1998 Toyota RAV4 Reviews

When launched in October 1994, the Toyota RAV4 was a cute and cheeky 4WD. Over the years it expanded in size and from the latest model in February 2006 has become positively staid – sounds like the typical human life cycle doesn’t it!In the ‘teenage’ years of its life cycle, the funkiest of all RAV4s arrived in January 1998, but barely lasted two years on the market. Though called Cabriolet by Toyota, it is in fact an old-style soft-top. The roof is reasonably easy to pull down and erect, but we still recommend a bit of practice at home before you set out on a topless trip on a cloudy dayThe great majority of Toyota RAV4s have a two or four-door station wagon body. The former is on a shorter wheelbase than the latter, so misses out on both rear-seat space and luggage carrying capacity.The RAV4 isn't designed to conquer the great Aussie outback, Toyota has plenty of other 4WDs and SUVs capable of dong just that, but it is a lot more competent than you might expect. Good ground clearance, big wheels and handy approach, departure and ramp angles mean it can take on rocks, ruts and rough stuff with plenty of verve. The short-wheelbase is, naturally, better than the LWB if you want to get serious off-road.These little Toyota SUVs use what are virtually car tyres and don’t have a low-range transfer case. Better tyres can make it just perfect on the beach.The RAV4’s first engine was a modern 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit that gives better than average performance for its class. The engine was extensively modified at the beginning of 1998 to give it a broader spread of torque. The four-cylinder engine was increased in size to 2.4 litres in 2003.From October 2007 a V6 engine option with the capacity of 3.5 litres joined the fray. It goes without saying the V6 has plenty of grunt, but it can be on the thirsty side at times.You have a choice between a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission in most models. The V6 comes only with a five-speed auto. The four-speed automatic is a modern unit that works well and doesn’t take too much edge off the performance, but many computers now provide five or six forward ratios.Toyota has been number one in the Australian automotive market for a number of years. So it has dealers in almost all areas of Australia, even those which are ignored by other big players in our market. So getting spares and repairs isn't likely to be a hassle.Dealers in the most remote zones are more likely to carry spare parts for LandCruisers than for the RAV4s. Nonetheless, you aren’t likely to have to wait for more than a few days for parts to be shipped to the bush from one of the major cities.Insurance is generally in the low to moderate range and there doesn't seem to be a huge variance in premium prices between them.WHAT TO LOOK FORThe Toyota RAV4 is built to a high standard but it’s still wise to have a full inspection after doing your own check up. Most RAV4s never go off road, but look closely for panel and underbody damage, just in case.Scratches in the paint and and/or the door sills and lower body corners are tell-tale signs a RAV4 has come into contact with solid objects, perhaps only bushes and similar shrubbery. But it all costs money to have rectified.If you come across sand in the underbody, try it for a salty taste. RAV4s appear to be well rust proofed but salt water really rips into steel if it gets half a chance. Check the condition of the trim, especially in a soft-top as the latter may have been caught out in the rain or even driven in the surf - again check for that salty smell or taste.Listen and feel for loose components in the transmission system that have been abused in off-road driving. The engine should start first time every time, and idle smoothly even when completely cold. If there is smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration the engine may be in a bad way.If a manual gearbox is reluctant to go down from third to second when the change is hurried, trouble could be brewing. Automatic transmissions which have had a hard life may be reluctant to change and could be slow at engaging a drive gear from Neutral or Park.CAR BUYING TIPSilly as it may sound, beware the 4WD that has been off-road. So few do any real work these days that it’s easy to find one that’s never been off sealed surfaces.

