Toyota Venza Forum

Hi from hot, hot, Florida.

-I'm not a new Venza owner yet. I'm trying to decide between the 2010 loaded Venza and a 2010 Lexus RX350. I don't want to buy something and be sorry about it. FYI: I'm a empty-nester, so no kid issues would be involved in the buy.

I would be trading in a 2007 GX470 Lexus, which is way too big for me. I don't need 4-Wheel drive and a V-8, plus my elderly parents cannot get into it. The Lexus is loaded and has a grand total of 30,300 miles. Hopefully this would be a good trade-in value.

At the present time, I'm driving a '99 Honda Accord so I can save mileage on my Lexus (let alone gas money!)

Opinions are needed, if you have any.

Thank you in advance.

-Kathie

I cant see the use of paying for a Lexus...
Same with Acura and Infiniti. Also, Cadillac's and Lincoln's etc...
I have had Honda's, Toyota's and Nissan's. They all
got me where I needed to go, when I needed to be there. I am
pretty sure had they been Acura's, Lexus' or Infiniti's... I would
have arrived at the same time.
But this is just my opinion.

GuV

Hi Kathie,

I have an 09 Venza, with a four cylinder and all wheel drive. It's got the convenience package which adds some nice features to the car. One thing I like about it is the low threshold on the doors. Older folks can get in without having to swing their legs up over the door jamb. Gas mileage around town is around 22 - 24. Hwy is up to 29.

The handling is very nice, although no sports car. I can carry enough junk for week for four adults in the space provided. If I want I can lay the seats down and realize 70 cubic feet of space.

When my Saab went belly up, I looked at two cars the Venza and the Subaru Outback. Both very nice cars. You are looking at the Lexus 350 and the Venza. Both manufactured by the same company. To be honest with you I wasn't sure of the Venza at first, and so I had a "wait and see" attitude about it. I have come to love this car. To me, its a station wagon (my era!) on steroids. Its a darn smart looking little thing as well. Its comfortable for long trips (I've been driving from Charlotte to Atlanta twice a week) and has a very nice sound system. If I had any complaints one would be road noise. My Saab was whisper quiet, so maybe that's an unfair comparison.


Bottom line, if your not interested in the status a Lexus affords, then you can't go wrong with the Venza.

Good luck,
Dave

I would no doubt go with the Lexus 350. I've had my awd 4 Venza for almost 1 year. While I'm not completely dissatisfied with it, it does have its faults. I've spent about 400.00 on additional insulation for all 4 doors to quiet the road noise. The vehicle barely sits up any higher than a regular sedan so if you're looking to have a safer view go with the Lexus. I looked at the Lexus 330 before I purchased this Venza and really wish I had gone with the Lexus.

The desision p oints may be: do you want a station wagon or an SUV. Since you've become accustomed to the fitment and added extras of the lexus brand, you may be more inclined to go with the 350.... I did not want an SUV and as such the Venza ment my needs more than the 350. If you can, consider a 1-2 day rental of each and choose from tht perspective.