Element vs. Rav4

What a dilemma. I like the features and look of the Element. On the other
hand the bigger engine and better gas mileage of the Rav4 are appealing.
The Rav4 also has some features the element does not have that I like i.e.
telescoping steering wheel and adjustable driver's seat.

The problem with the Rav4 is it just looks so plain vanilla. That and the
fact my 75 year old aunt bought one keeps me on the fence.

"grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid> wrote in message
news:il_dg.252$eB3.185@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
| What a dilemma. I like the features and look of the Element. On the
other
| hand the bigger engine and better gas mileage of the Rav4 are appealing.
| The Rav4 also has some features the element does not have that I like
i.e.
| telescoping steering wheel and adjustable driver's seat.
|
| The problem with the Rav4 is it just looks so plain vanilla. That and the
| fact my 75 year old aunt bought one keeps me on the fence.
|
|
Trust the wisdom of a 75 year old.

"Figaro" <Figaro@mailinator.com> wrote in message
news:HKqdnaFYTMpzJOXZ4p2dnA@comcast.com...[color=blue]
>
> "grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid> wrote in message
> news:il_dg.252$eB3.185@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> | What a dilemma. I like the features and look of the Element. On the
> other
> | hand the bigger engine and better gas mileage of the Rav4 are appealing.
> | The Rav4 also has some features the element does not have that I like
> i.e.
> | telescoping steering wheel and adjustable driver's seat.
> |
> | The problem with the Rav4 is it just looks so plain vanilla. That and
> the
> | fact my 75 year old aunt bought one keeps me on the fence.
> |
> |
> Trust the wisdom of a 75 year old.
>
>[/color]

She traded it in on a Camry.

Put a mob hit on your aunt, and climb down from the fence and take her RAV4.




"grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid> wrote in message
news:il_dg.252$eB3.185@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...[color=blue]
> What a dilemma. I like the features and look of the Element. On the
> other hand the bigger engine and better gas mileage of the Rav4 are
> appealing. The Rav4 also has some features the element does not have that
> I like i.e. telescoping steering wheel and adjustable driver's seat.
>
> The problem with the Rav4 is it just looks so plain vanilla. That and the
> fact my 75 year old aunt bought one keeps me on the fence.
>[/color]

"grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid> wrote in message
news:il_dg.252$eB3.185@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...[color=blue]
> What a dilemma. I like the features and look of the Element. On the
> other hand the bigger engine and better gas mileage of the Rav4 are
> appealing. The Rav4 also has some features the element does not have that
> I like i.e. telescoping steering wheel and adjustable driver's seat.
>
> The problem with the Rav4 is it just looks so plain vanilla. That and the
> fact my 75 year old aunt bought one keeps me on the fence.
>[/color]

FJ Cruiser.

"Steve, or not" <Steve,ornot@nunya.com> wrote in message
news:Gcleg.17192$JW5.647@southeast.rr.com...[color=blue]
>
> "grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid> wrote in message
> news:il_dg.252$eB3.185@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...[color=green]
>> What a dilemma. I like the features and look of the Element. On the
>> other hand the bigger engine and better gas mileage of the Rav4 are
>> appealing. The Rav4 also has some features the element does not have
>> that I like i.e. telescoping steering wheel and adjustable driver's seat.
>>
>> The problem with the Rav4 is it just looks so plain vanilla. That and
>> the fact my 75 year old aunt bought one keeps me on the fence.
>>[/color]
>
> FJ Cruiser.
>[/color]

No more 4wd or awd vehicles for me thank you. Too expensive to maintain for
the return.

