In the past, living with a 4x4 was like marriage — full of compromises. The vehicles were robust but the ride quality was poor, fuel consumption heavy and comfort agricultural. In recent years all that has changed and now the market is full of off-roaders that offer car-like refinement, reasonable fuel economy and good performance.

Unfortunately for used car buyers, all those advances can come with a hefty price tag. But all is not lost; there is a budget alternative, the Toyota RAV4, a vehicle that punches well above its weight.

Launched in June 1994, the RAV4 came with a 129bhp petrol engine that was economical and reliable. Despite the added weight of the four-wheel-drive system the vehicle could hit 60mph in less than 10sec, ending the notion that 4x4 meant lumbering performance.

Aesthetically, too, the RAV4 was a big step forward. With curvy panels, it slipped through the air with a grace and ease that older 4x4s could only dream of. The more slippery silhouette also helped the fuel economy, making it a genuine 30mpg vehicle. Gone, too, was the notion that a 4x4 had to handle and ride like a chicken shed, the RAV4’s permanent four-wheel drive assures you of great grip and the excellent suspension set-up is perfect for town and country driving.

Since the RAV4 has been around for 11 years you can pick up used examples for a bargain price of just £2,000. That gets you a base model three-door with about 100,000 miles on the clock, and while it may boast few luxury touches the chances are that the engine, transmission and bodywork will all be good enough for many miles to come.

Spend about £500 more and the larger, more practical, five-door versions come into reach. With an extra 16in of length the Toyota designers managed to fit in a decent amount of legroom in the back and a surprisingly large boot. The only downside is that you lose a little of the three-door’s handling sharpness, but for most it’s a small price to pay for the increased practicality.

With no diesel engine available until 2001, and only a couple of trim levels to choose from, you won’t have to think for long about which used RAV4 to go for. My advice is to find one with air-conditioning and antilock braking, both standard on GX and VX models since December 1997. Find one with some evidence of regular servicing and a tidy interior and you will rarely be disappointed.

While the RAV4 may be as reliable as a Swiss railway driver’s watch and as loyal as a cocker spaniel, when buying a second-hand one the usual rules apply. Take the car for a decent test drive before parting with your cash, listening carefully for any grumbles from the transmission and suspension. Check the trim for signs of abuse and make sure the underside is free from any off-road damage; with only modest ground clearance this is about the RAV4’s only potential weak spot.

If you’ve done all of that, there is every chance that by buying a RAV4 you’ll be enjoying a combination of motoring abilities that few other cars, regardless of price, can boast.

Timing belt Check service history on higher-mileage cars to make sure this has been replaced

Facelift Post-November 1997 cars come with revised bumpers, headlamps and grille, plus colour-coded door handles

Transmission Auto gearbox works well but only manual gearbox cars get the benefit of a central differential lock

Tyres Check for uneven wear, usually on the inside edge. Avoid cars with oversized wheels and tyres as these can seriously impair ride and handling

Underbody Relatively modest ground clearance makes suspension wishbones prone to damage if taken off road

Rear seat Not the most comfortable place to be as an adult as the squab feels tilted forward

Dimensions Compact size of the three-door makes it ideal around town if you don’t carry passengers while the five-door is 16in longer and more practical

Fuel economy No diesel engine option until the new models came out in 2001 but the 2 litre petrol unit is powerful and manages about 30mpg in mixed driving

Antilock braking Standard on GX and VX models since December 1997

Insurance Modest group 9 despite the RAV’s zippy performance

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Toyota RAV4 GX five-door
Engine1998cc, four-cylinder, 16v DOHC
Power 129bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 30.1mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-60mph: 9.9sec
Top speed 108mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Toyota RAV4 GX five-door manual 1999 T-registration with 50,000 miles on the clock. Pay £5,525 from a Toyota dealer or £4,795 privately

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY

1998 S Honda CR-V 2.0 ES 5-door
1998 S Land Rover Freelander 1.8i 5-door
1999 V Nissan Terrano II 2.4 SE 5-door
2000 X Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 5-door
2001 X Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin 2.0 5-door

VALUES