Among the many equipment options for the popular Japanese crossover is the fact that manual gearbox versions are becoming increasingly rare. This is due to the fact that year by year the percentage of motorists who prefer cars with variators and automatic transmissions is increasing. However, feedback from owners of Toyota RAV4 of the fifth generation proves that it is too early to write off the manual transmission.
Classic mechanics appeal to motorists because of their reliability, constructive simplicity and low repair and maintenance costs. It also has a number of other advantages. But what are the disadvantages? To understand this is possible by reading what owners of Toyota RAV4 with manual transmission write about their cars. Such information is more trustworthy than reviews of technical experts, often biased and not quite objective.
Toyota RAV4 XA50 standard, 2WD, manual transmission6
Frankly speaking, I wouldn't mind buying a car in a more expensive configuration, equipped with an all-wheel drive system. But, alas, all such modifications presented in the manufacturer's catalogue are equipped either with an automatic transmission or a CVT.
And when you travel a lot in the country, getting in corners far from civilization centres, such variants of transmission, though not too often, are always capable to create serious problems.
The fact is that cars fitted with variators and automatic transmissions are not suitable for towing. At the same time, the cost of a tow truck is exorbitantly high to get the vehicle to the nearest repair shop which is dozens or even hundreds of kilometres away.
In hard driving conditions, when you are making your way on a snow-covered highway or rain-soaked country roads, the good old mechanics gives tangible benefits. Of course, if a driver is experienced enough and knows how to use these advantages.
Therefore, I consider my choice Toyota RAV4 with the motor 2.0 and a gearbox reasonable. After more than two years of possession of the automobile I have only strengthened in this opinion. Judge for yourselves:
Dynamics is almost by one and a half second better, than the car with CVT. It accelerates without thinking that every sharp pressure on accelerator shortens service life of friction bands. You choose the right gear yourself, and at the moment you need it. You don't have to wait for the automated system to do it for you.
Consumption, though it is pointed out that it is a little bit higher than in variator versions, in reality it is lower. This is the conclusion I came to after talking to other owners of the RAV4. What is the secret here, I don't know, but the difference becomes especially noticeable in cold weather.
Passability is better. Last winter, when all the yards in our neighborhood were covered with snow, I and another driver of Toyota RAV4 from the neighboring house had to get out of the drifts. I have a manual and he has a CVT. I rocked the car back and forth a few times and freed myself from the snow captivity. But the variator doesn't let you yank the car back and forth quickly. The neighbour was agonising for a long time, revolving the wheels in one place and finally he accepted the help offered by me and was pulled out of snowdrift with the help of a tow-truck.
Reliability is higher. I've long ago forgotten about the above mentioned case of getting stuck in snow, and my neighbour, who had towed me, told me a month later that he had had to have his variator overhauled as it had suffered from severe overheating. It cost a lot of money to have it repaired.
I read with suspicion the posts of dedicated forums' visitors, writing about problems with gearbox on Toyota RAV4. People complain about:
The clutch wears out quickly.
It starts knocking out gears. Most often - fifth gear.
If to drive for a long time with popping out fifth gear, details responsible for its switching on - pinion, bearing, synchronizer get out of order.
There is nothing to comment about clutch wear. Typical mistakes of beginner drivers are the source of problem. One should just not keep one foot on the pedal all the time and squeeze the clutch to the end. I've done almost 80kkm now, and haven't changed the clutch or disc yet.
The source of transmission problems is a misaligned or loose selector drive. I had a backlash once too, I fixed it quickly. The thing is, because the selector malfunctions, the gears don't engage all the way. This, in its turn, puts stress on gears and synchronizers and results in wear of clamps holding gearbox forks in proper position.
These problems occur not only on the Toyota RAV4, but also on other vehicles with manual transmission. They are not critical. It is necessary to take timely measures to repair and adjust the selector drive, to fully depress the clutch and engage the gears, and to change the oil regularly. Then you don't have to deal with the serious consequences.
In spite of the reliability of the six-speed mechanical system, you have to watch the unit from time to time by checking the oil level and the continuity of seals. According to available information, there are cases of lubricant leakage through the drive glands. There is only one variant here - replacement of oil seals, they cost not expensive.
And what I really disliked was a quality of factory installed transmission oil. The original oil is expensive, and behaves badly in cold weather. Gears are engaged hardly until transmission is warmed up. Now it is almost due for replacement, I am thinking to change to Valvoline TDL 75W-90 API GL 4/5. It meets the manufacturer's specifications.
Overall I am happy with the Toyota RAV4 XA50. I like the design of this car, which has become more masculine, as they say now - brutal. There are no claims to quality of the interior. But it is more difficult with visibility...
Is that the silvery plastic used in interior's design is an insignificant substitute of chrome moldings from a real metal. The seats are comfortable, the interior is spacious, and a quality of noise insulation is at a good level. Even after one day you don't feel as squeezed out as a lemon even after over 1000 kilometres.
So if you're thinking of buying one, you're on the right track. It's just a shame that the prices of new Toyota RAV4s will probably go up again in 2022. But I suppose for a good car it's worth the extra money. That, in my opinion, is better than spending money on buying all sorts of junk.
