If you take the headrest off of the driver and passenger seats and move the seat all the way forward and lean the back all the way down, it lines up with the back seats making a full lounge bed to lay on.
I just bought a 2003 with...get this....38000 miles...long story but a squirrel built a nest in front of the airbox - it caught fire - melted the airbox and burned the serpentine belt - all else was just fine - putting in on the road in about a month once my parts come in - what a find!!!
Just fixed my 2001 rav 4 over 10 mechanics said transmission needed to be replaced well i replaced all O2 sensors with oem denso and wala no more transmission problems no more check engine. Also sent my ecu to get fixed for $80 it didn’t need it but i wanted the newest software update on it. 220,000 miles got her back on the road.
Toyota should restart production: it's a classic like the VW beetle, except it works. Everywhere, every inch of that gen RAV4 is brilliance in Japanese design. DIY oil change takes 10 minutes, without jacks. Tranny fix is a reco ECU, sent the next day for $150, with instructions, and takes 20 minutes to change it. They stay like new after 20 years and if you change the oil on schedule they never stop. Well done, a great video.
Here in the UK, We've owned a 2004 black RAV4 like this one for 10 years now. It's now done over 200,000 miles. Ok, we've spent a lot on it over the 10 years, but it drives and sounds like new. From time to time, I'll get a comment saying things like, wow your car looks amazing for it's age. We love it. It's going to have to go next year, I'm gonna miss it so much.
Does that go for the G1 as well? I’ve heard the 96 to 2 thousandths have transmission issues and head gasket issues but apparently it is a one to $300 fix to just take out the ECU and either get a new one or have it rebuilt.
@@sibp901 buying a 2003 AWD with 185k, had the same concern about the transmission - linked to the ecm issue - this owner has had it for 17 years, she got the Ecm replaced a long time ago under recall, no issues since. Do you know if yours has the original ecm?
I have a 5 door RAV4 2003 2.0vvti with manual transmission. The interior does have lots of cheap plastic but it's features are actually quite ergonomic, simple and well thought out. The easily removable rear seats are great and the low loading height at the rear is useful. This car is ideal for converting into a weekend camper with some 2"x4" and ply boards to make a DIY removable camp bed, there are videos on youtube showing how.
Really awesome to hear. Jealous you found a manual. Just bought a 2003 AWD w/ automatic w/ 185k miles. Stoked to turn it into an all around, do a little bit of everything including camping, type vehicle.
@@gsabella4 Mine still only has 86k miles. When I bought it there were 60k miles on the clock but the check engine light was on and I got a good price. There was nothing wrong with it.
A great and very watchable review, thank you . I have today just bought a 2003 with 103k on the clock, it drove very well on the test drive and your review had put my mind at rest that I've made the right choice. Many thanks.
I have a 2002 Rav4 as well and they are excellent AWD vehicles. Cheap on gas and based on the Camry and Corolla drive train. With this said, parts are still readily available even in 2023. The second gen Rav4 also were based on a timing chain thus the engine should last as long as the car itself. Only issue is the ECM which is know for its poor soldering on a few of its resistors and capacitors. That's an easy fix though and there's plenty of step by step info on how to DIY this repair yourself. Seals will dry out and leak over time but the Rav4 should easily last 20 to 25 years with minimal care and maintenance. The only things I have changed were the EGR valve, the MAF sensor, (front) transmission drive-line seal, and timing chain tensioner seal.
I have a 2002 Rav4 with low mileage. Recently, at 103,000 miles, the transmission started acting up. I replaced the ECM with a certified rehabbed one for about $250.00. Problem fixed. Transmission saved from bad EMM, before any damage. Problem solved!
