Test Drive

[col2009]

Hi all,

I,m just back from a test drive of a 2011 4cyl AWD base at my local Toyota dealer, PerformanceToyota, in St Catharines Ontario. I took along my wife and daughter for their unbiased opinions

I drove it for around an hour in the city, on back roads and on the highway. My first impressions were that it was a comfortable and roomy car with enough toys and gadgets to keep my family happy. The 4 cylinder was noisier than I expected whilst changing up through the gears but quietened down when top gear and cruising speed were reached. The light steering was great.
Around town and on back roads the car was almost perfect. The only drawback I could find was the poor visibility to the rear and the already reported blind spots. This would take some getting used to and a change in my driving manner but not insurmountable.
The highway, from St Catharines to Grimsby, was a different story. constant minor adjustments in the steering as it is so light could make for tiring long journeys. The wind noise was also more than I am used to in my Ford Focus wagon.

My wife drove the car back from Grimsby whilst I sat in the back. Super leg and head room. I noticed that she also was constantly making minor steering adjustments. She remarked about the blind spots also.
There was road noise in the back but no more so than other cars I have driven. The tonneau cover and rear load mat were not in place it should be mentioned.

On return to the dealership I felt slightly disappointed with the drive and feel that I need to test drive another brand before I can draw any real conclusion.
Having said that, if Toyota could come up with a steering that was light in town and became progressively tighter on the highway I think I could overlook the other minor annoyances.


Colin

[col2009]

I like this car and am prepared to give it another go.

My plan is to take the V6 model for a test next week along a similar route to see if the extra weight of the V6 on the front end will make any difference to the handling. I had hoped to go for the smaller engined model for better fuel economy but it's not what I expected.


Colin

[ek1560]

Sounds like the exact thing I went through , I wanted the 4 cylinder AWD but I went for the 6 cylinder FWD for the smooth and quiet ride.

Got a set of Michelin snows to make up the lack of AWD.
For the steering issue you are talking about, I like it .Came from a ford windstar and the steering is effortless in the Venza.

Try the 6 and let us know.

I like this car and am prepared to give it another go.

My plan is to take the V6 model for a test next week along a similar route to see if the extra weight of the V6 on the front end will make any difference to the handling. I had hoped to go for the smaller engined model for better fuel economy but it's not what I expected.


Colin

[col2009]

Well, took out the V6 AWD for a test last weekend - what a difference. This is a great engine and well suited to the Venza. Steering seems tighter with the extra weight of the engine.

I'm sold. Just have to find the right car at the right price.

BTW Aliison at PerformanceToyota is one of the nicest sales people I have ever dealt with.


Colin

[PA Venza]

It won't take you long to get used to the lighter steering feel. One good road trip and you won't even notice it. It's now more challenging to drive other cars with "normal" steering.

[venza-v6]

It was between a Rav4 vs Tucson vs Venza (in that order, all FWD) for me and the Venza won.

Was going to go with the Tucson as it's better MPG but felt it was bit underpowered getting into the on-ramps, and very much noisier on the freeways.

Final test drive was between the Venza I4 and V6, the V6 being the winner due to mainly being quieter in comparison.

For blindspots, I plan to use the small stick-on convex mirrors.

For backup/reversing visibility issues, got the backup camera installed as a additional mod (not part of any package) with the display on the rear view inside mirror (not on the HID display and no nav), for approx 550 $.

I love the bluetooth music streaming feature as works good with my android phone and also love the USB port - use it for charging the phone, and the 13 speaker system sounds very good too

[col2009]

I've taken the plunge - and am now waiting on the delivery of my 2011 V6 AWD Venza in Barcelona Red with the Canadian Touring package.

I can't wait, it's just like Christmas when I was a kid. This will be my first new car since 1995.

Performance Toyota have been great so far - let's hope they don't let me down.

The only downside was the hard sell by their finance person (no doubt like other finance people) who tried her damnedest to sell me the extended warranty and other useless (IMHO) add ons. But hey, business is business and Toyota aren't here to lose money if they can help it. I just wish they might listen to the purchaser when they say No.


Colin

[Giterdone]

Hi col2009. When you take possession of your new Venza, put the rear seats down and lift the flap that covers the seat hinges and hardware. Check to see if there's any rust forming on the hinges and such. I'm curious if this is just a problem on the West Coast or if it's on all Canadian Venzas.

[col2009]

I will check it over and let you know.

[nhcycle]

Hi col2009. When you take possession of your new Venza, put the rear seats down and lift the flap that covers the seat hinges and hardware. Check to see if there's any rust forming on the hinges and such. I'm curious if this is just a problem on the West Coast or if it's on all Canadian Venzas.

Why wait till you take possession to check it out - wouldn't it be better to check it out before you take possession and actually "own it"????? If you find all this rust during the pre-delivery check the dealer owns the vehcile and you can walk or demand another one.... no muss no fuss over rust...... If you are goig to commit to a $30K+ car doing a comlete check pror to final signing makes more sense???