Venza base price = $26,695, hp = 182
11-11-08, 12:40 PM
#61
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I can't speak too much about the tranny issue at this time, but keep in mind the good things Toyota has done, just recently for example, with the Toyota Tacoma rust issue- We bought back thousands upon thousands of 95-2000 MY Tacoma's with frame rust at 1.5 times the KBB Suggested retail value for excellent condition, regardless of the truck's condition.
Toyota doesn't strike me as a shady company- Toyota could have easily looked the other way and said "too bad, out of warranty" to these Tacomas, some of which are over 10 years old, but instead Toyota initiated a program to take these trucks off the road and compensate the customers. This was a huge "I admit, we did something wrong" on Toyota's part and it cost the company a LOT of money. It just took some time.
Toyota doesn't strike me as a shady company- Toyota could have easily looked the other way and said "too bad, out of warranty" to these Tacomas, some of which are over 10 years old, but instead Toyota initiated a program to take these trucks off the road and compensate the customers. This was a huge "I admit, we did something wrong" on Toyota's part and it cost the company a LOT of money. It just took some time.
But with regards to specifically the tranny issue, it simply is not standing by its product.
11-11-08, 12:46 PM
#62
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11-11-08, 02:45 PM
#64
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I was watching Motorweek over the weekend and they tested the Venza. They loved it but then again they love every car they test.
In the review they showed that the entire center console slid back opening up this huge comparment beneath the cup holders. Very cool as I didn't even know you could do that.
In the review they showed that the entire center console slid back opening up this huge comparment beneath the cup holders. Very cool as I didn't even know you could do that.
11-11-08, 03:27 PM
#65
I was watching Motorweek over the weekend and they tested the Venza. They loved it but then again they love every car they test.
In the review they showed that the entire center console slid back opening up this huge comparment beneath the cup holders. Very cool as I didn't even know you could do that.
In the review they showed that the entire center console slid back opening up this huge comparment beneath the cup holders. Very cool as I didn't even know you could do that.
11-11-08, 05:21 PM
#66
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I was watching Motorweek over the weekend and they tested the Venza. They loved it but then again they love every car they test.
In the review they showed that the entire center console slid back opening up this huge comparment beneath the cup holders. Very cool as I didn't even know you could do that.
In the review they showed that the entire center console slid back opening up this huge comparment beneath the cup holders. Very cool as I didn't even know you could do that.
BTW, I know Motorweek's John Davis, but not close or as personal friends. MW's headquarters, in Owings Mills, MD, is not that far away from me. I see John once in a while at auto shows, and we chat about the latest vehicles and trends when we're not busy. Unlike him, however, I'm not part of the formal auto press or journalist.
11-11-08, 07:23 PM
#67
Well I hope the plastics and other material on the Venza are up to snuff! It really does look good so far and kudos for Toyota for actually taking risks and putting more un-Toyota (read: not mundane) design into the vehicle such as the contrast piping, the unique gauges and the 60/60 (not a typo) centre console design.
11-12-08, 09:14 AM
#72
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To put it in another way; most people in the market for vehicles such as the Venza, Murano, Volvo XC70, etc want LOTS of standard features.
Think of the Venza as a premium Camry wagon; it's got a better interior than the Camry, better features, options, and practical uses. As a premium Camry wagon, the Venza is priced just right.
I think we should be happy that the Venza is priced the way it is given all the standard features it has. The base 4-cyl Venza has all the standard features almost anyone could want, and there is no need to deal with the hassle of option packages to get that one option you want, while paying for a bunch of other options you don't want.
There are still options for the Venza, but they are more premium options and features. I'm glad Toyota went this route with the Venza. In today's day and age, I find it annoying, even borderline insulting to see features like A/C, power windows and power locks being "optional features" on anything other than low-end bargain cars.
11-12-08, 09:22 AM
#73
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11-12-08, 10:32 AM
#74
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Even THEY aren't too easy to find with hand-crank windows and manual door locks. You've got to hunt for a real El Strippo Accent or Rio.
It's like A/C, except in cool-weather areas......few people want a car these days without push-button convieniences.
It's like A/C, except in cool-weather areas......few people want a car these days without push-button convieniences.
11-12-08, 03:21 PM
#75
Matrix maybe? Venza is great value for what it is... I wish we had them in Europe, one would be mine...