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laurent.amyotte - 2025 Toyota rav 4 limited awd

15 views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  FKHeath  
#1 ·
i have always wanted a Rav 4 since forever. We were finally able to realize our dream earlier this year and purchased a brand new Limited AWD Rav 4. We have owned it now for 6 months. We had the unfortunate experience of getting a pebble in the windshield and within a few days the pit ran all the way across. I have owned many many cars in my 70+ years and the only time i have had this issue is when i replaced the original with a cheap replacement. Has anyone else had or noticed this issue?
I have also noticed a few rock chips appearing on the hood, the grill is fine (it is plastic) but whenever i get a small pebble the paint chips...Has anyone else had this issue? Again i have owned many many vehicles, new and old and have never had this many chips from ordinary road travel. It seems like the paint is too brittle and chips way too easily...Are Toyotas going the CHEAP route???
i would appreciate any adivice.
 
#2 ·
My reflections:

1. Windshield cracking is probably just coincidental. I got a chip, then grew to a crack, in my brand new (then) 2018 4Runner. It is still there, never replaced it.

The issue with modern cars are the cameras and other sensors behind the windshield (TSS -- Toyota safety sense). If you replace the windshield, you need to insure the masking is right for the cameras, and the sensors are re-calibrated.

2. Due to environmental regulations, most paint is now water based (acrylic). Yes, it does chip easier than the older enamels and lacquers. Thus, I have always gotten PPF (paint protection film) on all my new cars for the last ten years. I have zero pits on my cars with PPF. But PPF must be applied when the car is new, before you get pits.

3. Yes the grille is plastic, but there are a number of reports that rocks go through the openings in the grille and damage the radiator(s) or A/C condenser. Thus, many of us have put a mesh on the grille. I chose the stainless mesh from VoltShop, but others have used cheaper plastic rain gutter mesh. Much cheaper than having to replace a radiator or condenser.

You can find all these topics discussed on the forum with a search.