If you have already busted your 2015 New Year’s resolution, don’t worry; there is still hope.  Don’t make boring resolutions that you were sure you wouldn’t keep when January 2^nd rolled around.  Start fresh and resolve to budget better this year and to make better financial decisions.  Need an idea?  The certified pre-owned Scions at Chicago area Toyota Scion dealer are great for your budget.

Why Certified Pre-owned?

If money is your concern, a certified pre-owned vehicle is the answer. Vehicles covered under the CPO program benefit from the following:

• Special financing and APR
• Extensive background checks and inspections
• Warranty coverage
• Roadside assistance

Certified Pre-Owned Scions on the Lot

The CPO Scions on the lot are both priced below $15K; they are accompanied by a free AutoCheck report; and the miles are low.

• 2010 Scion xD

The 5-door 2010 Scion xD hatchback has a modest 1.8-liter inline-4 engine and an automatic transmission. The mileage is less than 42,000 and the price is dips below $12,000. According to US News and World Report, the Scion xD is a top three 2010 Affordable Small Car.  The horsepower rating is 128 hp and the fuel economy estimate is 27/33 mpg.  Scion installed a premium sound system, MP3 player, equalizer, Bluetooth connection, and safety system in the hatchback.

• 2012 Scion xB Wgn

The dark charcoal 2012 Scion xB 5-door wagon is priced at $14,960. Under the hood is a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that has fewer than 36,000 miles on it.  In 2012, the Scion wagon earned a 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The horsepower rating is 158 hp with a 22/28-mpg estimated fuel economy rating.  The Scion xB features performance tires, a premium sound system, 4-wheel disc brakes, iPod connectivity, and a chrome exhaust tip.

If your vehicle is the primary caravan for your family, you know the interior can take a beating when the kids are messy, sick, or hungry.  Kid stains are not pleasant to deal with, but they are not the end of the world. You can combat kid stains in your Chicago area Toyota.

• Meal remnants

Many families eat on the go, and food droppings and drink spills can cause sticky, stinky stains. Use warm water and dish soap solution to spritz directly on to the stain.  Use a soft bristle brush or a toothbrush to work the solution into the stain.  Once the stain is removed, blot the area with a clean, dry towel.  You may have to repeat the process a few times. Don’t let the area dry completely before the stain is gone, as dry stains are harder to remove.

• Art projects snafus

Crayons, pens and markers cause common road trip stains. To remove crayon from your carpeted interior, place a brown lunch sack over the stain and use an iron to melt the area.  Put the iron on the lowest setting and gently dab the heated surface onto the brown bag, which is placed over the stain. The crayon will stick to the brown sack. Repeat the process a couple of times to remove the crayon completely.

Marker and ink stains are especially difficult.  You will need a dish soap-vinegar solution to remove the blots. Combine a tablespoon of liquid dish soap with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 2 cups of warm water. First, blot the stain with a clean, dry towel to remove any excess ink. Next, blot the solution on to the stain with a clean towel. You might need to keep rotating the towel, using the clean sides to maximize absorption.  Do not rub the stain into the carpet. Once the stain is removed, use a clean, dry towel to soak up the liquid. Again, don’t allow the area to dry until the stain is completely gone.

 Don’t miss out on the Barcelona Red gem—the 2014 Toyota RAV4 Limited.  All of the amenitities you crave in high-end luxury SUVs are installed in the Toyota SUV, without the expensive price tag dangling in the window.  You don’t have to give up style and comfort to save a few bucks.  Act now to get behind the wheel of the popular 2014 Toyota RAV4 Limited area La Grange area Toyota Scion dealer.  There is only one left.

Have a Look under the Hood

Toyota equipped the 2014 Toyota RAV4 with a reliable 2.5-liter inline-4 and a capable all-wheel drive drivetrain. The horsepower rating is 176 hp with 172 lb.-ft. of torque.  The fuel economy estimate is 22/29 mpg.  Toyota provides new Toyotas with a 24-month/25,000-mile full service plan.  Roadside assistance is also provided for the same amount of time.

