Hey,
I'm in the process of looking for a new car since my sister totaled mine. Long story, lets just say she has a bad driving history. I'm in the market for a Japanese 4cyl w/ a manual tranny. From an Accord to a Civic to a Toy. pickup. I came across the Rav4 and was interested cuz it has some utility to it rather then a 2 dr Civic that cant haul too much. BUT the miles per gallon is whats keeping me away. I've seen some reviews that say 22mpg city/hwy combo. Others claim 30 mpg on a regular basis. I'm ok w/ 30mpg but 22 wont work. My old car got around 20mpg so I sure dont want to go back to that. So if anyone has any experience w/ Rav4's let me know.  Esp. 4wd 5spds

Thanks,
Ash

http://www.carsurvey.org/model_Toyota_RAV4.html  

I don't know why you are limiting yourself to a "Japanese" car. There are plenty of other good, solid reliable vehicles from other countries. But it is your money, do as you wish  :dunno:

i've been there already, thanks tho. i'm not limiting myself, i'm stretching my dollar.  :lol: yes i'm one of those american cars suck folks. I've driven a plymouth, toyota, olds, mercury, honda, chevy. the honda and toyota are the only two that were maintenance-free minus filters and tires.

-ash

If you're looking for a Japanese, 4 cyl, manual, you can't go wrong with a Honda Element. Kinda ugly, but lot of utility built into it and it's a Honda so it will last forever. Out of all the different vehicles I've test driven, the Element was definitely one of my favorite budget cars.

:mrgreen:   thanks for the suggestions tho. rav4 anyone? btw my budget is around 5-6k. so new cars are out.

-ash

Quote from: roguegeek
Honda Element. Kinda ugly, but lot of utility built into it and it's a Honda so it will last forever.

hey.....my car kinda resembles that remark.....but seriously the Element is decent.....but gas mpg sucks.....we get 22 if we're lucky.....also, it's got some annoying characteristics that you find out about after taking home....like the windshield is easily broken (on # 7 in 1.5 years)....every little nut and bolt seems to shake loose easily....there's absolutely NO air flow to the back seats, and you can't even really open the windows back there (they just pop out at the back).....etc....

hey ash, if you're in the 4 cyl car market, i highly recommend the camry.  i liked it a lot and i definitely put some serious miles on it, at least before i got the GS  :lol:  you can probably get the 97-99 generation camry for that price.  i assure you that with very little care they can last a quarter million miles.  i'd think it'd be more comfortable AND get over 30 mpg in the 4 cyl form.  but, as phaed said so nicely, "it's your money!"

i checked them out, even found one 5spd version. the clutch felt kinda funky tho. so moved on...

toyota tercel? will post non drunken post upon reminnnered

instead of the rav4 look at the CRV, its got MORE space than the RAV4, even the updated RAV4.

crv's r impossible to find manual tranny and they r more expensive. lol n/m about my post everyone keeps posting telling me to look @ something else.

-ash

Quote from: Phaedrushttp://www.carsurvey.org/model_Toyota_RAV4.html  

I don't know why you are limiting yourself to a "Japanese" car. There are plenty of other good, solid reliable vehicles from other countries. But it is your money, do as you wish  :dunno:

dont speak to quickly rich.  5 bucks says ur car breaks down today

Shut up chris and go find a fart can for your Civic  :lol:

BTW, I've got an '02 Hyundai Accent. It is 4 cylinder 1.6, 5 speed, hatchback. I love it, but I've only had it since May. It is my first import car; I've driven a lot of vehicles but have always been a Dodge/Mopar guy. As for the Accent, I am very happy with it so far. Economical, peppy, and fun to drive.