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Post by eebud on May 26, 2015 3:31:37 GMT
Update: Well, after test driving the Honda CRV, I decided that was the vehicle for me. It has more get up and go than the RAV4 had with more horsepower. It also gets about 5 mpg more than the RAV4. That is HUGE. The price is about the same but I ended up going to one with lots of bells and whistles so I am paying a few thousand more than I would have paid if I had bought the RAV4. I don't have it yet. We have agreed on a deal but they have to get one from another dealership. I wanted White with the tan interior. They had one with black interior. I live in Texas. It gets HOT. I didn't really want black. They tried to sweeten the deal for me to take the black interior but I decided that for a few hundred dollars on a vehicle that I plan to keep for 10-15 years, I wanted the color I wanted. Assuming that all goes well when they bring in the vehicle from another dealership, I should be driving a new Honda CRV tonight or tomorrow (probably tomorrow). ...............I have to say that I kind of laugh at the games dealerships will play. They wanted me to leave my trade right then and they would put in a CRV until they had mine. I told them No. I am NOT leaving my trade until I see the vehicle I am buying. I also have no interest in driving a vehicle that isn't mine and I have not signed papers and let you get rid of my trade. I'll hang on to my vehicle until this is a done deal.
OP:
I am considering buying a Toyota RAV4 XLE. I would love to get some first hand comments about it. What do you like? What do you not like? I am looking at a new 2015.
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Deleted
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Oct 7, 2024 15:15:41 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2015 4:38:37 GMT
All I could tell you is that my sister had one since they came out and she LOVES hers! I think this is her 2nd one. They handle very well and are roomy enough. Good visibility. Good in the snow and ice.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 7, 2024 15:15:41 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2015 4:42:29 GMT
I had one as a rental car for a few days recently and man, was I happy to turn that thing in. I didn't care for how it handled and the acceleration was laggy. For a small SUV, I would have expected it to be more nimble and peppier. And road noise was terrible.
I know a lot of people love them - heck my parents have an older one and they love it - but I wasn't a fan.
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Post by lucyg on May 26, 2015 7:42:00 GMT
Not much help for you, but I had an early RAV4 (a '97) and I really loved that thing. When my Lexus dies, I'm going back to RAV4. But I'm a Toyota gal through and through.
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camcas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,112 
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Post by camcas on May 26, 2015 8:15:42 GMT
I have one...and is very roomy. I am a basketball mum and transport my DS and his mates ( all over 6 feet tall ) with plenty of room!!
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sarahruby
Full Member
Posts: 311
Jul 1, 2014 0:40:17 GMT
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Post by sarahruby on May 26, 2015 9:52:55 GMT
We recently traded in our Escape for a Rav4. We love it!!! We don't drive it a lot tho - I mostly drive my Corolla to work, my husband has a company work truck. We have our trailblazer ( love that for my beach trips  ), and the RAV. We like to have 3 vehicles. I do miss my Escape tho - can't lie. It was my first manual transmission, wasn't quite ready to give it up. But the Escape had other ideas. Died on us in March, auto body shop couldn't fix it. I will be driving the RAV4 when it snows, that's for sure. Our trailblazer sucks in bad weather. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 7, 2024 15:15:41 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2015 10:20:30 GMT
I love mine. It's an 2008 limited. The only thing I'm not a fan of is the way the rear door opens (swings open sideways, not up). However, I believe the new ones open up, not out. I will get another one.
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Gravity
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,233
Jun 27, 2014 0:29:55 GMT
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Post by Gravity on May 26, 2015 14:18:52 GMT
I have a 2009 Limited. I love it and would buy another one in a heartbeat. I plan to drive this one until it croaks. As for the road noise mentioned by another poster, that is often related to the specific tires on the vehicle more than the vehicle itself.
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Post by eebud on May 26, 2015 14:40:51 GMT
I appreciate all of the feedback. I am currently driving a Trailblazer. It is not very quiet so there is a good possibility, I wouldn't even notice if road noise was an issue. LOL I test drove one yesterday and it didn't have quite the pick-up that I prefer in a vehicle. However, it was enough to get me on the interstates and major highways safely. The RAV4 only has one engine option so I can't upgrade to a more powerful engine. Also, this time around, I am hoping to improve my gas mileage quite a bit. I have also been looking at the Ford Edge. It is larger and the gas mileage is rated not much more than what I get right now. I am currently only getting just over 15 in my Trailblazer. The Edge is rated something like 18/21 (or close to that). DH and I are both replacing our vehicles so that we can pay on them for a few years and still have lots of life left in them once they are paid for. We are both hoping to cut way back work wise in about 5 years so we want paid for vehicles that are not about to die on us.
