2007 Toyota RAV4 Luxury review from Italy

We bought the car new. A few things are a problem. We notice a mark on the roof when it was in direct sunlight. It was a clear fault when the car was given its first coat as the surface is perfectly smooth so it isn't damage. We took it back and they said it was the first they'd seen so the roof has to be resprayed which I'm really not happy about. I may negotiate for cash instead as I can't believe it will look perfectly original.

At speeds in access of 100mph (160kph across Germany I hasten to add!!!) the bonnet looked as though it was going to lift - it flapped around like crazy. We adjusted the round adjustable rubber stops under the bonnet and it solved the problem, but I was surprised it had left the factory like that - it really spoiled our journey.

2nd gear was impossible to select without it crunching. It seems to be fine now - just a running-in thing.

Other than these things (which I didn't expect from Toyota) it is great. The ride is excellent. We do a lot of country roads and it handles really well - you don't get horribly sick like we used to in our hideous Freelander. It's very comfortable, full of good toys and goes so well. If your thinking whether to get the 136 or the 177hp pay the extra - it's fabulous. I had a race with a Lotus up a hill I know well and really shocked him!! In the wet it is incredible.

Load space is amazing. Love the storage areas under the boot space - very useful. Love the keyless part..! Stereo is excellent. aircon excellent. looks fabulous in silver with dark windows. can get around 40mpg if you drive easy (which I don't so get 9Litres/100km).

Will cruise at 100mph all day in comfort (apart from the flapping bonnet).