Re: Small Car recommendations...
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,786
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,786 |
My Venza ain't no stinking 'station wagon', ha!! It ain't a wagon unless its got fake wood on the sides, ha! My dad had one of those. It also had a 460 under the hood. That engine was bigger than a subcompact. Tom. How about a Chrysler Magnum? If you're gonna get a wagon, might as well get one with attitude.
Fred
------- Blujays1: Spending Fred's money one bottle at a time, no two... Oh crap!
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Re: Small Car recommendations...
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,767
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,767 |
If there are engine reliability issues with the Venza engine, it must be the 4 Cyl as I don't think that the RAV4 has the bigger V6.
The V6 is really a nice engine & more suited to the portly weight of the vehicle - it probably doesn't work as hard, especially in hilly country that is common around here...
TAM
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Re: Small Car recommendations...
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654 |
Tom(lab)in the CR survey I mentioned to Tom T. both Venza models were reported as well above average in reliability, but the 4-cyl was a bit higher(highest in the "wagon" category). The V6 was the one receiving a "recommended" check mark however, because of better performance.
-----------------------------------
Enjoy the music, not the equipment.
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Re: Small Car recommendations...
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,420
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,420 |
To the best of my knowledge the Venza issues are more trim/options related, ie. wind noise etc. than actual power train.
The Rav4 is available with the same v6 as the Venza. The Venza truly is a Camry wagon on steroids, it is built on the same platform as the Camry from which the Rav4 is also derived.
Funny how Ford has some issues yet their Mazda counterparts rate well, might have something to do with the clientel buying them as many Fords are the same vehicle.
Jason M80 v2 VP160 v3 QS8 v2 PB13 Ultra Denon 3808 Samsung 85" Q70
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Re: Small Car recommendations...
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,767
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,767 |
My early production 2007 Mazda CX7 is the reason that I have a Venza today. Check CR's Reliability Ratings for the 2007 model year - mostly black circles the last time that I looked. During its initial offering it was a CR's Recommended Buy but fell off after a couple of years; however, reliability did improve dramatically in later model years. It was a nice, sporty CUV actually, with fantastic brakes but I couldn't live with wondering what major component was going to fail next.
This was a fine example of bringing a new model to the marketplace a year too early. Based on what I saw with mine & others on the auto forums, it cost this manufacturer a bundle in warranty work...
TAM
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Re: Small Car recommendations...
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928
axiomite
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OP
axiomite
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,928 |
I think Hyundai is nuts for not bringing the i40 to North America.
Half of communication is listening. You can't listen with your mouth.
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Re: Small Car recommendations...
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 Likes: 1
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 Likes: 1 |
Adrian, you are just in the bag for Hyundai, aren't you? One of the first Venza ads was filmed in Tacoma. Of course, they've never filmed a Tacoma ad in Tacoma, but that's another story. I drove a Ford Edge. Amazing technology. I liked the moonroof a lot (it had a separate panel in the backseat, too). Pretty peppy. Easy to drive. But I think it's too small. I also drove a 2010 Honda Pilot EX-L. VERY nice, indeed. I expected it to feel more like a truck, but found it pretty maneuverable. Comfortable seats, flat-folding rear seats, enough room, good sunroof, adequate if unspectacular acceleration. Problems: too expensive, no bluetooth. Strong candidate if I can find one priced and equipped acceptably. Still looking possible after additional research and/or poking: Ford Flex, Volvo XC90, Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander, Acura MDX, Lexus RX350. And - just for Mike - I'll also still consider a Mercedes ML350 if the right one bites me on the butt. Most of these are going to be too expensive. Isn't everything.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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Re: Small Car recommendations...
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463 Likes: 1
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463 Likes: 1 |
Tom, I look forward to reading more of your test drive experiences.
*********** "Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Small Car recommendations...
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 Likes: 1
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 Likes: 1 |
Good lord, your life is even more boring than I thought.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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Re: Small Car recommendations...
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 Likes: 1
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 Likes: 1 |
Oh, and the ML is too small and the GL is just.... too... Much. In every way. So, no Benz.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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