Installed Option in the ’14 Toyota RAV4 Limited

For less than $31,000, you can drive a RAV4 that is loaded with a 6-speaker stereo system with a CD player, MP3 readability, and AM/FM radio, a color touchscreen display, electric sunroof, sport driver seat with 10-way adjustability, roof spoiler, navigation with 3D and voice, rearview camera, Bluetooth, premium synthetic seats, keyless entry, and auxiliary audio input.

Is the 2014 Toyota RAV4 Safe?

The 2014 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with Toyota’s comprehensive Star Safety System™. When the IIHS conducted crash tests, the RAV4 earned good ratings in four out of the five categories.  The SUV also earned a 4-star safety rating from the NHTSA.  Safety features in the 2014 Toyota RAV4 include ABS, stability control, traction control, brakeforce distribution, rear camera, parking distance sensors, airbags, curtain airbags, and 4-wheel disc brakes.

The automatic transmission is the most popular option on the market.  There are two common types of automatic transmission designs: torque converter and dual-clutch.  La Grange area Toyota Scion service explains automatic transmission types.

Understanding the Dual Clutch

The dual-clutch system is a type of automatic transmission that requires two clutches.  One clutch assembly is for even gears and the other is for odd gears. The term ‘automated manual’ refers to a dual-clutch system. Instead of the driver manually shifting, automated manual relies on both electronics and hydraulics to shift the vehicle. As the speed increases, the computer predicts the next gear point and pre-selects the gear.  The clutches alternate to provide the car with a continuous flow of power. The dual-clutch transmission usually gives drivers the option to choose between two different modes: automatic, which enables the car to choose the gears, or the manual mode, which allows the driver to choose gears by simply pressing a button, using paddle shifters, or moving the gear shifter.

What is a Torque Converter?

Torque converters are one of the most misunderstood parts of the vehicle’s powertrain assembly.  The torque converter assembly consists of six main parts. In order for the vehicle to drive, the engine and rear wheels need to be connected; however, the car also needs to remain running when the vehicle is stopped.  This is accomplished with a torque converter, which is a fluid coupling between both the engine and the rear wheels.  This is necessary for the vehicle to drive, as it needs to remain running when the vehicle is stopped.

It’s never too early to start winterizing your vehicle. The harsh winter weather can seriously wreak havoc on your vehicle, but the good news is that there are quite a few things you can do to plan ahead that will make it much easier to bear. Get your vehicle ready for the winter with some good advice from your La Grange area Toyota dealer.

What Winter Can Do To Your Vehicle

Everyone knows that driving in snow and ice can be very dangerous, but it can also be very damaging to your vehicle. Driving in harsh weather can really take a toll on your wheels and tires. The limited traction that you will have can be hazardous. Snow and ice can cause lots of potholes in the roads, which can be very damaging to your vehicle if you hit them. The body of your vehicle and the paint is at risk from all of the salt, sand, and gravel that gets kicked up from driving in wintery weather. The colder the temperature the worse it is for your engine.

Preparing Your Vehicle

You can prepare your vehicle by going that extra mile in the maintenance department. While proper maintenance is important all year round, it becomes increasingly important in the winter. It’s very important that you keep a close eye on your tires, taking notice of their condition and their pressure levels. Keep in mind that sometimes very cold temperatures can give you an inaccurate reading. Make sure that your heater and your defrosters are working well. Replace your windshield wipers if needed. Check on the battery, the belts, and the hoses.

Forming good habits and teaching yourself how to take good care of your vehicle is completely feasible if you really want it to be. This is the best way to keep your vehicle in its best condition and at its highest possible value. Learn how to treat your vehicle well with these tips from our Toyota dealer near Chicago.

Drive with Care

There are many ways to unintentionally, or even intentionally, treat your vehicle poorly while driving. Speeding and abusing the gas pedal are a biggie. Excessive speeding and sudden accelerations put unnecessary strain on your engine and all major components. You can avoid doing this by becoming more aware of how fast you’re driving, and by using better judgment. Utilize the cruise control if your vehicle has it. Try to preserve your vehicle better by not running your engine when you don’t have to, and by not driving when you don’t really have to either.

