Though putting on quite a compact look, the Toyota RAV4 2006, was launched as a third-generation model by the Japanese giant carmaker Toyota as an SUV serving more cargo room and passenger space. The new 2006 model now provides customers with options of the 4-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. For its upgrades, this RAV4 performs off-road capacities excellently but of course, it can't catch up with what an all-wheel-drive would.

The Toyota RAV4 2006 is a much bigger compact SUV

Above all, it has great engine performance and comes with great fuel efficiency - regardless of any of the 5 trims you wish to purchase. To give you a better insight on what to expect, Naijauto.com have decided to bring you the Toyota RAV4 2006 price in Nigeria together with detailed review on fuel economy, common problems and used car buying guide.

The Toyota RAV4 2006 comes in 5 trims - the Limited, Adventure, XLE, XLE premium and the base (LE). All the trims come in front-wheel and four-wheel drives except for the Adventure which offers a four-wheel-drive only.

• Brand new 2006 Toyota RAV4 Price

We are afraid you can hardly find a brand new 2006 Toyota RAV4 in Nigeria. Below are the prices for brand new units when the model was first launched in 2006 for your reference.

• Tokunbo 2006 Toyota RAV4 price in Nigeria

Tokunbo 2006 Toyota RAV4 is the most popular option for Naija car buyers thanks to its reliability and availability. Following are the detailed prices of foreign used Toyota RAV4 2006, which may vary a bit in each situation due to currency exchange rate, car condition, clearing cost and import tax.

• Nigerian used 2006 Toyota RAV4 price in Nigeria

Like the Tokunbo units, Naija used Toyota RAV4 2006 can be found easily in used car market with a wide price range. The pricing depends on car trim, car condition, mileage and some other related factors. When buying Nigerian used cars, you should check the vehicle carefully before negotiating the price.

The base engine for the Toyota RAV4 2006 is a 2.4 liter DOHC 4 cylinder engine that cranks out 166 horsepower. If speed is something you prioritize, you have the option of going for a 3.5-liter V6 engine that is capable of putting out 269 horsepower.

No matter the engine and trim level you go for, you sure don't have to worry about a timing belt and they all have timing chains. That said, you still enjoy good enough fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon rating on the highway and 20 mpg in the city to ensure the SUV can run about a hundred kilometers on 10 liters of fuel. So on a full tank, you can travel from Abakiliki to Lagos without any need to top up.

The 6-gen RAV4 is raved for its fuel economy

The Toyota RAV4 2006 is a comfy and spacious car. It's worth to note that the most bought or sought after is the four-wheel-drive because of how well it does on the bumpiest terrains.

No worries for up-and-down slopes as it is equipped with downhill assist control and hill start assist control features. The interior has been improved to help passengers in the back relax better. The third-row seats and second-row seats can even be folded to allow more room. Occupants can decide to recline them 60/40 and slide backward and forward, depending on how you like it. There's also the tilt and telescoping steering wheel with a firm grip, illuminated front cupholders, and an optional roof rack.

The inside of the Toyota RAV4 2006 is spacious and well organized

The Toyota RAV4 2006 is also assembled with solid suspensions and rear pillars that give the car a bold look. The side mirrors are adjustable, and the vehicle adapts to additional installations. Other features include a standard traction control system, vehicle stability control, and anti-lock brakes. Thought the car received a four-star on front passenger crash test, it got fives on driver and side impact. Plus, there are tailored airbags that easily deploy though.

The rear seats can be adjusted for better comfort and space usage

Buying a used Toyota RAV4 2006 brings you with many pros. To name some, there must be a small turning radius, comfortable seats, enough cargo room, and the 4 cylinder engine saves you fuel.

On the other hand, some drawbacks need to be in your consideration as well.

Firstly, it doesn't have a manual transmission variant. The water pump leaks after a short while regardless of how newly bought it is. After a while, the intermediate steering shaft wears out and you'll start hearing a knocking sound when you turn the steering wheel.

The ignition coil is easy to get faulty and you'll have to change it alongside the spark plugs. There are also complaints of excessive oil consumption (Recommended: How much oil consumption should be considered “normal”?) and transmission camshaft issues. These can all be fixed with some tens of thousands of naira. But if you seek comfort, fuel economy and space, then these won't worry you much. And of course, you can always foretell these annoyances by teaching yourself basic car maintenance tips and tricks.

Before you make payment for the used Toyota RAV4 2006, there are quite a number of things to look out for. Firstly the engine light, one of the most important parts. If it comes on a lot, there's a problem; Have it checked by your mechanic.

If you notice blue smoke at the exhaust system when you turn on the engine, simply forget about buying the car. When test driving, keep an ear to the ground for rattling, clunking and knocking noises from the bonnet and inside of the car. Check fluid levels and signs of leaks. We listed some common problems in the pros and cons, look out for those too.

>>> More details at: 

• How to buy the best used Toyota RAV4
• Used Toyota RAV4 2006 for sale in Nigeria

Video: 2006 Toyota RAV4 Review - Kelley Blue Book

When you have finally bought the car, maintaining a used Toyota RAV4 won't cost a fortune. Use a 5W-30 engine oil for the V6 engine and a 5W-20 for the 4 cylinder version. Always top up the coolant, transmission oil and other fluids. If you drive the four-wheel drive, there's the rear differential oil and transfer case oil that needs to be changed often. Asides these, carry on with other routine maintenance tips.

>>> For your reference: How to maintain used Toyota RAV4

Though the Toyota RAV4 2006 is not the best of the nameplate for it continues to produce better vehicles throughout the year, it is just a fuel-efficient SUV which fit the best with the Nigerian buyers who love off-road experience and sure it is always put on par with and outweigh its rivals in Nigeria such as the Subaru Outback, Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Nissan Rogue. However, if you have an even bigger desire for off-road capability, the Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue should be on your mind too.

We hope that Toyota RAV4 2006 price in Nigeria, review and used car buying guide has provided you with everything you want to know about the car. If you want to read more articles like this, stay tuned with our Car Price section brought to you by Naijauto car experts!

>>> Other Toyota RAV4 reviews:

• Toyota RAV4 2004 review, price in Nigeria & notes on common problems
• Toyota RAV4 2008 review & prices in Nigeria
• Toyota Rav4 2010 review & prices in Nigeria
• Prices of Toyota RAV4 in Nigeria (Update in 2019)