Toyota RAV4 FAQs
Do I have to retime the motor if the serpentine belt in my 1998 Toyota RAV4 broke broke?
It all depends on what you call the serpentine belt. If you mean the toothed rubber belt that drives the camshafts, then yes, the engine will need to have its valve timing re-set before it will run again with a new belt. If this is what has happened, you’re lucky that the 3S-FE engine in your car is what’s called a non-interference engine. That is, if the belt brakes, the pistons will not crash into the valves, destroying the engine. In an interference design, you’d be looking at a whole new engine.
If, however, the belt you refer to is the one that drives the power-steering pump, water pump and alternator, then you should be able to simply replace the belt and be back in business.
Show more
Toyota RAV4 1998: Is it a good first car?
IT'S A Toyota, so be assured it will be reliable provided it has been serviced according to the Toyota schedule. The first thing is to check the service record to make sure everything has been covered. Because it has been promoted as an off-road vehicle, make sure it has sustained no damage as a result of being thrashed through the bush. The RAV4 will handle some light off-road driving, but is not designed for really heavy going and is prone to being damaged by someone intent on pushing it beyond its limits. As for cost, $9000 is a fair market price for the car at your local yard, but you could try to negotiate it down to $8000.
Show more
Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. CarsGuide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
*
Price is based on Glass's Information Services third party pricing data for the lowest priced
Toyota
RAV4
1998 variant.
The Price excludes costs such as stamp duty, other government charges and options.
Disclaimer: Glass's Information Services (GIS) and CarsGuide Autotrader Media
Solutions Pty Ltd. (CarsGuide) provide this information based on data from a range of sources
including third parties.
Whilst all care has been taken to ensure its accuracy and reliability, GIS and CarsGuide do not
warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for
any particular purpose.
You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and
valuation of the vehicle.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, GIS and CarsGuide exclude all liability
for any direct, indirect, special or incidental loss, damage, expense or injury resulting from,
arising out of, or in connection with your use of or reliance upon this information.
.png)
