This 1996 Rav4 will survive the apocalypse!

the first gen rav4. 1996 toyota rav4 , 5 speed with awd. What a great little suv.

[@zachadsitt8045]

WOAH NELLY... Just to give everyone a heads up. RAV = Recreational Activity Vehicle I bought my first RAV4 from original owners and it came with all the paperwork. The front seats go all the way forward to the dash. The headrests get removed. Recline the front seats so they sit flush with the back seat bottom. Then recline the back seat all the way back. You now have yourself nearly a full size bed. I camped in mine in the mountains off grid for 2 solid weeks. Im 6'3 and 300+. Just find some memory foam that can cut to mattress size to even out the ridges and happy camping!!

[@watchwithgramdalf]

Omg thank you!

[@willmccoy76904]

I put a solar panel on my first gen 1, pulled the two back seats and lived in mine for a while too! They are way more off-road capable than the video implies

[@mrsparex]

Cool.... thanks for the advice

[@Shawtybackstage]

awesome. I'm looking at a 1999 with less then 100,000 miles right now for the primary goal of camping in it. Only thing is it's an automatic but still super psyched after seeing your comment.

[@joelove1987]

I screenshots this comment so I can try this in my 1997 Rav4. That's some ingenuity right there🤣🤣

[@airjordanian1989]

I just bought a 97, it has 45k miles! 5 speed with with sunroof cd and cassette. It's amazing

[@louisedemontigny5110]

Wow!!! Excellent!

[@alexbell8865]

Good find.

[@alfiesolomons9666]

who else has 1st gen rav4 but still watching this.

[@gilesflower]

'95 2-door.

[@russ9334]

96foure door red it’s good tool little bit oil leek at the moment I’ll get sorted be good for many more years

[@nicholasd2494]

Green 96 5 door with odometer at 425k daily driver, cross country trips no problem, ice cold air, solid runner never left me for dead love my rav4!!!

[@collinmcginley2033]

98 4door manual

[@ahighervibe4086]

Just bought a 99

[@robertspeer6872]

I had a 2000 RAV4, same generation as this, same hunter green color, also a 5 spd. Favorite car I've ever owned. That little car went anywhere. I used it for hiking and outdoor trips, it was small enough to fit on little fire roads deep in the woods here in Missouri and Arkansas and had enough ground clearance to get through a surprising amount of sketchy stuff. And it went like a go kart. Just fun. Got to 200k miles with nothing but timing belt and water pump changes every hundred thousand miles and then some jerk plowed into me at a stoplight. Car still ran after that but insurance totaled it. Miss that little thing every day. The back seats were useless, like he said the gas mileage wasn't great, it was noisy as heck on the highway because it wasn't really geared high enough for high speed cruising, but man it was fun.

[@Flohter]

I'm glad u said this because I currently have a 1999 rav4 with water pump issues and I was wondering if I should keep it or not

[@gangleweed]

@@Flohter Change the pump....

[@Klunkabatzn]

​@@Flohter haha 😂 how about you replace h²o pump with cambelt

[@Flohter]

@@Klunkabatzn wut

[@evaristo201011]

Got a 98 Rav 4 and it has +340,000 miles on it and still works like a dream. Really good car

[@romariohenry412]

Good to know. Im considering buying one.

[@slickstretch6391]

Yeah, I have a '98 with 280k. Purrs like a kitten.

[@MrRoundthetwist]

Auto or manual? I’m going to buy a 99 with 250k auto transmission in very good shape but I’d rather a manual tbh

[@slickstretch6391]

@@MrRoundthetwist Mine is an auto.

[@MrRoundthetwist]

@@slickstretch6391 right on.. I bought it today for 1500$ Canadian, exhaust is a bit loud will get that checked out, also the paint is old/worn will be getting it a fresh coat, will have the timing belt checked out also

[@gilesflower]

I have a '95 2-door RAV4. No power windows, no power door locks, no power mirrors, no airbags (which means an additional cup holder on top of the dash). A bit noisy on the highway in 2019. But I love it. Had it since near new, for almost 25 years.

[@Prowlerook]

that is awesome!!!

