(Retired) ’11 Toyota Rav4 Daily Driver

2011 Toyota Rav4 Daily Driver:

  • Blizzard Pearl
  • Limited
  • 3.5L V6 – 269hp @ 6200rpms, 246lbft @ 4700rpms
  • 5 speed automatic transmission
  • AWD
  • Purchased used on 1/16/16, with 84,500mi

Modifications/Maintenance:

Replacing the Fit, we purchased a 2011 Rav4 – and after a good while of searching, we finally found one that met our specifications in Madison, WI. Limited trim, with the optional V6 and 5 speed automatic. It gives up only 1mpg in peak mpg to the I4, the V6 provides 269hp, and a healthy amount of torque and good acceleration. That, coupled with adaptive AWD, makes this the ideal daily driver in my mind, and has been one of my ideal cars.

The Rav4 has good looks and this one’s Blizzard Pearl exterior is better in person than I thought it would be – originally, I wanted silver, but the sparkle in this paint color won me over. We bought the car used with 85k miles, but the paint still looks great and nearly new. The only real issue I’ve noticed with the exterior is that the front bumper is slightly misaligned, though having a clean carfax with no accidents – not sure what the story is there.

Regardless, the car was purchased to be a daily beater, much like the Corolla, and while it’s in very good shape, I hope to regard it as such — meaning a few dings and dents won’t really bother me. Interior is fine, though it didn’t come with mats from the dealer, and I’ll have to add those myself. Only things planned for this car in the future are fluid changes: oil, trans, t-case, and rear differential, as well as perhaps slightly brighter headlight bulbs.

I think the car’s only weakness is it’s so-so MPG, and otherwise is the ideal daily and family & cargo carrier. Car also came with practically new Yokohama Avid Ascend 225/65-17s all seasons, will be watching to see how long they last.

//Retired as of April 2017.

One of the best cars we ever owned, but sadly it just didn’t meet our needs any longer.