Toyota Builds Town in Japan to Test Safety Systems

In November, Toyota began operations at its new test site, the Intelligent Transport System Proving Ground. Located in Japan, the testing ground is 8.6 acres of urban environment-mimicking land. It has roads and traffic systems that allow Toyota to test active safety features that are difficult for them to perform on public roadways.

Toyota says that these tests will accelerate research and development into advanced safety systems, and also testing environmental systems in order to improve fuel efficiency. Exhaust Notes blog gives the example, "If cars can talk to infrastructure... they'll know to slow down for an upcoming red light and save fuel."

We didn't build a whole town, but we did build a new building! For more information, read the full article here.


All information and image via Exhaust Notes

Toyota's City-EV Concept: The iiMO

Last year, Toyota unveiled a new concept designed to be an all-electric city car, and deemed it the "Fun-Vii". More recently the concept has been renamed the iiMo and more details have arrived. Before we start, a reminder that this is a futuristic concept car is definitely in order!

The iiMo has an immediately-customizable exterior and interior, as well as a virtual on-board concierge. On top of "navigation goodies", there's wireless recharging and drivers can compete in a videogame-like app that can be played behind the wheel.

Watch the futuristic video just for kicks, but if you'd like a real electric car, view our Plug-In Hybrid Prius inventory here.



Video, image and info via autoblog green

The All-New 802 Toyota is Now Open for Business!

The heavily-anticipated opening of the new building has arrived; 802 Toyota Scion is now open for business right on schedule. The all-new 802 Toyota Scion was an initiative to create a building that was both environmentally friendly and self sufficient.

Just honk your horn - we'll take it from there!

Other innovative plans are ahead for 802’s new facility; there is a rainwater harvesting system, where we will be able to harvest what flows naturally off of the roof to wash cars. Also in store is “waste oil recycling”, where can recycle oil from vehicles and use it to heat the building.

Among other additions, the 802 Toyota Service Center has added a covered service drive, where customers may simply drive their car in for service and won’t have to exit outdoors in the case of unfavorable weather conditions. Like the sound of that? Head to our online Toyota Service Center here.

And if you'd like to come check it out, please - feel free! Same great location - much better building!

Toyota Announces Brand-New Safety Technologies

Toyota has created two advanced safety features, which they presented at the 2012 Safety Technology Seminar. The first is called the Intelligent Clearance Sonar, and the other is Drive-Start Control.

Intelligence Clearance Sonar is meant to reduce parking lot collisions by detecting objects out of the driver's sight, according to Autoblog. If a definite collision is detected, the system will hit the brakes automatically, as well as reduce engine power and sound an alarm.

Drive-Start Control senses if the wrong gear has been selected while the driver is pressing down on the accelerator. This one is a little confusing to me - but their example is that if a driver bumps into something while in reverse, panics and quickly goes to shift gears while still pressing the accelerator - DSC will kick in.

Toyota says that these new features will be available in the very near future. For more information, see the full press release and Autoblog article here.


Image and info via Autoblog

Is This the Face of the New Toyota Prius Line?

The Toyota FT-Bh Concept is not designed to be the face of the new Prius c, but it does have several features that The Fast Lane Car believes will be on the next generation Prius family vehicles. The FT-Bh concept uses compressed natural gas (CNG), which definitely won't be making it into showrooms soon, but since it has one of the lowest carbon footprints of any burnable fuel, let's hope it happens in the near future!

The Toyota FT-Bh Concept, a plug-in hybrid Toyota, can get up to 134.5 mpg, weighing in at just 1,733 lbs. The interior in the photo looks like a concept interior, but The Fast Lane Car believes that the center console, steering wheel and center display look production ready for the next batch of Prii.

What do you think? Yay or nay? If you're a bigger fan of the original Prius Hybrid, Prius c or Prius Plug-In Hybrid, click any of the model names to view our online inventory!


