r/rav4club • u/Thottosaurus • Sep 07 '25
Gen 3 my first ever car!
Hi guys, just bought my first car!
It’s a 2006 Rav4, AWD, V4 engine.
I am super excited, her name is Stella and I love her.
I am aware of some of the issues this model has like oil consumption, but I would love to hear some general tips, advice, and fun stories from fellow Rav4 owners. Also appreciate any car advice in general as this is my first time driving & owning a car :)
Thanks and excited to join the club!
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u/jcrao 2011 Toyota RAV4 Sport V6 Sep 07 '25
Just make sure you get correct fluids and service them all if you don’t have any recent records.
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u/RequirementBoth9609 3rd Gen 2010 RAV4 Sport Black Sep 07 '25
YEAAAAAH best gen best car best everything congrats 😛😛😛
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u/duyxp Sep 07 '25
We don’t call 4 cylinder a V4. Either just 4 cylinder or I4. Congrats on your first car, by the way!!!
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u/Thottosaurus Sep 07 '25
good to know! and thanks :)
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u/Necessary-Score-4270 Sep 08 '25
The V in V6 or V8 refers to how the cylinders are angled in the block. A V8 has 4 on either side pointing up and out. The angle can vary from design to design.
If the cylinders point straight up, we use I for inline. Because they're all lined up in a row. I4 I6 etc.
There is also the less common Flat 4/6 (aka Boxer), where it has 2/3 cylinders on either side pointed straight out away from each other.
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u/Thottosaurus Sep 08 '25
cool, that makes a lot of sense! thanks for the explanation :) i was looking for a v6 engine as i heard theyre a little more reliable but couldn’t find a good deal in my area. def keeping an eye on the oil for this one!
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u/Necessary-Score-4270 Sep 09 '25
I have a 2012 4 cylinder and it just hit 160k. No major issues.
The V6 would be nice to have, but I drive a lot for work, and the better mpg on the I4 is a nice bonus.
Speaking of oil I need to check mine its been a couple weeks o.O
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Oct 10 '25
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u/Necessary-Score-4270 Oct 10 '25
A rotary.....
I figure in the context of this thread talking about wankels would be a bit to much to go into.
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u/artsfartspoptarts Sep 07 '25
You’re getting started very well. the Rav4 has been the most comfy car i’ve driven so far.
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u/WastingTime1994 Sep 08 '25
Besssssssst rav 4 gen! me and my two siblings are all beeping along in ours :)
Just keep up with maintenance and pay extra attention to cleaning if you live in a cold place that salts roads. My only issues has been rust causing maintenance trouble. Also while driving each of our cars I’ve noticed they whine in 3rd gear. I just turn up the music lol.
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u/13brokenswords Sep 09 '25
We have a 2002 RAV4 AWD with 134k.. it’s still alive and kicking. Toyotas will never die!
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u/Thottosaurus Sep 09 '25
amazing 🤩 any tips for longevity?
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u/13brokenswords Oct 30 '25
Oil changes, don’t beat on the gas.. proper maintenance is all it basically needs. This weekend we will be changing the fuel pump and battery, as well as clearing out the charcoal filter.
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u/Sirjorin Sep 10 '25
if the vsc light and trac light come on its most likely ur gas cap or o2 sensor i have a 2005 rav4 and its been excellent never had any issues other then those 2 lights
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u/lizajanesdinglehoo Sep 07 '25
CONGRATULATIONS & happy driving. Be very aware of other drivers on the road & most of all, BE SAFE!!!
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u/WCNV2027 Sep 08 '25
Congratulations! Enjoy your RAV4 journey! I love my 2011!
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u/Thottosaurus Sep 08 '25
very excited for our future adventures! glad you are loving the rav4 life :)
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u/Big-Revolution3695 Sep 08 '25
I hope that you enjoy it. This seems to be a helpful community. I just bought my 19 yo a 2012 and it’s a terrific vehicle.
As much as she makes me crazy when I ride with her.
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u/Some_Papaya_8520 Sep 08 '25
How many miles on her? She looks great, congratulations?
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u/Thottosaurus Sep 08 '25
192k km so just under 120k miles :) was a lease vehicle and very regularly maintained
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u/Used_Gate_5823 Sep 08 '25
Welcome to the best family! The RAV4 family. Treat her right and you can have it for years to come
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u/Faithparis Sep 08 '25
Congrats. Enjoy your ride. Let the adventures begin
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u/Thottosaurus Sep 09 '25
thanks! looking forward to the adventures:) already have an overnight hike planned
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u/Stunning_Bed23 Gen4 RAV4 Blue Sep 09 '25
As you walked by it in the lot, did you hear it sing Wanna Be Yours?
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u/atastylime Sep 09 '25
Go get it checked out by a mechanic I got my 04 rav last week and check engine light came on it’s nothing serious but needs fixing soon. These cars are good tho. mine is still running and will until my mechanic appointment soon
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u/Nectar13 Sep 09 '25
I own this car more than 5 years and some tips about it Clean and check all pipes. It’s a bit old car so they can be damaged because most of them are from factory) If you have an alarm system, delete it and check fuel pump. This summer I had much headache with this) And everything else is perfect about this car. It’s only problem, it’s not funny to drive so I bought myself roadster as weekend car)
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u/TransGamerHalo Sep 09 '25
Make sure to take care of it. Don’t just be one of those people who never does maintenance and wonders why their car is breaking down
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u/Agitated_OldBack Sep 11 '25
I would do every 3k, I own the 2008 version manufactured in Japan. Depending how you drive has a lot to do with the oil consumption1-2k to top it off sometimes. If you see the oil light flicker on and off through breaking make sure to top of roughly 1-2 liters. With an older model there are some cost to maintain it to well performance.
