Used Car Reviews

The 3-Series was once the model that opened the bidding for the BMW brand. It was the model you bought if you sought the prestige that comes from driving a well-respected European brand on a budget, but as the 3-Series grew in size, equipment and refinement it became more aspirational and less affordable.NEWBMW thus needed a new entry-level model below the 3-Series and that was the 1-Series the company unveiled in 2004. It was still a prestige model that fitted into the small car class at the top end, but it was a more affordable model for those for whom the 3-Series was now out of reach.Within the 1-Series range was a host of models, from economical hatches and frugal diesels to sexy convertibles and sporty coupes. There was a range of four-cylinder engines ranging from a modest 1.6-litre to a free revving 2.0-litre that was the pick of the bunch for most people.For more zip you could opt for a six-cylinder engine and BMW offered two: a 3.0-litre and a more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre for those who wanted the ultimate in performance. On top of that there was the choice of a couple of diesels for those who wanted to stretch the interval between visits to the service station and who appreciated the strong mid-range performance a diesel offers.Like all BMWs the 1-Series chassis was well balanced, sure-footed and agile on the road, and being rear-wheel drive it had an engagement others struggled to match. The ride was firm, accentuated in some models by the use of run-flat tyres. The appeal of the 1-Series is that it looks like a BMW from all angles, and one of the good things about the brand if you value badge prestige is that their cars are always readily identified as being BMWs.The 1-Series shape is attractive, the lines well developed and there's the familiar kidney shaped grille. It all spells BMW. The cabin was a bit of a squeeze, particularly in the rear and the boot wasn't the biggest going around. But all models were well equipped, as you would expect for a premium model.NOWThe 1-Series is a solid all round performer with good build quality, but that doesn't mean a trouble-free run is guaranteed. BMWs do breakdown, like any car, but when they do you can expect to pay more for the repairs and the parts, particularly when you have the work done by a factory BMW dealer.It's strongly recommended that you have your BMW serviced by an independent mechanic who knows the brand intimately and has a source of more affordable parts. Smart mechanics are now buying parts overseas at prices we can only dream of here, and they're genuine factory parts.Servicing is vital for your car's good health; regular oil changes keep the engine ticking over sweetly. Failing to change the oil will eventually lead to a major rebuild after the oil galleries have become clogged with sludge and no longer allow the oil to get to the parts of the engine it's needed. Check the service record carefully to make sure all has been done according to the book, even when someone other than a BMW dealer has done it.Over time the plastic fittings BMW uses in the engine bay become brittle and break up. Once one goes they might as well all be replaced because they will all go and it's cheaper to do them all at the same time than do them one at a time as they fail. Look for oil leaks, listen and feel for sloppy suspension bushes, and expect faster brake wear, pads and discs, than on other cars.Some owners of cars fitted with run-fat tyres were so appalled at the ride that they swapped the rubber for regular tyres. The cars with run-flats never had spares in the boot, just a repair kit, so if your car was originally fitted with run-flats and now has conventional tyres check for a spare.BMW recalled the 1-Series to fix an electrical connection with a battery cable that could affect the operation of the door locks and prevent the car from starting. In extreme cases the engine may stall and lose power steering.SMITHY SAYSHas the badge, but hard ride, modest performance and tight cabin make it a compromise.BMW 1-Series 2004-2010Price new: $34,900-$62,000Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 85 kW/150 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 95 kW/180 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cyinder, 110 kW/200 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 105 kW/300 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 115 kW/330 Nm; 3.0-litre 6-cylinder, 160 kW/270 Nm; 3.0-litre 6-cylinder, 195 kW/315 Nm; 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo, 225 kW/400 Nm.Transmission: 6-speed auto, 6-speed manual, RWDEconomy: 7.3 L/100 km (1.8), 7.9 L/100 km (2.0), 9.2 L/100 km (3.0), 6.6 L/100 km (2.0TD), 8.7 L/100 km (3.0), 9.6 L/100 km (3.0TT)Body: 5-door hatch, 2-door coupe, 2-door convertibleSafety: 5-star ANCAP 

