Can't disagree with you on either statement, although my experiences
owning Toyotas since 1981 is that they deserve most of their reputation
for reliability and durability.

I'm not sure you can call them overpriced in regard to the sticker
prices relative to the competition, but I do think the current
unwillingness by most dealers to come down off that sticker has made
them overpriced in regard to the OTR price.

I think Honda wins the overpriced contest, though, when you compare the
Corolla to the Civic.

I didn't actually recommend the RAV4 (but I didn't discourage Her from
buying it either). I did encouraged my older Sister to test drive my
SO's RAV4. My Sister wanted a smaller SUV and the SO has been very
happy with her RAV4.  My Sister liked the way it drove, the price was
OK (but not outstanding), so she decided to buy one. I was a little
surprised. My younger Sister has a 2001 Escape and it has been pretty
much trouble free over the last 7 years. I  had assumed my older
Sister would just buy an Escape since my younger Sister has been so
happy with hers. But in the end, She didn't even want to test drive an
Escape. She was happy with RAV4 even though it cost at least $3k more.
The upside for me is that I already know how to work on the RAV4 (oil
changes, etc.) and I won't have to learn yet another vehicle. And oil
changes for the RAV4 are very easy (10 minute job). Hopefully the RAV4
will be as reliable as the Honda it is replacing.

BTW, I don't have anything against Toyotas in general, I just think
they are over-hyped and generally over-priced. Some of the stories you
hear about Toyotas have reached "mythic" proportions.

Ed

"C. E. White" ...

You recommended a Toyota?!

When did hell freeze over, and why wasn't I told?

;-)

Natalie

Well my Sister liked the SO's RAV4 enough that she is buying one. If
it turns out to be a lemon, I know who will get the blame, since I
encouraged her to try it out.

Regards,

Ed White