I gonna add, that 2.0T passat is a very good ride, I really liked it a lot. If not those big scary item, I would be sure keep it longer.
And that's why ppl buy Toyotas; simply weary of unnecessary service costs and lousy resale value.
Hi, ArticSteve
Maybe this factor make me accept all those imperfection (plasticky interior, slip and grip 4WD, and that total jacked up wagon crap...) the venza gave me. I mean the next closer thing is Crosstour or Outback. Out of the 3, I still take the venza if you ask me now with consider on interior, style(both inside and outside) and reliability.
I used to be a die hard fans of German car, owned many BMW and M.Benz(join owned with family W140 S500L, S600L, C215 CL500, W211 E350, E38 740i, E39 540i) while I was in Hong Kong. Servicing those is non issue there, labour is cheap and parts of german car most time cheaper than Japanese.