It’s not just we Aussies and the Yanks that love their SUVs, Europeans have really been getting into them in recent years; and the big name German marques have quickly cottoned onto the boom in these handy vehicles. BMW began its SUV range with the X5 and has gradually worked its way down in size with new models X3 and finally the X1. The reduction in size was caused by the realisation by car makers that most SUV buyers aren’t interested in exploring the wilds of their respective countries, rather they want a capacious station wagon with a driving position that’s higher than cars’.Note that BMW would like us to call its vehicles SAVs, standing for Sports Activity Vehicle, but no-one seems particularly interested in that acronym so we will stick with SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle).The midsize BMW X3 is the subject of this week’s article as it’s proving very popular in recent times. In Australia around one third of all BMW sales are in SUVs. The biggest seller is the X5, but the X3, introduced here in July 2004, is holding its own in the sales race. Interestingly, the second generation X3, sold from March 2011, is significantly larger than the original and is within a few centimetres of the first-generation X5 in many dimensions.If you’re looking for a family car the gen-two BMW X3 has ample legroom for those in the rear seat and three children will find they have good shoulder room. Boot space is good and the luggage areas are well shaped and easy to load in all X3 models.As there’s almost no demand for a BMW that can go off road, the suspension guys have gone for handling and comfort ahead of traction on unsealed surfaces. Clever electronics, further enhanced on the gen-two X3, do give it more grip in harsh going than you might expect.Four and six-cylinder engines are offered in petrol and diesel format. BMW has long been a specialist in turbocharged engines and both the petrol and diesel units work well. There’s the usual lag before things start to really motor well, but once the engines are past that stage they are beautifully responsive.Though the diesels are the more economical we do have a preference for turbo-petrol engines as they just love to rev way up in the scale, whereas the diesels give up in the high 4000s. Even better are the naturally aspirated straights sixes - one of our all time favourite powerplants. These are offered in 2.5 and 3.0-litre capacity.Six-speed manual gearboxes were offered in the early days, but were never popular and disappeared from the new-car price list during 2008. If you’re keen on DIY gearshifting you may find a few manuals have been privately imported. Be sure a private import meets all areas of Australian regulations.Automatic transmissions began with five forward speeds in 2004, this increased to six in 2006, then eight in the all-new model of 2011. There are manual overrides that give you a fair bit of control as BMW has long been an expert in sporting automatics.BMW is long established in Australia and has a well organised dealer network. The concentration is on major metro areas but there are quite a few in country cities and even large country towns. Spare parts are relatively expensive, but no more so than others in this class of SUV. We seldom here any real complaints about availability. Similarly, insurance costs aren’t low, but you generally seem to get value for money.Do it yourself work on an SUV like this should be left to minor items only. These are complex cars with a multitude of electronic items and should be left to BMW dealers. There are some ex-BMW mechanics in private practise and owners speak very highly of them, however, they may not have access to the very latest information or changes to the X3.WHAT TO LOOK FORThe BMW X3 is generally trouble free, but it makes sense to buy a used one with a full service history. The car will have been in contact by way of the internet with the technical departments in the German head office each time it was serviced at an official dealership.The use of incorrect tyres can cause problems with the transfer case due to incorrect rolling radii. Make a note of the details of tyres then contact BMW for a list of recommended tyres. If you suspect one has been off the beaten track - a rare event - examine the bumper corners, doors sills and undertray for damage - or choose an X3 that hasn’t beaten about the bush.Make sure a petrol engine starts almost instantly, or a diesel within a couple of seconds. Slow starting can indicate real problems. An inspection of the interior, including the luggage area will reveal that a car has been used as a workhorse for carting kids or other heavy-duty stuff.CAR BUYING TIPCars aimed at those who really like to drive may have been thrashed. Blindingly obvious? Yes, but too few buyers take this into account when falling in love with a potential new car. 

