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It "seems" that the newer the model "the cheaper" it feels.
I've been test driving the older 2012 model RAV4's with the 3.5l V6 - Ride and Power much superior to the newer ones IMHO - a shame really that the newer ones just don't "cut it" in my view.
What good is a 2019 or later RAV4 Hybrid if the build quality stinks which affects the overall driving experience.
I have a '12 RAV4 with the 3.5 V6. It is a shame Toyota ended the V6 in RAV4s with that year.
When I was looking, I tested the usual suspects for small SUVs/CUVs - Hondas, Subarus, Mazdas, Toyotas, VWs and at least one Ford. Was not taken with any of them in particular until I happened across the '12 with the V6. I am happy with everything about it. If you can find one in good condition, take it for a drive.
I have a '12 RAV4 with the 3.5 V6. It is a shame Toyota ended the V6 in RAV4s with that year.
When I was looking, I tested the usual suspects for small SUVs/CUVs - Hondas, Subarus, Mazdas, Toyotas, VWs and at least one Ford. Was not taken with any of them in particular until I happened across the '12 with the V6. I am happy with everything about it. If you can find one in good condition, take it for a drive.
That's what I'm trying to achieve, did drive one last month at a new car dealership with the front bumper detached - it's a "rocket". However, it will cost a premium vs the i4 ones.
Yes, that definitely seems to be the case with Toyota lately.
Quote:
Originally Posted by atgss
It "seems" that the newer the model "the cheaper" it feels.
I've been test driving the older 2012 model RAV4's with the 3.5l V6 - Ride and Power much superior to the newer ones IMHO - a shame really that the newer ones just don't "cut it" in my view.
What good is a 2019 or later RAV4 Hybrid if the build quality stinks which affects the overall driving experience.
No this has been an issue of late with most Toyota's and not due to demand.
Correct... Many people don't scrutinize their cars as carefully as they should do. In order to improve MPG, Toyota is forced to reduce a lot of curb-weight in cars (excluding trucks) with more flimsy plastics used and lower-density grade new aluminum engine blocks installed, which does reduce durability quite a bit. Times have changed now, and a lot of domestic models are using better quality material now. Take for example, Cadillac XT4, and compare it with plastic-feel Lexus NX.
It "seems" that the newer the model "the cheaper" it feels.
I've been test driving the older 2012 model RAV4's with the 3.5l V6 - Ride and Power much superior to the newer ones IMHO - a shame really that the newer ones just don't "cut it" in my view.
What good is a 2019 or later RAV4 Hybrid if the build quality stinks which affects the overall driving experience.
Have you ever opened the engine hood cover in new 2019 RAV4? I did... It is completely featherweight and super-light, and extremely cheaply-built, which gives an excellent warning that it's time to look elsewhere, or go back to American cars. Toyota does not want your business anymore.
More MPG = Less Durability, is what Consumer Reports are telling people. Engine is noisy in regular RAV4 because the new design aluminum engine block is more cheaply-built than before, uses new lower-grade lightweight aluminum, so it is less proof to vibrations and knocks than before. Drivers have been warned...
Some people say I've been too harsh on Toyota because it's their favorite car brand, and they would do anything to protect Toyota, while denying my factual statements based on my over 25 years of experience predicting car reliability with independent neutral thinking. But in reality, Toyota has been more harsh in cutting production costs lately and reducing durability quite a bit than previous vehicles before, carcomplaints.com show more Japanese cars listed as worst new cars you can buy than two decades earlier, which all easily, in conclusion, award American cars looking better each day.
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However, it will cost a premium vs the i4 ones.
It is completely featherweight and super-light, and extremely cheaply-built, which gives an excellent warning that it's time to look elsewhere, or go back to American cars. Toyota does not want your business anymore.
