The first Toyota RAV4, launched in 1994, became an instant hit for people wanting a fun hot hatch-type car, but with the high driving position and styling of an off-roader.
It was one of the first small SUVs and was bought mostly by people who would never venture off-road, preferring instead to pick their way through the urban jungle.
So, when a facelifted RAV4 appeared in 2000, it made sense to launch a stripped down two-wheel drive version – only available as a 3-door.
The 1.8-litre RAV4 NV had all the ease of ownership, low running costs and driver appeal of a small hatch, bit with a lofty driving position and peerless visibility. Perfect for the city streets.
The vendor of the RAV4 is only the second keeper, the first having owned the car from brand-new in 2002 up until late last year. The vendor was going to keep it longer term but has recently found out they have a second child on the way and need a larger vehicle.
It's all very bright and airy inside the RAV4’s cabin, with light grey velour seats featuring blue cloth inserts and matching colourways for the door cards and pale blue carpets.
Aside from some wear to the driver’s side seat bolster where the previous elderly owner has leaned on the seat to get in and out of the car, the interior is pretty much spotless with no damage or major signs of deterioration.
Finished in smart metallic blue over grey, matching the colour scheme of the interior, the outside of the RAV4 presents well and it sits exactly as it should, with the poise of a low mileage car.
The five-spoke alloys are unmarked and are equipped with recent new tyres, while there is no evidence of any rust or significant damage anywhere on the exterior bodywork.
There are a couple of minor cosmetic marks, notably some small dents on one side door and a couple of scuffs on the front bumper, but these don't affect the vehicle in any way.
Under the bonnet you'll find Toyota’s 1ZZ-FE 1.8-litre engine with variable valve timing.
It's a lively unit and was also found in the MR2. It starts on the button with a near silent idle and revs sweetly with no rattles.
According to the vendor, the RAV4 drives absolutely fine with no known issues whatsoever and has been a faithful and reliable servant for the six months in which they have owned it.HCNAn524aHCxtCYg7oihOCqDgETIY7WZWBhRC5zA.jpeg1.22 MB
SUMMARY
There's something very funky about a RAV4 - it's a car that reinvented the SUV concept in many ways and has a bit of a cult following as a result.
This one has an incredibly low mileage for a 20-year-old car and would make a great daily driver, while at the same time having future classic written all over it.
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