All information and images via The Fast Lane Car

New Toyota Fuel Cell Powers Building

Even though Toyota will not be selling fuel cell vehicles in the US for a few years, it's already using the technology to power its Torrance facility. Toyota activated a 1.1-megawatt hydrogen fuel cell generator, which will supply roughly half of the electricity for six headquarters buildings while producing zero emissions. This will also save them roughly $130,000 annually in utility costs.

It is the largest stationary fuel cell of its kind in operation, according to Toyota.

Toyota plans to begin selling its first fuel cell vehicle in the US by 2015, but hasn't released any information about the vehicle, including price or model type.

“Supporting alternative energy sources like hydrogen supports Toyota’s overarching commitment to lessen our impact on the environment and drive forward innovative technology,” said Toyota Motor Sales USA Senior Vice President Bob Daly. “Not only will this new hydrogen fuel cell generator reduce the environmental footprint of our headquarters campus, but it showcases the power and potential of hydrogen as a fuel source.”

Our new building at 802 Toyota is not fuel-cell powered, but it is environmentally friendly and self sufficient - so we're in the right direction ;)

For more information, please visit the article by the Los Angeles Times here.


All info and image via the Los Angeles Times

Stuff-A-Truck Day Two at 802 Toyota Scion & Twin City Subaru

It's the second day of the 11th Annual Stuff-A-Truck event being held outside of 802 Toyota's nearly-completed new building. Frank FM's TJ Michaels, Froggy's JD Green and numerous supporters have been outside with the truck, doing what they can to help Central Vermonters in need.

"I've been doing this for 11 years," said TJ. "We do this for the Salvation Army mostly because I think each of us has a story to tell."

TJ reflects on his past; remembering his early days as a disc jockey, coming home and looking into the fridge to find a bottle of ketchup and some baking soda. That was a time when the Salvation Army was helping him, and now he's giving back.

This year's event is more important than ever - the Salvation Army Food Shelf has seen an increase in need for food by Vermont families by 155 percent over the last two years. Last year they broke records; raising over 18 tons of food and $12,000, but it was also the first time the Food Shelf's supply didn't last the whole year.

TJ tells us that 1 in 6 Vermonters struggle for food, and even though you may think you don't know someone who is struggling like that, 10 percent of Vermonters use the Food Shelf at one point or another. It hits us close to home here, and we have to help.

Vermont has pulled together strongly, especially after Irene. TJ says that we've encompassed the Vermont Strong theme, and to them it really means taking care of each other. This year they hope to fill more than just one truck in order to be able to feed all those in need through the whole year.

If you haven't stopped by the Stuff-A-Truck drive yet, please do! All donations, small and large really make a difference. Let's be Vermont Strong - and let's stuff two trucks! Stop by 802 Toyota on the Berlin Mall Road in Berlin, Vt. any time now through November 18.

802 Toyota Scion and Twin City Subaru Create Guaranteed Used Car Program

Here is our most recent press release that features our amazing new Guaranteed Used Car program, check it out!

Berlin, Vt. -- 802 Toyota Scion and Twin City Subaru have created a new “Guaranteed Used Car” program, effective Nov. 1, 2012. Guaranteed Used Cars purchased from either dealership include all required maintenance, mechanical repairs and all original equipment through the first 12 months after purchase or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Look for this frame on our website!

Guaranteed Used Cars are marked on both the 802 Toyota Scion and Twin City Subaru websites by a yellow frame surrounding the picture of the vehicle, as opposed to the standard blue frame on the majority of their inventory.

Our Guaranteed Used Cars that don't have pictures yet will look like this.

“All manufacturers required maintenance will be performed at no cost to the consumer at the appropriate mileage for 12 months or 12,000 miles from date of purchase. This includes (but is not limited to) oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, 30,000, 60,000, or other major services and all required maintenance per the Owner’s manual. We will also include a complimentary Vermont State Inspection if required. All work must be performed at the dealership purchased from (Twin City Subaru or 802 Toyota),” according to the VT Cars website.

