Toyota Problems

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

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.