Happily my 2002 has only 145K miles and I LOVE it! I live Island of Hawai’i so does show some surface rust on the frame but since made in Japan, it’s holding up better than the rest made elsewhere. Am starting to get occassional interest in someone wanting to buy it now … so get it will become a classic. Hope I can come into some money to give a complete make over ❤
I got a 2001 rav4 same trim and color as yours had it for a year now and got it with 160,000 put 18,000 miles and no issues with the ecm, and the awd system is soil used in in the snow this year, and having 6.7 inches of ground clearance came in handy on a very rugged hikeing road I ran into this summer, the only real gripe I have with this thing is going above 60 with the 4 speed transmission is a bit challenging for it going 70 the engine is at 3000 rpms and if you need to get speed in a pinch on the freeway it isn't that great at higher speeds but other than that I love this thing the roof rack is quite nice too
She needs that fifth gear. It might be possible to swap the U140F transmission for the 5 speed U151F. The Avensis has the 1AZ-FE 2.0 litre engine with the U151F tranny, so I think the swap will work.
Hi i hope you got the transmission fixed but i was told it is probly not the gearbox but the small electric module wich is renound for going bad on the 2nd gen rav4's from 2002 to 2009 and also the valve stem bolts tend to strip themselves as well but hope all is well for you cheers mate👍🙂🏎🍻
I saw some dude set a 2001 for overland with 1 1/2 inch lift, steel bumpers with steel racks, mud tires and a winch.. I didn’t know if he did weld the diffs but it made out the trail faster than the old trail vets on hiluxes and delicas..
My mom purchased a loaded 2002 RAV4 L new with leather which is now impossible to find. She still drives it to this day and will never replace it because all the new small SUVs are too big. She is still driving it with the original transmission because she made sure to have the ECU for the transmission reprogrammed at the dealership before causing any transmission damage. The ‘02 RAV 4 is a member of the family
2002 rav4 vvti 175,000 miles just changing the catalytic converter and lambda sensors has new set of tyres and new exhaust system.just have to look at fixing the leaks that are appearing.
I had a 2002 rav4 , traded for a 2011 Toyota sienna. The sienna just does more, it's bigger seats 8, way more comfortable drive, gets better mpg even with a v6 and larger vehicle, and can tow 3500lbs. There's things you need stay away from rav4 . Do NOT get the 2.4l engine, the 2.4L had major headgasket and piston ring problems they are utter garbage. The best years rav4 were 2001-2002 with indestructible 2.0L and a manual transmission. Those will last forever.
Huge RAV4 fan but the 01-03 didn't have ABS brakes and as a result, it was very squirrelly on some wet roads. Caused a couple minor wrecks for me due to not being able to stop. The 04-05 has ABS, a better engine and no problems with the ECM and transmission.
Love my 2005, only 105,000k, but it's in the garage today with a likely blown head gasket...*tears* The rear cargo area and door are great, so much room..
@@nampam3945 Well it was blowing white smoke out the tailpipe, but Toyota shop told me the engine needed to be replaced. Another reputable mechanic said if they didn’t open it up they couldn’t know for sure, he figured it could be fixed. I do know that even before it died the cylinder heads showed signs of warpage- a mechanic took pics when he attempted to change the leaky valve cover gasket. Either way I didn’t have time to tow it around for multiple opinions, luckily I found another one in even better condition around that time. So I’m rocking another ‘05, life goes on lol..
@@Matasky2010 Good outcome, white smoke says head gasket. Funny how we buy the same thing again. My 2003 got rear ended and written off, so I bought a 2005. Even though the engine has problems which can be pretty huge, we still stick with cars that are 15-20 years old. Toyota build quality is superb.
@@nampam3945 I've read many sources that say that the 2005 RAV4 4 cylinder engine has an excellent reputation for not having serious engine problems if oil & oil filter are changed at 5K intervals. Are you saying you have a 2005 that has had serious engine problems? If yes, what engine problems have you had? Thanks.
Hi sir. Is it correct that this car having 1Az engine 2000cc consume/eat engine oil of about 1 quarter for every 750 miles it travel means it reduces engine oil with traveling.
I have the 2002 black rav4 identical to yours. 200k miles with a life in Chicago so rust is setting in. Timing chain sloppy. AC is shot. Transmission n computer was fixed for free by toyota. Car has been a workhorse. I fear it is near death. Inside of the the engine is new new due to all my oil changes.