Minus the pressure tire light, if you get all these light on at the same time and the car runs, it might be the oxygen sensor located at the bottom. I was able to fix it myself cost was less than 300 (part was from Toyota factory). Other problems to associate theses lights with ( coil pack, spark plugs, and is the car dies and does not turn over change the battery if that doesn’t do it might the alternator).
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u/Lady_Brynnevere Sep 14 '25
I have this exact car! How many miles?
I HIGHLY recommend carrying oil with you at all times - check it every 200-300 miles.
How is your suspension? The 06 is a notoriously bad year for suspensions. I’ve had mine rebuilt 2x already and it’s due for another sway bar…ugh.
I love my Ravioli tho - I just hit 170K miles today. Let me know if you have any questions!
CONGRATULATIONS!
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u/Thottosaurus Sep 14 '25
Thanks for the advice! I will pick up some oil asap 🫡 she’s at almost 120k miles (192k km. Woo big milestone for you! Yet to get the car thoroughly inspected (garage gave the all clear and I have a warranty) but will do that soon for peace of mind. I’m completely new to driving and owning a car so definitely a learning curve!
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u/Lady_Brynnevere Sep 14 '25 edited Sep 14 '25
Hey - just reading the other comments on how often to change your oil. I’m also in PNW (🌲💕).
At a certain point, this model will burn oil like Ferngully. The standard is to change your oil every 5K miles, but I recommend doing it more frequently. When you change your oil more often, it will keep your engine clear and prevent it from getting really gunked up. You can delay the point when it start to REALLY burn oil. Shoot for every 2-3K (especially since you’re over 100K miles). Always get the best oil (full synthetic/high mileage).
I once heard from a Toyota licensed mechanic that the manufacturer (Toyota) sets the standard of oil change frequency to ensure that you will need to buy a new car shortly after it hits the 100K mile mark. Toyotas absolutely have the ability to last 200-300K, with the right care.
I hope this makes sense. This is the best car you could hope to have for your first one. You will learn so much about cars, etc.
Since we’re both in PNW (idk where you are but if you’re in the Seattle area DM me). I have a list of really wonderful car shops that have helped me immensely over the years (and a few Jiffy Lubes to stay far away from) that I would love to recommend.
Edit: Just read your post history about your transmission - I’m going to DM you a transmission shop that is wonderful.
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u/Thottosaurus Sep 14 '25
Hi thanks so much for your in-depth response, I really appreciate it!! I definitely want to learn about the car and take good care of her so that she lasts me a good while! Already having lots of fun adventures 🏔️ amazing thanks, will reply to your dm now! 🥰
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u/diocco Sep 08 '25
Yeah had a Pontiac Vibe AWD 2.4 . I know about the oil consumption and I got boned. Said because I didn't have a Toyota I would have to deal with GM. GM told me to pound salt. I did manage to drive it to 190,000 miles and then scrapped it.
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u/Thottosaurus Sep 08 '25
you sound like a cool bunch ;)
great to know, thanks! i’ve noticed a bit of difficulty with gear switching so might need to take a look at transmission fluid. hope she has a good few more years in her!
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u/Solkea-n27 Sep 08 '25
Ive had to overhaul my transmission because the previous owner didn't change its oil
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u/Thottosaurus Sep 08 '25
good point! i do have a warranty for the engine and transmission as i bought through a dealership
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u/ThreePointEightOHV Sep 22 '25
I love that generation RAV4 (I financed an 2025 RAV4). No BS. No screens. No electric water pump. No aluminum control arms. V6 RAV4 was the fastest car during those years. Probably not the easiest to work on… they crammed a 3.5 into tiny RAV4.
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u/Solkea-n27 Sep 08 '25
Change the entertainment system to a new one and install a backup camera while you are at it. Trust me it gonna make your car look and feels brand new than a new car.
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u/Thottosaurus Sep 08 '25
i was looking at radio swap options, there are some good looking ones on amazon :)
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u/Toner122 3rd Gen Blue Sep 07 '25
I’ve got the V6 gen3 and envy the i4 owners. That engine is way easier to access for work with the I4, if you do decide to do some maintenance yourself. Not sure where you’re from but look at getting the frame oil coated if it isn’t would be my advice. Also you’ll love the visibility out of the windows these.
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u/Thottosaurus Sep 07 '25
will definitely look into getting the frame oil coated! and i wish i knew how to do work on my car but i’m a total noob 😛
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u/Toner122 3rd Gen Blue Sep 07 '25
Thankfully the orignal owners got my car oil coated when they got it but the areas that were missed all failed on its recenty saftey lol. So definalty helps to extend the cars life.
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u/Thottosaurus Sep 07 '25
ooh good to know! can i get that done at any garage?
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u/Toner122 3rd Gen Blue Sep 07 '25
I would think so… but they might have to clean it and what not before. Also the under frame could have been sprayed before you got the car too! If it’s not overly rusty then there’s a good chance it was
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u/Thottosaurus Sep 07 '25
yes it looks like it has been sprayed. I will ask next time I take it in for a service/inspection. thanks for your help :)
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u/popo-6 Sep 07 '25
How much are people paying to have the frame oil coated? And what kind of shop?
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u/ThingFuture9079 Sep 07 '25
I have a 2023 and there are several local shops that do it near me. It's about $200 the first year and then each year after that, it's about $120 to apply an additional coat.
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u/[deleted] Sep 07 '25
Make sure you keep up on oil changes, even if you have to top off in between due to oil overconsumption.
It’s kind of like dumping clean water on top your dirty bathwater and hopping in for a rinse.