We have a 6 month old and are rocking the 07 highlander (115,000) and an 05 corolla (150,000). I drive our kid to daycare and use the corolla (I let my wife use my highlander when she was pregnant, and now she prefers it-so I got her car).
We are debating on whether or not to get a new or used car, or just keep what we have. I am interested in the venza, for space and a hybrid mix of suv/car look.
We are also thinking about getting…
-another 07ish highlander (I know they last forever)
-a Honda accord (my dream CAR right now)
-maybe a new rav4-too small?
-or a newer highlander (13/14ish).
*My wife and I are pretty content with just 1 kid. I just turned 40 in august, and not sure I can do this again. My wife is 35 but is still having issues with her back from carrying etc…she is in no rush, and leaning towards no to anymore kids.
Thanks. Our budget is around 20k or 350-400 a month.
Cannot help you on the Venza, but I do like the way they look. We had an '03 Highlander and it was one of my favorite cars. Very easy to drive, zero maintenance issues, safe … basically everything we wanted in a car. It is the same body style as the '07.
We’ve also had several Hondas and they have been trouble free. You may take a look at the Pilot if you are interested in an SUV. We are on our third, and like the two previous body styles a lot more than the new version.
I had a 2012 Venza for a couple of years, thought it was a great car at first. I started noticing a nasty mildew wet carpet smell right after it rained. Thought maybe it was just from my shoes getting a little on the carpet and making it smell.
Took it in to the dealer It turned out to be a defect in the frame or the sealant used on part of the frame behind the dashboard and every time it rained, water would run down the windshield and leak inside the cabin, soaking the floor on the left side.
Dang-sounds a little bit like my 97 Altima-but rear floor.
I did see that the venza is now discontinued…so it looks like it is out.
To the previous poster and the pilot-I like the interior room in them a lot. Don’t know much about them other than they look big and safe. I wish the 01-07 Toyota highlanders were just a bit roomier in the rear, but overall I think I would like to get another.
I know people who love the Venza with kids. Have you looked at a CRV or Subaru Outback? We have an only and tried those and they worked size wise for us.
I’m looking at similar cars- but glad to see the highlander love since I’m leaning towards the new highlander sport they are bringing out. My husband is a motor geek and thinks the new direct injection motor is cool. We drive over mountain passes weekly - so I’m leaning towards V6.
