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2009 Toyota Venza Crossover

1243 messages,  Last post on Feb 26, 2013 at 9:04 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Venza, SUV

    

Messages Page 82 of 125

#803 of 1243 Not sitting on lots by qs933

Feb 18, 2009 (10:34 pm)

According to cars.com's Movers and Losers: January 2009, the Venza was #3 on the "movers" list at 20 days sitting on the lot. By contrast, the Nissan Murano was on the "losers" list at 109 days.
 
The real explanation in the difference between the two crossovers is probably that the Venza is trickling out to dealers, while the 2009 Murano has been out since January 2008. However, I'm pretty sure Toyota is being careful to not overproduce the Venza and have to resort to incentives.
 
Just speculating, but I think this means that those waiting to get Acura MDX and Murano-like deals of thousands below invoice might be waiting awhile. Invoice or invoice + a few hundred dollars may be the norm as long as Toyota keeps inventory low and doesn't flood the market.

#804 of 1243 Re: [baveux] by agnosto

Feb 19, 2009 (8:30 am)

Replying to: baveux (Feb 16, 2009 4:16 pm)
Precisely, as I already own a Sienna and considered to trade in my 2007 TCH (40MPG) for the 09 Venza and decided to not pursue it, as the Sienna takes care of what the Venza can do +++ more.... my opinion, for someone that needs comfort and mostly plenty of space to move around, then a Sienna is a better choice to own than a Venza...

#805 of 1243 We Need New Interest On This Thread by felt

Feb 24, 2009 (10:49 am)

Hey .... it has been too quiet, too long. I am weary of checking and finding the same last message.
 
I see the new Toyota CEO wants to return to the old tried and true stragedy. Comment?
 
Or how about: The Sienna is aimed at an entirely different market from the Venza. "Mostly plenty of space" is not on top of everyones priority list; but for those that need space, the Sienna is provided. Any nibbles on that?
 
How about a technical question: Has the sludge problem that was such an issue in 2001, been resolved in the latest V6?
 
Or .... for new owners: with 6 forward gears, does the tranny downshift at every slight incline? We rented a Ford Focus, and it could not assend a slight freeway over-pass without downshifting. At what speed does the tranny settle into the highest gear?
 
Maybe .... the Venza is brand new; are there defects that have required a return to the dealer?
 
Let's hear from the responders.

#806 of 1243 Questions by yurko

Feb 24, 2009 (11:44 am)

I am new to this forum, but a long-time reader -- having probably perused every message -- and am very seriously considering purchase of a new Toyota Venza.
 
I have several questions, some about Toyota in general and some specific to the Venza::
 
(1.) Living in southwest Florida, the dealers here -- as well as in the rest of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina -- get their Toyota's through a so-called SET distribution network "port" based in Jacksonville, Florida. Many of the Venzas have their options (e.g. leather seat trim) put on at the "port", even though all the cars are made in Georgetown, Kentucky. Likewise, the delivery charge in the SET states is higher ($795) than elsewhere ($720). Does any forum participant know how this 5-state SET Toyota "monopoly" got set up...or why?
 
(2.) I know that, in general, Toyota's dealer holdback is 2% of the base MSRP. However, all the websites I've seen specifically state that the holdback "might" be different in "Southern" states. Does anyone know what it is in Florida?
 
(3.) Has anyone seen and driven a 4-cylinder Venza yet? I've driven the V6 version in a somewhat controlled environment (i.e. salesperson present); it was not as peppy as I expected, but very nice overall. The negative review of the Venza in a WALL STREET JOURNAL article a few weeks ago notwithstanding, the Venza remains appealing to me. It looks nicer IMHO than the new 2010 Lexus RX350. Moreover, the Venza's EPA mileage estimates are better than those of competitors -- e.g. Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano, etc. -- in some cases much better. And it doesn't require premium fuel.
 
(4.) Given the late launch of the Venza and fact that the 4 cylinder version is just now becoming available (presumably), does anyone consider it odd that Toyota decided to call it a 2009 model rather than a 2010 model? Obviously, if you buy one and keep it forever, this makes no difference. However, if you plan to trade it in earlier, that hurts its resale value by 1 model year.
 
Thanks.

#807 of 1243 Still waiting... by david_k1

Feb 24, 2009 (1:25 pm)

Yes- things have been a little quite on the Venza forum of late...
 