[@DjTspaRoLEoffIcER]

I have a ‘97 2 door. 130K and still running strong. 👍😎

[@louisedemontigny5110]

My little ‘97 red two door has 280,000 and still sounds good.

[@RocksandRescue]

here for this.. Mine is exactly this car with only 89k mileage on it. Bought it from the original owner, an old lady who maintained it pretty well.

[@VehicleHunter]

So jealous.

[@AFFMotorsport]

I have a 99 3 door model, owned it since new. Awesome car, has done 307,000k's, goes everywhere, roads, beach trips, off road, through the farm. About to put new brake rotors (original ones still on there), new pads and some new shocks and springs in it and away we go again.

[@vickierosemond9694]

Don't forget to check your timing belt.

[@Prowlerook]

@@vickierosemond9694 I had mine changed at 165K fella said..well it was not really that bad but now you can go another 200K

[@vd4534]

​@@vickierosemond9694 Dobrý den, prosím o odpověď: Jaká je spolehlivá životnost rozvodového řemene v ujetých kilometrech i v rocích? Někde jsem četl, že pri prasknutí rozvodového řemene nemůže dojít k poškození motoru. Písty se nepotkají s ventily. Je to pravda? Díky za odpověď. 🤩

[@killadeath565]

Take headrest off front seats slide them all the way forward and recline the seats up front all the way down and you can sleep in it fairly comfortably

[@1dowmnnn5uppp87]

Cars from the 90s are built to last forever

[@jamesbayliss31]

And 80s apart from not being dipped and rusting

[@reach831]

You can definitely take this off road. I used to take mine through the Big Sur mountains all the time!

[@alexvelazquez8514]

About to go buy one now and your comment just make me want it more huge big sur fan and thinking on taking this gal

[@digbiggbyflackbock7472]

My mums had a ‘96 for probably 12-13 years now. They are seriously cool & under rated little cars. It’s nearly 300,000km & is still going hard.

[@jovotronic]

One of those storage compartments was supposed to hold the factory jack that came with the vehicle. We had one for 19 years before we sold it, and it is still on the road!

[@balemohamad6135]

Just bought a 96 rav a week ago...still cant believe it's a 25 yo car!

[@danielgalibov1978]

How is it now? Can you give an update on your experience? I’m thinking about buying

[@balemohamad6135]

@@danielgalibov1978 I bought it for family weekend use..I love the simplicity and reliability..apart from the gas mileage this car ticks all the boxes of a perfect fist car...trust me you will not regret buying it

[@kais2345]

@@danielgalibov1978 Currently thinking of buying as a first car, will likely be on the lot to have a look in a couple of days.

[@PatrickRich]

I had a 96 rav4 5 speed in metalic green. I miss it still. full of character.

[@swlancaster1964]

This was the best one. Stick is fun. Seats comfortable. Surprisingly good ride, quiet too. I loved the interior.

[@johnbeltran8188]

330k miles still running strong

[@Tahara-Aichi]

Same mileage here

[@wendyeesue]

One cup holder is all you need...this was an excellent video for me..thanks

[@atticstattic]

"Whimsical-looking" very apt description...

[@miriamvivo4279]

I have a 1999 toyota rav 4d with 245,000 miles very reliable and big plus non interference engine. Timing belt broke twice . No damage to engine. 1st time toyota dealership in milford ct repaired it. Water pump siezed. 2nd time skipped belt teeth broken on belt . I replaced with gates timing kit from rock auto. My other vehicle is a 1995 honda odyssey ex with near 300,000 miles .

[@williamperri3437]

What about these transmissions? I’ve heard lots of transmission problems and head gasket issues. The thing is I think most of the transmission issues are just the ECU module going and that’s a one to $300 fix. I test drove one that was immaculate last night with 266,000 and I’m test driving one tomorrow with 170,000. I’m very happy you reminded me that they have non-interference motors. I had a timing belt go on my Subaru 2.2 motor and zero issues due to it being non-interference.

[@cabinrentallady903]

My 98 Rav 4 actually does great on the 3 miles of dirt road to my cabin at 8000 ft. with blizzak snow tires it is pretty fantastic in the snow, much better than my 4WD Ford truck. It's a nimble little mule.

[@v-vthe3602]

Toyota рулит!

