Used Toyota RAV4 2006 - 2012 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?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Alternatives
Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 11 June 2016
How we test cars
What's the used Toyota RAV4 like?
This is the third-generation Toyota RAV4. It retains the compact, relatively sporty character of its two predecessors, but unlike those models, this one wasn’t available with three doors.
On the plus side, it’s much more practical than previous versions, with plenty of space for adults in the back, and a large, well-shaped boot. The only problem is that this is accessed through a side-hinged tailgate that makes it impossible to load or unload luggage when another car is parked closely behind.
Overview
Toyota’s third-generation RAV4 gained an excellent diesel engine and is fun to drive, but it doesn’t feel as sophisticated as rivals.
Pros
- Spacious interior
- Good reliability record
- Well equipped
Cons
- Firm ride
- Quite noisy
- Hard interior plastics
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£1,790
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£1,799
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The RAV4 was available with two engines: a 2.0-litre petrol and the more popular 2.2-litre D-4D diesel. This initially came with 134bhp, but after 2009 was upgraded to 147bhp and had lower emissions. A 177bhp version was also offered.
Like its predecessors, the third-generation RAV4 is quite fun to drive for an SUV. However, the ride is quite harsh over poorly surfaced roads, and the RAV4 is noisier than rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail.
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Tips & Advice
How to test drive a car
There’s no substitute for a test drive in a new car. Take it on a variety of roads and surfaces to ensure it measures up.
Will the car fit your needs?
As part of the test drive, fill the car with regularly-carried luggage, and make sure the family can get comfy before you buy
Ownership cost
What used Toyota RAV4 will I get for my budget?
RAV4s really cling on to their value, thanks to Toyota’s reputation for reliability and the current high demand for SUVs and 4x4s. Even the oldest of this generation of RAV4, which are now a decade old, can still command a price of close to £3000 when in good condition.
You’ll need to find £4000-£5000 for the cheapest versions of the 147bhp diesel engine, and while a petrol model would be slightly cheaper, they’re not massively more affordable thanks to high overall demand and their relative scarcity.
A late-model 2012 car with a high specification (which can include an automatic gearbox and leather trim) could still set you back as much as £15,000.
How much does cost to run a Toyota RAV4?
To get the best possible running costs, you really need to go for the post-2009 D-CAT version of the 2.2-litre D-4D diesel engine. Although it had an extra 13bhp over the previous version, it’s actually more economical and has lower CO2 emissions.
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CO2 emissions of 154g/km might not sound all that impressive in a modern context, but it’s still an improvement on the 173g/km of the previous version of the same engine, and it should get close to its official 48mpg in real-world driving.
The 2.0-litre petrol model, by contrast, averages 32mpg and 202g/km, although those covering low annual mileages and taking mostly urban journeys shouldn’t dismiss it out of hand.
Tips & Advice
Organise your motoring life
Whether you need to keep tabs on your insurance renewal, sort breakdown cover, or book a service, My What Car? has you covered
Never miss a motoring date
Remembering to arrange insurance, book a service or buy breakdown cover can be a pain. Fortunately, My What Car? is here to help
Can I buy a car with cash?
Paying cash isn’t always an easy way to a new car – and you may not be able to get the big discounts you might expect
Protect your investment
GAP insurance allows you to get the full price for your car if it’s stolen or written off, but only a quarter of Brits buy it
Reduce your car finance bills
Refinancing your car effectively means taking out one loan to pay off another, which could help reduce your monthly payments, or reduce your finance term
What is hire purchase?
Hire purchase allows you to make monthly payments to buy your next car – although these will be higher than with a PCP
What is PCP finance?
Low monthly payments are key to the appeal of Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) agreements. But are there downsides?
Our recommendations
Which used Toyota RAV4 should I buy?
You’re best to go for the highly-specified XT5 model, which has everything from climate control and an auto-dimming rear view mirror to rain-sensing wipers and heated front seats.
There was a two-wheel drive version of the RAV4, but this wan’t all that popular, so most that you will find will have four-wheel drive. That’s a good thing though – it makes the RAV4 more capable in poor weather conditions, and while it’s very much a ‘soft-roader’, it can tackle mild off-roading.
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All models came with 17in alloys as standard, but 18in wheels were available as an option.
Our favourite used Toyota RAV4: 2.2 D-Cat D-4D XT5
Tips & Advice
Avoid ULEZ and clean-air zone fines
If you regularly drive into a clean air zone, you’ll want to ensure your next car is compliant to avoid costly fines
Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used Toyota RAV4?
The third-generation RAV4 arrived just as the SUV market really began to heat up, so there’s no shortage of rivals.
Honda launched its third generation CR-V just a year later, and although you’ll pay slightly more for an equivalent CR-V, it’s a larger and more sophisticated car.
The Nissan X-Trail was also replaced by a larger and more sophisticated model at this time, which makes for a very sharp RAV4 rival – good to drive, roomy and frugal.
Land Rover's Freelander was just entering its second-generation model, and it’s a car that wiped out many of the reliability worries of its predecessor. It’s (arguably) more stylish and more 'premium' in feel than the RAV4, but more expensive to buy.
Finally, there’s also the option of the Subaru Forester, which in this generation was still more of a tall estate car than a full SUV. It’s roomy, comfortable, hugely reliable and surprisingly adept off-road.
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How reliable is the Toyota RAV4 ?
Toyota RAV4
Read reliability
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Toyota RAV4
2.2 D-4D T180 4WD 5dr
£1,150
Toyota RAV4
2.2 D-4D XT-R 4WD Euro 4 5dr
£1,199
Toyota RAV4
2.2 D-4D XT-R 4WD 5dr
£1,495
Toyota RAV4
2.0 VVT-i XT-R 4WD 5dr
£1,575
Toyota RAV4
2.0 VVT-i XT3 4WD 5dr
£1,789
Toyota RAV4
2.2 D-4D XT-R 4WD Euro 4 5dr
£1,790
Toyota RAV4
2.0 D-4D XT4 4WD 5dr
£1,795
Toyota RAV4
2.0 VVT-i XT-R 4WD 5dr
£1,799
Toyota RAV4
2.2 D-4D T180 4WD 5dr
£1,850
See all available cars
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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