I (we) are still waiting to DRIVE a 4 cyl version and if all is fine, ORDER one!!
 
Still have not received a definitive answer from either Toyota or ANY dealer in my area of the world as to a ship date.
 
The V6 we drove (twice) was silky smooth with MORE than enough power - would pursue it more if the mileage was better.
 
Any new info on the 4 cyl??

#808 of 1243 Re: Still waiting... [david_k1] by felt

Feb 24, 2009 (6:21 pm)

Replying to: david_k1 (Feb 24, 2009 1:25 pm)
Thank you for your response.
 
I suspect the 4 cylinder engine is an item that a lot of us are waiting to drive. And, I suspect that many will go ahead and purchase the V6 after driving the 4 ... but none of us want to buy without at least driving the 4.
 
As I understand it, the 4 cyl. is a new design. There are several outstanding 4 cyl. engines on the market, but most are around 2 litre. The new engine is much larger, not too much smaller than the 3.0 litre v6 in my 2001 HL. I had a 2.0 litre Acura RSX , DOHC, vtec, and it was fantastic ... true, the car was lighter, but I have no interest in towing capacity; I have no interest in 0-60 in under 7 seconds; but I am interested in initial cost and fuel efficiency.
 
It will be interesting.

#809 of 1243 Re: Still waiting... [felt] by david_k1

Feb 24, 2009 (9:28 pm)

Replying to: felt (Feb 24, 2009 6:21 pm)
"felt"
 
I drive a Tacoma x-tra cab with a 2.7L I4 that produces a claimed 142 HP - It seems to move my 3200 Pound (+ or -) truck around OKish... Although it is a little "loud" at times. Our , I hope soon to be, Venza will spend most of its life at an average speed of 35 MPH, so I think it would be fine with the 4 cyl. As long as it not too loud and cranky with full acceleration I will be happy.
Trying to be Carbon Friendly is at the top of the list for us - cost of the decrease in fuel economy between the 6 and the 4 over 100,000 miles (at $3.00/gal) came out to about $1200. The initial cost of the 4 over the 6 is also a moot point for us.. We are just trying to do our part to decrease the total amount of fuel we use.
As I have said before, this "car" fits us to a "T" ergonomically and I truly think Toyota is onto something here...
I am hoping the 4 is adequate, but even the 6 is still a pretty stingy vehicle compared to the competition (Honda CRV, Mazda 7, etc...) - Added plus, NOT a SUV-lite (OK, CAR-heavy, but not a SUV or Minivan - which I just CAN'T do).
 
Still waiting for the 4cyl. Toyota - do you hear us??

#810 of 1243 Re: We Need New Interest On This Thread [felt] by qs933

Feb 25, 2009 (12:28 am)

Replying to: felt (Feb 24, 2009 10:49 am)
Maybe .... the Venza is brand new; are there defects that have required a return to the dealer?
 
After my first 100 miles, I've only got a couple of minor things to be checked on so far at the first service visit (4-6 months/5,000 miles). The front passenger assist grip on the ceiling is a little loose and the "wood" trim piece around the gear shift/MP3 holder is badly misaligned. Other than that, everything works and seems to be very solid.
 
Incidentally, my Highlander (2001 - first model year of a new design) went back immediately after delivery to fix the turn signal (the turn signal cancel mechanism wasn't functioning) and my 4Runner (2005 - third model year) went back within the first year to have the driver-side side airbag module replaced (required a change-out of the entire seat).

#812 of 1243 EXTREMELY HAPPY! by liners

Feb 25, 2009 (4:56 am)

Purchased AWD, Golden Umber Mica three weeks ago and am completely satisfied. My wife drives a 2006 Avalon with same engine, but different trans. The Venza six speed shifts smoother than the Avalon. The Venza does not get off the line as quick as the Avalon, but is just as smooth overall. I have put a little over 1,000 miles on it, mostly rural driving and have averaged a little better than 22 mpg which makes me feel good as I traded in a 2003 Sequioa. Came with towing package and I installed a class III hitch which went in very well. The vehicle pulls a 10 ft. Wells Cargo single axle very well. Next test is a drive from FL to the NC mountains. The Avalon gets right at 29 to 31 mpg on this trip. As a separate question, does anyone know about the preinstalled XM/Sirrus radio connection. The dealer did not say anything about it and activation shows up nowhere. I have all station access- not previews. Just wondering if all new Toyotas come with activation and for how long?

Messages Page 82 of 125

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