Maintenance

Get in a serious habit of remembering to follow the recommended maintenance for your vehicle. With the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be way too easy to let these things slip your mind. If you have to create a list or schedule to help you remember everything, do it. This will include things like oil changes, fluid top offs, and tune ups. Be sure to regularly check on things like the tires, the battery, and all belts and hoses.

With gas prices always seeming to be on the rise, it would make sense to want to do everything that you can to try to save a few bucks. Believe it or not, there are many things that you a probably doing daily that are causing you to burn more gas than necessary. Get some good gas-saving tips from your Chicago area Toyota dealer.

Maintenance

A well-maintained vehicle will work at its absolute best, in turn giving you better gas mileage. Be sure to keep up with all of the regular maintenance. It’s a good idea to create a maintenance schedule to follow so that you don’t forget anything. Any issues that are not taken care of in a timely manner will only get worse and potentially cause more damage to your vehicle, which will use more gas than necessary.

Tires

Your tires are another thing that can directly affect your gas. Underinflated tires will cause your engine to have to work harder, resulting in decreased fuel efficiency. It’s important that you keep your tires inflated to the proper levels. Wheels that are not aligned properly can also affect your gas. You can usually tell that your wheels are misaligned because you will notice uneven tread wear.

Some Other Tips

Try not to keep your windows down or your air conditioner on too much. Don’t speed or excessively hit the gas pedal. Keep the weight in your vehicle to a minimum. Only run your engine when you are actually driving, and try to consolidate your trips into the least amount possible.

The Toyota Corolla is a very popular and well-known vehicle, and it’s really not hard to see why. It offers you amazing comfort, reliability, and style. It is now entering its 11^th generation, which offers a new exterior design and an upgraded interior. Come test drive the 2015 Toyota Corolla at your Toyota dealer near La Grange.

Comfort Features 

The 2015 Toyota Corolla has upgraded premium cloth/velour upholstery. The driver and the front passenger have bucket seats, with the driver having manual height adjustments. The rear passengers have split-folding seats. There is a ventilation system with a micro filter, and climate control. It has a tilt telescoping steering wheel, power steering type, EPS, and internal button automatic locking power locks. The trip computer includes your average speed, average fuel economy, current fuel economy, and range for remaining fuel. One of the front windows features a one-touch control.

Safety Features

The 2015 Toyota Corolla has two active height-adjustable front seat head restraints, and three height-adjustable rear seat head restraints. The front seatbelts are height-adjustable with pre-tensioners, and the rear seatbelts include a 3-point center belt. It has intelligent driver and passenger front airbags, front side airbags, and front and rear curtain airbags.

• Anti-lock brake system
• Two-wheel ventilated disc brakes
• Electronic traction control
• Immobilizer
• LED headlights with projector beam lenses
• Intermittent windshield wipers

The Toyota Sienna gives you so many reasons to fall in love with it. This 7 passenger minivan does everything, and it does it well. Our Toyota dealer near Chicago highlights some of the most popular features of the 2015 Toyota Sienna LE.

Seating

The 2015 Toyota Sienna LE has upgraded premium cloth/velour upholstery. The driver has a captain’s seat with 10-way power adjustments, including power height, power lumbar, and power tilt. The front passenger has a captain’s seat with power adjustments, including power height. The rear passengers have 40/20/40 removable split seats with tip/tumble, manual recline, and manual fore/aft. The third row passengers have a split-folding split bench that seats 3 and folds flat to the floor.

Entertainment

The 2015 Toyota Sienna LE has a great audio system with an AM/FM radio, a CD player, digital radio, satellite radio, touch screen and color screen. It has steering wheel mounted remote audio controls. There are six speakers and an element antenna.

Convenience

The 2015 Toyota Sienna LE has cruise control and a trip computer that includes average fuel economy, current fuel economy, and range for remaining fuel. It has automatic locking remote power locks. There is a tilt telescoping steering wheel, powers steering type and EPS. You will have a ventilation system with a micro filter, passenger ventilation controls, and three-zone climate control. It has rear camera parking distance sensors.

The Toyota Prius Three is a 5 passenger gas-electric hybrid hatchback that is not only environmentally-friendly, but is stylish and comfortable as well. Step into the 2015 Toyota Prius Three from your La Grange area Toyota dealer.

