I bought a new work light with a strong magnet. It would NOT stick to the hood. I realized it was aluminum. I then tested the rest of the '21 5th generation RAV. Magnet would stick to areas of the main cabin and monocoque/unibody chassis. Magnet sticks to the interior engine bay; roof; side doors (later discussion). Magnet does NOT stick to the rear hatch lift door; hood; front fenders; rear quarter panels (around gas filler cap); nose around grill. I suspect the outer part of the 4 driver and passenger side doors has an aluminum skin but inside is a steel "beam" for crash protection and other steel parts for the window motors and locks and thus the magnet sticks to them. Because the above parts are aluminum different paint and body repair techniques must be used than on a steel body car. This is one reason why the paint is so soft and scratches and chips so easily. There is no primer coat on the aluminum parts--a black anodizing is used and on the bright red cars a special white coating. The good things about aluminum body work are the light weight and MPG savings. Also aluminum provides rust protection--you won't ever get red iron/oxide rust. You may get aluminum/oxide white deposits in unrepaired scratches and rock chips which is easily cleaned off and does not cause rust pitting.
Tazio Nuvolari
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