Yes I bought it 2001 RAV4 manual transmission everything works I know sometimes feels a little slow but is ok my has 200631 miles and still working like a champ hopefully still running for more miles
Dont like how the rear gate opens sideways, its an inconvenience when parked in between cars. It took Toyota 17 years to change it until the fourth gen 2013
My 2002 RAV4 has 233k miles , bought it used with 44k miles , best $10k I ever spent, every few months I find notes on my windshield from strangers who want to buy it !!…. Never !!!😊
What about the manual transmissions? do those have the same issue that you are talking about? or does a manual transmission not have the problem that the automatics do?
Yea bigger car this car was as small as a toyota corrolla but on steroids the new rav4s are as big as a v8 tahoe almost lol not really much of a point or advantage anymore
Авто/Мото
If you take the headrest off of the driver and passenger seats and move the seat all the way forward and lean the back all the way down, it lines up with the back seats making a full lounge bed to lay on.
I think the first GEN does that as well.
There are also rear cup holders that flip down from the back of the center console. These cars are so neatly designed!
These cars are really quick and get up to speed in no time
I just bought a 2003 with...get this....38000 miles...long story but a squirrel built a nest in front of the airbox - it caught fire - melted the airbox and burned the serpentine belt - all else was just fine - putting in on the road in about a month once my parts come in - what a find!!!
The rear door isn't like that because they couldn't make it differently. It's like that because Toyota wanted it to still work in 2020
2021😉
2022 😌
No, they did that because of the tire
2023 😏😉🤣
@@djole_belic 2024 😊😉👍
Just fixed my 2001 rav 4 over 10 mechanics said transmission needed to be replaced well i replaced all O2 sensors with oem denso and wala no more transmission problems no more check engine. Also sent my ecu to get fixed for $80 it didn’t need it but i wanted the newest software update on it. 220,000 miles got her back on the road.
O2 sensors have nothing to do with transmission issues.
How much did it cost
Well done Sir! How did you get the new software?
Toyota should restart production: it's a classic like the VW beetle, except it works. Everywhere, every inch of that gen RAV4 is brilliance in Japanese design. DIY oil change takes 10 minutes, without jacks. Tranny fix is a reco ECU, sent the next day for $150, with instructions, and takes 20 minutes to change it. They stay like new after 20 years and if you change the oil on schedule they never stop. Well done, a great video.
Here in the UK, We've owned a 2004 black RAV4 like this one for 10 years now. It's now done over 200,000 miles. Ok, we've spent a lot on it over the 10 years, but it drives and sounds like new. From time to time, I'll get a comment saying things like, wow your car looks amazing for it's age. We love it. It's going to have to go next year, I'm gonna miss it so much.
The 3Door Variant is so cool.
@@ady-uk7150 is yours a diesel or petrol
I just got one and was really surprised it felt like driving a new vehicle.
Does that go for the G1 as well? I’ve heard the 96 to 2 thousandths have transmission issues and head gasket issues but apparently it is a one to $300 fix to just take out the ECU and either get a new one or have it rebuilt.
Very informative video, way better than most high-budget ones. Thanks!
I love the back door. It blocks other people from passing by the back when you want privacy.
Love my 02! 250,000+ still rollin 😎
Any issues with your transmission yet? I just bought one at 184K miles. Hoping the transmission doesn't give me any issues.
I have a 2001 with 107..000 and accidentally bought another rav 4 on a cheeky bid lol 😆
@@sibp901 buying a 2003 AWD with 185k, had the same concern about the transmission - linked to the ecm issue - this owner has had it for 17 years, she got the Ecm replaced a long time ago under recall, no issues since. Do you know if yours has the original ecm?
just scored a super clean high mileage rav4, fingers crossed.
@@gsabella4 I actually changed the ecm on mine back in 2014.
I have a 5 door RAV4 2003 2.0vvti with manual transmission. The interior does have lots of cheap plastic but it's features are actually quite ergonomic, simple and well thought out. The easily removable rear seats are great and the low loading height at the rear is useful. This car is ideal for converting into a weekend camper with some 2"x4" and ply boards to make a DIY removable camp bed, there are videos on youtube showing how.
Really awesome to hear. Jealous you found a manual. Just bought a 2003 AWD w/ automatic w/ 185k miles. Stoked to turn it into an all around, do a little bit of everything including camping, type vehicle.
