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SUVs Toyota Venza 2009 Toyota Venza Crossover
1078 messages, Last post on Nov 17, 2009 at 1:50 PM
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Replying to: kdhspyder (Nov 08, 2008 9:22 am) The regional concept needs to be more flexible. When I bought my Highlander my region only stocked third row seat models. I bit the bullet and bought one but the third row seat has never seen the light of day except to show my friends what joke it is. I paid extra for it because the region said I must have it. Next time I don't think that is going to happen for me. Provide the vehicle I want and need or I will go elsewhere and not 3-500 miles to another region.
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Replying to: roho1 (Nov 08, 2008 5:24 pm) I doubt it. As kdhspyder mentioned, the domestic manufacturers are moving toward less customization to improve efficiency. Why would Toyota and Honda repeat the errors of the domestics? Simply put, building many different combinations of a vehicle is inefficient. Of course, that has to be weighed against providing customers with at least a bit of flexibility or they won't buy. That's the mass market dilemma. Look at the Maybach -- you can order one tailor-made to your specifications down to the interior materials used. The non--mass market price allows them to make those kinds of accommodations. |
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| Ok, so I need a car real soon. Like around Tgiving/ early Dec. Thought Venza would be a good choice as my Subaru Outback is lacking in rear seat legroom and not quite enough luggage space. I had a nearby dealer send me a glossy for the Venza. The strange thing is in the volume behind the second row seat. Venza: 30.7 cu ft; Rav4: 36.4 cu ft. For a vehicle 7 inches longer (plus no rearmount spare tire), 5 inches less height and 2 inches wider - where did the luggage space go? Is it the sloping tailgate, or am I missing something? Even the '09 Outback, which is nearly 5 inches narrower, has 3 cu ft more cargo space. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I don't want to settle for a RAV4 until I have the facts. | |
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I bet the height and slope to the tailgate ate up the CF. But, IMO, that is a measurement tht isn't real world (at least not my world). I work off of the top of the set back and still see out the back window measurement. I won't pile stuff to the ceiling, so raising the roof does little for me! For th eoptins, people don't seem to have a problem with Honda (other than an occasional moonroof complaint). It is clear what car has what, and every dealer has the same choices. ANd an EXL is an EXL everywhare. Toyota is frustrating because they claim to have models (and clearly list them in the brochure) that they never actually make. I went through this with a SIenna. Decided that an LE with say package #3 was exactly what I want. Then find out that they make package 1,2 and 9 only, so to get what I wanted out of #3 would cost me many thousands of dollars extra. the domestics did (or would) actually make all the different permutations. Thats what cost them so much. I think they are trying to go the Honda route, not Toyota.
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Replying to: stickguy (Nov 09, 2008 4:31 pm) Unfortunately your request for a package 3 Sienna or the prior request for a Highlander w/o a 3rd row seat happen to fall into a minority of demanders. The majority gets served in these cases. TMMC offers a slate of production possibilities but the regions determine what the majority want and this is what is offered locally. It's not arbitrary it's based on customer and visitor input at the store level. It's also not inflexible. It gets changed all the time - from input at the store level - in order to meet the greater demand. |
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Replying to: stickguy (Nov 09, 2008 4:31 pm) I guess I'm one of the few that dislikes Honda's approach. I understand why they do it, though. Essentially the number of combinations of each model becomes a function of the number of trim levels multiplied by exterior colors. It's great that an EX-L is the same everywhere -- it also means it's missing features everywhere that force you to purchase a Touring (such as a power liftgate or Bluetooth on the Pilot). As far as Toyotas go, I've been pretty lucky that my needs/wants have matched up with what they've ordered (and they do order a finite number of combinations). The Highlander Limited and Highlander Hybrid Limited I've been looking at have had packages that met my needs. I'm hoping to be able to get a 2WD V6 Venza with Premium Package 2, JBL 6CD, and the moonroof. Test drive units are supposed to arrive mid or late November, or so they've said. |
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I understand why they do it. What annoys me (and unlike Honda) is they give you a nice shiny brochure showing all the wonderful packages they offer. In theory (or maybe another part of the country?) At least Honda is consistant. You might not like it, but at least they don't bait and switch you!
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Replying to: stickguy (Nov 10, 2008 9:01 am) In the case of the Toyota regional system it's simply a matter of communication. Now that you're aware of the system I'm sure that next visit you will ask 'which options packages and options are offered' in your locality. |
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Replying to: kdhspyder (Nov 10, 2008 10:46 am) I shopped a GM vehicle before buying my Toyota and the dealers have a system where if they don't have a vehicle in stock they can go on line and look at other dealers inventory to see if the car with the options your looking for is available. If one is, then the dealers arrange a swap for the customer. I never asked but does Toyota offer this service to their customers? Another disturbing thing about the Toyota regional system is they offer different rebates depending on where you live. I saw a national ad on TV once and went in to my local Toyota dealer and asked about the $1000 rebate and they looked at me crosseyed. I was informed that was only available in LA. I live in the SE. Another example of customer indifference.
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Replying to: roho1 (Nov 10, 2008 2:53 pm) In my experiences with Toyota, most dealers have friendly relationships and will swap cars when needed to get a sale. Of course, when vehicles are in short supply or there is a particularly coveted model, a dealer may not always be willing to part with it, hoping to sell it on their own. There may be an extra charge to transport a car from a distant dealer, but that's always negotiable if the dealer wants the sale bad enough. Also, I know that Southeast Toyota is a very large franchise that controls Toyota sales in Florida, GA, NC, SC and Alabama. They have been known to have some very different marketing methods and incentives than other Toyota regional distributors. They sell a lot of cars (20% of Toyota's total US volume), so they get to do what they want. Best way to buy a car is to request an email quote from several dealers in your area. Let them begin to bid against each other to get your best deal, you don't have to leave home and you don't have the hassle of dealing with a car sales person in the flesh. Of course, I doubt there will be much bargaining room on new Venzas for at least a few months after they are readily available.
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