00:00 - A Compact SUV That Is Versatile, Affordable and Surprisingly Fast With Its V6 Engine
Sold in the US from model years 2006-2012, the third generation Toyota RAV4 was a compact SUV that offered buyers a wide range of features, drive modes and engine options to suit almost any buyer
01:00 - INTRO - The Third Generation Toyota RAV4 - What It Is
It’s the go-to recommended compact SUV option from me when someone says, I have about $10,000 to $12,000 to spend and I need a single vehicle to do a little bit of everything from people hauling, to commuting, to taking road trips and going on weekend adventures.
02:00 - Why Might You Want One
- Handsome Exterior Styling
- Attractive Interior Styling
06:45 - Available In Three Different Models With A Wide Range Of Features, Drive Trains and Engine Choices
The third Gen RAV4 was available in Base, Sport and Limited Trim, with 2WD or 4WD and a choice of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines
08:10 - Fuel Economy
The 2WD 4-cylinder models got the highest fuel economy and the 4WD 6-cylinder models got the lowest, but the combined US fuel economy rating difference between the highest and lowest models was only 2-mpg, so I recommend buying a V6 model with 4WD for quick acceleration, increased towing capacity and more fun behind the wheel.
11:15 - Exceptional Power And Performance With The V6 Engine
The 4-clylinder Third Gen RAV4s offered adequate power combined with a somewhat antiquated 4-speed automatic, however the 6-cylinder models were a different story. When first launched, the Third Gen RAV4 V6 models offered over 100-hp more than the 4-cylinder models, and came with a 5-speed automatic transmission that made better use of that power under all driving conditions.
12:45 - Braking And Handling
The 3rd Gen Toyota RAV4 drives more like a car than a truck or an SUV. It’s taller, of course, and feels a little top-heavy on a winding road compared to a car, but it’s overall driving experience can best be described as “sporty”, and while there were different suspension and tire diameter combinations between models, all RAV4s handle well and offer confidence-inspiring braking.
14:35 - What Do Owners Think Of The Third Gen RAV4s?
Overall owners of the third generation RAV4 really like these sporty compact SUVs. For example, 94% of 2010 RAV4 owners who posted comments about their ownership experience would recommend the third generation RAV4 to others.
20:10 - Common Issues, Problems and Caveats
No used car is perfect, including the RAV4. We review some common issues and a couple of major problems that you should be aware of when considering the purchase of third generation RAV4.
29:00 - What To Look For When Buying A Third Gen RAV4
I would avoid the 2006-2008 2.4-liter 4-cylinder RAV4s unless the ring tension issue has been fixed, but the later 2009-2012 RAV4s with the 2.5-liter 4-clyinder should be fine. However, my top recommendation is a full-featured Sport or Limited 6-cylinder model with 4WD from 2009-2012 - preferably one from the final year or two of the production run. With nearly 270-hp and 4WD, along with decent fuel economy, this RAV4 configuration is a no-brainer choice for me.
31:30 - Third Gen RAV4 Price Range
- $5,000-$8,000 - Maybe something okay, but probably not
- $8,000-$10,000 - Solid choices, but still some potential issues
- $10,000-$12,500 - You should find great RAV4s In this range
- $12,500-$15,000 - The best low-mile private party RAV4s
- $15,000 and above - Why? There are great RAV4s available for less - Try harder!
34:45 - WRAP UP
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