http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/152-venza-forum/1034114-what-year-buy.html#post8824034

 

Not quite sure I understand.

The car is a 2009. I would be buying now in 2015. Does that help any?

 

So far (56,000 miles) our V6 09 has had zero issues. Bought it in 2012 with 35,000 miles & all records from new. It's been back to the dealer only once & that was for an alignment. No odd noises, original battery & none of the many issues you will read about on this forum. Only money we've spent on it was for gas, oil, mats, seat covers (light colored leather/dogd) & tires. Might have to change the wiper rubbers soon.

 

I love my '09. Only issue I had was just recently. Dealer found (on 2nd visit for sane issue), a bad coolant hose. Good news is was a $12 part. Bad news it was $600 in labor to get to it. With 19,500 miles I was not very happy. But all things considered, it was the only thing that I needed to have them fix.

 

Our 2009 I4 Venza 2WD with 43,250 miles has been excellent. All service by our dealer. Truly, not one problem in five years. Has not required brake service. We have replaced OEM Bridgestone Dueler 400 tires with new Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia's from Discount Tire.

• Suggest you personally inspect the complete interior including all controls and gauges along with and engine compartment.

• Note that last oil change was accomplished within last 5,000 miles.

• Suggest you have Service Department verify that the proper type of oil has always been used.

• Suggest you have dealer inspect air filter.

• Suggest you ascertain when cabin air filter was changed. If past due consider having it changed by Service Department as it is not DIY.

• Suggest you ensure all driver activated functions operate flawlessly.

• Suggest you have the breaks inspected before buying. In fact, insist on a complete vehicle inspection with results in writing.

• Suggest you ask for new front & rear OEM wipers.

• Suggest you ensure all recalls have been completed. Two recalls I think, driver's side floor mat clearance and tail or brake light defect.

• Note that dealer tire prices are generally higher priced than retail market plus $600 is not going to get you four excellent new tires. Be weary of tires offered you by dealer as they only sell OEM. In some cases dealer sold OEM tires may be older models that have been replaced.

• Suggest you have dealer ensure wheels TPMS are in place and functioning.

• Whenever you obtain new tires I highly suggest you have the new tires balanced along with having a four wheel alignment.

• If front license plate is required ensure dealer has OEM front license plate bumper contoured bracket installed. The contoured bracket is black, somewhat flexible plastic.

• If in doubt about anything ask questions

• Take a thorough test drive with companion taking notes of suspected issues. Have dealer representative ride along.

• If possible, have the Venza put on a lift and have it inspected for leaks and oil/grease covered areas.

Good luck and looking forward to your response.

 

Ps. any reason in particular you changed tires from the OEM other than price? The OEM's seem pricier in my search.

 

All awesome posts. Thanks for all the help. Ipatrick that list was extensive and very useful.

 

The wife has a 2009 V6, AWD, no Navi, No moon roof.
Only "problem" is it delays upshifting to 3rd? when the temp is below 32F.
It needs to rev to 2500rpm which I think is a tad high when the engine is cold.
Others on this forum and the dealer says this is normal.
My 2013 doesn't do this.
Also the rubber strip on the roof drivers side tends to work it way up out of the recessed drain groove. Not a big deal but something I keep my eye on.
Otherwise it's been very reliable.
My wife absolutely loves it.
If I had to do it over again I would in a heart beat.
J

 

Well the deed is done.

Got them to throw in 4 new Michelin Latitudes. They wanted to throw in the Uniroyal's, but I wouldn't budge.

Got a full inspection done at a Toyota shop (car's being sold by a Honda dealer) prior to closing the deal and no major issues found. The battery was pretty much fried, so the seller is going to be throwing in a new one. Looking forward to taking delivery later this week and seeing what this car's got.

 

Well done! Now go and enjoy your Venza for many years to come. ⛽

 

By all means go for it. I have a 2009 Venza AWD I4, and it is a real GEM.
The only bad thing that developed, was a leaking rear axle, which was fixed free on warrantee.
The 2009 were built with a lot of care and concern.
My Venza has been so solid, i think it will last well into 2020....