@@gsabella4 Mine still only has 86k miles. When I bought it there were 60k miles on the clock but the check engine light was on and I got a good price. There was nothing wrong with it.
I have the same year model 2003 as a cruiser auto 2-L & so far so good
A great and very watchable review, thank you . I have today just bought a 2003 with 103k on the clock, it drove very well on the test drive and your review had put my mind at rest that I've made the right choice. Many thanks.
I have a 2002 rav4 fixed the ecu before the transmission dealt with it and it's now at 226k miles and still commuting 40 minutes 5 days a week
My 2003 RAV4 2.0i 4wd Auto is still going strong..with 120k miles on the clock.
247,000 klms with mine : same model as yours in a cruiser AUTO
I have a 2002 Rav4 as well and they are excellent AWD vehicles. Cheap on gas and based on the Camry and Corolla drive train. With this said, parts are still readily available even in 2023. The second gen Rav4 also were based on a timing chain thus the engine should last as long as the car itself. Only issue is the ECM which is know for its poor soldering on a few of its resistors and capacitors. That's an easy fix though and there's plenty of step by step info on how to DIY this repair yourself.
Seals will dry out and leak over time but the Rav4 should easily last 20 to 25 years with minimal care and maintenance.
The only things I have changed were the EGR valve, the MAF sensor, (front) transmission drive-line seal, and timing chain tensioner seal.
Best car I have ever had. No transmission(manual) problems , 160.000km, model 2001
They selling me one for 3500 and it looks good
I have a 2002 Rav4 with low mileage. Recently, at 103,000 miles, the transmission started acting up. I replaced the ECM with a certified rehabbed one for about $250.00. Problem fixed. Transmission saved from bad EMM, before any damage. Problem solved!
I did the same, my 2002 Rav4 is at 226k miles, shame this car doesn't get as much credit!
My rav4 2002 is making a bang if I reach up to 3-4krpm is that what yours was doing?
I also had transmission rebuilt
Very nice review! Looking into getting one of these.
Great video. Very helpful. Thanks. 👍🏾
This was really helpful! I just bought this car a couple days ago with only 68k miles and I’m pumped 😁
Great purchase, get the ECU squared away shouldn't cost $300. Mine is now at 226k miles, I'm still commuting with it.
Should I take the risk with the ecu?
@MichelleHufana
I have one from 2002, manual transmission, just passed the 200.000 kilometers. Extra big tires, living in the hills of south Portugal, dirtroads.
Lucky living in Algarve. Beautiful country.
Happily my 2002 has only 145K miles and I LOVE it! I live Island of Hawai’i so does show some surface rust on the frame but since made in Japan, it’s holding up better than the rest made elsewhere. Am starting to get occassional interest in someone wanting to buy it now … so get it will become a classic. Hope I can come into some money to give a complete make over ❤
I got a 2001 rav4 same trim and color as yours had it for a year now and got it with 160,000 put 18,000 miles and no issues with the ecm, and the awd system is soil used in in the snow this year, and having 6.7 inches of ground clearance came in handy on a very rugged hikeing road I ran into this summer, the only real gripe I have with this thing is going above 60 with the 4 speed transmission is a bit challenging for it going 70 the engine is at 3000 rpms and if you need to get speed in a pinch on the freeway it isn't that great at higher speeds but other than that I love this thing the roof rack is quite nice too
She needs that fifth gear. It might be possible to swap the U140F transmission for the 5 speed U151F. The Avensis has the 1AZ-FE 2.0 litre engine with the U151F tranny, so I think the swap will work.
204K miles, 1st owner had trans fixed, used synthetic since 90K, runs great.
Very nice review. Test driving this tomorrow.i didn't see any open recalls on the Carfax
I miss my 02 rav. Had it 6 years without a single problem
I just got 03 RAW4 L $1700 at 231112 miles runs like a champ Just installed new Struts and Shocks absorber for smooth ride
Great review mate, Cheers.
Hello all well? thank you for showing the car, it was very important, I am going to buy one here in Brazil, and I am very happy. Thank you!
