La Grange area Toyota knows how important the right vehicle is for a family, which is why we recommend the 2015 Sienna XLE. It has plenty of interior space and versatility to accommodate your family and their travel storage needs. Toyota has equipped the sienna XLE with the latest in safety features so you know your ride and loved ones will be safe and secure.
Interior Space and Versatility
The XLE trim of the 2015 Sienna is available to seat seven or eight passengers, based on the best configuration to suit your needs. If you would like to seat only seven passengers, the second-row becomes two reclining captain’s chairs with extendable foot rests. The Captain’s chairs will also slide back and forth quite a bit to increase cargo space. Otherwise the eight-passenger configuration comes with a second-row 40/20/40-split bench seat. If you have small children, the middle section will slide up close to the front seats so parents can better tend to them. For maximum cargo space of 150 cubic feet, remove the second-row seats, which can actually be stowed inside the van.
Safety Features
The 2015 sienna scored very high on government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash safety tests, as well as tests for whiplash protection. Standard equipment for safety aboard the 2015 Sienna XLE includes: active front head restraints, stability control, driver-side knee airbag, antilock disc brakes, traction control, rearview camera, side curtain airbags the full length of the cabin, cushion airbag for the front passenger seat and front-seat side airbags.
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When was the last time you opened an Atlas, unfolded a map across the front of the car, or printed directions off the internet? If you know exactly when, you must not have in-car navigation yet. It is everywhere now. Pre-owned vehicles and new models offer navigation as an extra convenience feature, and once you experience the drive with a navigation system, you will wonder how you ever lived without it. La Grange area Toyota praises the benefits of in-car navigation.
Maps vs. GPS
Younger generations cannot use a map as well as older drivers. Now, we rely on technology to get us around town and across the country. Is that good or bad? Some drivers just prefer to have the large Atlas open across the center console or the accordion map stretched across the dash. Using a map encourages drivers to pay attention to their surroundings, and it allows drivers to track where they have been and where they are going. Using a map does get a little tricky when you are all alone. If you don’t know the route, you can get yourself into quite a bind.
In-car navigation eliminates the map tangle and the need for a co-pilot. In-car navigation gives you verbal directions, points of interest, traffic information, and in some cases, weather info. In-car navigation helps you recover from wrong turns, and they are affordable.
But I use my Cell Phone
Many drivers prefer to use their cell phones to get around, but a few issues arise will cell phone use: battery power, attracts thieves, they can get lost, accessories, and screen size. Another downside to using your cell phone is data use. If you have a long trip, your phone can eat up your data quickly.
What do you get when you combine an AWD drivetrain with a turbocharged engine? A sassy little commuter and weekend toy. It is okay to admit you want more power and to demand that you get it. Your local Toyota dealer has an exciting selection from which you can choose your next turbo toy. Ask Chicago area pre-owned Toyota dealer about the turbocharged AWD treasures on the lot.
2015 Subaru WRX STI
The price for the 2015 Subaru WRX STI is less than $36,000 miles and the sedan has fewer than 10,000 miles on the engine. A spicy 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 is under the hood and it kicks out 268 hp at 5600 RPM and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. An AWD drivetrain and 6-speed manual accompany the hyper engine. The estimated fuel economy rating is 17/23 mpg. Installed features in the Subaru include digital radio, satellite radio, CD player, dual-zone A/C, LED lighting, carbon-fiber look trim, leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a rear-view camera. The Subaru is an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
2012 MINI Cooper Countryman AWD S All4
The 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman is priced below $22K. The 1.6-liter turbo inline-4 sports 181 hp at 5500 RPM and 177 lb.-ft. of torque. The estimated fuel economy rating is 23/30 mpg. In 2012, the IIHS awarded the Countryman with a Top Safety Pick Award. The 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman AWD S All4 is loaded with a 6-speaker stereo system, premium package, cold weather package, panoramic roof, satellite radio, and Bluetooth®.
2011 BMW 5 Series 535 xDrive
How about a BMW for less than $26K? The AWD 2011 BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive sedan sports a 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 fires up 300 hp at 5800 RPM and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. The estimated fuel economy rating for the AWD 535 xDrive with an automatic transmission is 19/29 mpg. BMW equipped the sporty sedan with leather interior, 12 speakers, luxury trim, Bluetooth®, navigation, heated seats and steering wheels, premium package, and adjustable front seats.
Chicago Toyota Service Experts Explain Brake Assist
When you look at car specs, you look at power, design and safety features. Are you confident you know what all of it means, especially when it comes to listed safety features? We can help you decipher car spec codes. Chicago Toyota service professionals explain Brake Assist.
Common Terms
Brake Assist is also referred to as Emergency Brake Assist. Brake Assist (BA) is part of Toyota’s Star Safety System™. Every new Toyota Vehicle is equipped with the system. The Star Safety System™ is composed of six safety systems: traction control, stability control, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, smart stop, and ABS.
What is Brake Assist?