Interior Features

The 2015 Toyota Prius Three has a fantastic audio system with an AM/FM radio, a CD player, digital radio, satellite radio, touch screen and color screen. It has six speakers, an element antenna, and steering wheel mounted remote audio controls. There is cruise control, and a trip computer that includes your average speed, average fuel economy, current fuel economy, and range for remaining fuel. It has an internal HD navigation system with full map and voice.

• Card key power locks
• Tilt telescoping steering wheel
• Power steering type and EPS
• Remote control
• Ventilation system with micro filter
• Front cup holders
• Rear camera parking distance sensors
• Intelligent driver and passenger front airbag
• Front side airbag
• Front and rear curtain airbag
• Upgraded premium cloth/velour upholstery
• Alloy-look trim
• Bucket front seats
• Split-folding rear seats

Exterior Features

The 2015 Toyota Prius Three has body-colored front and rear bumpers, and body-colored and heated driver and passenger power door mirrors. It has 15” x 6.0” front and rear alloy wheels, and 195/65-15 front and rear all-season tires. The headlights are halogen with projector beam lenses. It has intermittent windshield wipers.

Stick to your budget without compromising style and safety.  The collection of pre-owned sedans on the lot have low prices, low miles, and come with a free vehicle history report. Chicago area Toyota Scion offers pre-owned sedans for less than $20K.

2012 Toyota Corolla LE $14,480

The 2012 Toyota Corolla LE on the lot has fewer than 19,000 miles on the engine; it is certified by Toyota; and special financing rates may be available. In 2012, the small sedan earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine teams up with a front-wheel drive drivetrain and an automatic transmission to create 132 hp at 6000 RPM and 26/34 mpg.  Installed extras in the Corolla include a 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth®, performance tires, a comprehensive safety system, auxiliary power outlet, and child protection accessories it the back seat.

 2013 Chrysler 200 Touring $14,960

The 2013 Chrysler 200 Touring is clean and sophisticated.  The black sedan has fewer than 15,000 miles on it; passed a rigorous inspection; and all of its filters have been replaced.  The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine creates an impressive 173 hp at 6000 RPM and averages 20/31 mpg.  The convenience features in Chrysler 200 consist of a universal garage door opener, leather steering wheel, power outlets, satellite radio, power windows, a series of airbags, lumbar support seats, keyless entry, and luxury front and rear floor mats.

2012 Toyota Camry SE $17,980

The Toyota Certified 2012 Toyota Camry SE has fewer than 17,000 miles on it and is priced below $18,000.  In 2012, the sedan earned a KBB Best Resale Value Award and an IIHS Top Safety Pick Award.  The 2.5-liter inline-4 under the hood powers 178 hp at 6000 RPM and 170 lb.-ft. of torque at 4100 RPM.  The fuel economy rating is 25/35 mpg.  A rear spoiler, performance tires, Bluetooth®, safety devices, MP3 player, keyless entry, iPod input, satellite radio, and navigation are already installed in the Toyota Camry sedan.

When you are shopping for a car or researching it online, you will be inundated with various measurements, weights, and capacities.  What does all of it mean, and how do they affect the regular consumer?  The truth is, the capacities can mean a great deal to you, especially if you need to accommodate specific needs and driving conditions.  La Grange area Toyota Scion service defines car weights and measurements.

 Snapshot of Car Specs

We have compiled a list of the most common terms you will likely see.

• Cargo capacity

How much room you have in your vehicle for passengers and cargo when all of the seats are in place.

• Torque

This is the twisting force of the engine.  When you press the accelerator, the thrust you feel when your body goes back into the seat is the result of torque. The lower the torque, the less you will feel the force.

• Width

The measurement of the widest parts of the vehicle: very tip of the driver-side mirror to the tip of the passenger-side mirror.

• Height

The measurement of the lowest part of the vehicle, the bottom of the tires, to the highest part of the vehicle, which is the top of the vehicle.

• Wheel base

Measurement from the center of the front wheel to the center of the wheel directly behind it.

• GTW

Gross trailer weight is the total weight of the trailer the vehicle can safely tow.

• Payload

The maximum weight of the cargo the vehicle can safely transport.  Payload includes the cargo you are hauling, you, and your passengers; weight is weight.