As winter fades and summer fast approaches thoughts often turn to open-top cars and convertibles. For some there's nothing better than cruising around in an open car with the roof down.NEWFor those the selection of makes and models of open cars has never been greater. Most carmakers offer at least one convertible, some more than one. The Italian carmaker, Alfa Romeo has always offered convertibles, they're part of the company's DNA.The Spider has been a long and well-established model in the Alfa range and the company launched a new car in 2006, which was based on the Brera coupe. Like all Alfas the Spider is high on style and is packed with the flair that only comes with Italian cars.Two models were launched in 2006, the 2.2-litre four-cylinder JTS and the 3.2-litre V6 JTS. Both had performance-oriented engines boasting continuously variable valve timing and efficient direct injection.They each had six-speed manual gearboxes with the option of a six-speed auto; the smaller engine model was front-wheel drive, while the V6 had permanent all-wheel drive. While the engines deliver the punch expected of a sports car the chassis delivers the handling that allows it to be fully exploited.With double wishbone front suspension and a new multi-link rear suspension the Spider offers the sort of balanced handling and responsive steering to make open-road cruising the enjoyable experience it should be.The power soft top can be raised and lowered quickly and efficiently so you're never caught in a downpour. Inside the driver and passenger are accommodated in supportive, comfortable seats, the controls are nicely laid out within easy reach of the driver.Without a spare wheel the boot is quite large. On the road the Spider delivers the sort of driving experience expected of a sports car with the sort of heritage Alfa possesses.NOWAlfas, like most Italian cars, can be most alluring. They're stylish, make the right sort of noises and ache for the open road, but history says they can be troublesome.There was a period through the 1970s and '80s when Italian cars were slapped together by people who didn't seem to care, and the people who bought them suffered the consequence. They were poorly built, generally unreliable and rust was a major issue.Thankfully that's in the past and the cars are much better built, more reliable and rust doesn't appear to be a problem now, but there remains a suspicion that affects the reputations of all but the most exotic Italian brands and Alfa is one of them.It not only affects the new car sales of the brand, but also the resale and that needs to be appreciated and understood by anyone thinking of buying one. It's a good idea to find an Alfa specialist to service your chosen car, as they tend to be less expensive and have a genuine enthusiasm for the brand.Check the operation of the roof, which should be go up and down smoothly. Some owners complain that it doesn't, and there are reports of the lining inside the well where the roof is stored when lowered comes away preventing the roof from fully lowering.In 2009 there was a recall of 3.2-litre Spiders equipped with automatic transmissions to correct a problem that resulted in the brake pedal being stiff when pressed the first few times after a cold start. Examine the service record to see that your potential choice has been maintained as it should be and that it has been done by a creditable service outlet, preferably one familiar with the brand.SMITHY SAYSA stylish and thoroughly enjoyable and reliable sports car that's perfect for summer cruising.Alfa Romeo Spider 2006-2011Price new: $76,950 to $100,950Engine: 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder, 136 kW/230 Nm; 3.2-litre, V6, 191 kW/322 NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto, FWD, AWDEconomy: 9.4 L/100 km (2.2), 11.5 L/100 km (V6)Body: 2-door convertibleVariants: 2.2 JTS, 3.2 JTS V6Safety: ABS, Traction Control, ESPCOMING UPDo you own a BMW 1-Series? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney 

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used Volvo XC90 2002 - 2012.

