Toyota RAV4 1996 Model Used Buyers Guide
This first generation RAV4 SUV is worth so little it is hard to ignore.
Today the SUV market is the fastest growing market segment in the automotive lineup and almost every vehicle manufacturer has a SUV or two and even a crossover (which is more compact and does not carry a 4×4 drivetrain) in their showroom.
20 plus years on and this phenomenon has now hit the used car market in Malaysia with great success.
Advertise a SUV and you will not be disappointed with the results. It sells faster and better than the previous bread and butter sedan and this is why today we are looking at a used first generation Toyota RAV4 SUV.
Arriving officially in Malaysia as a fully imported unit from UMW Toyota, its high selling price reduced its appeal and the local assembled Honda CR-V took a lions share of the segment sales.
Then a few years later, AP (reconditioned) used car importers started bringing in used units from Japan and it sold without issue. Urban Malaysians loved its curvaceous styling and Toyota reliability.
Test Drive
When you find a used RAV4 for sale, please request for a test drive. With its fully independent suspension, this Toyota should ride and handle like a normal saloon or large hatchback. It is a comfortable vehicle and with good all round view.
Inside you will find 2 airbags, a manual control A/c system and power windows on four doors with electric side view mirrors as well. Some units will come with a power sliding glass sunroof (these are probably the used reconditioned units).
Under the hood you will find a simple DOHC 16-valve Toyota 2.0L engine that produces about 120 horsepower and works with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. It is simple setup and should be easy with replacement parts and maintenance. Please note that this is already a 20 odd year old vehicle. So the current owner should have spent some money on wear and tear parts. Ask for service and repair bills, for at least 3-4 years back. No records, walk away and look elsewhere.
How Big
This first generation RAV4 is not large. It is 162 inches long which is about two feet shorter than a Toyota Camry from the same year. It is quite light, at 1150kg only. This RAV4 sits nine inches higher than a Camry giving proper ground clearance for city floods and driving over kampong road earth roads.
What Price Is Fair
It varies from RM8,000 to about RM14,000 depending on overall condition and if it is a 2-door or 4-door. Yes, there is a cutesy 2-door version that rides along the same lines as the Suzuki Jimny. Lately the values of the 2-door version have been rising as it has become popular with young adults. Check www.mudah.my and you will find a few units for sale and they do not stay for sale long, but best to take your time and find one that ticks the service records, maintenance bills and accident free boxes before anything else.
About the Author
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