Also included are all Original Equipment from Manufacturer (OEM), which includes wear items such as brakes, windshield wiper blades and tires. These items too must be repaired at the dealership the vehicle is purchased at, either 802 Toyota Scion or Twin City Subaru.

The only items not included are physical damage, acts of God or cosmetic damage, according to their website. This includes damage to the rims and tires from potholes, curbs or other impacts; broken windshields, vandalism, scratches, dents or rust.

For more information, please view the Guaranteed Used Car page here.

Toyota Donates $1 Million to Support Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

Toyota recently announced a $1 million contribution to the American Red Cross, alongside other nonprofit organizations to support relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Sandy. Toyota has also vowed to match employee contributions to the American Red Cross and the other nonprofits involved.

"On behalf of Toyota, we express our sincere condolences to the families affected by Hurricane Sandy. Since we have operations and many dealerships in the affected regions, we felt a special responsibility to lend a hand," said Shigeki Terashi, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor North America, Inc.

Toyota has also made it possible for people in affected areas to take advantage of payment relief options if their car was rendered unusable due to the storm. For more information, view the press release here.


All information via the Toyota USA Newsroom

802 Toyota Scion and Twin City Subaru to Host 11th Annual Stuff-A-Truck Event

Hello fans! Here is our newly-released Press Release for the 11th Annual Stuff-A-Truck event, check it out:

From Nov. 15-Nov. 17, 802 Toyota will host Frank’s 11th Annual Stuff-A-Truck Food and Funds Drive to benefit the Central Vermont Salvation Army Emergency Food Shelf. Frank FM’s TJ Marshall and Froggy’s JD Green invite Vermonters to come and “Stuff the Truck” with canned foods, non perishables and monetary donations to help fellow Central Vermonters in need.

802 Toyota Scion and Twin City Subaru have been a part of the annual Stuff-A-Truck event for years, and continue their support by hosting this year’s event outside of 802 Toyota’s brand-new building.

With the tagline “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”, the Stuff-A-Truck event has helped feed Vermont families; raising 18 tons of food and thousands of dollars last year alone. According to Marshall and Green, however, we still need to do more.

“…due to rising unemployment and tougher economic conditions, the Salvation Army is helping and feeding more and more Vermont families. The food raised last year only made it to the end of July this year,” they wrote in their official Donation Location Collection Kit.

The Salvation Army has seen a 155 percent increase in the number of families requesting assistance over the past two years, according to Michaels. Despite breaking their own record of food raised last year, they ran out earlier than in previous years. Now, they say, the public’s help is needed more than ever.

The drive goes on for 24 hours a day, which Michaels and Green have pledged to stay outside for until the truck is filled.

“We don’t go home and we go on an emotional roller coaster ride. Along with all the outpouring of support and goodwill, we hear very touching stories from the people who donate who either know someone who was helped or at one time in their lives was helped by the Salvation Army,” Green said in an earlier press release about the event.

Both 802 Toyota and Twin City Subaru will be holding their own food drive of sorts leading up to the event. Twin City Subaru will have a Subaru Forester set up to act as their “stuffing truck”, and 802 Toyota Scion will have a Scion iQ in their own showroom, both in the hopes that visitors and customers can help participate in the days leading up to the actual Stuff-A-Truck drive.

Both General Manager at 802 Toyota Scion Todd Mobley and Twin City Subaru General Sales Mananger Chris Davis have high hopes for the event.

"Contributing to our community is at the very core of who we are as businesses. We are very proud to serve our community and hope to achieve our goal of keeping families in our community fed through all of 2013. It is a lofty goal, but we believe together we can make a difference,” Mobley said.

For more information please visit 802 Toyota's Stuff-A-Truck event page.

802 Toyota and the Central Vermont Humane Society Celebrate Win of New Toyota Sienna

We just published a press release about the CVHS Van Party last weekend and thought our dedicated fans would love to have a look; so here it is!:

East Montpelier, Vt. -- On Nov. 3, 2012, fans and supporters of the Central Vermont Humane Society joined CVHS and 802 Toyota Scion by coming to the shelter to donate items from the shelter’s wish list, including but not limited to cat litter, toys for the animals, paper towels and detergent in honor of the CVHS “Van Party”. The Van Party was a celebration of CVHS’s win of a brand-new Toyota Sienna van, courtesy of Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Program.

Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good is a national program where the automaker awards 100 cars to 100 nonprofits over the course of 100 days. During the voting phase, the 100 Cars for Good program profiles five finalists on their website. Winners were selected via public Facebook votes each day; beating out their competitors, CVHS took the win. Winners may choose between a variety of Toyota vehicles, and CVHS has accepted a Toyota Sienna to replace their current van.

CVHS was in dire need of a new van. Theirs had been acting up frequently and wasn’t as reliable as they needed it to be.

“About 90 percent of the 1,100 animals CVHS cares for every year are in need of at least one vehicle trip during their stay. With this new Sienna van, we can spend more time helping animals and less time having to arrange reliable transportation,” said Mary Taylor, CVHS executive director.

"Thank you supporters for making this ride possible!"

802 Toyota Scion assisted CVHS with the program by spreading the word at the dealership and heavily utilizing their social media outlets. They also have contributed financially to CVHS in conjunction with their Van Party; a recent Facebook campaign raised $1,500 for the shelter, followed by another $165 that 802 donated, which was equated by giving $5 for every donator at the Van Party.

“We’re overjoyed to have been able to join CVHS in celebrating the win of their brand-new Toyota Sienna! We’re so happy to be closely knit with such a wonderful organization and look forward to our partnership with them in the future,” wrote 802 Toyota Scion on their Facebook page alongside photos of the event.
CVHS is overjoyed by the response and support from the community.

As written on their website, “A huge thank you to Toyota, and of course, to the community who voted to make this all possible for the animals. We’re grateful for this incredible gift that enables us to transport pets more efficiently and safely. Our old van really had a run through its nine lives!”

"Toyota Prius c Takes Efficiency and Value to the Max"

The Fast Lane Car posted an extremely positive review of the Prius c, so I thought I'd share some of the highlights with you!

Boasting 53 MPG, the Prius c has the best fuel economy in the United States without having an electric plug. The exterior has a unique design, with an aggressive front, optional fog lamps and tall, vertical lights in the rear - people take notice of the Prius c on top of its competitors.

On the inside, the Prius c has a more standard gear lever (as opposed to the rest of the Prius family), being floor-mounted in the center as opposed to up on the center dash. The Fast Lane Car's writer says that his 6'2 frame fit nicely in the front with his kids in the back. There is ample storage in the back with the seats folded down, but not so much with them up.

"Although there is a great variety of small cars on the market today, most of them make due with small, 4-cylinder engines and combined EPA ratings in the mid 30s MPG. Very few even approach the stellar efficiency of the Prius c, and none can match the value. The Prius c is in a class of its own," according to their post.

Want to check it out? Click to view our Prius c inventory here.


All info and image via The Fast Lane Car aka TFLCar

Toyota Says Hybrids and Fuel Cell Vehicles are the Future

Hybrid Cars wrote a blog post regarding Toyota's decision to go in the direction of hybrid and fuel cell vehicles as opposed to EVs.

Toyota Motor Europe CEO Didier Leroy recently said that Toyota believes more in plug-in hybrids than pure electric, and that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be the most promising in the not-too-distant future.

"We have seen that costumers are not yet willing to compromise on range and they don't like the time needed to re-charge the batteries," said Leroy. "So even if we are ready with out production version of the iQ EV we think a plug-in hybrid solution offers a better way than pure electric for most costumer needs."

Toyota is still debuting their Scion iQ EV, but their plan is to really grow their Hybrid Synergy line and pending FCV-R hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

"Our fuel cell car will emit no harmful emissions at all and will have a driving range of around 700 kms," he said. AKA roughly 435 miles. Not too shabby!

What do you think? EVs, Hybrids or fuel cell vehicles? Or all three?

