Toyota RAV4 2012 Problems

A noise or vibration that is engine speed dependent is usually associated with the driveline, while a similar problem that occurs at a particular road speed is more often a problem with a wheel or suspension component. The main exception to that is the differential which is part of the driveline but determines the vehicle’s speed, so can contribute a speed-dependent noise or vibration, too.

Beyond that, you could be looking at a fault with a wheel bearing, a deformed tyre, bent rim, worn suspension bush, bent axle or suspension arm or pretty much anything else. A rolling-road dynamometer (kind of like a treadmill for cars) might be one way of achieving the problem speed while a mechanic looks and listens on.

As a guide you could expect to get $1500 to $3000 for your Laser. The RAV4 is a sound choice. You could get into a 5-star safety rated 2014 RAV4 for $20,000-$23,000, a similar 2012 model for $17,000-$20,000. You could also consider a Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V, or Subaru Forester.

There are lots of SUVs to choose from, it's a very crowded market, which works in the favour of the buyer. The Territory of the vintage you are considering is a decent car, the diesel is economical and it would tow up to 2700 kg. Also consider the Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V.

It’s possibly coming in through the rear of the car, so check the rear door seal and any other seals that might be allowing the exhaust fumes in.

This does seem to be one of those issues that plague today's cars, one that can't easily be solved, and doesn't necessarily show up at the dealership. The only way it will be solved is to press your father's case with the dealer and Toyota directly. It would seem that your father's concerns are justified and the problem needs to be fixed. It could be a faulty electronic sensor or connection that's sending the wrong signal to the car's computer, but the dealer is the one responsible for sorting it out, so head back there.