Used 2005 Toyota RAV4 AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) Consumer Reviews
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Bestest Little SUV Ever
jerseyan, Jersey City, NJ, 10/17/2014
updated 02/04/2025
Toyota RAV4 AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
116 of 117 people found this review helpful
After trading in a 2001 Rav4 we purchased a new 2005 Rav4 L. It has been a pleasure to own, and wish Toyota still made this style. We like the size, it has plenty of zip, not bad on gas, easy to park, and great in the snow, holds the road in the rain with the AWD. I do most of my own work and changed the wires and plugs at the 100,000-mile mark. The only maintenance was a new battery, front brakes, tires, new rear shocks, and runs like the day it left the dealer's lot. It also helps that it is garage kept. This was the top of the line when purchased, there wasn't any entertainment (other than cd/am/FM), navigation, Bluetooth, USB, climate control available when it was purchased. We don't miss it, and less chance of something going amiss. Now at 144,000 miles this is the most dependable, reliable vehicle we have ever owned. Easy to park, great highway mileage up to 29 mpg, and if it lasts to 300,000 miles my wife isn't going to part with it anytime soon. Back seat is roomy enough and with them flat or taken out if needed, it offers plenty of room for cargo. New wiper blades, changed over to synthetic oil, had an upgraded radio with the Bluetooth feature installed for hands free answering of the phone, other than that this little car runs, runs and runs. It may not win any marathons, but it has enough pep to get from point A to point B. I just replaced the halogen headlight bulbs with LED's. Replacing the drivers side bulb is easy, the passenger side not so much. But the difference in night vision was worth it. Here it is 2021 and it still runs like a top. I recently replaced the valve cover gasket due to a small oil leak. The leak is gone and at 168,000 miles this thing keeps running like the day we bought it. A great runabout for day trips, shopping, garden shops etc. Excellent parking for those tight spots. The best thing . . . no car payments since 2008. It is now August 2022, the Rav is 17 years old, I was 59 when we purchased it, going on 76. I still do all my own work. Recently changed the spark plugs, new front pads, new back pads and rotors, new serpentine belt, and synthetic oil change. With the new Kenda tires, road noise is almost non-existent, very quiet. The tire center said my shocks are still in great condition. For $300 and a few hours work, I'll throw in a new strut assembly do them myself, if and when the time comes. That is another advantage, this vehicle is very easy to work on. Not sure because of the smaller size or age of the Rav, but I have been asked more often lately if I want to sell it. It uses regular gas, gets great mileage and the best part, we still have no car payments. I see no reason to purchase a newer vehicle, the older the Rav gets, (or maybe the older I get) the more I enjoy driving it. As of February 2023, now at 171,000 miles and a recent oil change this little gem keeps on purring along. August 2023, 173,000 miles and still purrs the same as it did when it left the showroom. My wife is now gone, she always said she would keep it until the wheels fell off. That hasn't happened yet, until it does the old Rav isn't going anywhere. Well, my wife passed away and I had to part with the Rav even though it was still running like a top. I have no need for three cars, with insurance rates going up I had to get rid of it at 180,000 miles.
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Wish I had bought one sooner.
Tricia, Belton, MO, 07/26/2016
Toyota RAV4 AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
17 of 17 people found this review helpful
Every Chevy or Ford I've owned needed constant repair. I bought this last year, used from a dealer. What a great lil suv. The only thing I've bought are tires, oil and filter. Its never left me stranded. I've never had to call my dad to come rescue me. Gas mileage is awesome. Mine is the sport with the Hood scoop. My dads getting too old to keep working on broken down vehicles. I think he loves that I've had it with no issues. Parking in tight spots is a breeze too. I've got 149,000 miles and runs like it's brand new. If I could change anything it would be the awd to 4wd .. I like to control that myself. But I'm not complaining. I've read they can go to 300,000 so I'm crossing my fingers... love this suv!
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- Performance
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A Great, Reliable Vehicle
tuttman, Mililani, HI, 01/15/2012
Toyota RAV4 AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Purchased new in 2005. Good power and performance. Gas mileage was as listed until year 2-3. Now averaging 22-23 MPG, but not bad for an AWD. Now after almost 7 years and 69,000 miles, it's never needed anything but normal maintenance. Extremely satisfied with my RAV4. Brakes lasted almost 60,000 miles w/auto transmission! Paint and interior still in almost like new condition. The only issue is an exhaust "growl" at low RPM's. Not a big deal. Road noise is a bit loud, but the stereo works great to cover that. I love this car and would highly recommend it.
2005 RAV4 Chili Edition
PoolShark101, 11/10/2021
Toyota RAV4 AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car in 2018. I only have good things to say about it. At the time of purchase, it had about 215,000 kilometers on the engine. With regular maintenance (oil change, brake replacement, etc) I had no big issues during the time I owned it. I sold it in late 2020 due to COVID with about 240,000 kilometers on the odometer. I went on plenty of camping trips, a few road trips, and took this up to a ski resort on a couple of occasions. The 4X4 came in handy. This car is very reliable and will not quit no matter what kind of conditions you are driving in. I was genuinely a little sad when it came time for me to sell it. I can't comment on the newer RAV4 models but I would definitely recommend this one.
Rocket Sled !!
Tom, 02/17/2005
Toyota RAV4 AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have both the Rav2003 and 2005, the 2005 has the new 2.4 engine and it really rocks. This SUV it's really fun to drive. Soo nimble!