If you'd like to check out our available hybrid vehicles, click any of the following model names for more details! Toyota Prius, Prius Plug-In Hybrid, Prius c, Prius v, Camry Hybrid and the Highlander Hybrid.

Information & image via Hybrid Cars

TheVideo: The Toyota Tundra Succesfully Towes Space Shuttle!

The historic event took place Friday Oct. 12

A Toyota Tundra Crew Max 4x4, outfitted with a 5.7-liter V8 engine and 381 horsepower successfully towed the 300,000 lb space shuttle Endeavor. The Tundra received zero special attachments or ad-ons for the tow.

Toyota and the California Science Center have had an ongoing friendship for 20 years, Toyota has helped to raise awareness for the program.

"We've partnered with the California Science Center... as part of our ongoing commitment to inspiring youth in the fields of engineering, innovation and future technology, and we are honored to lend our support for this historic event," said Toyota's Vice President of Community Affairs and Philanthropy Michael Rouse.

Check out the video below, and if you've got some heavy lifting to do (albeit not 300,000 lbs!) view our new Toyota Tundra and/or used Toyota Tundra inventory here. We also have the exact same 2013 Crew Max Tundras available here!


Image and information via AutoGuide
Video via YouTube

Central Vermont Humane Society's New Shelter Van Party!

The Central Vermont Humane Society will be hosting a "New Shelter Van Party" on Saturday, Nov. 3 from 2-3 p.m. In case you missed the story behind their new van, CVHS was part of the 100 Cars for Good program hosted by Toyota, which grants 100 nonprofits with a new car over the course of 100 days. Nonprofits are voted on by the public on Facebook and thanks to your help as our fans alongside the spectacular fans of CVHS - they won! For more info on the win click here!

"Come celebrate the animals’ wheely win with CVHS on November 3rd! See the new Toyota Sienna you helped win, support the cause by donating a van wish list item, and visit with the adoptable animals who will benefit from your generosity," says CVHS on their website.

Some details:

• 802 Toyota Scion will donate $5 to CVHS for every wish list item gifted at the event
• There will be 20 percent off "pre-owned" cats and dogs at CVHS from Oct. 30-Nov. 3 with this coupon
• Free CVHS bumper stickers will be given to everyone at the party!
• "Like" 802 Toyota on Facebook before 11/3, and we'll give CVHS an extra $5, up to $1,500

The van wishlist items include:

• Gas cards
• Money to help cover insurance
• Automotive gift cards
• A GPS
• Money for a liner to protect the interior of the van when transporting animals
• Road Adventure Emergency Kit
• Car wash gift cards; anything automotive to help pets in need!
• New dog toys would be greatly appreciated, as would any other items from the full wish list here!

All of us at 802 Toyota thank you so much for your continued support of a wonderful nonprofit that has gone above and beyond for its animals and continues to do so.  Please join us Nov. 3 at CVHS for the New Shelter Van Party!

802 Toyota Presents the Central Vermont Humane Society with their New Toyota Sienna!

The time has finally arrived! Tomorrow, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m., 802 Toyota will be proudly presenting the Central Vermont Humane Society with their new Toyota Sienna, brought to them by Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good.

Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good is a national program where the automaker awards 100 cars to 100 nonprofits over the course of 100 days. During the voting phase, the 100 Cars for Good program profiles five finalists on their website. Winners were selected via public Facebook votes each day; beating out their competitors, CVHS took the win! Winners may choose between a variety of Toyota vehicles, and CVHS has accepted a Toyota Sienna to replace their current van.

All of us here at 802 Toyota are extremely happy and proud to be a part of this and are overjoyed to be connected to such a wonderful organization. CVHS has given resources to thousands of animals in every way they can, and we’re very proud to have helped contribute to them in any way.

“About 90 percent of the 1,100 animals CVHS cares for every year are in need of at least one vehicle trip during their stay. With this new Sienna van, we can spend more time helping animals and less time having to arrange reliable transportation,” said Mary Taylor, CVHS executive director.

