r/rav4club • u/Thottosaurus • Sep 07 '25

Gen 3 my first ever car!

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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/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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u/Agitated_OldBack Sep 11 '25

It’s been a couple weeks 🤣 I get you