grinder wrote:[color=blue]
> "Steve, or not" <Steve,ornot@nunya.com> wrote in message
> news:Gcleg.17192$JW5.647@southeast.rr.com...
>[color=green]
>>"grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid> wrote in message
>>news:il_dg.252$eB3.185@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>>[color=darkred]
>>>What a dilemma. I like the features and look of the Element. On the
>>>other hand the bigger engine and better gas mileage of the Rav4 are
>>>appealing. The Rav4 also has some features the element does not have
>>>that I like i.e. telescoping steering wheel and adjustable driver's seat.
>>>
>>>The problem with the Rav4 is it just looks so plain vanilla. That and
>>>the fact my 75 year old aunt bought one keeps me on the fence.
>>>[/color]
>>
>>FJ Cruiser.
>>[/color]
>
>
> No more 4wd or awd vehicles for me thank you. Too expensive to maintain for
> the return.[/color]

The basic model is a 4X2:
[url]http://www.toyota.com/fjcruiser/index.html[/url]

Tom -- Vista, CA

On Mon, 29 May 2006 15:20:00 GMT, "grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid>
wrote:
[color=blue]
>
>"Steve, or not" <Steve,ornot@nunya.com> wrote in message
>news:Gcleg.17192$JW5.647@southeast.rr.com...[color=green]
>>
>> "grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid> wrote in message
>> news:il_dg.252$eB3.185@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...[color=darkred]
>>> What a dilemma. I like the features and look of the Element. On the
>>> other hand the bigger engine and better gas mileage of the Rav4 are
>>> appealing. The Rav4 also has some features the element does not have
>>> that I like i.e. telescoping steering wheel and adjustable driver's seat.
>>>
>>> The problem with the Rav4 is it just looks so plain vanilla. That and
>>> the fact my 75 year old aunt bought one keeps me on the fence.
>>>[/color]
>>
>> FJ Cruiser.
>>[/color]
>
>No more 4wd or awd vehicles for me thank you. Too expensive to maintain for
>the return.
>[/color]


I had to go to three dealer before I found a 4x2. Why 4x4 is so
popular I havn't a clue, and I bet the people that buy 4x4s rarely
take them off road.

On Mon, 29 May 2006 19:20:35 GMT, Phisherman <noone@nobody.com> wrote:
[color=blue]
>I had to go to three dealer before I found a 4x2. Why 4x4 is so
>popular I havn't a clue, and I bet the people that buy 4x4s rarely
>take them off road.[/color]


They do not by 4x4 to go off road nor is it really made for that. It
is for those magic snowstorms and such that they feel they must have
it. The need for it for this is kinda over stated too.
-----------------
The SnoMan
[url]www.thesnoman.com[/url]

Phisherman wrote:[color=blue]
>
> I had to go to three dealer before I found a 4x2. Why 4x4 is so
> popular I havn't a clue, and I bet the people that buy 4x4s rarely
> take them off road.[/color]

Does it snow where you live or near enough for weekend ski trips, do any
of these folks tow boats?

4WD is fantastic in snow or on boat ramps.

Drive an AWD car in the rain and you'll see why they can be so popular
as well. My Subaru was simply on rails, regardless of rain, snow, or
dry pavement.

On the other hand, some folks are simply poseurs. <G> I can't figure
out why some folks buy 4WD pickups and SUV's and install ultra low
profile, shaved tires.

"Phisherman" <noone@nobody.com> wrote in message
news:1aim725b1l3aava02pf1dev1kpr87v4a1c@4ax.com...[color=blue]
> On Mon, 29 May 2006 15:20:00 GMT, "grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid>
> wrote:
>[color=green]
>>
>>"Steve, or not" <Steve,ornot@nunya.com> wrote in message
>>news:Gcleg.17192$JW5.647@southeast.rr.com...[color=darkred]
>>>
>>> "grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid> wrote in message
>>> news:il_dg.252$eB3.185@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>>>> What a dilemma. I like the features and look of the Element. On the
>>>> other hand the bigger engine and better gas mileage of the Rav4 are
>>>> appealing. The Rav4 also has some features the element does not have
>>>> that I like i.e. telescoping steering wheel and adjustable driver's
>>>> seat.
>>>>
>>>> The problem with the Rav4 is it just looks so plain vanilla. That and
>>>> the fact my 75 year old aunt bought one keeps me on the fence.
>>>>
>>>
>>> FJ Cruiser.
>>>[/color]
>>
>>No more 4wd or awd vehicles for me thank you. Too expensive to maintain
>>for
>>the return.
>>[/color]
>
>
> I had to go to three dealer before I found a 4x2. Why 4x4 is so
> popular I havn't a clue, and I bet the people that buy 4x4s rarely
> take them off road.[/color]

I'd take mine offroad in a heartbeat. Well, not one heartbeat, I'd consider
the paint for a few heartbeats, then go offroad.