• Curb weight

How much the vehicle weighs when it rolls off the assembly.  Curb weight does not include any add-ons.

• GVW

Gross vehicle weight is the exact weight of the vehicle with all of the cargo and passengers in the vehicle.  The GVW fluctuates as people get in and out, or as cargo is removed.

How many miles would you expect a 2013 vehicle to have?  The car would likely be pre-owned and have at least a thousand or more miles on the engine.  Not the 2013 Toyota hybrid on the lot.  The 2013 Toyota Prius c One at Chicago area Toyota Scion has never been owned before.

 Let’s Break Down the Numbers

The 2013 Toyota Prius c One on the lot is priced to sell at $20,115.  The 5-passenger hybrid hatchback has a 1.5-liter inline-4 hybrid engine with a CVT automatic transmission.  The horsepower rating is 99 hp at 4800 RPM with 82 ft.-lbs. of torque at 4000 RPM.  According to the EPA, the fuel economy rating is 53/46 mpg.  The annual fuel cost is only $940, which has the potential to save consumers over $5700 in fuel costs over five years.  Only plug-ins deliver that kind of fuel economy.

What Else Does the 2013 Toyota Prius c One Offer?

The Toyota hybrid sits comfortably on a set of 15-inch steel wheels.  A trunk/hatch spoiler and body-color bumpers accent the Prius’ appeal.  Inside the cabin, a plush cloth upholstery, folding rear seats, front cup holders, and a micro-filter ventilation system welcome the driver and passengers.  The four-speaker entertainment system features AM/FM radio, CD player with MP3 readability, and audio controls on the steering wheel.

 How Safe is the 2013 Toyota Prius c One?

Don’t let the price make you leery of the safety. The 2013 Toyota Prius c One is loaded with Toyota’s finest safety features and technologies.  ABS, traction control, stability control, intelligent front air bags, curtain airbags, and adjustable head restraints are installed on the Prius c One for maximum safety.

Wheels and tires are responsible for safely transporting you and your vehicle.  The wheels are tires are exposed to the worst weather conditions, tricky road obstructions, extreme temperatures, and wear and tear from the engine. Because the wheels and tires literally carry a heavy burden, it is important to make sure each component is in the best shape possible.  A common safety concerns is stripped wheel studs.  La Grange area Toyota service warns drivers about stripped wheel studs.

What are Wheel Studs?

When you put a tire on your vehicle, you mount it to the threaded fasteners that stick out from the hub.  After you put the tire on, your thread the lug nuts over the wheel studs.

Dangers of Stripped Studs

If you over tighten a lug nut or try to remove a lug nut, you can either break the stud or strip it.  If the wheel stud is compromised, it poses a serious safety risk.  It may be okay to drive on four good wheel studs, but not three. If you do decide to drive with only four good studs, make sure you are headed to the shop to have the other one replaced.  If the wheel stud is stripped or broken, the wheel will not be balanced or provide the vehicle with the proper amount of support.  When one is compromised, the additional wheel studs have to compensate for the missing or damaged studs, which adds extra stress to the good studs.

 Replacement is Easy

Replacing a wheel stud is relatively cheap and easy to do.  When the stud is being replaced, the process will include the following steps:

• Removing the brake and caliper
• Removal of the old wheel studs
• Insert new stud through hole from the backside of the hub
• Bolts screwed on to seat the stud
• Stud is tightened with an impact wrench
• Rotor and caliper will be reinstalled

Who could forget the winter of 2013-2014; it was brutal, cold, and monotonous.  It makes you wonder what is in store for us this season.  You do not have to struggle through one more winter with a vehicle that is unprepared for the season.  Winter weather travelers are at Chicago area Toyota Scion.

 2014 Toyota Venza

The 2014 Toyota Venza has two different engine options: 2.7-liter inline-4 that creates 181 hp at 5800 RPM, and a 3.5-liter V6 that creates 268 hp at 6200 RPM. The all-wheel drive Toyota Venza with a 4-cylinder engine averages 20/26 mpg, and the V6 all-wheel drive version averages 18/25 mpg.  In addition to the winter-friendly all-wheel drive drivetrain, Toyota installed performance tires, heated mirrors and seats, rear defroster, automatic headlights, daytime running lights, and 4-wheel disc brakes on the Toyota Venza.  The Venza is the recipient of 5-star safety ratings from the NHTSA.

