i'm looking into purchasing a RAV 4 for the old ball n chain.
She's always wanted one, so I'm on the look out.

Anyway I spotted one for a reasonable price (£2995).
1996TOYOTA RAV-4 GX LWB 5Dr,
N reg. dual fuel LPG, metallic blue, bull bars, tow bar, e/windows, c/locking, full MoT.

The vehicle has done 112,000 miles and the LPG unit is in the boot rather than under the vehicle itself.
So those are the 2 downsides to it.

First am I being too picky about the 112,000 miles on the clock for the price of the vehicle? I always think once a car has got over 100k on the clock you should steer clear.

Doea anyone know if these vehicle are robust enough to have at least a good 50k+ miles left in it?
Would the LPG tank in the boot put you off too?

My Mom had a Rav 4, it had a fair few miles. I personally dont look at mileage that much. 100 motorway miles is better 50 standard going to the shop miles. As long as the cars in good nick should be all that matters

Originally posted by DaBouncer
i'm looking into purchasing a RAV 4 for the old ball n chain.
She's always wanted one, so I'm on the look out.

Anyway I spotted one for a reasonable price (£2995).
1996TOYOTA RAV-4 GX LWB 5Dr,
N reg. dual fuel LPG, metallic blue, bull bars, tow bar, e/windows, c/locking, full MoT.

The vehicle has done 112,000 miles and the LPG unit is in the boot rather than under the vehicle itself.
So those are the 2 downsides to it.

First am I being too picky about the 112,000 miles on the clock for the price of the vehicle? I always think once a car has got over 100k on the clock you should steer clear.

Doea anyone know if these vehicle are robust enough to have at least a good 50k+ miles left in it?
Would the LPG tank in the boot put you off too?
I would check when the last timing belt was fitted. It should have been done at 110 000 or there abouts.

112000 is still not a bad mileage for any toyota and I have seen some with mileage over the 250000 mark and still in good condition.

Some things to check: Rust on and around the suspension springs.

THe LPG tank in the boot would not have been a manufacturers fitted tank.
Please check that the relevant safety certificate for the gas installation is available.

Bear in mind that if you do have a problem, Toyota spares are expensive.

I realise the LPG tank would have been fitted after the vehicle was made... I will find out if it has a certificate and if it was an approved fitter.

Would also be interested to know if it's a single point or multi point LPG fitting.

So the mileage wouldn't concern you so long as a timing belt was renewed at 110k miles and avoid rusty springs ;)

Not being a car expert I would need to take someone with me I reckon.

It's really the mileage more than anything putting me off... the car is reasonably cheap.

Originally posted by DaBouncer
I realise the LPG tank would have been fitted after the vehicle was made... I will find out if it has a certificate and if it was an approved fitter.

Would also be interested to know if it's a single point or multi point LPG fitting.

So the mileage wouldn't concern you so long as a timing belt was renewed at 110k miles and avoid rusty springs ;)

Not being a car expert I would need to take someone with me I reckon.

It's really the mileage more than anything putting me off... the car is reasonably cheap.
Best thing is to look at all the places you would normally not bother like the undercarriage and any tell tale signs of overpainting.

The springs are prone to moisture and so are also prone to failure due to rust.
Check bolts and nuts are still in a decent condition ie: Threads are not rusted so bad that the protruding threads have rotted away.

The timing belt should be changed every 55K to be on the safe side and on chain drive cams, every 70k should be checked for wear and adjustment.

You have not stated whether it has auto or manual transmission.
Either way....Take it for a test drive and check for any grinding or vibration when travelling in gear.
Try both directions and all gears.

Check the brake calipers for excessive rust and also the condition of the brake discs.....if the disks are ridged and are thin they will need replacement.

If auto transmission. Check the colour of the gearbox oil....It should be a dark brown/red colour and clear.
If it smells burned and very dark like a brown/black....Don't bother with it!

I had an older shape RAV, very reliable, but didn't like the brakes. They stop you, but you just have to hit them too damned hard! The new shape ones are much better for this and worth the extra money.

They are not cheap to run either, although I would hope the LPG conversion will help there.

Be cautious, a lot of owners have used them as GTIs and screwed the tits off the car. When I was test driving I came across some real sheds!

B

you've just missed a good one, sold mine only last week, RAV 4 Freesport, 42,000 miles.

i can highly recommend rav 4 - i had mine for three troublefree years, didn't cost me a penny for tests, only purchased two new tyres in that time. If i had to fault it, it would be fuel consumption which is a little heavy. I do prefer the old shape to the new shape.

I don't think high mileage is generally a problem with Toyota - they have got a good reputation.

Is it me or do the older models look like barbies car?

http://www.wisebuyers.co.uk/cars/300/Toyota/rav4old_1.jpg

i prefer the shape of the older model but I do think they are more of a ladies car.