snow covered mountains in the background.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thank you very much, Steve. 👍🍺 it's a pretty fun little machine and great in the winter. The drone is fun, I love in this thing 🤣. Have an awesome week, my friend!

[@craigrobertson6082]

Good review mate. Always nice to see the grain elevators!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks, Craig 👍. That one is awesome. You can get right inside it and mess around, but everything's falling apart, so it's a bit sketchy 😀

[@rappalawolf2664]

Toyota RAV's are quality cars . Greetings from Norway

[@lukakovac9817]

Wow lots of detail in this video

[@terryzanger7152]

Thanks. Bought a pretty clean 98 a year ago with 160😮000 km. Paid 5500 canadian and drove it 1500 miles home. The guy had knocked the welds back on the front wheel wells and had 225 75 16 tires, over 29 inches tall. I run 225 70 16 mud and snow on her now and with the 5 spd std i dont find it luggy at all. Zips up yukon mountains in 5th all day long. Now only 12 months later i realize im at 190k already and my tacoma is always left home. Had zero issues.😮 Best thing is the rav is such a joy to drive. You didnt say what the mileage on yours was for the price.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Awesome vehicles 👌👍. And they just drive so nicely, effortless. Mine had 340,000km on it. I wasn't concerned with the mileage, I bought because it has zero rust. Have a great weekend 👍

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

3:06 WOW!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks! I added a couple of photos from that area at the end of the video. You might like them 👍😀. Haven't awesome sunday!

[@k95channel]

Nice car! I always love the 1st gen RAV4, they look really elegant but rugged at the same time. I currently drive a 2022 RAV4 hybrid and definitely my favorite vehicle so far. Beautiful scenery and nice review!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thank you very much! I love this old RAV4, and I love the way it looks. Thanks for the awesome comment, and enjoy your 4th gen rav4, another awesome version 👍👍

[@AlexanderVonMalachi]

Own a '95 JDM, in our family since early 2000s. Been sitting out on the land for a couple years, front spring just shattered, roof(and part of hood) is peeling real bad cuz dad thought he could fix the old roof clear coat peel(something clearly struck the roof back in Japan) himself and messed up with paint remover. Ours have a retractable touchscreen kenwood and a head unit(not sure if it's still mounted) and a mouse thing to use with GPS. The CD changer came with the largest memory card I've ever seen is gone now, we still have the folding expandable roof antennas somewhere.

[@Chris-13]

Great review 👍👍👍

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks Chris, appreciated 🍻🍻

[@Ford_TImelord]

My 1988 Corolla Alltrac wagon shares a lot of parts with these things. It's like a test car for the RAV4s parts.

[@notmebutyou8350]

RAVI!!! Just got my second RAV4, a 2024 LE model, a few months ago. I like it, but I love the older ones. I think they are so darn cute!! I also like the 2017 and 2018 models.

[@theimmigrantrx]

Mintiest RAV4!

[@altairtime]

I have a 98 RAV manual transmission. I bough it new and it’s about to turn over to 398,000! Looking forward to seeing it turn to 400,000🙂.

[@turbora40]

I loved my 1st gen rav. Had the viscous centre diff and torsion rear giving it excellent traction. 3sfe was really the only drawback. Always wanted to put a beams 3sge in to balance the power to weight, but my neighbour decided to park his Nissan patrol I the front of it. 2.4lt in the second gen is great, but open diffs mean it's a one wheel drive awd system.

[@deeplydisturbedhuman3227]

What a great video!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thank you, and thanks for the comment 👍👍

[@otahu26]

100 % best Rav4 Made. narrow tires for winter, AWD that was Better then AWD now. That cuts to only fwd after 60mph. This rav4 had the best AWD of all the rav4's. Best front and departure angles for off road. Best ground clearance. The Seats where the shits though. I owned one and put 460 000 miles on it before selling it.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Agreed! I love this thing, and I love the looks of it. My favorite RAV4 generation 👍🍻

[@volyota3117]

Nice little review! I've developed a soft spot for these 1st gen Rav4's recently, I hope to own one eventually. Thanks for showing for the rear seats fold forwards and recline. Is there load retention/securing loops in the trunk area, like the one the rear seat strap hooked onto at 10:19. And does the front passenger seat fold horizontally forward or back?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Hi, and thanks for the comment. There are no tie down loops in the back. But it would be easy to mount a few. The front seats do fold horizontally. The seat backs fold into the rear seat cushions once you remove the headrests

[@williambreeze2659]

This is a nice little suv!

[@mineralman_music]

amazing car

[@Frusie]

That’s real though, I literally never see these.