A six-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty is also provided for the vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services.

CVHS is of course, delighted, and thanks all of their fans immensely!

“A huge thank you to Toyota, and of course, to the community who voted to make this all possible for the animals. We’re grateful for this incredible gift that enables us to transport pets more efficiently and safely. Our old van really had a run through its nine lives!”

Enjoy Vermont Foliage in a Toyota of your Choice for a Day!

Vermont has the most beautiful fall foliage and sometimes the best place you can enjoy it from is right in your car. We're lucky to be surrounded by and driving on roads that are so lovely in (almost) every season. For this reason, we'd like to offer our customers our "Leaf Peeper Special", where you can rent a vehicle from 802 Toyota to drive around Vermont without having to worry about putting miles on your car! And hey, who doesn't love to drive somebody else's car for a day?

802 Toyota is offering rentals options for the Tundra, Tacoma, Corolla, Camry and Scion iQ! If you rent on the weekend, you can rent a Corolla, Prius or Scion iQ for just $19.95!

Cold Hollow Cider Mill

In honor of this special, we thought it'd be nice to suggest a few places that we think are excellent Leaf Peeping locations; a few that you drive to, and a few that you drive through. Our personal favorites to drive to are Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Ben & Jerry's, Cabot Creamery and really anywhere on Lake Champlain or in the mountains! My personal favorite is Cold Hollow - what better way to enjoy fall than with a cup of hot cider, a delicious cider doughnut and vast views of the surrounding mountains and scenery. Perfect Vermont.

As far as driving through, we found this list of Vermont roads that currently have the best foliage in the state, marked by their "full color and near-peak", but I think 89 is picture perfect too!

Foliage in Stowe, Vt.

Route 7 from Middlebury to Manchester
Route 4 from Killington to Rutland
Route 73 from Rochester to Orwell
Route 103 from Ludlow to Rutland
Route 100 from Ludlow to West Bridgewater
Route 30 from Jamaica to Dorset
Route 106 north from Springfield
Route 131 west from Ascutney
Route 12 from Hartland to Bethel
Route 140 from Wallingford to Route 30 in Poultney
Route 4 from Rutland west to Fair Haven

We hope you're enjoying this gorgeous Vermont foliage, and be sure to stop by 802 Toyota, head to our website or call us at (802) 922-9774 for more information about renting a car or truck for a scenic drive around Vermont!


"Where to drive" list via Foliage Vermont
Images of foliage via Vermont Fall Foliage's Facebook

A Day in the Life of a Toyota Prius C Hybrid

A vehicle reviewer from The Fast Lane Car posted a video called "A Day in the Life of a Toyota Prius C Hybrid". It's a simple review and test drive for you to watch so you can make a more informed decision on whether or not the Prius C is right for you! And if it just may be, view our online Prius C inventory here.

Enjoy!


Video via TFLCar

Toyota Prius World Records

What World Records Can you Break with your Toyota Prius?

Toyota Prius Projects are basically a string of separate projects put together by Toyota that are all published on the Toyota Prius Projects website; we wrote about one that featured a Prius Projects' Concept Bike a while back. The videos below are examples of one of the projects that's called Toyota Prius World Records aka Prius Records, which is a slew of videos of people breaking world records in and/or utilizing a Toyota Prius.

Check these records below, then head to our website to check out our new Toyota Prius inventory, our Toyota Prius Plug-In inventory or our used Prius selection. If you'd like to see more Toyota Prius Records, click here!

Image via Car Scoop, Prius Records via Toyota Prius Projects' Toyota Prius World Records

The Prius Plug-In Hybrid's MPG Explained

What are the real benefits of driving electric? Are there any?

Bear with me, this post has a lot of numbers! I did some serious math to figure out what the real benefits of owning a Prius Plug-In Hybrid versus owning a regular sedan (the numbers I used for comparison are from a Passat). Two reasons are behind this information; 1. I wanted to know, which means you may have as well. 2. This weekend is celebrating National Plug-In Day at 802 Toyota so what better time to get into the nitty gritty of the Prius Plug-In than right before Plug-In Day?

The Prius Plug-In takes three hours to fully charge (only 1.5 hours if you have a 240-volt Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment outlet). People say it adds roughly $3 to their utility bill to charge, and there are free charging stations in Montpelier, so if you work in the area you have that convenience. If you don't, no problem. The Prius shifts seamlessly into Hybrid mode either when you've run out of electric charge or you manually switch to that mode. Meaning, if I commute from Burlington, Vt. to Berlin, Vt. daily, I can use my electric charge while in the city, switch to Hybrid on I-89, then switch back to Electric once I'm off the highway. The MPGe (electric) on the Prius is 95 MPGe, and Hybrid mode gets 50 MPG.

Break it down:

If I travel from exit 14W to exit 7 and back again on I-89, I spend 76 miles on the highway and 12 miles in the "city". The 12 miles of stop-and-go traffic where I would typically use more gasoline, I'll put myself in Electric mode. Once I get onto the highway where I would get better gas mileage, I switch to Hybrid mode, still earning 50 MPG. So if gas is $3.93 per gallon (Shell's price today in Barre), I'm spending $6.50 for my entire commute, whereas if I were in an average, 35 MPG-achieving sedan I would spend $9.88. Now if I had a more typical commute of 12 miles (there and back), I would spend $.50 a day, as opposed to $2.91 in an average sedan.

For reference, this is not me -
but it could be you!

The numbers don't seem hugely differentiated, until you go by savings per week, month or year. For a person with a 12-mile commute to work, driving a Prius Plug-In will save them $12.05 per week, $52.22 per month and $626.60 per year (granted, they'll have to tack on the $3 to their utility bill so keep in mind that adds back on $36 per year... doesn't seem too shabby though, eh?)

For the person with the 88-mile round-trip commute, the person driving the Plug-In will save $17 per week, $73.23 per month and $879 per year.

So what I'm saying is that if I bought the Plug-In when it came out I could have more than $400 in my pocket already! Want to start the savings (of your money and environment)? View our 2012 Prius Plug-In Hybrid inventory here. Or stop by 802 Toyota tomorrow for more information on the Plug-In and to take a test drive!

Image 1 via car blog

Image 2 via OINTS

Image 3 via 123RF

2014 Toyota RAV4 to Lose its Spare Tire!

Last week Toyota showed off its new model line to a group of car dealers in Las Vegas, and the RAV4's spare tire was nowhere to be seen.

The RAV4 has had its iconic spare tire since its release in 1994 on the first generation RAV, which was named the 1997 Automobile of the Year (to this day its Toyota's best selling SUV).

What do you think about the change? In love with the spare? We've got your back; view our preowned RAV4 inventory or our new RAV4 inventory - both of which are fully equipped ;). If not, we'll keep you updated on the release of the new one as soon as we know more.


Information & image via Foxnews.com

Test Drive of the 2012 Toyota Tundra 4x4

Times Free Press just published a test drive review of the 2012 Toyota Tundra, what they call "a sturdy work truck with a heart of a Lexus." After you've checked out the review, head to our website to browse our 2012 Toyota Tundra inventory too!

Styling & Comfort
A prominent grille and 18-inch alloy wheels give the Tundra "muscle and mass," while the front bucket seats with eight-way power give it some convenience. The Tundra has tons of room for its back passenger, and has the option of a 5.5, six or eight food bed.

2012 Toyota Tundra interior
(image via onsurga.com)

Driving Impressions
The 2012 Tundra has the biggest V-8 engine available, which makes 381 hp and 401 pound-feet of torque. The number 10,000 represents two major things in the Tundra - how many pounds in can tow, and how many miles in between oil changes. It also comes with a sealed transmission, meaning it never needs to be flushed, which is a good feature for saving money.

Bottom Line
As the reviewer said, "A construction boss driving a Tundra projects an image of practicality and good taste. He also proves that he values top-notch build quality and a modicum of refinement."

Review by Times Free Press

The 2012 Toyota Yaris SE Hatchback

The brutally-honest reviewer's test run of the 2012 Yaris SE Hatchback

George Straton, blogger and self-proclaimed “brutally honest” reviewer just posted his own review of the 2012 Toyota Yaris SE Hatchback. What better review of a car than a brutally honest one?

If you’d like to check out our 2012 Yaris inventory after reading, click here.

“What was once raw and bland now sizzles,” he begins. The Yaris SE has a bold front air dam, rear roof spoiler and lower diffuser, as well as 16-ich wheels. The driver’s instrument cluster has relocated back to being in front of the driver, as opposed to the Yaris’ more recent center-dash cluster, making it more conventional. On the sport model, there are black-on-white gauges, flat-bottomed steering wheel and four-speed automatic gearbox fully equipped with chrome and leather.

The small Yaris gets 106 hp out of its 1.5L engine, which Straton agrees wouldn’t typically impress an enthusiast. However, it’s more power than the Mazda2 or new Fiat 500 - and the Yaris SE gets 32 MPG – while making it from 0-60 in nine seconds.

To view Straton's full review and blog, click here. Or head to our website to view our 2012 Yaris inventory here.


Review & photo via George Straton, Drive...He Said

Tips for Save Driving & Avoiding an Accident

Why you Should Avoid the Driving Habit that Causes One-Third of all Fatal Crashes

Avoid excessive speed.

This one does seem obvious, but there are a few different ways of speeding other than just going above the speed limit. If you’re operating a vehicle with a tow attached or are temporarily using a spare tire, you should adjust your speed as needed. Severe weather is another condition where you should slow down a bit while driving; “speeding has been cited as a contributing factor in nearly one-third of all fatal crashes.”

Examples of time saved on a 10-mile trip:

At 55 MPH, the time it would take is 10 minutes and 54 seconds, time saved is 1 minute and 6 seconds, risk of crashing is 1.5 times higher than at 50 MPH.

At 65 MPH, actual time to destination is approximately 9 minutes and 14 seconds, time saved is 2 minutes and 46 seconds, and increased risk is three times higher.

At 75 MPH, actual time is 8 minutes, you will save 4 minutes, but the risk is six times higher.

So remember, even if you're running late or are in a hurry, just go at a safe pace. Speeding won't get you there that much faster, and going the speed limit will at least get you there in one piece! Happy driving everyone!


Infomation via "Common Driving Errors"
Image 1 via collisionmax.com
Image 2 via telegraph.co.uk

The 2013 Toyota Auris (aka the 2013 Toyota Corolla)

The 2013 Toyota Corolla gets an all-new makeover for this model year.

Toyota just released an image of the 2013 Toyota Corolla, or the Toyota Auris as it's called in Japan. This new Corolla is promoted as a "sleek, sporty new look for the latest generation of the world's best-selling car,'' according to the article via Cars Guide.

Thus far, the new Corolla hasn't been released in the US, but the new style is already sparking the interest of many.

"The Euro-inspired exterior design combines smooth-flowing surfaces with sweeping character lines to provide the sense of agility expected in the small hatch segment,'' Toyota says. "The new Corolla also brings fresh interior treatments with clever packaging that liberates more space for occupants and their luggage.''

As we hear more about features, specifications, availability and prices - we'll let you know! And if you just can't wait, browse our pre-owned Toyota Corolla inventory here, or click here to view our 2012 Toyota Corolla selection.


Information & image via Cars Guide

802 Toyota's Most Popular Posts

Happy Friday, 802 fans! In case you've missed them, here are our top five most popular blog posts, ever!

1. Which Toyota Looks Like a Lamborghini?
2. How to: Steal a Prius
3. Become a Morning Person in 20 Minutes
4. The Prius Family
5. Do you want to drive James Bond's Car?*
*(note: when we asked this question, we only had one; now we have three!)

Enjoy!


Image via zazzle.com