If you’d nodded off in the late-1990s and snoozed through the next decade or so you’d be amazed at the change that had taken place on our roads while you were off in slumberland. Back in the late-1990s there would have been a lot of four-wheel drives on the road, sure, but nothing like as many as there are now.When you went to sleep a typical four-wheel drive was a huge monster that was built to conquer the toughest conditions it might encounter in the bush, but there’s been a revolution in the past decade or so and the majority of four-wheel drives are now much lighter wagons that are more likely to be seen on the school run or supermarket scramble than the outback.The vast majority of four-wheel drives now sold rarely leave the bitumen, and the result is a new generation of wagons with the high viewpoint of a four-wheel drive, but with more safety and better handling and comfort than the traditional off-roader. The trade-off is in their off-road capability, but if you don’t plan to go bush that’s immaterial.Toyota’s RAV4 was one of the first so-called soft-roaders to cash in on this trend. It was conceived as a funky little multipurpose wagon that looked good round town, and was still quite capable if its city slicker owner decided to go away for a weekend in the bush or to the beach.In subsequent years the RAV4 has grown into a vehicle that is more likely to transport the family as four-wheel drives have gained in popularity as alternatives to boring station wagons.MODEL WATCHThe RAV4 was shown to the world for the first time at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, but it didn’t become a production reality until early 1994, the year it arrived here.The first RAV4 was really aimed at the funky few, who wanted to look like they went bush or beach while they cruised around the trendy suburbs of our major cities.At first it was only available as a compact, a short wheelbase three-door hardtop, although it would also later become available as a long wheelbase wagon.It boasted the same monocoque construction we normally associate only with regular cars, and that gave it strength and rigidity. It also allowed designers to create front and rear crumple zones which gave it better crash protection than most regular four-wheel drives, and with side intrusion bars and optional airbags it was quite a revelation in off-roader safety.Monocoque construction was not only a boon for safety it also provided a stiff and stable platform on which quite reasonable handling could be built. Of course the high centre of gravity meant its handling could never be as sharp and precise as a normal family sedan or wagon, but it was clearly a step up for ponderous four-wheel drive wagons.Power came from a 2.0-litre double overhead camshaft fuel-injected four-cylinder engine that developed a healthy 96 kW at 5800 revs and 180 Nm at 4400 revs, which was enough to give the RAV4 punchy performance on or off the tarmac.There was a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed auto. The rear diff was a limited-slip unit, and drive was constant four-wheel drive, with a centre diff that could be locked when greater traction was needed in rough going.Under the curvaceous skin there was independent suspension that delivered a comfortable ride with quite reasonable handling, along with quite competent off-road capability.Brakes were a combination of disc front and drum rear, and ABS was available as an extra-cost option.Inside, the RAV4 was typically Toyota, neat with quality plastics and cloth-trimmed buckets for the front occupants and a flexible split-fold bench in the rear.Flexibility was a key to the RAV4’s interior. The rear bench seat could be split and folded to provide plenty of carrying capacity, and if needed all four seats could be laid flat for overnight accommodation.Mud flaps, body side protection mouldings, power steering, a radio/cassette sound system with four speakers, and tilt steering column came standard, while options included antilock brakes, air-conditioning, sunroof, driver’s airbag, a Cruiser dress-up pack, and a Safety Pack.RAV4 grew up in 1995 when Toyota added a long wheelbase five-door wagon to the range. It wasn’t then just a fashion statement; it had become a practical full-sized family wagon. Its appeal was widened even further in 1998 when a three-door soft-top was added to the range.IN THE SHOPMechanics report few problems with the RAV4. Older cars with higher mileage may show some minor oil leaks from the engine, but these are routine rather than cause for concern.The engine is basically the same as that in the Camry, which has shown itself to be quite trouble-free. Same goes for the drive line, although one mechanic reported two instances in which the manual five-speed was jumping out of fifth due to wear in the ‘box. Both instances were at quite high mileages.Interior trim stands up well to the ravages of the harsh local sun, so expect little deterioration inside.Likewise the exterior stands up quite well, but it’s worth checking the body and underbody thoroughly for obvious signs of bush bashing. On the outside look for scratches down the sides, heavy dust in door jams, hinges and other body equipment, while underneath look for bashed in bodywork, flattened exhausts and dings on suspension components. So few RAV4s have gone offroad in any serious manner that you’re unlikely to find much damage.The trade reports that the cost of body components is quite high, even with components like reflectors, tail light lenses, and bumpers etc., so it’s worth making sure none of these need replacing.As always look for a service record that shows consistent servicing that can be verified.LOOK FOR• good blend of on-road manners and off-road capability• good visibility from high driving position• strong and stiff construction• comfortable ride and acceptable handling• funky styling• good reliability