Also, I had the salesman send me information on the XLE and on a Limited. I was comparing the options on the Limited and most of the extra was stuff I don't care about like heated seats. I live in Texas. I don't have a lot of use for heated seats. Now, seats that were air conditioned I would consider. LOL Anyway, the LXE had everything I cared about so I think I would be good with it. Other vehicles that I might take a closer look at and test drive before I buy anything:
Honda CRV
Ford Edge (I didn't get to test drive and I think I still want to even with the gas mileage)
Hyundai Santa Fe or Tucson
And last, I want a vehicle that is comfortable to drive and is reliable with a few features that are pretty much standard in most vehicles these days. I am not interested in spending a small fortune on a car. Luxury cars are awesome but for me, a car is something to get me from point A to point B safely and reliably. Also, I do not want a car. I want something that sits slightly higher than most cars do so I will end up with some kind of SUV or Crossover type vehicle.
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Post by eebud on May 26, 2015 14:42:42 GMT
I love mine. It's an 2008 limited. The only thing I'm not a fan of is the way the rear door opens (swings open sideways, not up). However, I believe the new ones open up, not out. I will get another one. It does swing up now. The tire is no longer on the backend. That is probably why they used to swing out. |
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Post by lucyg on May 26, 2015 14:57:09 GMT
You might also want to look at the new (ish) Subaru Crosstrek. Really cute, outdoorsy, small SUV, and Subaru is awesome for reliability and longevity. I don't know about small luxuries, though. When I bought my '97 RAV4, it didn't come with a driver-side vanity mirror, only a passenger-side one. I was so annoyed. Like they thought men were going to drive that cute, girly car?? I noticed they quickly added one, though.  |
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k8scraps
Junior Member
Posts: 83
Location: The Beautiful Berkshires
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Post by k8scraps on May 26, 2015 15:54:15 GMT
On my 2nd one. Had the first one for 10 years, well over 200,000 miles. Loved it so much I didn't even consider anything else when it was time for another car. Both were low miles used. The new one is a 2012 - and it's much larger than the 2001 that I previously had.
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Post by paperaddictedpea on May 26, 2015 15:57:37 GMT
I'm driving a 2014 and love it - I'll definitely lease or buy another when the lease on the current one is up.
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Gravity
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,233
Jun 27, 2014 0:29:55 GMT
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Post by Gravity on May 26, 2015 16:05:34 GMT
eebud, I live in DFW. I love the heated seats in the winter. I agree that air conditioned seats would be great in the summer.
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SweetieBsMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,749
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Post by SweetieBsMom on May 26, 2015 16:09:36 GMT
I love mine. It's an 2008 limited. The only thing I'm not a fan of is the way the rear door opens (swings open sideways, not up). However, I believe the new ones open up, not out. I will get another one. This is why my sister doesn't like hers. She had a Santa Fe before and LOVED that car. She got the Rav4 and all she does is complain about the damn rear door. I told her "you test drove it, the door was there, it didn't change after you bought the car!"  |
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Montannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,486
Location: Big Sky Country
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Post by Montannie on May 26, 2015 17:20:52 GMT
Just totaled my Rav4 last week. Roll cage, seat belts and side airbags worked great!
I do plan on getting another one; the new ones have rear door lift up, not out. I had a 4-cyl. and the acceleration is slow; I may upgrade to V-6.
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Post by scrappersue on May 26, 2015 17:47:07 GMT
My mom drives a RAV4 and LOVES it. I love to drive it when she comes to visit it has so much get-up-and-go! We are a Toyota family so there are 5 RAV4s in our family - 3 Uncles, 2 cousins. My daughter is always trying to talk grandma into getting a new car so she can have her RAV4 - not going to happen.
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Post by compwalla on May 26, 2015 17:54:43 GMT
My husband drives one and he loves it. I don't. It's too loud on the road for me, I don't like the configuration of the visors and mirror, and it rides stiffer than I like. But I'm kind of rotten as I drive an older Lexus sedan that's quiet as a tomb and drives like butter. A RAV (or any SUV really) is just really not the kind of car I like to drive. But the RAV does get decent gas mileage and Toyotas are very reliable. That's mostly what my husband cares about.
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Sue
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,240
Location: SE of Portland, Oregon
Member is Online
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Post by Sue on May 26, 2015 18:19:44 GMT
We bought our RAV4 new in 2007 and it's been the most reliable car we've ever owned. (Knock on wood.) My only complaint would be the rear visibility when I'm backing up. Wish the side posts were a bit smaller so I could see a little better although it's really not a terrible situation. We would definitely buy one again. I like the fact that I don't have to "crawl" out of it because it's so low, nor do I have to hoist myself up because it's so high. Gas mileage is good and it's certainly peppy enough for this grandma!
