Am debating if I want to trade out of my VW and into a RAV4, for various reasons. Would likely go used, no more than 3 years old. At that point, a V6 RAV4 becomes "possible" on the cost aspect.
My question is, how reliable/problematic is the 5 speed slushbox behind the V6? Seems like Honda and maybe Toyota(?) (certainly Dodge!) have had their issues with V6 automatics, especially in heavy minivans. Is the V6 going to have the same issues? I'd like to drive to 120kmiles or so before trading out of this vehicle, so how it lasts past 200k isn't much of a consideration.
[I suspect I want the mpg of the 4 banger, and am more apt to get that mpg on my mostly highway commute; but, it's a V6!]
RAV4 V6--transmission?
- Thread starter supton
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The tranny is very reliable, except for small % that makes quiet whine. Toyota has TSB for that and replaces trannies under warranty if they whine. Go to RAV4World.com for more details.
BTW, it isn't slushbox! Drive one and you will see what I mean (sleeper rocket).
If you don't need 4WD, buy the FWD. Some transfer cases develop expensive to fix leaks.
Never seen or heard of anything truly problematic with Toyota automatics 4 6 or 8 cyl no matter. They are tough and durable for the life of the car.
I see them often with 200+K on them and still working fine.
Honda on the other hand has had horrendous issues, i wouldn't touch one with a 10 foot pole. 
To be honest, the previous generation RAV4 had issues with tranny computer programming that shortened tranny life. But that is history.
It was just a ECM replace and there was a TSB for it. The internals were not at fault as you say.
Toyota extended the warranty on these units to 10/150,000.
Toyota stands behind their product, if Honda extended the warranty on their failed trannys they would be in a world of hurt.
http://qcwo.com/technicaldomain/harsh-sh...-problem-repair
Compared to my 5 speed stick, any auto is going to feel slushy to me--especially a torque convertor--actually, anything that shifts automatically is going to be odd, after only driving stick for the last 11+ years. If I do buy one, it'd be the first auto I've owned (last prior 6 vehicles were stick).
That's good to know, that their autos are just fine. One hears stories and all. I know the 4 bangers have kept the 4 speed auto, which I presume has been bulletproof.
As for FWD vs AWD, I think for the 1mpg hit I'll take it. I've managed with FWD, but even with dedicated snows I still notice it in winter. Yeah, it's only what, 5ish months of the year that I "need" AWD, but it sure would be nice.
Not to try and hijack, but the RAV4 V6 is essentially the same drivetrain as you'll find in a Highlander right?
I might go check out a few 2008-9 Highlanders this weekend, and was just seeing if I could apply RAV4 V6 comments to that motor/transmission. I'm guessing the 4WD systems might be very similar as well.
I've never heard bad things about the RAV4 or Highlander, but I've also not paid much attention to them.
Originally Posted By: VicVinegar
Not to try and hijack, but the RAV4 V6 is essentially the same drivetrain as you'll find in a Highlander right?
I might go check out a few 2008-9 Highlanders this weekend, and was just seeing if I could apply RAV4 V6 comments to that motor/transmission. I'm guessing the 4WD systems might be very similar as well.
I've never heard bad things about the RAV4 or Highlander, but I've also not paid much attention to them.
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Originally Posted By: supton
One hears stories and all.
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: supton
One hears stories and all.
Just as we have two Honda automatics that run perfect, we also had two Mopar minivan transmissions that were 100% reliable. They weren't the most refined things in the world, though the '07 was definitely better than the '03 in that regard. We put almost 80k miles on the 2003 transmission and about 45k on the 2007 transmission. Neither unit gave us any problems.
I have a mopar minivan, and the transmission has blown 3 times (so far...)lol. It's on it's 4th transmission right now. It has a 41TE. I expected to have problems with the Dodge though, so I wasn't too freaked out when the transmission blew. But, after it blew the 2nd time, and 3rd time I think I may have sh*t myself. lol Boy, do I hate this dodge grand caravan.
Some of you may ask, why I kept on replacing transmission...The van has sentimental value to me, and it's irreplaceable for that reason. But, I no longer drive the van for the fear of the transmission dying, so I've parked it in my backyard for the time being. I hope to grow a pair soon, and get rid of the van. But, I don't know if I can give it up, too many memories.
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