Remarkably the Jaguar name has maintained its traditional position as a leading prestige brand in the automotive business despite the ownership changes that have taken place in recent years.Indian interests now own the grand old British brand, but for a time it was part of the Ford empire, and it was during this period that it produced the compact X-Type.The X-Type was conceived to compete with the prestige models from other makers that ruled the luxury mid-sized market segment, cars like the 'Benz C-Class, BMW's 3-Series and the Audi A4.Traditionalists moaned that the X-Type wasn't a real Jaguar, that it was simply a dressed-up Ford Mondeo and owed little to the proud heritage of the brand.While that was true, Ford's stylists did quite a good job in making it look like a Jaguar with styling cues that clearly recalled the big cats that ruled the road in the 1960s and '70s.It had a low and heavily sculpted look that was reminiscent of the old XJ sedans, and plastic woodgrain highlights and leather trim in the cabin passed for the real thing. The cabin itself, however, was a little on the cramped side and the boot was rather small.The X-Type lobbed in local showrooms late in 2001 with 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre all-wheel drive V6 versions, to which a 2.1-litre model, this one a front-wheel driver, was added in 2002, followed by a turbo-diesel in 2008.There was a five-speed manual gearbox available, but most of the petrol models left the showrooms with the five-speed auto that was also offered. The turbo-diesel was equipped with a six-speed manual.When let loose on the road the small-engined cat was a comfy cruiser; it wasn't over-endowed with performance and you needed to work it hard to extract what zip it did have. The larger engine models offered more of the get up and go you'd expect of a Jaguar.For anyone lacking the funds to buy a new prestige model the lure of buying a second-hand one can be irresistible, but buying a used model can be a road to financial ruin. Just because a car costs more when it's sitting in a glitzy showroom doesn't mean it's any more reliable than the cheap-and-cheerful model at the budget car dealer down the road. Prestige models, like the Jaguar X-Type, can be a joy to drive, but they can also become a nightmare.For starters servicing can be expensive if you take it to the factory dealer to have the oil changed, and if it breaks down expect to pay plenty for the replacement parts needed to get it going again. Do your homework on whom you might get to service your car; an independent service mechanic with knowledge of Jaguars is highly recommended.As we've reported in this column before the prices charged by the factory dealers for prestige car parts can be outrageous, but savvy buyers and smart machines can source them for a lot less from overseas on the internet.The X-Type is a generally sound car, but it's still vitally important that you have your chosen cars checked by an expert before handing over your cash. As with any second-hand car check the service record to make sure your chosen car hasn't been neglected. Missed servicing will likely cause you considerable pain later on.There was one recall that affected the X-Type here in Australia. It was in 2012 and related to the cruise control in the diesel version. The problem could occur of there was an error in the electronics controlling the cruise, in which case the cruise would be disabled and a fault indicated on the dash, but if it happened while the cruise was engaged it is not possible to disengage the cruise using the cruise cancel button, the brakes or changing gear. Check the owner's manual for a record of the recall rework having been carried out.It's a cat, and that counts, but there are better used prestige buys.

Most fleet cars are treated very well. This is partly because employees don't want to have to explain any damage to the boss. Ex-fleet cars are a good buy and no longer run-of-the-mill vehicles Fleet cars once were boring vanilla vehicles. They were base-model sedans, painted white. Times have changed, fleets are

Holden’s medium-large Epica wasn’t a sales success during its time on the new-car market that began in March 2007, with the car being quietly slipped off the new-car price list in February 2011.The Epica was relatively expensive and had a sedan body in a class that favours hatchbacks. Its South Korean heritage didn’t do it any favours either, though there was some Holden input in the design and mechanical setup. The result is poor resale value that makes the Holden Epica a real bargain on the used-car front.Epica has moderately good steering feel as it has some Aussie design input in the suspension and steering. However, it may be firmer in its ride on medium to rough roads than some owners like. On motorways it’s impressively smooth and quiet.Holden Epica’s interior space should be better for a car of this size that has the space saving layout offered by a transverse engine. Legroom in the rear is restricted unless those in the front are willing to give up a few notches of seat travel. Boot space is good, an advantage of the sedan body as it has a longer tail than hatchbacks’.Holden Epica has proven reliable to date and we see no reason why this won’t continue as, by the time it was designed, the Koreans had learnt a lot about build quality. As always, good cars