WHY IT’S RAD!
Near the end of the RADwood Era, Toyota decided to explore the lightweight SUV market with the introduction of the RAV4. In 1997 it won Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine and this example represents what many consider to be the ultimate RAV4 spec: 2-door, 4x4 with a manual transmission. Throw in some rad 90’s pattern on the cloth seats and you have a very unique and still usable rig.
The seller acquired this RAV4 from the grandson of the original owner and it looks extremely tidy and well cared for. The silver paint was recently resprayed to a very high quality and the interior appears original with only minimal signs of wear.
Service is up to date and includes a recent Toyota dealership visit covering timing belt and water pump replacement, engine oil and filter change, transmission service, transfer case service, front and rear differential service, coolant replacement, serpentine belt replacement, fuel filter replacement, all new brakes including rotors, pads and drums and new fluid, spark plug replacement, 4-wheel alignment and battery replacement. Firestone tires and front shocks were replaced in 2020. The dealer installed block heater plug can be seen in photos.
Options include cassette and CD player, as well as cruise control and folding rear seats that are also easily removable. The digital odometer shows 187k kms (approximately 117k miles) and the speedometer is in kilometers. The 2.0 liter 4-cylinder starts easily and runs well and the 5-speed transmission shifts crisply with good clutch operation. The 4-wheel-drive system operates as normal with an electronically locking center differential.
This RAV4 was sold new in Alberta, Canada where it has remained and carries a clean CARFAX and Canadian title.
Modifications
Dealer installed block heater
Equipment
2.0 liter 4-cylinder
5-speed manual transmission
4WD with center locking differential
Factory stereo with cassette and optional CD player
Cruise control
Folding and removable rear seat
Spare tire with 'RAV4' cover
CONDITION
Very nice condition overall
Recent paint job to a high standard in original color
Extremely thorough recent dealer service including timing belt job
Firestone tires from 2020
Some minor blemishes to interior plastic trim
Rear door panel has a small crack in plastic
Compressed foam on one bolster on drivers seat
Starts, runs and drives without issues
COMMENTS & BIDS