Hi i hope you got the transmission fixed but i was told it is probly not the gearbox but the small electric module wich is renound for going bad on the 2nd gen rav4's from 2002 to 2009 and also the valve stem bolts tend to strip themselves as well but hope all is well for you cheers mate👍🙂🏎🍻
I saw some dude set a 2001 for overland with 1 1/2 inch lift, steel bumpers with steel racks, mud tires and a winch.. I didn’t know if he did weld the diffs but it made out the trail faster than the old trail vets on hiluxes and delicas..
Rav4 is the best jeep.Everything is very nice. Like interior and exterior.
I wish they had made the cup holder a little deeper and some other features 🤔😩
My mom purchased a loaded 2002 RAV4 L new with leather which is now impossible to find. She still drives it to this day and will never replace it because all the new small SUVs are too big. She is still driving it with the original transmission because she made sure to have the ECU for the transmission reprogrammed at the dealership before causing any transmission damage. The ‘02 RAV 4 is a member of the family
Great vehicle indeed.
I'm trying to get the 2003 version this weekend
Great vid thanks
2002 rav4 vvti 175,000 miles just changing the catalytic converter and lambda sensors has new set of tyres and new exhaust system.just have to look at fixing the leaks that are appearing.
Thanks for the video. Do you know of any solutions for the bad engine computers?
I need to know Sophie's opinion on the boot space
Sophie is absolutely perfect
Great Video ! Can you also fold the ( rear) seats back in this model to have a bed ? It can be done in the older rav4 models.
Yes you can.
The ECU transmission problems was only through 2003 not 2004
I had a 2002 rav4 , traded for a 2011 Toyota sienna.
The sienna just does more, it's bigger seats 8, way more comfortable drive, gets better mpg even with a v6 and larger vehicle, and can tow 3500lbs.
There's things you need stay away from rav4 . Do NOT get the 2.4l engine, the 2.4L had major headgasket and piston ring problems they are utter garbage. The best years rav4 were 2001-2002 with indestructible 2.0L and a manual transmission. Those will last forever.
Good advice thank you. Hard to believe the Sienna gets better mpg. But I also love those Siennas.
Sophie is awesome :)
I gotta 02 with 60,000 miles apart from the O2 senor going out every so often it’s a amazing
What kind do you replace em with? Oem?
Always replace both upper stream O2 or lower stream O2 sensor with OEM Denso O2 sensor. If not, it might be your catalytic converter.
Huge RAV4 fan but the 01-03 didn't have ABS brakes and as a result, it was very squirrelly on some wet roads. Caused a couple minor wrecks for me due to not being able to stop. The 04-05 has ABS, a better engine and no problems with the ECM and transmission.
2 weeks ago bought a 2004 AWD 5doors comfortable to ride but difficult to buy some parts in my country Malaysia
Did the 01 have the ECU problem? Looking at a key, no run, no drive at auction. Trying to troubleshoot why it might not start in my head
I miss my 97 RAV4
Love my 2005, only 105,000k, but it's in the garage today with a likely blown head gasket...*tears*
The rear cargo area and door are great, so much room..
Stripped rear head bolts are a common issue with the 2AZ-FE 2.4L
Update please, was it the head gasket?
@@nampam3945 Well it was blowing white smoke out the tailpipe, but Toyota shop told me the engine needed to be replaced. Another reputable mechanic said if they didn’t open it up they couldn’t know for sure, he figured it could be fixed. I do know that even before it died the cylinder heads showed signs of warpage- a mechanic took pics when he attempted to change the leaky valve cover gasket. Either way I didn’t have time to tow it around for multiple opinions, luckily I found another one in even better condition around that time. So I’m rocking another ‘05, life goes on lol..
@@Matasky2010 Good outcome, white smoke says head gasket. Funny how we buy the same thing again. My 2003 got rear ended and written off, so I bought a 2005. Even though the engine has problems which can be pretty huge, we still stick with cars that are 15-20 years old. Toyota build quality is superb.
@@nampam3945 I've read many sources that say that the 2005 RAV4 4 cylinder engine has an excellent reputation for not having serious engine problems if oil & oil filter are changed at 5K intervals. Are you saying you have a 2005 that has had serious engine problems? If yes, what engine problems have you had? Thanks.