[@ckm554]

is yours awd?

[@richardhousejr.7016]

A great vehicle, I drive a 97 4 door, love it

[@devinrogers6877]

My dad just bought the identical RAV4 same color and ❤️ 😍 it ...great review 👍 👌

[@EcBuddy123]

A Honda Element compares to the rav4.2 I would say. I have a rav 4.2 that has over 200k miles. Driving me up the wall with a small issue but I know once that's fixed it'll last another long while

[@notmebutyou8350]

I love these original "RAVI's." That's what made me fall in love with them. I think they are really cute. My first vehicle was a 2017 RAV4, and now I have the 2024 model.. I love my "RAVI." They sure have come a long way! 🙂

[@J354CAO]

My daily drive here in NZ is my 94 swb .. still going strong almost 30 years old .. takes us on the beach and in the bush and I often snatch other Utes out the sand with it .. great cars and will go where a lot of these lifted pavement princesses fear to tread ... I'll lift mine one day and fit a winch

[@abrahamlopez9311]

I’m still driving 1996 Rav4 our friend gived to us a gift and only 138k miles on it just changed the whole timing belt kit ,struts, both front axle,spark plugs and wires,fuel filter,transmission fluid,thermostat.Accessories fog lights,window vent visor,spoiler with led stop light and a roof basket.Still running great!!!

[@300blkaac]

Planning on buying an identical to yours here soon, such a practical car

[@fahimadhiambo5782]

Same here....am in Africa. It cost 3000 USD..is it a good deal?

[@anparaaa]

I have this rav4 and watching it here..feels good 👍

[@thebipolarbear1]

These are awesome just got one myself it's incredible. I was going to make it a apocalypse vehicle put different lights on it and a snorkel for going in deep puddles. RAV is sweet and extremely reliable. I have 140k on it and it runs like new this will definitely hit 300k if maintained

[@VehicleHunter]

This was pre pandemic, but no that i think about it. I should have kept it as a bug out vehicle.

[@williamperri3437]

Did yours have any transmission or head gasket issues?

[@SERGUMUM]

You can go off road with that Rav4. Mountain dirty roads are ok for this car, certainly it is not a pure off roader but the awd is capable to go around out of tounds and it goes very well in the toad and motorway. Very happy with mine. I use in my farm. One of the best buys I have made. 1990’s Toyotas are best ever made cars.

[@jpesonen1995]

It's tons of fun to drive it in snow!

[@reynaldoflores4522]

I have a '97 model with 3 doors. It's a cute, fun little toy car !

[@vivienneschnell4717]

got one for my daughter, its great. Love it.

[@williamperri3437]

1st gen? Transmission and HG all good?

[@jlc7300]

I just bought a 99 rav, 140k miles, runs good, one owner, garage kept, the chassis is starting to show light rust but I am going to buy special undercoating from Eastwood to take care of that.

[@garyoak317]

jlc7300 Do you have a mechanic apply it?

[@jlc7300]

I am going to do it myself, it is a 2 step application, have seen it done before, works out well.

[@Prowlerook]

My 99 has severe rust and its impacting the support near springs. Gas tank strap broke last month it was being ground down by rear shaft heading home. Rust is trying to take her down but sad part is engine is great still and she has no major issues :(

[@jlc7300]

@@Prowlerook take it to a welding shop and have it repaired, you would be surprised what a GOOD welder and fabricator can do. How many miles does it have??

[@rhysbertrand8903]

i recon the 1998/ gen 1 face lift is the best looking one. i also happen to own that particular mode haha. 280'000km on her and going strong

[@wickedmuffin76]

I have a '99 AWD/automatic with 182k (I think) miles, bought it new, has never left me stranded except twice when the battery died (original battery died around 4 years, the other one that died was 7-8 years old). The engine and trans have never been opened, the transfer case was replaced under warranty at about 49000 miles, because the dealer failed to reinstall the drain plug during a service and it ran dry. I recently got a 2019 Tacoma to take over as my DD, but I kept the RAV and intend to fix it up.

[@ignacioanaya3403]

I just rebuilt the engine on my (myself) and I can say it will last forever as a reliable and comfortable transportation

[@williamperri3437]

Did the head gasket go? Transmission?