 2014 Toyota RAV4 XLE

The all-wheel drive 2014 Toyota RAV4 XLE sports a 2.5-liter inline-4 produces 176 hp at 6000 RPM and 172 lb.-ft. of torque at 4100 RPM.  The estimated fuel economy rating for the 5-passenger SUV is 22/29 mpg, and the towing capacity is 1500 lbs.  Winter features consist of heated mirrors, all-season tires, a backup camera, rear defrost function, climate control, 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, parking distance sensors, and front fog lights.

 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited

Safety is important during the winter, and the Highlander is up for the task.  The SUV earned perfect 5-star NHTSA safety ratings and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award.  The all-wheel Drive Highlander gets its power from a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 270 hp at 6200 RPM.  The fuel economy rating is 18/24 mpg.  Tackling snow season is easy with heated mirrors and seats, navigation, three-zone climate control, leather upholstery, rear camera with parking sensors, and dusk sensing headlamps.

When you are researching vehicle specifications, reading your owner’s manual, or shopping for a trailer hitch, you will come across many different ratings and capacities.  One of the most common and important measurements is the tongue weight, but what does it mean?  La Grange area Toyota and Scion service explains tongue weight.

 What is a Tongue?

If you have a car, truck, minivan, or SUV, you will need to know your vehicle’s tongue weight if you plan to do any towing with the vehicle, despite the size of the load you are pulling.  .  The trailer tongue is the extension at the front of a trailer that connects to the ball on the towing vehicle.  The coupler is at the very end of the tongue; it is the rounded connection that sits on the tow ball.

 What is Tongue Weight?

Now that you know what the tongue is, you can better understand the weight.  The tongue weight is the downward force the trailer coupler exerts on the hitch ball. If the tongue weight is too light, the trailer will sway when it is on the road.  If the tongue weight is too heavy, steering, braking and handling are reduced.  This is why it is very important to balance your cargo: 60% of the weight in front of the trailer’s front axle and 40% in the back.  Never exceed your hitch’s tongue weight.

 How do I Determine My Tongue Capacity?

There are a few strategies to help you determine the tongue weight.  Remember this rule of thumb: tongue weight should be between 9% and 15% of the vehicle’s gross trailer weight.  The trailer weight can be found in the owner’s manual. Use the following strategies to calculate trailer weight:

• Tongue weight scale

Place a tongue weight scale underneath the scale when the trailer is attached and loaded.

• Bathroom scale

You can weight smaller trailers with a bathroom scale.  Level the trailer and the scale.  Place the coupler on the loaded trailer on the bathroom scale.

• Commercial scale

If you are doing some heavy duty towing, a commercial scale will be more beneficial.  First, weigh the vehicle with the tongue weight. Then, weigh the vehicle without the tongue weight.  To determine the tongue weight, subtract the vehicle-only weight from the truck-and-trailer weight.

Scion has been making hipper, sportier alternatives to traditional models and the Scion tC was its original beacon of speed. Over the years, the tC has grown up a bit, but the hasn’t lost the fun inside. Your Chicago Area Scion dealer gives you the inside scoop on the new 2015 Scion tC.

The Facts

The new tC comes standard with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. In its six-speed manual or automatic transmission with paddle shifters, it can blast out 179 horsepower and 172 pounds of torque. Ventilated front disc brakes and solid discs in the back are complemented with brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, and smart stop technology. Traction control and vehicle stability use the MacPherson front struts and rear double-wishbone to create a smooth ride without losing the feel of the road.

The Result

Power windows, power locks, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, and engine immobilizer theft protection are only the beginning. The new tC also features Bluetooth connectivity with HD radio, AM/FM/CD, USB port with iPod compatibility, and auxiliary jack all through Pioneer speakers and integrated touchscreen display. Add to all of this an advanced system of head and knee airbags to protect driver and passenger as well as front and rear side curtain airbags.

