Used 2008 Toyota RAV4 Consumer Reviews
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Toyota is Slipping
I bought this car for the engine, and it remains the best feature of the car. But I have had ongoing problems with the transmission, and many others have, too. This is only true with the 5-speed transmission on the V6 (not the 4-cyl.) The now infamous "whining transmission" noise that has been well documented on the owner's forums (search transmission noise on RAV4 World and others) is something you will want to consider when you're buying this vehicle used. Also the poor response from Toyota in fixing the problem under warranty has completely soured me on the ownership experience, so I wouldn't be able to recommend this car to anyone. Go with Honda.
Possibly Perfect
After testing other brands as well as the base and Sport model RAV4s, decided on the Limited. Much quieter, more comfortable ride (it's based on a car platform, not truck) and better interior materials than the base. The two extra hidden storage behind the rear seats are awesome as well as the three 12v outlets and iPod jack. Seats are super comfortable. The 4WD handles off-road duties superbly. Everything on this vehicle is laid out well with emphasis on order and functionality. Purchased rain guards, mud flaps, bug deflector, and better crossbars for my kayaks to make it perfect. I purchased this car used and it now has 48,000 miles. Every tank has been 24-26mpg with mixed driving.
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $1,850466 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $9,955273 mi away
- Sport 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,999261 mi away
Like having a pickup
I've always had a pickup and my Rav 4 with all the space you get when you put down the back seats it is almost like having a pickup! Also I can put lumber on top of it and carry it home strapped down. The mileage is excellent. I was getting 13 to 15 miles on my pickup but the RAV 4 gets 20 with the AC on and almost 30s with out the AC on.
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Best Car I've Owned
I was so very happy with my purchase of a 2008 RAV4 Limited. I purchased it slightly used (5000 miles!) in 2009. I never had a single problem with it, other than having to take care of the manufacturer recalls from Toyota. I had it regularly maintained at the dealer and I was always happy with the service I received there. I had just recently crossed the 100,000 mile mark on it and was ready to drive it another 100,000 miles. Unfortunately, someone decided to run a red light and they totalled my RAV4. It was a side impact and the RAV4 did a wonderful job of protecting me from serious injury. I bought her for her predicted reliability and safety and she earned 5 stars for both. Now I'm having to shop for a new car, and while I do love all the new technology that is out, I will miss all the storage space, the engine, and the reliability of my RAV4. I highly recommend this vehicle as long as you can find a version that was maintained well by the owner.
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My Favorite Rid
I have owned a number of AWD/4WD cars, including a WRX, Outback Limited 2.5XT, the 2009 Rav4 Limited (which got totaled by tree) and now I got this one. This car easily tops the list. For a high sitting car, it handles very well with the 18inch rims and 235mm tires. It actually rides better the the Subaru WRX and feels commanding and not cheap. The torque steer of my limited is not there and feels very even. The car is very fast for its size, suprisingly faster than most cars off the line. Its really an understated car. JBL upgrades stereo is more than adaquate, and the black interior looks sweet.