Used Toyota RAV4 2006 - 2012 reliability review
Toyota’s third-generation RAV4 gained an excellent diesel engine and is fun to drive, but it doesn’t feel as sophisticated as rivals.
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What's the used Toyota RAV4 like?
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Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 11 June 2016
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What should I look for in a used Toyota RAV4?
The interior of the RAV4 feels well assembled, but some of the surfaces are made of a hard, scratchy plastics that can mark easily, so check the interior of any prospective purchase carefully to make sure it’s not been too badly abused.
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It’s also worth checking the underside of the car carefully, especially under the engine and the rear bumper, because the four-wheel drive system can tempt owners into trying to tackle ground that’s just too rough for the car, causing damage.
There’s an odd quirk where the rear boot door does not open fully on models with a spare wheel on the back. However, that can be fixed on the aftermarket by retrofitting the hinge mechanism from a higher-spec car.
There’s no warning light to let you know that the screen wash reservoir is running low, so the first you’ll know that it needs topping up is when it stops working.
What are the most common problems with a used Toyota RAV4?
Like pretty much all Toyotas, the RAV4 is generally pretty dependable, but there have been reports of issues with the gearbox. The shift quality was always quite stiff and notchy on all models, but we have heard of some being impossible to get into first or second gear.
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Elsewhere, door seals can let in water. It’s also not unknown for brake discs to warp, especially if the car has been used for heavy towing duties.
Is a used Toyota RAV4 reliable?
While some owners have complained about repeated issues, these seem to be isolated cases and, for the most part, the Toyota RAV4 is very reliable.
Clutches can be problematic, as can the exhaust gas recirculation valve on the diesel engines. Nevertheless, most parts will cover big mileages before they need replacing.
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About the writer
Name: Stuart Milne
Title: Digital editor
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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.
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