Anyone own a Toyota Venza?

[luv2mickey]

I'm looking to get rid of the minivan and am looking at new cars. I want the new Highlander but don't want to pay what they are asking, so I started looking at the Venza. Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I have a minivan too, Toyota Sienna, and will be trading it in about a year or two. I don't have a Venza but know someone who does and he's very happy with it. I like the HIghlander too, not the price but I'm hoping to get that in a Hybrid. I think in the long run it will pay out in gas. Gas out here is $4.49 for regular! My van is a 2005. I keep my vehicles for a long time. I hope in a year or two I can afford a Highlander. Let us know what you get.

 

[luv2mickey]

I also keep my cars a long time my Honda Odyssey is a 2004, that is why I am agonizing. I am also concerned about gas mileage and nothing in that class of SUV's gets better then my van.

 

[pigletto]

My Uncle just bought a Venza and really likes it. He was a Rav4 owner for a long time, but they took V6 out of them and that was the only thing that kept him from getting another. I think he liked the Rav4 a bit better, but I also think he's just getting used to the Venza.
We're debating between the Rav4 and maybe the Venza as well. I don't think the Venza has the room we'd need for the dog in the back, but I haven't really compared.

 

[bdcp]

I'm looking to get rid of the minivan and am looking at new cars. I want the new Highlander but don't want to pay what they are asking, so I started looking at the Venza. Any thoughts?

Thanks

I don't know much about the Venza, but I can tell you if there's any way you can swing the Highlander, it's worth it. I replaced my 2007 Honda Pilot two weeks ago with a 2014 Highlander Limited and I absolutely love it. It drives so much better than the Pilot ever did and has all the bells and whistles. Toyota's are all highly rated, but I would suggest test driving both the Venza and the Highlander just to compare. There's a reason the Highlander costs what it does.

I have also heard and my Pilot proved it, that the mpg is overdone on Honda's. So far, my Highlander is getting better mileage and it's what it's advertised to get. I never once got more than 20 mpg in my Pilot even though it was rated at 23 highway.

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

We are in the same situation. I have a 2004 Honda Odyssey that we bought new. We went to the Toyota dealership last weekend to look. Personally, I didn't like the feel of the Venza but loved the Highlander. Of course, it depends largely on what options you want, but the price was pretty close between the two. The gas mileage was about the same. But the look, feel, and space was far better in the Highlander. If you haven't do so, I'd recommend checking them both out in person. Good luck in your search!

 

[ferret7]

I have a 2009 Venza (4 cylinder FWD) that we purchased new and I have been very happy with it. . The interior is roomy and well laid out, the rear seat and cargo areas are generous, and mileage is decent (I had a minivan prior).

Reliability has been great, just routine maintenance in the 5 years I've had it. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one or recommend it to a friend.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask!

 

[luv2mickey]

I really am leaning towards the Highlander I just was wondering if anyone could convince me otherwise.

 

[Swimalie]

My dad has a 2012 Venza and loves it. He drove a 4 Runner before and this was his "step up" to a nicer car. The mileage is good, and they drive 800 miles between their house and beach condo all the time. The comfort in the back seat, where I sit, is good as well and plenty of room.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I have a friend with one that he just loves. Had it about 3 years and has over 100,000 miles (salesman). Essentially, it's a Camry underneath. So, most of what you can say about the Camry applies. It's a little heavier, so not quite as good on gas, obviously. They are not strong sellers and dealers are marking them down right now. Saw one marked "$6,000 off" at my local dealer just a couple weeks ago.

 

[F16_mama]

Last summer I traded in my 2004 Sienna for a new Highlander. I was sad to see "JasmineBelle" go (my girls named her right after we got her), but we just didn't need a minivan anymore. I really liked the Venza, UNTIL I drove the Highlander. It's so comfortable and drives very nicely. The Venza is nice, but I liked the substantial feel of the Highlander. So there's my two cents!

 

[F16_mama]

I have a friend with one that he just loves. Had it about 3 years and has over 100,000 miles (salesman). Essentially, it's a Camry underneath. So, most of what you can say about the Camry applies. It's a little heavier, so not quite as good on gas, obviously. They are not strong sellers and dealers are marking them down right now. Saw one marked "$6,000 off" at my local dealer just a couple weeks ago.

^^^ This is why I was considering the Venza. It was a good deal. If it hadn't been discounted SO much, I would have just walked on by. I realized that I didn't really love it, but mostly loved the price, so I moved on. It is nice though.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I test drove a Venza last year and didn't like it near as much as I still love my 2008 Highlander so I decided to keep my 2008 Highlander.

I think the next vehicle I get will be another Highlander. I bought my 2008 when the dealership was clearing out vehicles to make room for the next years models and got a few thousand off so I was happy.

Maybe if you can wait and look for those you could bring the price down enough to get the vehicle you want.