Hi All!
I have been on just about every 4WD
Forum on the net and it seems that everyone loves to put down the RAV4 when it comes to it's offroad abilities yet how many of the 4WD Rednecks have actually driven one? And if they have, did they really
test it out or go around
the block?
Before i go on, i do not own one myself, yet, but have ordered the 2004 model.
I will not argue the points raised about ground clearance as i agree and that is where OME kits come in with a 40mm lift kit.
What i will argue is the fact that everyone believes that for a vehicle to venture offroad ie beach, country tracks, fire trails etc that they need a transfer case and sit 10ft in the air!! i am not talking about
rock hopping or driving up a
rock on a flat beach (as seen in many photo's just to justify their lack of manhood), i am talking about sensible use of a recreational vehicle. From what i have seen and the
feedback i have recieved from people who have experienced the RAV4, it seems they can only commend the way it did anything and everything they wanted it to do apart from the extreme sport activities.
My only criteria was that it was to be a Toyota and i was originally going to go for the Hilux V6 SR5 but after driving it i found it to be an absolute Dog in performance (124KW & 296 Nm) especially when you consider it's engine capacity (3.4L) and fuel consumption (15L/100km at best!), Compared to the Prado's 4.0L (179KW & 343Nm). Not only does it lack onroad performance but the interior is as basic as a car from the late 80's and it costs $50,000 on road with aircon and canopy (For weatherproof storage). I bought the top of the line RAV4 5 door Cruiser for only 32,500 on road + $800 for OME lift Kit!
Looking at specifications on paper, the RAV4 has a Wider track, Same width wheels (7 inch wide but the RAV4 has 235 tyres where as Hilux has 255), has a lower roof line and equal ground clearance with the 40mm lift kit than the Hilux and the same approach departure angles with standard
suspension as the new Prado, better power to weight ratio, fuel consumption, creature comforts, cheaper running costs for half the price!
I will never go on those tracks designed for abseiling nor will most other people even though they own full size 4WD's so i cannot justify $50,000-$70,000!!
You have to remember that manufacturers rate their vehicles very modestly to avoid litigation and long term costs (warranty issues) on their behalf but if you are sensible then most vehicles can out perform their specs.
One eg. i have a bleep box 1988 Ford Telstar and every weekend i have the car fully laden with a trailer with a total weight of 2500Kg's doing 400Km's every w/e! I was told the car would die on me after only a few trips and if it didn't i would be going through clutches like mad. In 40,000 km's i still have the original clutch that was in the car at 147,000 km (it was not new either) when i bought the car and it runs like clock work and the brakes have not been changed either! I contribute the reliabilty of the car to driving style and caution!
So before the rednecks sitting 10ft in the air decide to bag the RAV4, please go out and drive one a bit longer than just around
the block and don't base your comments on the people you see getting bogged or stuck on one of your outings coz no matter how good the equipment is, it will only be as good as the operator.
Cheers.