I Am Reluctant To Give Up My 2004 Toyota RAV4 With 200,000 Miles, But I Have Two Complaints

Longtime Toyota fans are increasingly vocal about changes to the RAV4, debating whether the latest models have strayed too far from the practical, compact design that made the SUV a favorite among drivers for decades. A Torque News reader, named CP Melcher, recently commented under one of our recent RAV4-related articles, titled "The RAV4 Can’t Keep Up With Toyota’s High-Rolling 250K+ Mile Models," and expressed an honest take about the two complains he has about his RAV4 and why he is still reluctant to give it up.

Hi, I own a 2004 Toyota RAV4 that I bought new with front-wheel drive and a manual transmission. It has nearly 200,000 miles and has been incredibly reliable, requiring very few minor repairs. My main complaints are that (1) it has been burning oil since about 80,000 miles (my mechanic thought it may have been caused by a stuck PCV valve, although RAV4s have been known for excessive oil consumption); and (2) it has a fairly noisy cabin. However, I appreciate its reliability, fuel economy (thanks to the front-wheel drive and manual transmission), low maintenance and repair needs, compact size, comfortable seating position, and the ability to easily maneuver in the city. I'm reluctant to give it up and plan to keep it until car manufacturers return to producing more sensible vehicles.

I'm astonished by the way compact SUV bodies have been dramatically enlarged. I wouldn't buy one of those new, oversized RAV4s even if it were given to me, and why are they all all-wheel drive when most drivers don't need it? Similarly, why have they eliminated the full-size spare tire from a vehicle designed for off-road capability? It's absurd. (And I'm not sure if Toyota has reduced the size of the 12-volt battery in the new RAV4 hybrids like they did in the Corolla Cross hybrids, but the Cross hybrid is a completely unreliable vehicle! I know! I drove 100 miles to and from a dealership appointment—twice—last winter to test drive a new Corolla Cross hybrid, and both times the battery was dead.)

In my opinion, Toyota has ruined the RAV4. Why enlarge small cars when large ones already exist, and then create a poor replacement for the original small car?

CP Melcher’s heartfelt comment reflects the frustrations of many long-term Toyota RAV4 owners who feel that Toyota’s evolution of the model strays too far from what made it great initially. As you saw from Melcher's comment above, he, a happy owner of a 2004 Toyota RAV4 with nearly 200,000 miles, values reliability, fuel efficiency, simplicity, and city-friendly compactness—all qualities that made the original RAV4 one of the most beloved compact SUVs. Yet, Melcher voices concerns that Toyota’s recent design decisions, particularly with the RAV4 and Corolla Cross, might be alienating loyal customers and departing from the vehicle's original strengths. Let's break down Melcher’s insights and examine what makes Toyota’s approach to compact SUVs polarizing.

2004 RAV4’s Success in Reliability and Economy The early 2000s Toyota RAV4 models gained a solid reputation for their no-nonsense reliability and efficiency. Melcher’s RAV4 has clocked nearly 200,000 miles with only minor repairs—impressive by any standard and a testament to Toyota’s engineering focus on durability. Despite a few shortcomings, including cabin noise and oil consumption, the RAV4 has proven to be a low-maintenance, cost-effective, and highly functional vehicle for those who value simple mechanics over high-tech features.

1. Engine Reliability and Oil Consumption Issues
   Melcher mentions that their RAV4 began consuming oil around the 80,000-mile mark, a common issue in Toyota’s early 2000s engines. Toyota owners often attribute this to a PCV valve clogging issue or general wear in the engine rings, especially with the high-revving, fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines of that era. Despite the oil consumption, the RAV4’s simplicity and access to affordable replacement parts make it relatively inexpensive to maintain compared to newer models with more complex powertrains.
2. Fuel Economy and Driveability
   Toyota’s focus on fuel efficiency was another selling point of the early RAV4s. Melcher highlights that, thanks to the front-wheel drive (FWD) setup and manual transmission, they’ve enjoyed excellent fuel economy—a combination not often found in modern compact SUVs, which increasingly rely on heavier all-wheel drive (AWD) systems and automatic transmissions. This trend raises valid questions about the overuse of AWD in markets where FWD is often more than sufficient. By introducing heavier drivetrains and advanced AWD systems to nearly all RAV4 models, Toyota may be compromising the efficiency that was once a key RAV4 advantage.
3. Compact Size and Practicality
   Melcher’s praise for the early RAV4’s compactness points to another concern about today’s SUVs: their ballooning size. For urban drivers, the 2004 RAV4’s small footprint and nimble handling made it easy to maneuver and park. The shift towards bulkier, taller vehicles like the current RAV4 and Corolla Cross has rendered compact SUVs more challenging to handle in tight city spaces. Melcher’s sentiment reflects a broader trend where many longtime SUV fans feel that manufacturers are trying to appeal to buyers seeking a “bigger is better” philosophy, even in segments where small and agile was once a strong selling point.