[@deopersad2915]

Im working on my 1996 Toyota Rav4, they are pain to work on the engine ☹ but when going it's good, 👍🏻

[@jhonnyluciano8685]

I just bought a ‘99 FWD 5 Speed same color. I wish it was AWD but it’s still fun to drive.

[@pirihern9329]

I agree. I have a 1999 toyota rav 4door easy to work on. Although not that great on gas. Mine has 250,000 miles

[@Denali_Rebel]

Piri Hern my 99 manual 4x4 4door has 250K on it and I get 22 mpg. That is 100% city and very spirited driving.

[@weeb121]

Right on man thanks this was nice 😊

[@morgannield5996]

I'm buying a 2000 tomorrow with 150,000 miles on it. One of 5 within a 200 mile radius of me with a manual transmission.

[@VehicleHunter]

Can't go wrong with it

[@williamperri3437]

Head gasket ever go on you?

[@Stevie6636]

Lucky you. I don’t have a proper console in the middle. That’s going to change real quick. I have the 1998 auto. Bought it secondhand four years ago for $3.000 Aus and now going to convert it into a camper / home until I can save for a Toyota Coaster which will serve as my permanent home on wheels. The old RAV4’s. Win hands down. Mag wheels can save on fuel. Which I’ll soon be changing over to. I have removed the back seats and will make a ply platform for a fold down bed couch. I’ve seen videos on KZbin of people actually living out of these vehicles and they’re pretty groove. I have the steering on the right side and I have the wind up windows.

[@Klunkabatzn]

I bought a 3door 2000 model yesterday which was actually built in nov'99. It's the 3S-FE model. Awd and manual hope it will be around 4a while...😅

[@williamperri3437]

Any transmission or head gasket issues?

[@isaaczafuto9949]

Waiting for my JDM manual 96 rav 4x4 long model. Should be here today. 61k miles from 1 Japanese owner. Its going to live its life here in America as a rural postal vehicle.

[@kelvingrandes4497]

I agree this RAV4 are way better then the new ones. The new ones is just looks my friend has 2021 and giving him problems because the stupid electric sensors it has but the old one is the best model

[@coryjack1574]

I got one exactly the same and still going

[@alonguanama]

I have a 98' soft top ❤️ and a 99' 4 door ;))

[@jamesfatula5824]

i have same 1st generation 00’ rav4 4dr 4wd with 240 k mile on runs good but be warned about front crossmember and control arm excessive rusting on right side including frame rail where front crossmember meets frame also front big bolt snapped off

[@hyena-chase2176]

great vid ta mate

[@Woodyrulez22]

I have the 2001 rav4.2 gasoline 150cv AWD.. inly 150k km… I personal belive it is a car that will last forever..It looks brandnew..

[@megaminddr4593]

my dad still drives 1999 2door LPG 4wd manual with 350'000km

[@eightyseveneightyfive6280]

Just bought a fwd 2door with 80k original miles. Amazing vehicle to compliment my ae86 haha

[@Denali_Rebel]

You know the seats on the first gen Rav turn into a bed right? Remove the headrests and it lays almost perfectly flat

[@Prowlerook]

I pulled 99 rear seats out

[@Denali_Rebel]

@@Prowlerook well then it won’t work for you

[@bigfootbushcraft2261]

Front or back?

[@Denali_Rebel]

@@bigfootbushcraft2261 front seats.

[@KaijuFenrir]

I've got a 97 Rav4. Got hit by a truck, but we put it back together. 5spd. Odo gave out at 292k lmao. No power windows haha. Gonna have to replace the radio unit since it's been wonky after the accident. Putting the insurance back on it and gonna take it for a drive. Just had it repainted. OH! I actually still have the original manuals and even the window sticker for it :D

[@vd4534]

Dobrý den vážený pane. Mohl bych Vás poprosit o zaslání ofocených originálních návodů k Rav4. Koupil jsem letos Rav4 1.g. 1995 se 125000 km. Děkuji za odpověď a jsem s pozdravem. ([e-mail])

[@zephyr707]

which gen rav4 is the best for off road? first gen has better clearance, but i’ve read second gen is better at traction even with first gen mechanical c diff lock

[@futureBLESS]

335,000 miles on my 99. Looking to redo the suspension and get some wider wheels

[@joelove1987]

That's impressive! I have a 97 that's about to turn 206k & still runs pretty good. Needs a new rear exhaust pipe ut other than that best $900 I spent

[@MrRoundthetwist]

@@joelove1987 right on! I’m buying a 99 auto rav4 w 250k Kms .. 1500$ Canadian, plan on getting a lift kit installed and new paint

[@williamperri3437]

Ever have to rebuild the transmission or do a head gasket?