[@opentheozon3]

Worst thing about this vehicle “if your picking your nose in this car, you will be spotted” lol

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

Have one. Beast in winter snowy conditions. Have a clunking noise in front. Motor mounts ????

[@premonjares]

Possibly i bought one used 215k miles motor mount and suspension was shot Had to change most fluid replace thermostat and housing and fluah the cooling system. Its old but good daily drive.

[@premonjares]

Does it clunk when you shift to reverse or drive? Look under the car its pretty easy to see the motor mounts the one thata royal pain in the but is the one beheind yhe engine to change that one you littery have to almost remove the rack and pinion. The other 3 fairly strait forward . Been doing most work my self since its a simple engine. Happy wrenching or look around for a cheap quote.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Great info 👍

[@चेतन_महाराष्ट्र]

Great video

[@Urfacebreaksmirrors]

Love that rav4, just got one myself. Where’d you get those roof racks? Would love to get myself a set.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Hi, I picked those up used off Facebook marketplace. They are called sportrack. Enjoy your awesome rav4 👍👍

[@dronepilot1333]

Nice car

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thanks 👍🍺

[@rafaeldiaz8129]

Awesome video

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Thank you 👍🍺

[@rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr330]

I had an 04 with optional 2.4L from scion TC, 5speed awd. If I ever get another post refresh gen 2 i'll try to swap the trans from a 4.1 and do stuff to the engine. I've seen it done.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Hi, and thanks for the comment. I've seen that done as well. Would be nice to have that locking center diff on a gen 2 👍

[@brianlanglois4086]

I am the proud owner of a 1997 with 194K. I bought it seven years ago, paid 1600 hundred for it. This is one great little car .

[@arthur.counter]

is it fast?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

No, not fast at all lol

[@brianlanglois4086]

@@arthur.counter Fast is in eyes of the beholder. Mine is a five speed manual. First gear is rather low to get it moving, second and third are pepie. Overall it has enough power to keep up with traffic.

[@krisschofield3772]

I know exactly where that abandoned house is. Nice photo.

[@tobiasmendez4389]

Why did you delete your comment? You obviously had some issues with Isuzu and crossed it off the reliability list. I have watched other channels on YT and there are still some Isuzu Rodeo and some Troopers running without problems in the US, I think there are more units in the South. 300,000 km for a Trooper? it's a joke? It is impossible for them to last so little, some Trooper and pick-up diesel engines have reached a million km. The 3.1D were made with chrome cylinders and there are units with gear distributions (indestructible) and others with traditional rubber belts. Isuzu manufactures extremely durable products. Don't forget that Toyota also has its problems, both the 3VZ and the 5VZ-FE of the 4Runner had problems with the cylinder head gaskets, but of course, because it's Toyota, they won't send it to hell... you don't have to be hypocrites. There are no perfect engines, but the Japanese are the closest and Isuzu is one of the best Japanese manufacturers that exist, investigate.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Not in my opinion, and I've own 3 Isuzu SUVs. An Isuzu Rodeo, a 1st and 2nd gen Isuzu Trooper. I rarely see any of those models on the road today. After 60 or so vehicles that I have owned, they do not compare to the Toyota's that I have owned.

[@tobiasmendez4389]

No estoy de a acuerdo en lo que decís y pienso que sos un mentiroso. Lo único que querés hacer es embarrar la imágen de una excelente compañía japonesa, como es Isuzu.

[@tobiasmendez4389]

I translate it for you ice man. I don't agree with what you say and I think you are a liar, a fake. The only thing you want to do is tarnish the image of an excellent Japanese company, such as Isuzu.

[@tobiasmendez4389]

I translate it for you. I don't agree with what you say and I think you are a liar, a fake. The only thing you want to do is tarnish the image of an excellent Japanese company, such as Isuzu.

[@tobiasmendez4389]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle I translate it for you because you don't even bother to do it, damned mountain man.

[@KennyKnoxify]

These babies will not get stuck in snow if you try. Plus they drive like a car, unlike any other SUV I've driven. Low weight and fully independent suspension. Less body roll than you might assume. Horrible gas mileage, mine gets 22 mpg if you really try. One thing you didn't mention, if you recline the rear seats, slide the front seats all the way forward, you can remove headrests, then when fully reclined, the backs of the front seats will match up perfectly with rear seats. Excellent place to 😴 when camping or intoxicated lol

[@amandaeckle2807]

debating trading my 2013 subaru crosstrek xv with 151,000 miles for a 1999 rav 4 with 173,000 miles 5-speed manual..this video is making it more convincing. Mostly because the boxer engine has been giving me grief lately lol