What People Are Saying

LeftLaneNews.com sings th tC’s praises, noting that the high performance with a comparatively low pricepoint makes the tC a strong contender for those looking for a bit more in their engines. Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2015 Scion tC a full five-star safety review.

So everyone knows that hybrids generally get better mileage than conventional vehicles, that’s why every company around is clamoring to follow the path of the Prius. But what some people don’t always consider is that there’s a lot more to hybrids than the MPGs. Your Elmhurst Area Toyota dealer gives you a thorough look at the 2014 Camry Hybrid XLE.

Let’s State the Obvious

We can’t just ignore the fact that the Camry Hybrid gives you the same comfort and quality you’ve come to rely on as well as a combined 40 miles per gallon.

The Engine

Now that’s out of the way, we can talk about the engine itself and how a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine works with Toyota’s hybrid system to generate up to 200 horsepower while severely dropping the car’s emissions. Let’s talk a about the MacPherson struts in the front and rear with gas-filled shock absorbers to ensure a smooth, quiet ride.

Safety

While we’re at it, we can talk about the power-assisted ventilated disc brakes that are aided by an electronic braking system, vehicle stability, and traction control. Oh, and the ten airbag system to protect the driver and passengers with front, knee, and side curtain airbags.

Icing on the Cake

Most of all, when we look past the high MPGs, we also find dual-zone automatic climate control, Toyota’s Entune Audio Plus, including a 6.1-inch touchscreen display for AM/FM, CD/MP3, SiriusXM, and iPod connection. And for good measure, there’s a backup camera with an available blind spot and rear cross-traffic alert system.

With the calendar year winding down into the fall and the blustery winter to come, 2015 models of all kinds of vehicles are dropping. Your Naperville Area Toyota dealer wants to make sure you don’t miss your chance to get into a 2014 Avalon Limited.

Safety

The best place to start when checking out the Avalon is with its impeccable safety record. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given the Avalon excellent rankings and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Avalon a five-star rating. This is because of an advanced system of airbags, including the standard driver and front passenger airbags, but also knee airbags for front seats, curtain airbags for front and rear, and rear-mounted torso airbags for backseat passengers.

Other safety features included in the Avalon Limited:

Vehicle stability control

Traction control

Anti-lock brakes

Electronic brake distribution

Smart Stop Technology

Whiplash-reducing seats

Collision sensors and alerts

Blind spot monitoring

Performance

Despite its safety factors, the Avalon hasn’t skimped on power or ability. The Limited comes with a 3.5-liter, six-speed V6 engine. With dual independent variable valve timing, the Avalon can deliver 268 horsepower and 248 pounds of torque at the same time that it can deliver a combined 25 miles per gallon.

And if you thought you’d need to lose out on some of the technology perks that Toyota has to offer, you’re sorely mistaken. The Limited comes standard with dual-zone climate control, a 6.1-inch touchscreen display for AM/FM, CD, auxiliary jack, and USB port with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth integration.

Over the last few years, almost every auto maker has rolled out a hybrid vehicle of one type or another. As the marketplace gets crowded with hybrids, it can seem like a no-brainer to get one, but hybrids aren’t perfect for everyone yet. Your Orland Area Toyota and Scion dealer gives you three questions to ask before buying a hybrid.

Where Do You Drive?

Hybrids were originally designed to help the wastefulness of city driving. Sitting at stop lights with your engine running is the worst way to help the planet, your lungs, or your wallet. That’s why hybrids switch to the battery when the gas isn’t in use and recharges when it is. So your first question is how much time do you spend in crowded, light-filled streets versus open highways. If the former, a hybrid could work out. If not, a high-efficiency conventional engine might be a better bet.

How Much Do You Drive?

Next is a question of time spent in the car. Do you have a 45-mile commute every day? A hybrid is probably not the best solution. If you drive for a living, going from one town to another, conventional is likely to work better. If you spend all day in the car on the streets of Chicago, then a hybrid is absolutely a good fit.

What Do You Carry?

There’s a reason you don’t see too many hybrid pick-ups. If you tend to carry heavier payloads or you transport more cargo, a hybrid might not give you the power to make it effective. On the other hand, if you’re carrying passengers, dropping off kids or running for errands, a smaller hybrid can be a perfect option.