[MamboRiki]

Hey everyone,

I’m a new member of this forum, but have been browsing around on it for a while, just haven’t posted.

So I’m looking to get a 3rd row seat for my 2009. I’m aware that purchasing a 3rd row seat from the dealer is impossible. I’m just looking to see if any users on this forum potentially have a 3rd row seat that they aren’t using and would like to sell. Or if anyone knows where I might acquire one please let me know! Oh and I live in Colorado.

 

[RTexasF]

If the car was not originally designed for the third row how would it be safely mounted to the vehicle? Seat belts would also need to be anchored. This might not be possible.

 

[JuneBug]

The only way to do this properly would be to buy a totaled RAV4 with 3rd row that has no damage to the rear. You would then be able to transfer all the parts over. It's more than just the seat--there are seat belts, different interior panels, etc. Plus the 3rd row models with the I4 engine also came equipped with bigger front brakes to handle the added weight.

 

[Foryota]

You’d also need to change out the rear springs as the third row models came with beefier springs. Like JB said, get a totaled RAV but get new seat belts and latches... you never know if the seats were in use at the time of the crash, and you don’t want previously crashed belts.

 

[MamboRiki]

Lots of great advice, thanks guys. Beefing up my brakes and springs would still be worth it for me. Would the best place to find a totaled 3rd gen be a junk yard? Or are there better places to look?

 

[Dr. Dyno]

It's highly doubtful any yard is going to sell you a whole car. Maybe all the parts for the seat but still pretty spendy IMO.

You haven't said if you have the V6 or not but if so it comes with the larger brakes.
Even if you can DIY you're probably gonna spend enough time & $$$ to just find & buy 3rd row RAV4 and sell yours - or move up to a Highlander.

 

[RTexasF]

Have you actually seen a 3 row RAV? That farthest back seat is a torture chamber and I believe you lose the use of the large floor storage area. Seems to me that looking for a Highlander (or similar) makes a great deal more sense. It would certainly be safer than some cobbled together 3 row RAV that was not originally designed for it.

Passenger safety would be a huge concern meaning those in that last row. They would be kids because adults can't fit back there. Think really hard about this.

 

[Dr. Dyno]

They would be kids because adults can't fit back there.

And the issue with kids is they have a tendency to get bigger until they can't fit. :surprise

 

[MamboRiki]

I do have a V6, so cool wouldn’t have to worry about brakes then. Thing is, I got an super good deal buying this. 2009 V6 base model, but with only 16,000 miles for $13,000. I’m okay spending a little bit to get the third row. Trying to find a RAV4 with the seats already installed for the same deal I got this one for would be next to impossible I think.

I did consider a Highlander before I bought my RAV4, but looking at size comparisons between the two, the Highlander had about .6 inches more legroom over all.

I have a family member with a rav4 3 row. He loves it. His kids fit fine and he’s never felt worried about their safety in the back seat. I do hear you though, and I appreciate you voicing your concerns.

 

[Dr. Dyno]

Okay, that's good info and all makes sense.
Found this with a quick check of eBay. It may work for you.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/123285369260
You'd first need to check your friend's RAV4 to see if yours has all the same mounting points and make sure the eBay one comes with everything you need to make it look factory. Since they say Make Offer you may get them to throw in the rear springs & interior panels if they're the right color.

 

[Dr. Dyno]

Here's a list of some of the doo-dads you need to make sure come with any seats you find:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr..._odkw=rav4+(third,3rd)+row+seat+-brake+-w/o+-pads+-without+-1999&LH_TitleDesc=0

 

[RTexasF]

Super deal!!!! I thought my gal's '08 Base V-6 was low miles @ 25K.
Best of luck.

 

[MamboRiki]

Cool! Thanks for the help Dyno, and to everyone else! Really appreciate it