"B A R R Y" <balsapilot@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:toWeg.42621$Lm5.13279@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com...[color=blue]
> Phisherman wrote:[color=green]
>>
>> I had to go to three dealer before I found a 4x2. Why 4x4 is so
>> popular I havn't a clue, and I bet the people that buy 4x4s rarely
>> take them off road.[/color]
>
> Does it snow where you live or near enough for weekend ski trips, do any
> of these folks tow boats?
>
> 4WD is fantastic in snow or on boat ramps.
>
> Drive an AWD car in the rain and you'll see why they can be so popular as
> well. My Subaru was simply on rails, regardless of rain, snow, or dry
> pavement.
>
> On the other hand, some folks are simply poseurs. <G> I can't figure out
> why some folks buy 4WD pickups and SUV's and install ultra low profile,
> shaved tires.[/color]

Look and the percentage of time you drive in the snow (realistic snow not
1-3" for a couple of days at a time), or pulling a boat out of the water.
4WD is just not worth the extra costs in repairs and maintenance in my
opinion.

"Jeff Strickland" <crwlr@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:4aKdncs_yJlkfOHZRVn-pQ@ez2.net...[color=blue]
>
> "Phisherman" <noone@nobody.com> wrote in message
> news:1aim725b1l3aava02pf1dev1kpr87v4a1c@4ax.com...[color=green]
>> On Mon, 29 May 2006 15:20:00 GMT, "grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid>
>> wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>>>
>>>"Steve, or not" <Steve,ornot@nunya.com> wrote in message
>>>news:Gcleg.17192$JW5.647@southeast.rr.com...
>>>>
>>>> "grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid> wrote in message
>>>> news:il_dg.252$eB3.185@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>>>>> What a dilemma. I like the features and look of the Element. On the
>>>>> other hand the bigger engine and better gas mileage of the Rav4 are
>>>>> appealing. The Rav4 also has some features the element does not have
>>>>> that I like i.e. telescoping steering wheel and adjustable driver's
>>>>> seat.
>>>>>
>>>>> The problem with the Rav4 is it just looks so plain vanilla. That and
>>>>> the fact my 75 year old aunt bought one keeps me on the fence.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> FJ Cruiser.
>>>>
>>>
>>>No more 4wd or awd vehicles for me thank you. Too expensive to maintain
>>>for
>>>the return.
>>>[/color]
>>
>>
>> I had to go to three dealer before I found a 4x2. Why 4x4 is so
>> popular I havn't a clue, and I bet the people that buy 4x4s rarely
>> take them off road.[/color]
>
> I'd take mine offroad in a heartbeat. Well, not one heartbeat, I'd
> consider the paint for a few heartbeats, then go offroad.
>
>[/color]

And do what?

I have a 4runner and have used 4wd twice in 16 years. Once after a blizzard
in Lake Tahoe and once getting through highwater after a storm. Yet I could
have easily done without it both times.

But replacing grease boots and packing wheel bearings on the front end has
run me $798 this year alone. For that price I could have stayed another 4
days in Tahoe waiting for the snow to melt.

"grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid> wrote in message
news:C%Gfg.790$jB5.188@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...[color=blue]
>
> "Jeff Strickland" <crwlr@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:4aKdncs_yJlkfOHZRVn-pQ@ez2.net...[color=green]
>>
>> "Phisherman" <noone@nobody.com> wrote in message
>> news:1aim725b1l3aava02pf1dev1kpr87v4a1c@4ax.com...[color=darkred]
>>> On Mon, 29 May 2006 15:20:00 GMT, "grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>>"Steve, or not" <Steve,ornot@nunya.com> wrote in message
>>>>news:Gcleg.17192$JW5.647@southeast.rr.com...
>>>>>
>>>>> "grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid> wrote in message
>>>>> news:il_dg.252$eB3.185@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>>>>>> What a dilemma. I like the features and look of the Element. On the
>>>>>> other hand the bigger engine and better gas mileage of the Rav4 are
>>>>>> appealing. The Rav4 also has some features the element does not have
>>>>>> that I like i.e. telescoping steering wheel and adjustable driver's
>>>>>> seat.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The problem with the Rav4 is it just looks so plain vanilla. That
>>>>>> and
>>>>>> the fact my 75 year old aunt bought one keeps me on the fence.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> FJ Cruiser.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>No more 4wd or awd vehicles for me thank you. Too expensive to maintain
>>>>for
>>>>the return.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I had to go to three dealer before I found a 4x2. Why 4x4 is so
>>> popular I havn't a clue, and I bet the people that buy 4x4s rarely
>>> take them off road.[/color]
>>
>> I'd take mine offroad in a heartbeat. Well, not one heartbeat, I'd
>> consider the paint for a few heartbeats, then go offroad.
>>
>>[/color]
>
> And do what?
>[/color]

Explore the great outdoors.


[color=blue]
> I have a 4runner and have used 4wd twice in 16 years. Once after a
> blizzard in Lake Tahoe and once getting through highwater after a storm.
> Yet I could have easily done without it both times.
>
> But replacing grease boots and packing wheel bearings on the front end has
> run me $798 this year alone. For that price I could have stayed another 4
> days in Tahoe waiting for the snow to melt.
>[/color]

I repack my own bearings, so I stay in Tahoe for four days anyway.

"Jeff Strickland" <crwlr@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:CfednSHaMLnrGh3ZRVn-ug@ez2.net...[color=blue]
>
> "grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid> wrote in message
> news:C%Gfg.790$jB5.188@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...[color=green]
>>
>> "Jeff Strickland" <crwlr@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>> news:4aKdncs_yJlkfOHZRVn-pQ@ez2.net...[color=darkred]
>>>
>>> "Phisherman" <noone@nobody.com> wrote in message
>>> news:1aim725b1l3aava02pf1dev1kpr87v4a1c@4ax.com...
>>>> On Mon, 29 May 2006 15:20:00 GMT, "grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>"Steve, or not" <Steve,ornot@nunya.com> wrote in message
>>>>>news:Gcleg.17192$JW5.647@southeast.rr.com...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "grinder" <seagle@earthlink.invalid> wrote in message
>>>>>> news:il_dg.252$eB3.185@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>>>>>>> What a dilemma. I like the features and look of the Element. On
>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>> other hand the bigger engine and better gas mileage of the Rav4 are
>>>>>>> appealing. The Rav4 also has some features the element does not
>>>>>>> have
>>>>>>> that I like i.e. telescoping steering wheel and adjustable driver's
>>>>>>> seat.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The problem with the Rav4 is it just looks so plain vanilla. That
>>>>>>> and
>>>>>>> the fact my 75 year old aunt bought one keeps me on the fence.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> FJ Cruiser.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>No more 4wd or awd vehicles for me thank you. Too expensive to
>>>>>maintain for
>>>>>the return.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I had to go to three dealer before I found a 4x2. Why 4x4 is so
>>>> popular I havn't a clue, and I bet the people that buy 4x4s rarely
>>>> take them off road.
>>>
>>> I'd take mine offroad in a heartbeat. Well, not one heartbeat, I'd
>>> consider the paint for a few heartbeats, then go offroad.
>>>
>>>[/color]
>>
>> And do what?
>>[/color]
>
> Explore the great outdoors.
>[/color]

By driving off road? That's kind of like Chaney calling what he does
"hunting."