I know Scotty loves Toyotas, but doesn't seem to be big on most hybrids. I'm looking at the new Toyota Venza, which is about the same size as the Rav4 but a little different, and a hybrid. I have to make a lot of long work trips for work and I'm wondering what you guys would think about this suv? The reviews say it's super comfortable etc, but am I going to have trouble when I hit over 100k miles on it?
Thanks!
Scotty has always said the Venza was more of a marketing failure. They were great cars.
However, he also has stated multiple times it's always a gamble buying a brand new car like that with no real history.
Wait a few years, until you know there's no major problems first.
It is hybrid technology perfected in the Prius for 23 years.
If you are ok with 150k miles out of a car then they are excellent. The gasoline ones will last a lot longer though. If you are the type of guy that sells cars after they are 10 15 years old, you shouldn't have many issues. After 150 200k miles they start to become very expensive to run.
I agree with RPMartin that first year of a new model may have a few bugs (I was about to post the same thing). That said, this is no Land Rover Defender IYKWIM. It's basically a RAV4 hybrid with more sound insulation; as long as Toyota has been making hybrids, I think they have the mechanicals down. And other than the infotainment system (no volume knob!) and the flashy sunroof, I don't think they are pushing the envelope with this model.
This might be one exception where an extended warranty (at least for the term of your loan) could be a reasonable consideration; that would offset what risk there is.
Personally, I would take it for a drive and if you like it go ahead and pull the trigger.
I wouldn’t suggest buying that now because of the following reasons:
1- completely new design for this particular car. Who knows what can be wrong in the first morel year. Consider Toyota Corolla hatchback transmission issue for an example.
2- Only hybrid option, which results in huge expense in repairs in the following years if you want to keep the car long enough.
If you want something other than RAV4, consider Highlander. It has more rooms and more comfortable ride.
Yes there is also a Toyota Highlander Hybrid which has been out for a long time compared to the Venza Hybrid.
I don’t talk about the hybrid one.
Toyota hybrid cars usually are trouble free for 150 200k miles, while a gasoline one might be for 250 350 who knows.
The Venza is a rebranded Toyota Harrier, which has been out forever in other markets. It’s also the same platform as the Lexus RX. And they have been around forever in the American market.
I think it is a compelling vehicle to get. But a little on the more expensive side.
