Philbert

iTrader: (2)

I bet that title got a lot of attention here

Here's what's going on.

My wife and I had 4 cars - all with 2 doors:
- Smart car convertible (hers)
- 87 4Runner (mine)
- 80 Datsun Z (mine)
- 2002 BMW M3 (mine)

We've decided to get a more practical car - something with 4 doors, room for friends, our dog, our stuff - something for road trips and camping.

I sold my M3 this week (sniff) and we're getting serious about finding a small SUV to replace it as our joint car.

Her requirements:
- Automatic
- smaller - room for 5, no 7 passenger vehicles
- decent gas mileage - highway is most important since it will be road tripper
- 4WD (this is the tricky part: she doesn't want AWD, or adaptive 4WD that kicks in when the ECU thinks it should...she wants 2WD, with the MANUAL option to select 4WD)
- She also wants a truck based vehicle, not a car based on, but I think in this size bracket we're out of luck?

Budget is in the $25-30K ish range.

So, this is pretty challenging, meeting all those criteria.

In my mind, front runners are:
- RAV4
- Honda CRV
- For Escape

I've drive the escape and CRV. CRV is pretty refined but has a bad blind spot in the rear. And it has the "adaptive AWD" thing that kicks in automatically. The Escape interior is CRAP - cheap - awful. She's interested in the 2012 Hybrid, which gets 32 MPG - but, it's an $8,000 premium over the base model that gets 25MPG - can't justify that.

Now, I'm a Toyota guy and have owned two. She's owned one and loved her 91 Camry. While I'd love a 4Runner, it's likely not making the cut due to MPG and sheer size. That leaves the RAV4, which has a nice 276 HP V6 that allegedly gets 28 MPG highway??? It seems to also have an adaptive AWD/4WD system but also a manual "locked" mode that you can engage at speeds under 25MPH?

Would love to get your feedback on these cars, the AWD versus 4WD thing (I still don't get it), and any other comments.

Thanks!

malteserunner

iTrader: (1)

Escape's are junk. On the other hand, everyone I've known with a Rav has loved it, especially the newer ones. I don't have a constructive opinion about the CRV, but I will say that you would likely be flashed regularly while driving one at night, since their low beams look like brights to oncoming traffic. Although I'm not a Honda guy, people who own Pilots seem to be pleased. Not sure how they'd fit your criteria. Sorry to hear about your loss.....

I love E46 M3's.

Philbert

iTrader: (2)

Thanks! I'd like to consider the Pilot - my coworker just bought one and I have several others who own and like them...but it's a 7 passenger vehicle and not passing the "too big" test

If someone can explain the AWD versus 4WD thing I'd appreciate it (this is embarrassing on this forum...)

Philbert

iTrader: (2)

Missed that earlier. I spent 6 months finding this one. The engine is amazing - 8,000 RPM redline and sounds mean all the way up there. Previous owner had installed Dinan exhaust, chip, intake, giving it some more grunt. Who knows, maybe someday I'll get another - they'll be cheaper

Guy from work bought it. For his wife. He has a 2008 E92 M3 that he's bored/stroked the engine - twice now. He runs the Texas mile (fastest speed from zero over 5280 feet). He hit 185 and wants to break 200....nuts.

kg206

My dad has a 2010 RAV4 with the V6 and I have to say that thing is peppy and drives really nice. Can't say I'm a huge fan of the adaptive 4wd either, but I guess he hasn't had any problems/complaints with it. The way he explained it to me is basically what you already know, that the ECU will put it into 4wd when it thinks it needs it and you have the option of locking it into 4 low anytime you want. We actually went and drove a 2009 RAV4 with the 2.5L? 4 cylinder today and it wasn't too bad, but nothing compared to the V6. Also looked at the new 4Runners at the dealership and I swear they've got to be twice as big as the first gen 4runner my friend had...definitely not going to get good mpg's with one. My dad says he averages about 20 mpg in mixed driving here in Seattle. Not sure how much that helps explain the 4wd system, but my vote is for a V6 RAV4.

malteserunner

iTrader: (1)

Wow. That sounds fun!

Here's a good read on the early 3rd gen Rav4...
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...-v-6-road-test

Makes me want to go out and get one... with the V6.

malteserunner

iTrader: (1)

That's basically it. Most newer AWD systems will adjust power delivery from front to rear, as needed. Earlier AWD vehicles had more power to the front wheels, all the time. They use a center differential, or a clutch type system, etc.

Philbert

iTrader: (2)

Thanks guys for the link and the 4x4 explanation. I'm definitely pulling for the RAV4 over the other two. We still need to go drive one. The manual 4x4 locking is a plus as well...as is the MPG.

Philbert

iTrader: (2)

Update guys: picked up a 2012 rav4 4x4 with the v6 yesterday. That thing is peppy!! Ended up getting for $300 under invoice and 0% for 60 months...we felt good about the deal.

We got the value upgrade package which has nicer wheels, moonfroof, privacy glass and some other goodies, for about $1K extra.

Wife is happy. I'm happy. Our dog is happy. And now we have a road trip car for colorado in June...we have a wedding there and were going to rent a car up till now :-)

Thanks for all your feedback on this thread!

Adam, I was going to install the bikini top yesterday but ended up spending almost 6 hours at the dealer.....

vital22re

iTrader: (2)

Good choice, we have a 2012 limited. The v6 is awesome and the AWD is amazing in snow. I did everything I could to get it sideways and its just comes right back.

rworegon

malteserunner

iTrader: (1)

Been there, done that.

Sounds like you got a good deal. Congrats!

The weather is just about right for the bikini top.

Philbert

iTrader: (2)

I know - I was lamenting that on the way to work today - SOON IT WILL HAPPEN! Need to wash this thing first

Will get photos soon - was dark when we got home. It's a color I'd never noticed before that we saw on the lot and liked, and had the options we wanted: Black Forest Pearl:

http://www.toyota.com/rav4/exterior-360.html

Philbert

iTrader: (2)

Nothing great - still in the garage, but here are the photos as promised.














Hard to see the color in that light but I really like it!

What we really liked about it was that the rear seats not only slide forward and backward, but they RECLINE!! (and fold flat for cargo space)

Philbert

iTrader: (2)

8,000 miles, a trip to Colorado and to Oregon both under the belt, and around town driving - been great! Averaging about 24-25 MPG, and the V6 is PEPPY!

Storage options are great and seats in back are flexible.

Really happy with it.