can fall into bad hands so it still pays to have a professional inspection before forking out your hard-earned.The biggest feature of the Holden Epica is its straight-six petrol engine in a class of car that’s totally dominated by four-cylinder engines. The sixes are delightfully smooth and give Epica a real air of refinement.The six-cylinder petrols come with capacities of 2.0 litres and 2.5 litres. The former are offered only with a five-speed manual gearbox, the latter with an automatic transmission, also with five ratios. Performance is good without being outstanding as these are relatively small engines in a largish car. A slow seller, the 2.0-litre engine was pulled from the Australian market midway through 2008July 2008 saw the introduction of a turbo-diesel engine. This time with just four cylinders and a capacity of 2.0 litres, but with the advantage of a six-speed automatic transmission compared with the five-speed in the petrol autos. It has far too much turbo lag but once that has finally passed it works well when climbing hills, even with a load on board.Holden is well represented Australia wide, with dealers in even the smallest of towns. It’s unlikely country dealers will have spare parts of the Epica in stock, but bits can generally be delivered within a couple of business days. We have heard no real complaints about spare parts prices, or of shortages in the populated areas of Australia.Epica is easy to work on with a decent amount of underbonnet space. Good home mechanics can do most of their own work – but we advise they steer clear of any safety items.Insurance costs are generally low. As is sometimes the way with any car that’s a relatively small seller, there can be quite a variation in premium prices so it’s worth shopping around. Just be sure you are comparing apples with apples.WHAT TO LOOK FORBuild quality is generally good, but listen for squeaks and rattles when driving on rough roads, especially in the area behind the dashboard. This is unlikely to be a cause for breakdown, but can be irritating. Check under the bonnet for signs of weeping at the petrol pump.A petrol engine should start easily and idle very smoothly, anything else is a sign to be wary. Diesels that are overly noisy may be due for a major service, or an overhaul.Epicas with the 2.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine are underpowered by Australian drivers’ standards and may have been thrashed. Get a professional to check it if there’s the slightest doubt.Upholstery that gets a lot of work may be showing signs of wear. Check the rear seats as bored kids can knock them around. Look for damage to the front wheels as the Epica is a bigger car than some drivers realise and the wheels may have skimmed the kerb more than once.CAR BUYING TIPCars that were unpopular when new sometimes pick up in value as they age - note the word ‘sometimes’, though. 

It's easy to criticise the Camry, it doesn't do anything very special, but it's also easy to like it, as many Australian families appear to do if you go by its continuing strong sales.The bottom line is that it's an easy car for a family to live with. Sure, it's not exciting, it doesn't challenge the senses, and it's not in the least sporty, but it drives with ease, it's practical and it's reliable. What's not to like when it's got all of that going for it.NEWToyota launched the sixth generation Camry in 2006 and at the same time realigned it within its overall model range. Gone was the V6 engine and its associated models, the sixth generation Camry was an all-four model and you had to buy an Aurion if you wanted the pep of a V6 engine.The Camry has never been regarded as particularly stylish, but it has evolved into a more eye-appealing car with each new model and there's nothing about the sixth generation model that warrants criticism.Four main models made up the range, beginning with the Altise and climbing through the Atevo, Sportivo and Grande, which topped the tree. There were upgrades in 207 and 2009, and a Touring model appeared in 2009.There was also a hybrid, but that's a specialised model and deserves its own treatment. The Camry is perfect for a family; it seats four adults in comfort, will take five at a squeeze, and has a decent boot. Inside, the cabin is roomy, the seats are quite comfortable, but if there's a criticism to be made it's that it's a little bland.With the V6 gone the only engine choice was the 2.4-litre four-cylinder unit. It wasn't a neck-snapper, but it didn't need to be in the family car class. It performed perfectly satisfactorily and delivered acceptable fuel economy.The transmission choices were a five-speed manual and a five-speed auto, but most left the factory with the self-shifter under the bonnet.On the road the Camry was a rather benign device, it did everything that was called for without in any sense being sporty. The steering was light, but still accurate enough, and the lightness made it a comfortable drive around town.NOWDespite setbacks in recent times when it has had to recall some cars Toyota still has a reputation for building sound, reliable cars. It's well justified as the Camry has few faults, and nothing that are of a major concern.There has been only one recall in Australia involving the sixth generation Camry, and that was for a faulty electric window switch in 2012. The switch could feel sticky, and