I have 02 14500 miles hard to accelerate on the express ways and how can y tell when the trans falling
The "transmission issues" only affects the automatics, 2001-2003 manual gen2 Rav4 are solid
Hi sir.
Is it correct that this car having 1Az engine 2000cc consume/eat engine oil of about 1 quarter for every 750 miles it travel means it reduces engine oil with traveling.
nice vid, bad luck on the transmission though. I just bought a 2003 3door rav4 2.4L Cruiser model :D
Did your RAV4 transmission breake?
there's a 3 door 2.4L? 😮😮😮😮
I have a 1.8L lol
Does the ECU problem affects the manual gearbox ? i am planning to get a manual one
Does the same model but 18 vvt-i 2wd Manual has the same problems with the transmission ?
I have the 2002 black rav4 identical to yours. 200k miles with a life in Chicago so rust is setting in. Timing chain sloppy. AC is shot. Transmission n computer was fixed for free by toyota. Car has been a workhorse. I fear it is near death. Inside of the the engine is new new due to all my oil changes.
Does the automatic have transmission issued too?
How long is it from the front seats from the back door?
I still think these have better ground clearance than the third gen
How do you put the seat down?
Got a 2001 mod 5speed manual. Love the car :D So many small features you may expetct from a much more expencive car :D
Im getting one but still negotiating 3500 is a good price? Its in really good condition and it has 122k miles 1 owner
@@christianfernandez4285 I live in Norway, so very difficult to compare prices. Everything is way to expencive here :P
your dog have cherry eye sir..
👌🏼😍😍😘
What's the reallife mileage to expect from the 2.0 engine 2000-2005 automatic
how much do these usually go for in the US? where I live they cost like 3000-4000$ depending on the condition
@Justus Americans congrats man, ty for the information too much appreciated!
Is the transmission problem common only for versions with automatic transmission?
No issues with the manual transmission this way. Only on autos.
Yes I bought it 2001 RAV4 manual transmission everything works I know sometimes feels a little slow but is ok my has 200631 miles and still working like a champ hopefully still running for more miles
the manual mk 1 rav4 had a diff lock so was by far the superior off road vehicle
I have RAV4 already 2002 but i need charge it new one my is old , to maintain car's is Nigeria is pretty expensive
You said transmission problems from 2002 to 2004, what about 2001 model?
Actually the ECM transmission issue was from 2001 to 2003 models .. neither 2004 nor 2005
@@Tactical_Wars true
Wheres the cruise control?.😊
My rav4 has a hood scoop on it
Dont like how the rear gate opens sideways, its an inconvenience when parked in between cars. It took Toyota 17 years to change it until the fourth gen 2013
I thought it was cool
My 2002 RAV4 has 233k miles , bought it used with 44k miles , best $10k I ever spent, every few months I find notes on my windshield from strangers who want to buy it !!…. Never !!!😊
Does it have child seat anchor points?
yes, behind the rear seats, a sturdy clip at the bottom of the rear seat back.
What about the manual transmissions? do those have the same issue that you are talking about? or does a manual transmission not have the problem that the automatics do?
Seems like mostly Automatics.
160.000 km , year 2001 , without transmission problems
2015 rav4
Sophie 🥰
I have a 2003 I don’t why I watched this. LOL. I didn’t know I have a lighter and net at the back LOL.
Hey what about the 04 and 05🤔🤔🤔
in 04 they upgraded the engine to 2.4 liter and 161 hp. That is the version i have. the rest is pretty much the same.
Those models are safer and more reliable than the 01-03. Better bigger engine and better transmission.
@@kengvang1330 2AZ-FE 2.4L is known for stripped head bolts and excessive oil consumption.
@@yukonstriker1703 You have to change that oil more frequently and never let it over heat. Its a worry indeed.
Which country are you
USA
Best rav is 1st gen
Better looking rav4 of them all? Have you even seen the 08 body style. Also an optional 3rd row? Come on
Yea bigger car this car was as small as a toyota corrolla but on steroids the new rav4s are as big as a v8 tahoe almost lol not really much of a point or advantage anymore