2005 Toyota RAV4

The second generation Toyota Rav4 is everything the first one was, and then some! Well, with one exception and we'll get to that in a minute. The Rav4 received a nice update for the second generation that made huge improvements on an already attractive package. It looks more mainstream (some may not like that) but not bland at all. I remember when I saw one on the road for the first time. It was all decked out in the camouflage the car manufacturers use to keep their precious cars hidden. Even under the camouflage I could tell what it was and it was sharp! Anyway, let's get back to the issue at hand. The second generation comes with the same 2.0L engine and 4 speed automatic and 5 speed manual transmission options as well as 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive as the first generation. Really, not a lot has changed here that isn't cosmetic. But one major change has occurred, and this is what I was eluding to earlier. Toyota has taken a huge hit in reliability with the 2001, 2002 and 2003 model year Rav4's. There is an issue with the ECM (Engine Control Module) programming. Toyota has issued a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) to reprogram the module and extended the warranty to 80,000 miles. If you do have to pay for this procedure, expect about $100. Now, the more serious problem is the automatic transmission. I have seen an alarming number of transmission failures for any car manufacturer, let alone Toyota. The transmissions seem to fail around 100,000 miles and cost an average of about $3,000 to rebuild or replace. If the ECM has not been reprogrammed, I'd be cautious. If the owner says the transmission has been worked on, ask to see paperwork and walk if you don't.