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uksue
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,531
Location: London
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Post by uksue on May 26, 2015 18:24:13 GMT
I currently have a Mini and love it, however if I was going for a bigger car it would be a Rav4- love them!
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Post by eebud on May 26, 2015 19:29:45 GMT
Just totaled my Rav4 last week. Roll cage, seat belts and side airbags worked great! I do plan on getting another one; the new ones have rear door lift up, not out. I had a 4-cyl. and the acceleration is slow; I may upgrade to V-6. If you want another RAV4, you can't upgrade to a v6. There is only one engine option. |
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Post by eebud on May 26, 2015 19:31:03 GMT
We bought our RAV4 new in 2007 and it's been the most reliable car we've ever owned. (Knock on wood.) My only complaint would be the rear visibility when I'm backing up. Wish the side posts were a bit smaller so I could see a little better although it's really not a terrible situation. We would definitely buy one again. I like the fact that I don't have to "crawl" out of it because it's so low, nor do I have to hoist myself up because it's so high. Gas mileage is good and it's certainly peppy enough for this grandma! All of the RAV4s today have backup cameras. That should help with what you can or can't see. |
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Post by eebud on May 26, 2015 19:33:46 GMT
eebud, I live in DFW. I love the heated seats in the winter. I agree that air conditioned seats would be great in the summer. Have I met you at a pea lunch? Lol. |
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Post by compwalla on May 26, 2015 19:34:58 GMT
We bought our RAV4 new in 2007 and it's been the most reliable car we've ever owned. (Knock on wood.) My only complaint would be the rear visibility when I'm backing up. Wish the side posts were a bit smaller so I could see a little better although it's really not a terrible situation. We would definitely buy one again. I like the fact that I don't have to "crawl" out of it because it's so low, nor do I have to hoist myself up because it's so high. Gas mileage is good and it's certainly peppy enough for this grandma! All of the RAV4s today have backup cameras. That should help with what you can or can't see. Except if you're using the visor which completely covers the bit in the rearview mirror with the backup camera screen in it. Useless.  |
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Post by lovetodigi on May 26, 2015 19:46:13 GMT
You might want to check out the Honda CRV EX and EXL too. I love Toyota and had planned to get a Rav 4 when I traded in my Camry, but decided in the end, to get a 2015 CRV and I love it. It was chosen as one of the magazines, (Motor Trend or Consumer Reports, etc) small SUV of the year fo2015. Which ever you choose, I am sure that you will love it. ETA: My insurance difference for the CRV over my 2002 Camry was just $13 more a month. Great rate. The back up camera and side view camera are fantastic. The screen is built into the dash. I think that the lower rate is because of all of the saftey features built in. The insurance for the 2015 CRV for us, is cheaper than the insurance for the 2010 Honda Fit that we have. Oh, and if you are a member of Costco, you can save a ton of money when buying your new vehicle. One more thing. I have had my CRV since Mothers Day weekend, made a trip to Alabama, Tennessee, and east Georgia from North Georgia. We are averaging 30.3 miles per gallon. It keeps track of that for you and displays it on one of the two display screens. Lots of geeky stuff built in.  ? |
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Post by stefdesign on May 26, 2015 20:49:55 GMT
I have a 2009 Limited. I love it and would buy another one in a heartbeat. I plan to drive this one until it croaks. As for the road noise mentioned by another poster, that is often related to the specific tires on the vehicle more than the vehicle itself. I can attest to this- we just got new tires on our 2008, and the road noise dropped considerably! We love ours, the back door doesn't bother me at all, but I don't open it all that much. I am one who likes the tire on the back, spares take up so much room, it's nice to use that space for storage. I'd get another one in a heartbeat too! |
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Post by eebud on May 26, 2015 21:09:19 GMT
All of the RAV4s today have backup cameras. That should help with what you can or can't see. Except if you're using the visor which completely covers the bit in the rearview mirror with the backup camera screen in it. Useless. LOL The ones I test drove didn't have the backup camera in the rearview mirror. It was down lower. Here's a link where you can see the screen between two a/c vents. You have to scroll down to it. 2015 RAV4 |
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Post by eebud on May 26, 2015 21:18:13 GMT