[@gelther1]

I just bought 1 it’s a 96 manual it’s get a few things to fix

[@liamcushing1092]

I have a '98 JDM Rav4 on the way from Japan right now with only 57,000km!

[@Prowlerook]

What engine oils do you like? I live in North Country USA cold and hot so I use synthetic

[@alanramos1819]

I just got one I’m happy 😃

[@richieortiz86]

Great Car

[@brilliantnicholous9154]

thanks bro

[@almc-wi5vo]

You are oh so right.

[@papasaid7240]

2000 rav 4 240000 miles and still going

[@williamperri3437]

Ever any head gasket or transmission issues?

[@gilespeche6025]

Trust me, this baby DO off road

[@10cpaul]

Made a 2 door version was great.

[@VehicleHunter]

I'd probably like that version a bit more. They also have a 2door convertible version.

[@10cpaul]

@@VehicleHunter have a neighbor that has one..

[@VehicleHunter]

@@10cpaul Does he want to sell it?

[@jamesbayliss31]

I just bought a 98 2 door rav4 for $900 with an overheated motor that's being rebuilt, but it is a 4th gen 3sge

[@pirihern9329]

Been looking for the oem roof rails. Hard to find with keys for 100 dollars

[@collinmcginley2033]

Piri Hern I have the Thule one and it works great/ maybe better

[@iliaspantazis6540]

Mine is 286k already hehe, still going strong

[@MrRafarivera]

i had a dream about this car, and now i want one, wtf is this some kind of 90s toyota marketing trick i got a corolla a couple years ago and still drive it similar color 5 speed too, i doordash on it most useful car ive ever owned

[@georgekimathi6464]

I have one like this. There are 2 buttons there.. PWR and MAN..what are they for?

[@Klassyladyk]

I have the same identical truck. I stop driving it 10 yrs ago with it only needing valve cover gaskets because mechanic who put timing belt in it had someone else working on it and they didn't put the stuff back together on it and it started leaking oil really bad. I'm trying to get it fixed nobody wants to fix it. It only has 143k miles

[@meganmarts5769]

Mine has 350,000! I hope I can get her to 400,000!

[@williamperri3437]

Head gasket or transmission issue ever? Have you changed the transmission fluid and radiator fluid?

[@420BLUNTLEY]

Mine is running on the colder side. I’m thinking it’s the thermostat. Any idea?

[@iote18]

Pls, tell me how to change the cabin air filter

[@mrsparex]

Buying one in the morning... Right hand drive with 78,000 miles

[@VehicleHunter]

Damn where did you find that?

[@mrsparex]

@@VehicleHunter Duncan Imports in Christiansburg Virginia. It's still on their site.... $10,900 wine color

[@mrsparex]

@@VehicleHunter Very nice guys.... It looks like a new one! I needed something to deliver mail with. I know it's probably too much $$$ but should last me another 100,000 plus miles easy.

[@samkurts1236]

I live in sparrows point Maryland and own a 5 inch lifted Toyota 4Runner on 33s

[@VehicleHunter]

I'd like to do a video on that

[@whoshotsamo]

what 4runner or tundra cost as much as a 97 rav???

[@xayalababayeva6133]

Hello. I have Toyota Rav4 1996, and my car stops suddendenly while staying in the traffic light. What can I do? Could you help me, please ?

[@JMANJMANJMANJMANJMAN]

You can fit a 6ft man in there to car camp if you take out the seats. Personal experience.

[@louisedemontigny5110]

Leave them in, fold them down like they were ment to be!