in the worst case could overheat and melt.Check the owner's manual on any car you're considering buying second-hand and make sure the recall repair has been carried out. While you're at it check the car's service record to make sure all servicing has been done according to the book.You might also like to check if your potential choice has been a renter or a fleet car in an earlier life. Camrys were a popular choice as company hacks and rental cars, and while that shouldn't exclude them from your consideration it's best to be wise when buying one of these cars. They sometimes have a hard life and can at times be driven by people who don't care about their welfare.SMITHY SAYSIt's hard to dislike the Camry, it does everything well enough to be your first choice family car.Toyota Camry 2006-2011Price new: $33,000 to $39,900Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder, 117 kW/218 NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, 5-speed auto, FWDEconomy: 8.9 - 9.9 L/100 kmBody: 4-door sedanVariants: Altise, Ateva, Sportivo, GrandeSafety: 4-star ANCAPCOMING UPDo you own a Mercedes-Benz C-Class? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010. 

Hyundai Tiburon coupe arrived in Australia in March 2002 to somewhat mixed reviews. The biggest stumbling block to sales was the unusual styling.A minor facelift in February 2005 didn’t make a lot of difference to the overly Asian shape, but a major reshape in February 2007 was a winner. Though it retained the same overall silhouette the ’07 Tiburon looked so much better that it could have been an all-new design.At the start but Tiburon’s price was somewhat optimistic for a South Korean company that still sat low in the image stakes. Prices were slashed and sales lifted to a reasonable level, so there are quite a few on the used-car scene.Coupes have made a comeback in Australia in the last couple of years. Hyundai’s own Veloster with its striking shape and interesting door layout grabbed a lot of attention, but the biggest publicity came from the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 twins.Prices of Tiburons may increase due to this renewed interest in coupes, no promises though...The South Koreans have a similar attitude to Australians in their likes of good chassis dynamics and driving pleasure. So the Tiburon has a nicely neutral feel and gives good feedback through the steering.It’s not going to rival the big name Europeans but is a lot better than you might expect, particularly if you invest in a good set of sporting tyres.Interior room is pretty good in the front seats of the Tiburon coupe, chiefly because front-wheel drive through a transverse engine takes up less space.The rear seat is about average for this class, meaning it’s much better suited to kids than adults. Access to the rear seats of the Hyundai Tiburon requires a degree of flexibility, but we have seen worse.When launched in Australia the Tiburon came with a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing a somewhat lacklustre 102 kW, and a 2.7-litre V6 with a healthier, though still not outstanding, 127 kW. The latter output dropped marginally to 123 kW with the introduction of the 2007 model because the old-design engine had to be modified to meet new emission regulations.The four-cylinder engine was withdrawn from the Australian lineup midway through 2004. At the same time the price of the V6 was drastically reduced, to the extent that the V6 was then cheaper than the four-cylinder had been at the time of its 2002 introduction.Transmission is by a five-speed manual with the four-cylinder engine, and a six-speed manual beside the V6. A four-speed automatic transmission is available with both engines, its relative lack of ratios is partly counterbalanced by it having sequential-manual modes that let a keen driver make their own decision about which gear the Tiburon needs.Build quality has improved markedly in Hyundai cars in the last few years. Tiburon is one of the older generation models but isn’t too bad in the quality stakes. Our ‘what to look for’ section will give you some advice on areas of possible concern.A good amateur mechanic can do a fair bit of work on this car as the design is relatively simple. As always, it's sensible to leave the safety related items to the experts.There seems to be some confusion among insurance companies as to what class the Tiburon falls into, so it's worth shopping around for a good deal. As always, make sure you’re comparing apples with apples.WHAT TO LOOK FORCheck the remote locking is working correctly on Tiburons made before 2005. Electric windows that are reluctant to work aren’t unknown in early models. Look for power steering hoses that are swollen and/or leaking oil. While bodies are generally good, interiors can be of variable build quality. Check for untidy edges between plastic panels, minor controls that don’t fit neatly and controls that are stiff or sloppy in operation.Listen and feel for hesitation from the engine when it’s suddenly asked to work hard. Make sure the manual gearbox has reasonably slick changes and that there's no grinding or jamming during fast downshifts. Check for uneven tyre wear, especially at the front wheels. This can be an indication of harsh driving.CAR BUYING TIPHaving finance on standby before walking into a used-car yard puts you in a stronger bargaining position.

