used Toyota Rav 4 Purchase
I am looking at a 2003 Rav 4 with Manual Transmission and 145,000+ miles. if maintained equally does a manual transmission last longer or shorter, and will it be more expensive to maintain or less? Thank you!
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2003 Toyota RAV4 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 2003 Toyota Rav4 showed few changes since the redesign in 2001. A new sport package was added, dressing the little SUV up with fender flares, floors mats, and air conditioning among other pluses.
The engine remains a 2.0-liter I4 rated at 148 horsepower. However, many reviewers reported that the car really needs to work to reach this amount, and that there are still problems with highway passing.
Reviewers also noted that the car is not the best for off-roading as it has minimal ground clearance due to a low-hanging exhaust system. Mileage is still cited as a plus with 22/26 city/highway, with some reviewers again reporting highway mileage up to 30mpg.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2003 Toyota RAV4
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by Haroon N
Sep 13, 2023
Absolutely great and reliable car. I personally like it. Sep 13, 2023
by Paul P
Jun 18, 2023
Ive had several Rav4 in the past. High mileage, reliable ,long lasting vehicle.Jun 18, 2023
by MaryCarol G
May 08, 2022
Ive always loved this model, and had 2 of them (both 5-speed manual transmission) for almost 20 years total. I only traded in my most recent one in 2019 as it was an AWD, and went thru gas too quickly.
The storage for both cargo in the back, and personal driver items in the front is GREAT!! The back seats can roll or be completely removed for 68 sq. ft. of cargo storage!! I dont smoke, but found the ashtray handy to keep toll or meter coins in. The adjustable cup holders positioned in the center front were appreciated too!!
I, personally, like the smaller 98 wheel base of the 2000 to 2005 RAV4s. While its not the most powerful vehicle.on the planet, it gets you where youre going!
My ONLY complaint is cabin noise, which can be a bit much.May 08, 2022
User rating:
by Haroon N
Sep 13, 2023
Absolutely great and reliable car. I personally like it. Sep 13, 2023
by Paul P
Jun 18, 2023
Ive had several Rav4 in the past. High mileage, reliable ,long lasting vehicle.Jun 18, 2023
by MaryCarol G
May 08, 2022
Ive always loved this model, and had 2 of them (both 5-speed manual transmission) for almost 20 years total. I only traded in my most recent one in 2019 as it was an AWD, and went thru gas too quickly.
The storage for both cargo in the back, and personal driver items in the front is GREAT!! The back seats can roll or be completely removed for 68 sq. ft. of cargo storage!! I dont smoke, but found the ashtray handy to keep toll or meter coins in. The adjustable cup holders positioned in the center front were appreciated too!!
I, personally, like the smaller 98 wheel base of the 2000 to 2005 RAV4s. While its not the most powerful vehicle.on the planet, it gets you where youre going!
My ONLY complaint is cabin noise, which can be a bit much.May 08, 2022
by Anonymous
Feb 07, 2021
Car vibrated a lot when idle, rear passenger window also didn’t roll down. But Toyota’s are still great cars Feb 07, 2021
by Renee D
Oct 28, 2012
I love my Rav4! That's why I want to get another one only with 4WD. It handles great, gets great gas mileage, is easy to park and to get into and out of. The back seats fold up to make more cargo room if needed. Very comfortable for long trips or just around town. This little car has great get-up-and-go for a 4 cylinder. It's fun to drive.Oct 28, 2012
by Anonymous
Jul 10, 2011
It is a great gas saver, low mileage, 4X4 all wheel drive, gets you thru tough Cleveland winters. Has new tires, does not require a lot of maintenance, is a great vehicle to drive. It has not needed any repairs just normal oil changes and wipers. Jul 10, 2011
by Roy C
Jul 04, 2011
It's reliable and nice to drive. It gets good MPG for having full-time 4WD. It's a noisy box. Your ears are ringing after a long drive. Have had to have the alignment worked on a few times. It's tough to get to anything that needs to be reached or worked on.Jul 04, 2011
by Jordan F
Dec 13, 2009
every thing about the car is great but the accelerator is really touchy and is realy good car, cost of ownershi is a bit personal and is fun to drive and is an AWD and is in really good qualityDec 13, 2009
by Debbie M
Sep 26, 2009
Good gas mileage. Dependable performance. Very inexpensive maintainance. No major issues in 7 years of ownership. Good in the snow with the all-wheel-drive. Flexible cargo area and fold down rear seats. Fun to drive. Holds its value. Has the 'sport package' trim. Had to pay $500 extra for the rear spoiler but think it adds to the sporty look of the vehicle. Good visability due to height of vehicle.Sep 26, 2009
by Clayton M
Aug 02, 2009
slow accel, 4 cylinder. good break and handle except at high speeds it gets shaky. brand new transmission. black body with grey clothe interior. great on gas mileage. 10 grand out the door. Upgraded stereo made it excellent for road trips.Aug 02, 2009
by Sigurjón Þ
Feb 05, 2009
This is Toyota Rav4 4WD, registered in March 2003.