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

Non interference engine which is great

[@perpetuals3lf]

Hey Jimmy, great video! This is my first vehicle purchase and I found it in a dealership in Squamish. I can't beleive the price you got yours for. Mine is a 2000 but ofcourse looks exactly the same. Wondering how many kms yours had when you purchased it? Mine is at 158K

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Hi and congrats 👏! Mine had 350k on it and now has 380k.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Looks like they still have your car listed. It looks very minty. Great find 👍👍

[@wagnermagalhaes00]

I'm considering buying one of these. Prices here in Brazil are more expensive than in Canada, but I think it's a good deal to get out of a gas-hungry Jeep Liberty and get into a Japanese car with a smoother engine. How about fuel consumption (hwy/cty)?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Lasts forever too. 33mpg

[@benrowland9271]

I have this same model, and color but the 5spd version. only 197k miles!

[@Sick_fontaX2]

per gli italiani che leggeranno, ne ho una del '96 in versione 3 porte ed è fantastica, la uso solo poche settimane l'anno ma mette sempre il sorriso

[@Violianom]

Where can I get one for that price? Here in Toronto the only ones are $7500 and $8500! They're all around 150,000km

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

150k is pretty low mileage gor a 25+ yo vehicle. No doubt pretty rusty if they're from Ontario.

[@RobertAnthonyMusic]

What was the mileage on it when you bought it?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Around 354,000 kilometres or 220,000 miles 👍

[@consuminglight]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle ok that explains the price, so it would be the same as in NZ.

[@jairoldi6258]

What happened to your Gen 2 Rav4?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

I sold it, I now own a 1st gen, 1999 vintage

[@RK-ny9xk]

Could you please tell me the part number of the O2 sensor??

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

There are 2, an upstream, and a downstream O2

[@RK-ny9xk]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle upstream one.

[@AlexanderCurtis1]

Whatever happened to your second gen rav4?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Hi, I sold it, and it's still running strong 💪

[@tobiasmendez4389]

Why do you say it was a mistake to have an Isuzu Rodeo? It is an excellent vehicle, I have a 2nd generation 1999 LSE full V6 3.2 aut. and it is a Japanese tank in Patagonia Argentina 🇦🇷. It is very beautiful, it competed in your country with the 3rd Gen. of 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Chevrolet Blazer, etc. and Rodeo beat them all in power and cargo space. Unfortunately Isuzu lowered its brand image by carrying out a Jointventure with GM, that is a mistake because we all know that GM products are junk. Isuzu is mainly dedicated to the heavy truck sector, it is very successful in that and in your country, since 1986 the Isuzu NPR is the best-selling light truck year after year. Isuzu is a better builder than Toyota, but it can't climb as high, because they have made mistakes more times than their Toyota compatriots.

[@astrumdeus7098]

Did you do all the work yourself? And if so, do you find these easy to work on?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

I sure do, easy to work on, and parts are available.

[@astrumdeus7098]

@JimmyMeatwhistle thank you for the response

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

Hmm so this has the same torsen AWD that the 4Runner Limited has, and a locker too wow that is a lot of capability in such a small and light vehicle. Definitely don't make em like that anymore.

[@nasioparamata969]

Hello! i'm in between a rav4 from 1998 or the second gen (Diesel) would you recommend me still 1 gen? Im gonna use it as a daily car. I would like to know how many L/100 does it consume!

[@evaneichmiller]

What brand snow tires do you have? Do you recommend them?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

I believe those are Cooper. Normally, I get studded snow tires. I have studded snow tires on the 4Runner

[@gen-zboomer]

One thing I'd like to say is that it seems to me that the CD player you have is much rarer than the cassette player. I don't know why.

[@ka509]

What would need to be done to completely remove the back seats and not just fold them up? Thx

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

It wouldn't take much, but you still would only have about five feet of length to the front seats

[@danielocholla2156]

What's the fuel consumption?

[@davidwayne9982]

I think the BEST---- are 2007 to 2012 (The V-6 version)... and i'm buying one soon-- and will modify it a little... and hopefully, I can find one GARAGE kept driven little with ZERO rust (like the one you have here ).. and I'm NOT concerned with price as long as it meets these conditions... I REALLY like that 50/50 split on the 4x4-- not sure about the 2012 I'm looking at.. hope it is, but I doubt it.

[@LoftT]

I am about to purchase a 1997 Rav4, looking almost like yours. It is automatic as well. It doesnt have cruis control unfortunately, however it has sunroof and these bags at the trunk door. It only has 55.000km as it was rarely driven my its previous owner. So I think it might me a bargain. Do you know if the automatic has a locking center diff at all? Or this is only in manual versions? Greetings from Greece!

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Wow, 55k, what a great find! And those rear storage bags are collectable, bonus. The auto tans version locks the front and rear automatically with a viscous coupler and does it at all speeds. The 5 speed has a locking button to lock front and rear 50/50 but can only do it low speeds. Buy that RAV4!

[@LoftT]

Thank you for your reply. This particular car was brought to Greece from US so it was mostly US spec car. Almost all of it's life it is kept in a closed garage at -1 floor of the building, so no direct sun and weather elements messed up with the car, so I guess it would be in a relatively good condition. The car was used once-twice a year for around 1.000km yearly for the last 15 years. Of course I guess a lot needs to be chacked, such as wires, tubes, etc, but I really am anxious about the possibility of buying it!

[@mtae5]

I just got a 97 automatic that goes forward great but slips in reverse. Is it worth fixing? Fluid didn't make any difference. It's otherwise great. 219k mi.

[@NateNoorulBN]

Could always try a lucus additive.

[@nerophine]

I just bought my 1996 3dr Rav4 4wd with a 3sfe auto, im about to toss in a newer 5sfe from the camry (3sfe-86x86 bore-stroke VS 5sfe 87x90) way earlier torque very minor hp bump but the early torque will help the 4wd :) and going up hills

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Congrats, and interesting. Is it a direct swap? I'd be interested in that. Have fun with that RAV4 👍🍻

[@nerophine]

there is some minor clearancing issues with the block ridges and 4wd transfer case/centerdiff not sure what u call it in your area, its pretty much the job for an angle grinder and litterally just shaving down some ribs so it fits, so nothing major im also gonna remove the 35lbs balancer shaft assembly under the 5sfe and bung the oil hole with either tapping a bolt up in there or welding it shut or something simple, should free up some hp/torque and gas mileage, i dont need a luxury car smoothness at the expense of oil pressure and gas mileage everything else is bolt up just swap over anything you might need like intake, exhaust/sensors etc for the 3sfe and it will be like u never swapped the motor but can turn over those big heavy wheels without much issues @@JimmyMeatwhistle

[@matthewgray3375]

The modern suzuki vitara with its 4wd system seem to go good for a modern 4wd

[@SamFBM]

love the look of these ones although 2nd gens come close

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Agreed 👍

[@dylangray6570]

I’m looking for roof racks for mine, any suggestions??

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

I picked up a set of Sport Rack roof racks for it for $150. The factory roof racks pop up on eBay now and then. But they're fairly expensive..

[@adamdaley8090]

Rad 1st gen! Love those things. Check out Rav4 GT4 on KZbin. Make your own sport SUV. Keep the steel rims but treat yourself to some nice bronze finish aftermarkets.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

It's a pretty cool engine swap for sure, and if this thing ever blows up, I will definitely do the engine swap.👍👌

[@alexlewis4782]

How much did it cost you to do all that work. I’m thinking of getting one that’s got 190,000 on it and I wanna run it through all that general maintenance but I’ll probably do it through a shop. Do you think that’s gonna be worth it?

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Hi Alex, I didn't do the timing belt, waterpump myself, so that cost around $1100 Canadian. These engines will go forever, but they are gutless. I think they look pretty cool and are awesome in the snow 👍👌

[@alexlewis4782]

@@JimmyMeatwhistle hmmm okay thanks, I live in a snowing place so that’s great to hear! I love how they look and I know the engines are simple and reliable so even though it’s got some miles I think I might go for it

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Go for it, you will not be disappointed! Especially when the snow flies 👍

[@vicp8772]

It's cool, like a Honda element

[@davidwayne9982]

With the 2012 I'm thinking of getting-- if it gets hit in the back-- I'm not going to worry about it-- just keep it for parts and buy another one!!! (IF , that is, I survive the accident).

[@truealchiemist]

There is no locking rear diff unless you are referring to the $1000 AER aftermarket locking diff. Torsen diff was available as an add on for the rear. There are two versions. Version one is prone to cracking, version two is much more solid and more common. No LSD was available for this vehicle. Torsen is similar but doesn't use clutches like a traditional LSD. Due to that, you do not need to use LSD specified oils in the diff. The 4 in the Rav4 means 4wd as it is classified as a 4wd vehicle by Toyota until the 4th gen where it was changed to a awd classification. Just some clarifications is all.

[@JimmyMeatwhistle]

Good info 👍

[@mileslipson2549]

Do you know how to tell if a 99 rav4 has the torsen diff and which version it is? Thanks