Ask the Car People.SM


2012 Toyota Venza

27 messages,  Last post on Mar 01, 2013 at 2:20 PM

You are in the Toyota Venza Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Venza, SUV

    

Messages Page 3 of 4

#15 of 27 Re: Still buy 2012 or wait for 2013 model? [usfan] by mmccloskey

Mar 15, 2012 (7:56 am)

Replying to: usfan (Mar 12, 2012 7:30 am)
Greetings:
 
The full reveal of the 2013 Venza will occur next month so I'd wait to see exactly how different the changes are before deciding on a 2012 (carryover) or jump in on the 2013. According to the Toyota release, the exterior changes are minor - revised front grille, LED running lights on the Limited, revised taillights (LED - hopefully) and puddle lamps w/turn signal indicators in the mirrors. There may be other minor tweaks that weren't referenced. The interior will get memory seats and upgraded audio features. I would guess they may change the wood tone along with some other minor items.
 
I purchased a 2011 back in late October based on the 2012's not having any external changes (except for the trim level badge). I would have waited had I known the 2013's were going to feature changes that I may be interested in. I did get a very good deal on my Venza and have been pleased with the car in general but may jump in on a 2013 if the changes warrant such a move.
 
In summary, if you want an updated Venza that will look 'new' for the next two model years then the 2013 is the way to go. Of course you will pay more over a 2012 if the updates aren't of any interest.
 
I look forward to seeing the 2013 Venza when it debuts in April.
 
Regards -
 
M.J. McCloskey

#16 of 27 Re: Still buy 2012 or wait for 2013 model? [mmccloskey] by wwest

Mar 15, 2012 (10:04 am)

Replying to: mmccloskey (Mar 15, 2012 7:56 am)
Maybe a hybrid version....??

#17 of 27 Re: Still buy 2012 or wait for 2013 model? [wwest] by mmccloskey

Mar 15, 2012 (12:13 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Mar 15, 2012 10:04 am)
If Toyota produced a Hybrid version of the Venza I'd buy one in a minute! I traded my 2007 Highlander Hybrid Limited on the Venza and miss the HH so much. The Venza is a nicer car in many ways but the HH was a better car. The mpg I'm getting in the Venza (FWD V6) is within a mile or two of the HH so not much difference there. The build quality of the Venza is acceptable but the HH was several notches above.
 
I would think that modifying the Venza platform for the HSD system plus battery placement would impact the cargo area and make the car heavier which might negate any MPG gain over the ICE. Also, a Venza Hybrid would step on the toes of the Lexus RX450h!

#18 of 27 Re: Still buy 2012 or wait for 2013 model? [mmccloskey] by wwest

Mar 15, 2012 (2:09 pm)

Replying to: mmccloskey (Mar 15, 2012 12:13 pm)
RX450h toes...
 
NOT...!
 
The Venza would, hopefully, still use the new I4. Atkinsonized, of course, and maybe even upgraded to DFI and thereby 15:1 base/native compression ratio.
 
Plus Toyota will soon need an HSD competitor to the upcoming Ford C-max hybrid.

#19 of 27 Re: Still buy 2012 or wait for 2013 model? [wwest] by usfan

Mar 16, 2012 (3:29 am)

Replying to: wwest (Mar 15, 2012 2:09 pm)
Just got the information that based on the "2013 Toyota's tentative model launch calender" the new model will be available at the dealers "SOMETIME AROUND THE END OF JUNE".
 
In this context I might wait to see the differences. Still hope to get a good deal on the "new" model too..

#20 of 27 Re: Still buy 2012 or wait for 2013 model? [mmccloskey] by roho1

Apr 17, 2012 (9:42 am)

Replying to: mmccloskey (Mar 15, 2012 7:56 am)
...."and puddle lamps w/turn signal indicators in the mirrors..."
 
what is a puddle lamp?

#21 of 27 Re: Still buy 2012 or wait for 2013 model? [roho1] by mmccloskey

Apr 17, 2012 (5:13 pm)

Replying to: roho1 (Apr 17, 2012 9:42 am)
Quite simply, a 'puddle lamp' is a light on the bottom of the mirror housing that directs a 'puddle' of light down onto the ground area below the mirror to help illuminate your way to the vehicle should it be extremely dark outside. The Venza has an illuminated entry system that activates the interior lights upon approach when you press the unlock button on the remote or grab the door handle if you have the Smartkey system.
 
Hope the above sheds some light on the puddle lamp question.
 
Regards -
 
M. J. McCloskey

#22 of 27 Re: Still buy 2012 or wait for 2013 model? [mmccloskey] by roho1

Apr 18, 2012 (4:04 am)

Replying to: mmccloskey (Apr 17, 2012 5:13 pm)
Thanks for the explanation. Is this an industry term or one you made up? I have never heard it used before. Certainly a nice feature to have, I would guess used mostly in luxury vehicles.

#23 of 27 Re: Still buy 2012 or wait for 2013 model? [roho1] by juxto

Apr 18, 2012 (5:17 am)

Replying to: roho1 (Apr 18, 2012 4:04 am)
I believe it's an industry term. My 2002 Ford Taurus had puddle lamps.

#24 of 27 Re: Still buy 2012 or wait for 2013 model? [roho1] by mmccloskey

Apr 18, 2012 (8:17 am)

Replying to: roho1 (Apr 18, 2012 4:04 am)
The 'puddle lamp/light' nomenclature is an industry term. The info I quoted regarding the 2013 Venza features was from the toyota pressroom website. I don't make things like that up and certainly wouldn't pass on erroneous information. That feature is not considered a luxury but is common on many mid-line vehicles. I had a 2005 Ford Freestyle Limited that had puddle lamps that illuminated when I pressed the unlock button on the remote.
 
Of course you could always look up puddle lamp/light on the internet to get a more official explanation.
 
Regards -
 
M. J. McCloskey

Messages Page 3 of 4

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement