I just read all this and am worried now.... I have a RAV4 SX6 thats done 99000. I bought it in September and its still under a 12 Month dealer warranty.
It had the faintest whine when we got it. The whine is still there but our tyres are a bit noisy so masks the sound....
I was a Toyota mechanic for 9 years and changed careers in 2001 so didnt get to know the V6 Rav4.
Appart from the whine the car is very nice.
Debating what to do...