00:00 - A Compact SUV That Is Versatile, Affordable and Surprisingly Fast With Its V6 Engine

Sold in the US from model years 2006-2012, the third generation Toyota RAV4 was a compact SUV that offered buyers a wide range of features, drive modes and engine options to suit almost any buyer

01:00 - INTRO - The Third Generation Toyota RAV4 - What It Is

It’s the go-to recommended compact SUV option from me when someone says, I have about $10,000 to $12,000 to spend and I need a single vehicle to do a little bit of everything from people hauling, to commuting, to taking road trips and going on weekend adventures. 

02:00 - Why Might You Want One

• Handsome Exterior Styling
• Attractive Interior Styling

06:45 - Available In Three Different Models With A Wide Range Of Features, Drive Trains and Engine Choices

The third Gen RAV4 was available in Base, Sport and Limited Trim, with 2WD or 4WD and a choice of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines

08:10 - Fuel Economy

The 2WD 4-cylinder models got the highest fuel economy and the 4WD 6-cylinder models got the lowest, but the combined US fuel economy rating difference between the highest and lowest models was only 2-mpg, so I recommend buying a V6 model with 4WD for quick acceleration, increased towing capacity and more fun behind the wheel.

11:15 - Exceptional Power And Performance With The V6 Engine

The 4-clylinder Third Gen RAV4s offered adequate power combined with a somewhat antiquated 4-speed automatic, however the 6-cylinder models were a different story. When first launched, the Third Gen RAV4 V6 models offered over 100-hp more than the 4-cylinder models, and came with a 5-speed automatic transmission that made better use of that power under all driving conditions.

12:45 - Braking And Handling

The 3rd Gen Toyota RAV4 drives more like a car than a truck or an SUV.  It’s taller, of course, and feels a little top-heavy on a winding road compared to a car, but it’s overall driving experience can best be described as “sporty”, and while there were different suspension and tire diameter combinations between models, all RAV4s handle well and offer confidence-inspiring braking.

14:35 - What Do Owners Think Of The Third Gen RAV4s?

Overall owners of the third generation RAV4 really like these sporty compact SUVs. For example, 94% of 2010 RAV4 owners who posted comments about their ownership experience would recommend the third generation RAV4 to others.

20:10 - Common Issues, Problems and Caveats

No used car is perfect, including the RAV4. We review some common issues and a couple of major problems that you should be aware of when considering the purchase of third generation RAV4.

29:00 - What To Look For When Buying A Third Gen RAV4

I would avoid the 2006-2008 2.4-liter 4-cylinder RAV4s unless the ring tension issue has been fixed, but the later 2009-2012 RAV4s with the 2.5-liter 4-clyinder should be fine. However, my top recommendation is a full-featured Sport or Limited 6-cylinder model with 4WD from 2009-2012 - preferably one from the final year or two of the production run. With nearly 270-hp and 4WD, along with decent fuel economy, this RAV4 configuration is a no-brainer choice for me.

31:30 - Third Gen RAV4 Price Range

• $5,000-$8,000 - Maybe something okay, but probably not
• $8,000-$10,000 - Solid choices, but still some potential issues
• $10,000-$12,500 - You should find great RAV4s In this range
• $12,500-$15,000 - The best low-mile private party RAV4s
• $15,000 and above - Why? There are great RAV4s available for less - Try harder!

34:45 - WRAP UP

This versatile, efficient compact SUV came in many flavors from base, to sport, to limited models and was available with various engines, transmissions and drive modes, but I recommend that you set you sights possibly on a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder model, or definitely the 3.5-liter 6-cylinder model from 2009 to 2012 with 4WD. 

Configured in that manner, you will have one of the most sporty and fun-to-drive 3rd Gen RAV4’s available, as long as you find one that has been well maintained. 

Relevant Content Links:

2AZ-FE 4-cyl - Low Tension Piston Ring Issue – The Car Care Nut - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F994QmOD6W8

3.5-liter 6-cylinder oil leak from timing cover - The Car Care Nut - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMvjhUVjyc0&t=798s

2012 RAV4 Brochure/Options list: https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/brochures/toyota/2012-rav4.pdf

NOTE: For different years of RAV4 brochures, copy and paste the ink into a browser window, then change to year to the one you want (e.g. 2006, 2007, etc.)

DIY RAV4 Personal Camper Conversion - http://sleepinginacar.com/my-diy-rav4-camper-conversion/

I stumbled on this RAV4 camper build and thought potential buyers might find it interesting

AWD Lock feature - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqDQoe9f6JY&t=54s

A lot of people wonder how the 4WD "lock" button works with the RAV4s 4WD system, so when I found a video on the subject, I added this link