You might want to check out the Honda CRV EX and EXL too. I love Toyota and had planned to get a Rav 4 when I traded in my Camry, but decided in the end, to get a 2015 CRV and I love it. It was chosen as one of the magazines, (Motor Trend or Consumer Reports, etc) small SUV of the year fo2015. Which ever you choose, I am sure that you will love it. ETA: My insurance difference for the CRV over my 2002 Camry was just $13 more a month. Great rate. The back up camera and side view camera are fantastic. The screen is built into the dash. I think that the lower rate is because of all of the saftey features built in. The insurance for the 2015 CRV for us, is cheaper than the insurance for the 2010 Honda Fit that we have. Oh, and if you are a member of Costco, you can save a ton of money when buying your new vehicle. One more thing. I have had my CRV since Mothers Day weekend, made a trip to Alabama, Tennessee, and east Georgia from North Georgia. We are averaging 30.3 miles per gallon. It keeps track of that for you and displays it on one of the two display screens. Lots of geeky stuff built in. ? CRV is definitely on my list too. In fact, I test drove one today. I think I like it better than the RAV4. Now I need to look around and see if I can find one that is a price I am willing to pay. I really don't like all of the add-ons that the dealer puts on the vehicles. Most of the time, they are things I really don't care about. I would rather have one straight for the factory and let me choose if I want any add-ons. This dealer had $3,260 of add-ons. Out of those, there are $990 that I might have chosen on my own. Also, I am trying to use the Costco program. I asked if I could get a vehicle when it comes in and before they add all the crap and he told me no. I have another dealership that I am going to check out that is also part of the Costco program. He said their vehicles have about $1700 in dealer add-ons. That is before the Costco discount on those add-ons. Also, they have the color that I want which this other dealership didn't. We like to stick with white because they age better and are easier to keep clean. ***ETA I just looked again and this dealer had $3,755 in add-ons, not $3,260. That is a lot of money for stuff I don't want. |
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Post by lancermom on May 26, 2015 21:29:34 GMT
Thank you for posting. I went from an Expedition to a Camry. While I love the car, I miss the height. Looking at the Rav also. But in MN I need the heated seats! So far the people I talk to like it.
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Post by lovetodigi on May 26, 2015 21:37:13 GMT
You might want to check out the Honda CRV EX and EXL too. I love Toyota and had planned to get a Rav 4 when I traded in my Camry, but decided in the end, to get a 2015 CRV and I love it. It was chosen as one of the magazines, (Motor Trend or Consumer Reports, etc) small SUV of the year fo2015. Which ever you choose, I am sure that you will love it. ETA: My insurance difference for the CRV over my 2002 Camry was just $13 more a month. Great rate. The back up camera and side view camera are fantastic. The screen is built into the dash. I think that the lower rate is because of all of the saftey features built in. The insurance for the 2015 CRV for us, is cheaper than the insurance for the 2010 Honda Fit that we have. Oh, and if you are a member of Costco, you can save a ton of money when buying your new vehicle. One more thing. I have had my CRV since Mothers Day weekend, made a trip to Alabama, Tennessee, and east Georgia from North Georgia. We are averaging 30.3 miles per gallon. It keeps track of that for you and displays it on one of the two display screens. Lots of geeky stuff built in. ? CRV is definitely on my list too. In fact, I test drove one today. I think I like it better than the RAV4. Now I need to look around and see if I can find one that is a price I am willing to pay. I really don't like all of the add-ons that the dealer puts on the vehicles. Most of the time, they are things I really don't care about. I would rather have one straight for the factory and let me choose if I want any add-ons. This dealer had $3,260 of add-ons. Out of those, there are $990 that I might have chosen on my own. Also, I am trying to use the Costco program. I asked if I could get a vehicle when it comes in and before they add all the crap and he told me no. I have another dealership that I am going to check out that is also part of the Costco program. He said their vehicles have about $1700 in dealer add-ons. That is before the Costco discount on those add-ons. Also, they have the color that I want which this other dealership didn't. We like to stick with white because they age better and are easier to keep clean. ***ETA I just looked again and this dealer had $3,755 in add-ons, not $3,260. That is a lot of money for stuff I don't want. When you go though the Costco Program, you get a big discount on any dealer add ons. You will also get a discount on any accessories that you buy. You might want to hold off on accessories though, until you get back with Costco and do their survey. They will then email you a coupon for 50% off of up to $400 to use for service, accessories, etc. Check with Costco to see which dealer qualifies through Costco. Those lots are not as likely to try to force you into a lot of stuff that you don't want. Our CRV only had $800 of dealer installed options already installed. They don't want to get any bad points on the survey that Costco does. Apparently Costco is particular about which dealers qualify to use their program. We had to go to a dealer 30 minutes away instead of one that is 10 minutes from the house. They were exceptionally easy to work with and very helpful. Good luck and have fun choosing your new vehicle. |
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), and the RAV. We like to have 3 vehicles. 
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