[@ElMateussk8]

Him: your not going off road in this vehicle Me:but ive been offroading my 1996 rav4

[@MrMulan58]

I still have change in my cupholder 😁

[@skyhook344]

I Have a 1997 with 75K, 4x4 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 4 dr excellent condition.........owner it since 2013.. $9800

[@bengarcia3063]

Just picked a green 97 off my grandma for $100 and a #2 cheeseburger combo from in n out burger.

[@Mr2pint]

I drove around New Zealand in one of these way back in 98 with 4 other people in the car. It performed great although the brakes when fully loaded were quite dangerous but then so we're most other vehicles in that time.

[@wandreslopez30]

Does this gen of the RAV 4 has timing belt ir chain? Thanks.

[@officerrivera23]

Timing Belt.. and what I like about it Most is that its non-interference motor.

[@davefrey5998]

Your rav4 needs a tune up ,my 97 rav gets 30 -31 miles per gal..a new fuel filter would be a good idea too !!! Mine also is a standard tran. One difference is mine is just 2 wheal drive!!

[@wickedmuffin76]

99 AWD/auto, I get 22-25mpg in mostly city driving

[@adrianiii3125]

Howwwwww... 2nd owner of rav4 '99 but only runs 12miles per gal... 😫 😭

[@Denali_Rebel]

30 would be great. I get 22 with all city driving.

[@adrianiii3125]

@@Denali_Rebel 22 already is decent, imagine 12mpg at city driving

[@Denali_Rebel]

Adrian III no doubt. I’m not complaining. With how I drive I’m happy to get above 15

[@alanmonteverdi9127]

I have a 1996 rav 4 with 125k miles

[@briantgomz9846]

great car but fuel consumption seems to be a problem esp if u got stuck in a traffic..

[@thenewtoton40]

solid lifters is the only real downside to the engine for longevity atleast dont go tolong without having them adjusted

[@sahiny8818]

Is this a 4wd?

[@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.

[@Prowlerook]

depends..gotta ask questions make sure the engine has been cared for

[@kobyward2599]

They make it to 500 thousand

[@Illwriteitcom]

bullshit.

[@alonguanama]

Wow, I believe you. After all it's a Toyota!

[@konradsudyka4829]

@@Illwriteitcom mine has 380k

[@Prowlerook]

@@Illwriteitcom Dude I know someone with OVER 500K and sold the damn thing its still driving!

[@Illwriteitcom]

@@Prowlerook Wow, someone finds one car that goes that far so they all must go that far. Try driving one in a mans climate, like the north east, and tell me what the cheap sub frame looks like after about 10 years.

[@ralphvalkenhoff2887]

My 2000 RAV4 has over 230k and keeps going strong.

[@s.c8554]

I live in Australia and here's pretty much 90% toyota cars , everything else is considered pieces of junk anyway i had one of this 96 manual with sunroof bought at 270.000 and sold at 320.000. Was still going strong and very surprised how well was doing on soft sand . Places where I've got stuck with a jeep grand cherokee 4.7 v 8 with the rav 4 i went trough. The problem was that was very thirsty on fuel and also burning oil . 350 max 400 kms with a full tank. And i was constantly adding oil ,but I'm sure it could keep going at least an other hundred thousand kms. Inside everything was working, aircon radio immobiliser, everything from factory.

[@godzillas6301]

Ours is at 79,000 after 26 years . Body is 99.5% rust free . Engines a 3s-ge and perfect . Bit of rot under it as to be expected after a quater of a century but only surface . Presently trapped in UK lockdown and its getting a treat . Springs , dampers , anti roll bar bushes , tyres , brakes and diff bushes all in the post and to be fitted to make as wonderful as we think it is . Oddly anyone who drives it falls in love . Got to love that from any car .

[@samamajalal5165]

I have same this car in Pakistan 🇵🇰

[@asensibleyoungman2978]

3:50 The new Rav4 gets around 30mpg whereas the old one gets only 20mpg. True but dial in the monthly repayment cost on a new Rav4. I'd rather pay cash for an old one, pay more in fuel but have no car loan bills.

[@joshuabaker6013]

Has this little Rav4 survived the pandemic

[@Prowlerook]

Mine is delivery for a covid19 nurse