There was no such car as an SUV when Toyota unleashed the RAV4 on the local market in 1994. In the course of the next 19 years it has evolved from a cheeky three-door for the unattached and free-at-heart into a full-sized wagon for the family.NEWOnce alone in the market it now has to compete against a vast number of models from rival carmakers. The third generation RAV4 released in 2006 was a step along the evolutionary path. Gone was the youthful three-door that announced the new model in 1994, and the constant four-wheel drive system was replaced by an on-demand all-wheel drive system in line with most of its rivals.The four-door wagon was one of the roomiest in the class accommodating five adults, although the one forced to sit in the centre of the rear seat would have found it a little cramped. The rear seat slid back and forth, and could be split and folded for versatility in carrying passengers and loads as needed.Power buyers could choose between a smooth 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a lusty 3.5-litre V6. The four-cylinder could be coupled up to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, while those ticking the box for the V6 got a five-speed auto.One of the big changes in the third generation RAV4 was the switch to an on-demand all-wheel drive system. In effect it drove like a front-wheel drive car most of the time, only engaging the rear wheels when slip was detected at the front. Hard core four-wheel drive fans might feel cheated by the switch, but most RAV4 buyers wouldn't notice a difference.The RAV4 has a towing rating of 1500kg, but some owners find that the four-cylinder engine struggles when hauling a caravan at around that weight. If you plan to tow with your RAV4 it's perhaps best to look at the V6.NOWFor years Toyota enjoyed a reputation for building cars that gave little or no trouble, but that reputation has been tarnished somewhat in recent years when it had to recall a number of cars, including the RAV4.One recall related to the tightening of the adjustable rear suspension arm following a rear wheel alignment. If not tightened enough the threads on the arm could wear causing the arm to fail. Another concerned the possible fitment of a prototype instrument panel reinforcement, which could fail and affect the steering.A third related to the sliding electrical contact module in the driver's-side power window master switch, which could feel sticky when operated and could stop working or over-heat and melt. Other than those potential issues the RAV4 is a solid car that really does give little trouble.As it is with all cars it's important that the RAV4 is serviced according to Toyota's recommended schedule, which calls for servicing at 10,000km or six-month intervals. That's more frequently than some other carmakers recommend, but it's worthwhile sticking to the schedule to underpin the longevity of the car.Although few RAV4s hit the dirt like their bigger brothers, they are quite capable off-road and could be used in the bush. With that in mind it's worth taking a careful look over any potential purchase, checking underneath for damage to the underbody, suspension or driveline, and also take a close look at the bodywork for damage that might have been sustained off-road.SMITHY SAYSSafe, solid and reliable wagon for the family.Toyota RAV4 - 2006-2010Price new: $31,990 to $41,990Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder, 125 kW/224 Nm; 3.5-litre V6, 201 kW/333 NmTransmission: 5-speed man, 4-speed auto, AWDEconomy: 9.1 L/100 km (2.4), 10.5 L/100 km (V6)Body: 4-door wagonVariants: CV, CV6, Cruiser, Cruiser LSafety: 4-star ANCAP