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Toyota Venza New Owners Report

140 messages,  Last post on May 11, 2013 at 1:33 PM

You are in the Toyota Venza Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Venza, Car Buying, Car Comparisons, SUV

Messages Page 11 of 15

#98 of 140 Sharp car. Great mileage! by horsepower4

Mar 06, 2011 (1:53 am)

">We just traded our Kia Sedona van for a certified 2009 Toyota Venza with 8000 miles. While I loved my van (and do miss the space, ride, convenience), the Venza is much more stylish and affords me the versatility of the fold-down seats and space in the back. Besides the looks of the car, we really like the mileage. Got the I4 and it seems to have plenty of go-power to pass and accelerate. The best part is, we have gotten as much as 34 mpg. with a tailwind on interstate driving and consistently average 26-27 combined city and highway driving.
 
The car is comfortable to drive, plenty of seat adjustment, and room in the back seat. We do notice road noise at highway speeds and it is not related to the sunroof. For that reason, we are thinking of having the radio speakers replaced to improve sound, and while they have the door panels off, will probably have some insulation added. Something we should not have to spend extra money on.
 
Mechanically, we do not have any issues with engine noise or transmission shifting. It runs very quiet and shifts just like it should. I don't think the steering link to the front-end feels as "connected" and tight as it should (compared to my van); nor does it ride nearly as smooth. We feel the bumps and they actually can throw the car slightly. Of course it's a lighter-weight car than the Kia Sedona van, but still overall does not hold the road or steer as tight as I would expect for a new car with only 8000 miles on it. We drove new 2010 Venzas before purchasing this used one and I did not notice so much wind noise or handling issues. This 2009 is Toyota certified and had a clean CarFax report, so it shouldn't be flawed.
 
We held out for a Venza with leather interior because, as a repair professional who works on car interiors, I had some reservations about keeping the cloth seats clean. As far as the quality of the interior materials, Toyota has reduced the quality. The plastic parts seem to scratch and scuff much easier than those in my Kia. (It was very durable and near perfect after 5 years and 75,000 miles.) And the leather used in the seats is not as thick or of the quality as that in cars of a few years ago. Same can be said for the vinyl and plastic parts.
 
We purchased a Toyota extended warranty which hopefully will take care of any issues the car may have while we own it. It is transferrable to the next owner as well. The gas mileage is enough to help us overlook the handling and noise problems for now. We will drive it for awhile and see what else comes on the market in a year or two. As far as appearance, we got the blizzard pearl and it is a head-turner. Get lots of compliments on it and it does turn heads. Overall, we are satisfied with the car and the money it saves us at the pump!

#99 of 140 Re: Roll back on 10 degree hill?? [mary1962] by vanza_safety

Mar 31, 2011 (9:18 am)

Replying to: mary1962 (Dec 22, 2010 7:25 pm)
I recently bought a 2011 vanza, and I had same issue on uphill. This car would roll back on drive UNSTOPPABLE until you press brake or accelerate pedal. I really think it's a safety hazard and a design flaw. So I did some googling, and found you have to manually activate the feature by fully stepping on the brake pedal until a beep is heard and the traction control light comes on. I have tested it on my car, it works fine when stopping on the uphill. I hope anyone see this post would post it on your forum or somewhere else to let other people to know and get safe on this car.

#100 of 140 Venza Advice by gurbeer4

Apr 02, 2011 (3:22 am)

I have an Honda Crv. and I want to change and will keep this car atleast next 5-6 years.. Do u recommend this car. I like the car to drive and be nice and steady...I kinda also do 4-5 hrs road trip here and there, so I need something nice .. Do u guys recommend this car ?

#101 of 140 Venza 2011 Base 4cl FWD with Moonroof & Smartke by edin06

Apr 15, 2011 (8:23 pm)

Is anyone here know what is a best price for Venza 2011 Base FWD 4cl with Moonroof,smarkey?
 
Please advise
 
Thanks

#102 of 140 Re: Venza 2011 Base 4cl FWD with Moonroof & Smartke [edin06] by kyfdx HOST

Apr 16, 2011 (6:37 am)

Replying to: edin06 (Apr 15, 2011 8:23 pm)
Hi edin06...
 
We have a forum devoted especially to pricing...
 
You can find it here: Toyota Venza Prices Paid and Buying Experience
 
regards,
kyfdx

#103 of 140 Re: Noises & rattles [halwick] by tennisjuncky

Jun 12, 2011 (2:10 pm)

Replying to: halwick (Aug 12, 2009 9:06 pm)
Hal, I have the exact same noise coming from the drivers front wheel area. It sounds like a chain clacking inside when driving on rough pavement or railroad track overpass.I took it to the dealer and they could not try to fix it because " the mechanic could not locate exactly where the noise was coming from". I plan on taking it back before the warrantee expires. If no help I am going back to a Honda.

#104 of 140 paint by cheers1

Jul 05, 2011 (5:55 pm)

We have a 2011 Venza and a 2001 Sienna. The bumper of the Venza looks like it is the 10 year old vehicle. Dealer said it was the "bad winter" which the Sienna seems to have handled just fine. Not only are there chips, there are large flakes of paint down to the black of the plastic bumper. We do not do high pressure car washes, we do not drive on gravel roads but the bumper is a mess. Would highly recommend a 3M protector for the front of a Venza until this is corrected.

#105 of 140 Cross shopping the Venza - Are steering wheel controls illuminated at night by sr8474

Jul 18, 2011 (10:20 am)

I have not had the opportunity to test drive or ride in a Venza at night. I'm curious if someone could share if the radio and bluetooth controls are illuminated?

#106 of 140 Re: Cross shopping the Venza - Are steering wheel controls illuminated at night [sr8474] by jaimel2

Jul 18, 2011 (4:33 pm)

Replying to: sr8474 (Jul 18, 2011 10:20 am)
Yes, they are illuminated on the dash board but not on the steering wheel.

#107 of 140 Re: Cross shopping the Venza - Are steering wheel controls illuminated at night [jaimel2] by sr8474

Jul 19, 2011 (4:36 am)

Replying to: jaimel2 (Jul 18, 2011 4:33 pm)
Thanks for the information regarding the steering wheel controls NOT being illuminated at night. Unfortunately, this is a deal breaker for me....reminds me too much of the late 90's era Acura's which required the overhead light in order to locate the cruise control and other functions while driving at night. Hopefully they correct this during the cycle mid-fresh since both the Camry and Highlander appear to have illuminated controls on the steering wheel.

Messages Page 11 of 15

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