It was owned by a car-rental company for 3 years and 365 Media company for one year.
I bought the car in June 7th 2007. I bought it because I wanted a cheap car that could go some off-road but had to have low gas mileage.
I had some disappointments with the performance, it's not weak, but it isn't ,,special", except for the snow, the performance in the snow is great.
I bought the car with some scratches all around the car (lower price). But I've not had any accidents with the car so far.Feb 05, 2009
by Véro G
Sep 12, 2008
C'est un super ti camion. Pas trop pire pour l'essence. Beau ti look. J'ai une bonne tenue de route. Visibilité fantastique. Coute pas cher d'entretien. C'est plaisant a conduire. C'est un produit Toyota alors bonne valeur future. Le all wheel drive est tres sécuritaire pour l'hiver.
C'est pas mal cela que jai a dire a propos de mon véhicule, si vous voulez plus d'info ben venez me voir c'est tout. :)Sep 12, 2008
by Karen A
Jun 24, 2008
Small SUV with great handling and just the right amount of utility without being cumbersome on the road. Sits up high like a big SUV but drives like a car. Nice interior - I have leather - and all controls are within easy reach. My only compliant - it's NOISY on the freeway. I have to turn my music up pretty high in order to hear it.Jun 24, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 14, 2008
I love my car!
Her name is Roxy! B/C I love Roxy Quicksilver brand and she has Roxy stickers on her!
If I was a surfer, she would be my surf wagon.. like the old Woody cars from the 50's and 60's! Jun 14, 2008
by Sirrý P
Jun 12, 2008
My car is a very good.Jun 12, 2008
by Siti S
Jun 07, 2008
This is an awesome car and the best that I ever owned and drove. It has never failed me and my hubby whenever we drove it.
But after owning & driving this beauty for close to 4 years, with a very very heavy heart and much deliberation, we bade goodbye to our trusty RAVee.
Why??? After all, we are in Singapore!!!
I am 100% sure I will keep this car for good if I am staying in other country!!
This RAVee is now somewhere out there....coz we exported it out..too good to be scrapped and ended up in the junkyard!!Jun 07, 2008
by Siti S
Jun 07, 2008
Throughout the time I drove this RAVee, it has never failed us in performance and reliability. Though it was a 1.8cc car, its pick-up/torque was awesome. I took pride in driving it everyday..one of the best car I ever bought/owned. But unfortunately, I am in S'pore.. where the longer you keep the car the more the car depreciates. Which is what happened to my poor RAVee...bought it for S$97000...after close to 4 yrs...my RAVee is worth only S$54000....here it makes sense to change & get a new car no matter how much I love this babe! Oh yes..in my government's efort to reduce pollution, our car ownership is determined by the COE..a certificate that cost you as much as S$100,000 to as low as S$1 depending on the bidding but is valid for only 10 years!!!
I am 100% sure I will keep this car for good if I am staying in other country!!Jun 07, 2008
by Sebastian F
May 22, 2008
I don't know that much about cars but what I do know is that I love everything about them and I do know that this is a great car!May 22, 2008
by Anonymous
Dec 27, 2007
Another reliable toyota in the family.Dec 27, 2007
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2003 Toyota RAV4?Compare this car
2003 Toyota RAV4 Pricing
Original MSRP
$17,135 to $18,535Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.24
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint · Pickup tonneau cover: soft
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.56
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint · Pickup tonneau cover: soft
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent