Rene Isip's Toyota of Lewisville Blog

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Do you sweat at the gas pump even when it’s not hot outside? Combine the current state of our economy and Dallas gas prices rising and, if you’re like most people, you are probably feeling the pinch in your pocket every time you fill up. In an effort to save money, some people are asking whether they can get away with using a regular grade gas in their engine. The short answer is: it depends. While cutting corners on gas may be tempting, the best answer to this question is found in the user manual for your car, but here is a breakdown for each fuel grade to help de-mystify their value.

Regular Unleaded

“Regular” unleaded is gas that has an octane rating of 85-87. A fuel’s octane rating is not related to its quality; all fuels in the United States contain an ingredient to prevent deposit build-up in the engine. Put simply, the lower the octane rating, the more quickly the gas is burned in the engine. Regular grade is obviously the least expensive option, but who can get away with using this grade of fuel? Well, the answer is most people. For most engines, unless otherwise indicated in your owner’s manual, filling up with regular is likely to be just as effective as using premium. Using a higher octane gas in an engine that isn’t “high performance” may actually cause damage to the emissions system.

Midgrade Unleaded

Midgrade fuel has an octane rating of 88-90. If your owner’s manual suggests for you to use midgrade, then this is obviously the right choice. Another example of when it might be best to opt for midgrade gas is in the case of an older vehicle that makes a knocking, or “pinging” sound while being driven on regular octane gas. This pinging sound occurs when the air to fuel mixture causes an abnormal combustion in your car’s engine. Using a lower than needed grade of gasoline in a high-powered engine can lead to this problem. Pinging is not only obnoxious, but over time it may damage an engine. If you experience pinging, try experimenting with a higher octane fuel to see if the problem is eliminated.

Premium Unleaded

Premium contains an octane rating of 91 or higher. Although it’s the most costly option, when it comes to premium vs. regular fuel, if you have a high-performance engine, this one is a no contest. High performance cars are designed to run on higher octane gasoline. Not following manufacturer’s advice in this area can and often will negatively affect your car’s performance and, when done over a long period of time, can damage the engine.

When in doubt, consult your owner’s manual. And if you are like most people, and cost of gas has become a concern for you, consider a more fuel efficient vehicle at your next purchase. The Toyota Prius, for example, is the leader in this category, boasting 48 miles to the gallon in city driving. Come in to speak with our helpful sales department or visit http://www.toyotaoflewisville.com for specs and pricing information on our full line of fuel efficient Toyota’s.

Get ready for an exciting spring Saturday in North Texas skate fans, because Rene Isip’s Toyota of Lewisville Railroad Park will once again be hosting the Scion RAT Skate Tour this coming Saturday, March 26^th! Skaters will battle for $2,500 in cash and prizes, and young and old alike will be amazed at what these amateur skaters can do. The event is free for spectators and will have live music and artists to entertain everyone in the family. The Toyota of Lewisville Railroad Park has the second largest skate park in North Texas so there will be plenty of room to watch skaters battle for prizes, browse local artists, or just enjoy the sun and the music.

After you have been entertained at the skate park you can wander through Toyota of Lewisville Railroad Park’s other 269 acres and enjoy everything from baseball fields to a dog park.  The park contains four football fields, four baseball fields, basketball courts, manmade lakes, and a dog park. The park is named after Rene Isip’s Toyota of Lewisville, a Dallas area new and used car dealership committed to giving back to the local community.  Toyota of Lewisville is contributing $1.5 Million over 10 years to keep the park maintained so that the public can continue to enjoy fun events like the Scion RAT Skate Tour and the Funny Bunny Festival coming up as well on April 11^th, 2011.

Don’t miss out on this fun event! Bring the kids and the dog and come to the Toyota of Lewisville Railroad Park to be amazed at what these skaters can do. If you would like more information about the event please visit www.skatetherat.com . For more information about the park, view the video at http://www.toyotaoflewisville.com/toyota-of-lewisville-railroad-park-video4147 located on the Toyota of Lewisville website.

Rene’ Isip’s Toyota of Lewisville, a new and used car dealership, proudly announces that Toyota received the most awards from the recent J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).

“Of the numerous independent studies conducted each year, the J.D. Power VDS is one Toyota feels is among the most important as it reflects real-world, long-term vehicle quality and dependability,” said Jim Lentz, President of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. “More than ever, consumers are considering durability as a key component in their vehicle purchase decision and these awards are one more key indicator that Toyota continues to take the lead.”

The following highlights came from the study:

• Toyota received five highest-ranking awards, more than any other brand.
• The Tundra full-size pickup topped its segment for the sixth year in a row, while the Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid sedan, 4Runner midsize Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), Sienna midsize van, and Tacoma pickup truck each topped their respective segments.
• Other Toyota models ranked in the top three of their segment including the Toyota Yaris sub-compact (Total), Toyota Matrix cross-over utility vehicle (CUV), Toyota RAV4 compact SUV, Toyota Solara midsize coupe, Toyota Sequoia full-size SUV, and Scion tC sports coupe.

In addition, not only were 17 Toyota and Scion models listed as “most reliable” by a leading national consumer publication, but of those, 12 of them also made the publication’s “recommended” list. Recognition in both categories is more than any other automaker in the industry.

“We are happy to provide the top selling Toyota models to our community,” said Scott Fly, General Manager of Toyota of Lewisville. “With this much quality and variety there’s a Toyota for everyone.”

Toyota continues to demonstrate their consistency in this all-important study as they have been in the top five among manufacturers since 1990.

About Toyota of Lewisville

Rene’ Isip’s Toyota of Lewisville is a new and used car dealership proudly serving the greater Dallas Fort Worth area including Addison, Allen, Arlington, Carrollton, Colleyville, Coppell, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, McKinney, Mesquite, Richardson and Southlake.

To make an appointment with a sales associate contact Toyota of Lewisville by phone at 888-805-6888.

Learn more about Toyota Of Lewisville at http://www.toyotaoflewisville.com.

Rene’ Isip’s Toyota Of Lewisville launched a completely redesigned Website on March 1, 2011. The dealership is one of the first in the Dallas area to adopt an impressive new SEO Website strategy.

Dallas, TX –Rene’ Isip’s Toyota Of Lewisville announces an all-new, redesigned Website.  While the address will remain the same, the look, function, and the feel of the Website will improve to make navigation easier and faster for customers looking for new and used cars in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

We want our Dallas-Fort Worth area customers to have the best possible user experience when they visit our Website.  The newly redesigned Website has a brighter, more visually appealing look and feel.

“Our goal is to always make sure our customers have a great experience when they visit our dealership,” Scott Fly, General Manager of Toyota Of Lewisville, said. “Our new Website will expand that great experience online by insuring that our visitors are able to find the vehicles, service, and information they are looking for online more quickly. We are really excited with the new Website and we are looking forward to our customer’s feedback on the update.”

The new Website will allow customers to access each department more quickly and efficiently. Customers will also be able to search the vehicle inventory by body style, model, color, year, and desired price range. An enhanced new search feature allows customers to look up vehicles that receive specific miles per gallon.

Toyota Of Lewisville decided on TK Carsites to host the newly revamped Website in order to bolster Search Engine Optimization efforts. TK Carsites is the leader in Automotive Search Engine Optimization(SEO), having recently won awards for both “Best Marketing Strategy” and “Pinnacle Platform” in the Automotive Website Awards.

As one of the first dealerships in the Dallas area to adopt this strategic SEO platform, Toyota Of Lewisville expects to be one of Ward’s top 100 Internet dealers in the United States this year.

“By being found more easily on the Internet and by having a better online shopping experience, we will be able to take care of more satisfied customers in Dallas and all across Texas,” Fly said.

Being heavily engaged in 21st Century Marketing, Toyota Of Lewisville’s new Website will link to all the popular social networking Websites where customers can directly engage with the company.  Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ToyotaofLewisville, or follow Toyota Of Lewisville on twitter at www.twitter.com/ToyotaLew to stay up-to-date on all of the latest and greatest Toyota news from Toyota Of Lewisville.

About Toyota of Lewisville

Rene’ Isip’s Toyota of Lewisville is a new and used car dealership proudly serving the greater Dallas Fort Worth area including Addison, Allen, Arlington, Carrollton, Colleyville, Coppell, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving,McKinney, Mesquite, Richardson and Southlake.

To make an appointment with a sales associate contact Toyota of Lewisville by phone at 888-805-6888 or to contact the service and parts department pleasecall 800-639-5673. Additional information can be found at ToyotaOfLewisville.com.

Learn more about Toyota Of Lewisville at http://www.toyotaoflewisville.com.

Jim Flint

Toyota of Lewisville
713-444-5493

jim@johneagle.net

Without a doubt, Dallas gas prices will continue to rise in 2011. As the world constantly demands more and more fuel, it will become harder to find, and the state of the fuel economy will continue to be more and more critical.  Rene’ Isip’s Toyota of Lewisville offers the Dallas metroplex multiple solutions to conserve fuel and save drivers money with Toyota fuel economy.

Not only are Toyota hybrids like Prius, Camry, and Highlander providing low-cost gas alternatives, but the Toyota Yaris is also hard to beat in the race for top-notch, fuel-efficient cars:

○    In 2009 Toyota launched a special program to test and certify used hybrids

■        3 month/3,000-mile comprehensive warranty

■        7-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty

■        7-year/100,000-mile Roadside Assistance Plan

■        8-year /100,000-mile Factory HV Battery Warranty

■        174-Point Quality Assurance Inspection

■        CARFAX Vehicle History Report

■        Eligibility for Standard New Car Financing Rates

A variety of sources provide Fuel efficiency in vehicles, and Toyota engineers have been researching this with great success.

●      Introduced four – speed automatic

○    To increase fuel efficiency it uses a torque converter with flex lockup

●      Plug – In Hybrids

○    Toyota continues to study and develop the next generation of plug-in

●      Hydrogen Fuel Cell

○    Toyota joined in research with the US Department of Energy in developing the Toyota Highlander Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle – Advanced (FCHV-adv) with mpg of 68.3 and range of 431 miles

●      Natural Gas

○    Toyota’s CNG Camry Hybrid concept highlights the Hybrid Synergy Drive system

It’s important to note that ten percent of all cars sold in America are hybrid, and that Toyota sells 75% of all hybrids sold.  Experience and $1 million per hour spent on research is paving the way for even greater fuel efficiency and safety results.

●      A 2010 Prius used more parts than ever made from ecological plastic carbon-neutral materials that help reduce petroleum use.

$4.00 per gallon for unleaded gasoline, is it possible?

The possibility of $4.00 gas is real and should prompt everyone to consider not only the impact on their budget, but also America’s dependence on foreign oil imports.  The better fuel economy we have, the more control        we will have over gas prices.  Do your part, consider a new fuel efficient car or, to save money, check out the Certified Hybrids backed by Toyota.

Gasoline’s not getting any cheaper and will likely rise in 2011 as the economy cranks back up from the 2008 near-crash.  Toyota has worked hard to stay at the forefront in engineering and design with proven technology like the Prius that, along with the other leading models of hybrids and gas engines, is helping boost fuel economy.  Spending $1,000,000,000 per hour is Toyota’s commitment to researching new valuable ways to push fuel-efficiency even higher.  Stop by, or tweet Rene Isip’s Toyota of Lewisville, and talk to their employees; you will find honest, environmentally-friendly people that are working hard for you.

The gas gauge in your car can fool you.  It stays on full a long time, and then suddenly drops to half, and then again takes a long time to reach empty, and why does that light come on when it does?

We have the answers to these questions and more because we at Toyota of Lewisville drive these cars everyday too.  Let’s take a look and see why it does what it does.

“The customer told us that’s what they wanted it that way,” the engineers tell us.

“What?” we said.

Yep, we checked with our Service Shop guys and it’s true.  The factories do all kinds of “focus group studies” where they have people drive test cars and then get feedback.

They said, “It made it seem like they were getting better gas mileage”.

Well, OK then, why does the beep and light come on so early?

Customer said, “We want a reserve, but not too much reserve”.

Maybe the best way to explain it is in good old common terms, not engineering jargon.

1. Gas tanks are funny shapes, and they can have long fill necks
   1. That funny shape does not allow “consistent” usage to record on a gauge
   2. An uneven bottom may have more gas down low
   3. Adding multiple “check points” would add cost to building the car

i.      Park on a hill with half-a-tank and it shows full

ii.      Drive long incline hills and the gauge reads wrong

iii.      Air pressure can effect “rubber collapsible” tanks

1. Gas tanks hold liquid that sloshes back and forth when you turn corners.
   1. Calibration tries to accommodate this condition, but it’s hard.
2. Long fill necks cause the gauge to be ‘calibrated’  for extra gas
   1. All fuel pumps do not deliver exactly the same “tenths” of gallons
   2. Some people keep “bumping” the gas pump handle to get the last drop
   3. All of this is hard to calibrate for exactly, so it varies.
3. If you have more questions, that’s great.  Go to “taking care of your Toyota”.

Gauges of the future

We would like to say that someday a gas gauge will show exactly how much gas is actually in your tank and how many miles to empty; but, people are people and sometimes they want the gas gauge to tell them what they want to hear.  The factory engineers have taken all this into consideration and done the best they could.  If you seldom, or never, run out of gas; they have done a good job.

We think the gas gauge in new cars will always have a little personality

Before Rene’ Isip built Toyota of Lewisville he visited 100’s of dealerships and worked in several as well.  He noticed that people do better work, are overall happier, and take better care of guests in a nice, well-planned facility. More importantly Rene’ knew that customers like visiting a fresh, clean, customer friendly place.

Toyota of Lewisville is a great place to shop and even better place to buy.  To help our customers out our team is focused on:

• Serving you quickly
• Being efficient so our people can help each customer with their specific, individual needs while respecting their time
• Have the nice extra, special touches…that would matter to us all

From the reception area to the service drive, from the General Manager’s Office to the Accounting Office, from the Parts Counter to the Cashier; step by step, piece by piece, everything has a place and it all flows so we can satisfy our customers quickly, efficiently, and in a natural way.  It looks hi-tech, which it is, but its sole purpose in design and function came to be with the customer in mind.

Not surprisingly, our guests are not all the same.  Some know exactly what they want and some really want to just walk around and look.  The term “just looking” is respected.  Our job was, is, and always will be to provide you a place where you can connect to your Toyota and your Toyota Team when:

• Shopping for a New or Used Car
• Coming in for regular maintenance
• Buying parts or accessories
• Asking questions or getting advice
• An accident happens

We know that despite all the stress and worry that daily life puts on you, you don’t need anything extra to stress about when you visit us.

We are so glad and lucky to be your Toyota Dealer.  There is not a better car company, car, or car dealership when it comes to how we treat you.  Our store makes it easier for you and us to reduce that stress and make you feel welcome. Please, come by anytime for lunch in the Avalon Café’ or to take advantage of the free WiFi.

Other nice touches that you can enjoy when you visit:

• Full café – fresh baked goods, sandwiches, gourmet coffee
• Big screen TV’s with theater seating
• Special safe zone children’s play area
• 300 gallon saltwater aquarium
• Free car washes during vehicle maintenance
• Free roadside towing

Now you know our secret; good customers, outstanding building.  A great place to shop and even better place to buy.  Come see us today.

Let’s be honest here, wouldn’t you really rather drive a brand new car?  OK then, now that we have that established, why do some people buy and some people lease their car.  Which one are you, a Buyer or a Leaser?

Let’s look at 5 year “Cost” for both Leasing and Buying.  Click here for some hard numbers and evaluate: Edmunds Compare the Costs of Buying vs. Leasing

It may be as easy as deciding what kind of car owner are you:

1. New car every 5 years
2. New car – drive it 10 years
3. 3 year old used car – drive it for 3 years

■Now you got us right where you want us

■So we keep lots of good used cars for you old Number 3, we like to call you

■So do you lease, buy new, or buy used?  These are all very good options that completely depend on what kind of car owner you are.  Toyota of Lewisville can help no matter what you decide.

Leasing has;

●     Lower monthly payments pays for only the part of the vehicle you use

●     At end of lease, pay the end of lease cost and your done, no hassle, haggle, or selling that car

●     Excessive mileage charges do apply, but high mileage leases are available

●     May have special benefits or deductions if used for business

●     At end of lease you can chose to finance and purchase

Owning;

●     It’s your car

●     Equity is always yours

●     No excessive mileage charges

●     Customize it anyway you want

●     When it time to buy new, just trade it in

No matter what kind of car owner you are, it really does help to have people you know and feel comfortable talking to.  Even if you suddenly wake up and just want a supped up muscle car for your upcoming class reunion or a super high mileage hybrid car to show how “hip” you are; Toyota of Lewisville can help you put on the right car.  Hey, you may even need two!

You see a bright red sports car under a big oak tree in your neighborhood. Sign in the front window says “4 SALE” and a telephone number. You call for 3 days, get a recording saying year, no damage, “runs great”, then no return call. Car is always there and you wonder if the guy really wants to sell it. Pretty typical private car deal, Right?

Let’s take a look at two different scenarios. First is your typical deal with an individual, second is your experience at a reputable car dealership, Toyota of Lewisville.

Independent Seller or Certified Pre-Owned?

• Does the independent seller, who won’t call back, give you an extended warranty?
  • OK, you say, maybe no warranty, but his costs less. Does it really cost less? MAYBE! Let’s see…
• Does the independent seller inspect and certify the car?
  • He probably wears sun glasses so you can’t see his eyes saying…NOPE!
• Does the independent seller snort and laugh when you ask for a CARFAX Vehicle History Report…YEP!
• Does the independent seller give Toll-free, 7 year/100,000-mile 24-hour roadside assistance from when car was new? WHAT? He say’s…WHAT?
• Ask the independent seller about financing? “Ha Ha Ha” he shouts, now rolling on the ground laughing.

OK, so it didn’t go so well with the independent seller. Here’s what you should get and how you should be treated:

Walk into Toyota of Lewisville and

• A nice person without sunglasses says “Hello, thanks for coming in, how can we help you?”You ask,
  • “Do I get a CARFAX report on your Pre-Owned cars?” YES!
• “Are your Pre-Owned Certified cars reconditioned?” YES!
• “Do they get a 160-Point Quality Assurance Inspection?” YES!
• “Do they have an extended warranty?” YES, a 3-month/3,000-mile!
• “Do they have a powertrain warranty?” YES, from original new car date, 7-year/100,000 mile!
• “Do I get roadside assistance?” YES, from original new car date, 7-year/100,000 mile!
• “Do I get a contract that clearly shows all important information?” YES!
• “Do you take trade-ins?” YES, we will give you a great price on your old vehicle!
• “Do I get financing rates like a new car customer?”YES!
• “Do I get help handling the paper work and DMV stuff?” YES YOU DO!

Toyota of Lewisville’s Website shows the 160-Point inspection, but here’s what we hope

• You will come back in the future
• Unless your already a customer you will become one
• You’re a Happy Driver and tell other drivers
• You enjoy your Certified Pre-Owned for years and years
• You feel like a part of the Toyota of Lewisville family.

When you spend money on a new vehicle, you want to make sure it is well maintained.

Toyota of Lewisville has a full service department full of professional mechanics who are trained to make sure your car gets the best service possible – they’ll know your vehicle and they’ll know you. Additionally we have the latest and greatest state of the art computer diagnostic technology to ensure your Toyota is safe and ready to drive.

For longer repairs, Toyota of Lewisville’s Service Drive will provide you with a complementary loaner car or shuttle service.

Or you can wait at the dealership where there is free wi-fi and the Avalon Café.

Toyota of Lewisville also has an express service drive, with three quick change lanes. The express service drive is the perfect place to get your oil changed in a hurry – no appointments necessary!

The Express Service Drive is also affordable with oil changes as low as 19.95! And remember, the people working on your vehicle — are trained and certified to work on your specific model — You can even watch the work being done.

So when it’s time to service your vehicle, remember to visit a service department that is experienced and friendly and will always take the best care of you and your vehicle.

The Toyota of Lewisville’s express service center is open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 9 pm. Check out this week’s service specials online at www.ToyotaOfLewisville.com and become a fan of Toyota of Lewisville on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the latest Toyota news and specials!