My RAV4 has 58k miles. I still need to add a 2-inch lift and a ladder. Will that complete the mods? Let me know your thoughts.
As long as it makes you happy…
Davis said:
As long as it makes you happy…
This car wasn’t very powerful to start with. With more weight, I can hear the engine struggling. Haha
Davis said:
As long as it makes you happy…
If you like it, I love it
Davis said:
As long as it makes you happy…
I just wonder how much worse your mpg is now?
Before I answer, if you like it, it doesn’t matter what we think.
Since you asked for feedback:
- The bumper addition is too angular for the body shape of this model RAV. It might also fold and cause more issues if you hit something solid, not just branches or twigs. I like the front-mounted light and have one on mine too, but it’s a lot for the vehicle.
- The hood scoops/vents look out of place. I like the idea and the shape fits, but being raised up, it looks like a truck modification. It seems unattractive.
- Wheels and tires are great. Dark grey and black go well together and give an aggressive stance without being too much.
@Vesper
Great feedback, thank you!
It’s what YOU like, not others. Awesome!
This will also cause more injury to others in an accident. It shouldn’t even be legal for road driving.
*A lot of off-road bumpers should be banned from road use.
@AuroraGleam
Many in the US at least are not compatible with your airbags and will prevent them from deploying in certain accidents.
Reeve said:
@AuroraGleam
Many in the US at least are not compatible with your airbags and will prevent them from deploying in certain accidents.
Yes, and even the airbag-compatible ones are worse for other people if you hit a pedestrian or another vehicle.
@AuroraGleam
Indeed! Crumple zones are very important.
Reeve said:
@AuroraGleam
Indeed! Crumple zones are very important.
If you’re driving a heavy classic car that thinks it’s safer, you might survive an accident thanks to someone else’s crumple zone. I just got a 07 Grand Vitara I’m turning into an overlander. But I’m not putting a big steel bumper on it. I’m adding a winch in the lower grill, but the bumper still sticks out beyond that. For now, I have my recovery points, snatch blocks, and a 2-ton hand winch if needed.
@AuroraGleam
That’s the way. I used a first-gen 4Runner for a couple of years for adventures. It was fun but I knew it was not the safest. After a few years, I was happy to switch to a modern car. Airbags and crumple zones are important, and I hope we never need them!
@Reeve
My first car was a first-gen RX7. Super fun but not safe. I also had an old motorcycle with 12hp, but I didn’t ride it on the freeway. My current car is a '95 300ZX. It was one of the safest cars in the mid-90s, better than a modern SUV with a steel bumper. I might get an older Volvo wagon, but it’ll still be fairly safe.
@AuroraGleam
It’s really bad… donkey knocker!
viviana said:
@AuroraGleam
It’s really bad… donkey knocker!
It also affects children 
I agree with your critiques. Overall, enjoy your work in progress. 
Since you asked… that metal cover on the front looks awful. The RAV4 is a unibody car, so hitting something will cause severe damage compared to just hitting a bumper cover.
The hood vents look unattractive, like cheap parts. I hope you didn’t make them functional, which would make them even worse since they’re just for looks.
The wheels aren’t my style, but I could live with them. They’re bulky for this vehicle and would suit a bigger vehicle like a Land Cruiser or a larger truck.
The roof rack looks too busy and tall. It would look better if the crossbars were closer to the roof rails to make it more compact.
@Ashwin
Thanks for your reply! I like the different views and will consider your suggestions!