The Evolution of the RAV4: Features vs. Practicality Toyota’s pivot with the RAV4 has introduced design choices that appeal to a broad audience but may come at the expense of original RAV4 enthusiasts. Here are some common points of concern:

1. Loss of Full-Size Spare Tire
   Melcher points out the absence of a full-size spare tire in the latest RAV4 models. Toyota and many other manufacturers have largely replaced full-size spares with compact spares or tire repair kits in the name of weight savings, fuel economy, and cargo space. For consumers using their vehicles in areas without quick access to towing services, this change feels like a step backward. Many off-road enthusiasts and rural drivers depend on a full-size spare for peace of mind. Toyota, however, seems to be catering to urban and suburban markets, where space and weight savings might hold more value.
2. Battery and Hybrid System Issues in Newer Models
   Melcher also brings up the reliability of Toyota’s hybrids, particularly the Corolla Cross hybrid, which faced battery issues during their test drives. Hybrid systems in newer Toyota models like the Corolla Cross and RAV4 Hybrid aim to boost fuel economy and reduce emissions, but they also introduce complex electronics that can be prone to failure in colder climates. Battery management is particularly challenging, and even though Toyota’s hybrid systems are generally praised for reliability, isolated issues like Melcher’s experience can deter buyers who prioritize dependability above all.
3. Overemphasis on AWD and Larger Vehicle Sizes
   The standardization of AWD in most RAV4 trims is a notable shift from the 2004 model’s FWD offering. AWD provides superior traction in adverse conditions, but it also comes with downsides: increased weight, reduced fuel efficiency, and added complexity in maintenance and repairs. For many drivers, especially those in warmer climates, FWD would suffice while delivering better mileage and lower operating costs. Toyota’s decision to go almost exclusively with AWD might cater to a sense of capability, but it could alienate consumers like Melcher who prize simplicity, efficiency, and practicality.

Is Toyota Sacrificing Loyal Customers for Broader Appeal? Toyota’s pivot towards larger, more equipped models aligns with the broader industry trend where compact SUVs are filling the midsize SUV role that sedans once held. But this pivot might be compromising the essence of what made models like the early RAV4 so popular among fans. For those who value small, economical vehicles for their ease of use in urban environments and reliability over long miles, this trend feels like a departure from Toyota’s roots in practical design.

Moreover, Toyota’s strong focus on hybrids and AWD across the lineup reflects the brand’s ambition to capture eco-conscious consumers who seek versatility in varied driving conditions. While these updates serve a larger audience, they may not resonate with drivers who would prefer an option that resembles the classic RAV4’s simpler, more user-friendly configuration.

What Does the Future Hold for Toyota’s Compact SUVs? Toyota has made significant strides in appealing to a broad market by creating feature-rich, versatile vehicles with crossover appeal. However, as Melcher’s comment illustrates, there remains a strong demand for compact, reliable, and economical vehicles without the bulk or advanced (and often unnecessary) features of modern SUVs. As urban density increases and environmental concerns heighten, Toyota might consider reintroducing simplified models, possibly even in a new subcompact SUV lineup, that bring back the essence of its original compact SUVs.

Conclusion: CP Melcher’s insights are not just reflections of a personal preference but highlight a sentiment shared by many loyal Toyota owners who feel the RAV4 and similar models are straying from their roots. As Toyota and other manufacturers push for larger and more versatile vehicles to meet diverse demands, a part of their customer base remains nostalgic for the simple, efficient, and compact designs that built Toyota’s reputation for reliability and practicality. By acknowledging this feedback, Toyota has an opportunity to offer a balanced lineup that includes both feature-rich and more pared-down models, appealing to both modern drivers and traditionalists alike.

In the meantime, for those loyalists still searching for a simple, city-friendly, and practical SUV, the used car market or Toyota’s older models may remain the best bet—at least until manufacturers reintroduce compact options that don’t compromise on simplicity and reliability.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.