Brake Assist is an active safety feature. Active safety means the vehicle is equipped with devices and technologies that assist the driver and vehicle with maintaining control. The features are designed to compensate for driver error. Brake Assist is one such feature, as it compensates for panicked braking. Many times, drivers do not brake strong enough in an emergency situation, and that is where BA steps in. When the system detects panicked braking, the system adds additional braking power to force the vehicle to stop faster than it would have otherwise stopped. Both the time required to stop the vehicle and the distance to stop the vehicle reduce when the Brake Assist system kicks in.
Safety Pays Off
Toyota’s commitment to safety pays off year after year, and the industry awards Toyota for its impressive performance in safety testing. When the IIHS handed out Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ Awards, seven Toyota vehicles earned recognition and took home awards.
Save Cash with a Hybrid Sedan at Chicago Toyota
Toyota has an extensive collection of hybrid vehicles. The iconic Toyota Prius set a high bar for Toyota and every other manufacturer in the industry, and now you can buy many hybrid versions of your favorite Toyota models. Cut down on your summer driving expenses with a hybrid sedan at Chicago Toyota.
2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
The 2015 Toyota Avalon is a 2015 IIHS Top Safety Pick. The starting MSRP for the hybrid is $36,470 for the XLE Premium. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid engine that nets 200 hp and averages an estimated 40/30 mpg. Standard features in the 2015 Toyota Avalon Hybrid XLE Premium include LED brake lights, tilt/slide power moonroof, 17-inch painted alloy wheels, dual-zone A/C, a 8-speaker audio system with 6.1-inch color touchscreen display, HD Radio™, Bluetooth®, iPod® connectivity, USB ports, backup camera, and leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel.
2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid is the winner of the US News and World Report 2015 Best Hybrid Car for the Money, and the Camry earned a 2015 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award. A 2.5-liter gasoline-hybrid engine power the Camry Hybrid. It produces 200 hp and averages an estimated 43/30 mpg (LE). Both the SE and XLE versions average an estimated 40/38 mpg. Standard installed features in the Toyota Camry Hybrid LE include 10 airbags, Star Safety System™, dual-zone A/C, 6-speaker audio system, satellite radio, Bluetooth®, backup camera, USB ports and 12V power outlets. The starting MSRP for the 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid is less than $27K.
Women are power players in the automotive industry. Many consumers automatically picture men when they think about cars, racers, top auto execs, and mechanics, but women are playing with the big boys and making significant strides. Some women started long before the new millennium and paved the way for strong women today. Chicago area Toyota looks at some of influential women in the auto industry.
Toyota Senior Officer: Julie Hamp
Julie Hamp is the company’s first female, non-Japanese senior official. Toyota appointed Hamp in May in an effort to diversify leadership at Toyota, and Hamp has big plans for the company. Hamp started out as the chief communications officer for Toyota. Hamp grew up in Queens, studied at Ferris State University, and started her career at General Motors in communications.
Women in Racing
Women are burning up the racing circuit. From the pavement to the sand, women are flying past the men. Of course we cannot talk about women in racing without first mentioning Shirley Muldowney, the first woman ever to receive a license from the NHRA. Hellé Nice set the world land-speed record for women in 1929. Ashley, Brittany and Courtney Force followed in their famous father’s footsteps.
Women in the Shop
One of the most recognizable women in the shop is Jessi Combs. Combs earned a degree in automotive fabrication from the WyoTech, and she was the first female to place at Ultra4 events. Lately, Combs can be seen on her television show “All Girls Garage” where she joins her all-female cast, Bogi Lateiner and Cristy Lee. Another female face under the hood is Army Spc. Samantha Brumley. She is the first female tank mechanic in the National Guard.
There are many more powerful women in the auto industry. Who is your favorite trendsetter?
La Grange Area Toyota Explains ToyotaCare
Not very many car manufacturers are willing to sell you a new vehicle and then maintain it for two years at no cost to you. Toyota has never been one to follow the crowd. In fact, it is a trendsetter in the industry. Toyota builds the most reliable vehicles and the safest vehicles, then the company protects them with extensive warranty coverage AND free maintenance. La Grange area Toyota explains how you can benefit from ToyotaCare.
What is ToyotaCare?
ToyotaCare is a complimentary service extended to all consumers who buy brand new Toyota vehicles. The ToyotaCare maintenance plan provides free maintenance services to all new Toyota leases and purchases. The maintenance plan covers the vehicle for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. In addition to no-cost regular maintenance, Toyota extends two years of roadside assistance coverage with no mile limitation.
What is Regular Maintenance?
If you look in your owner’s manual, you will find a schedule for regular maintenance. The manual tells you when the vehicle should go to the dealership and for which maintenance tasks. Maintenance includes fluid inspection and replenishment, oil and filter change, tire rotations, and a thorough multi-point inspection. It is important to remember the plan is only for factory-scheduled service. The dealership service professional can help you understand the details and program exclusions.
What Does Roadside Assistance Cover?
The unexpected tends to happen when you are on the road or in a rush, but Toyota has your back. The 24-hour roadside assistance plan offers drivers towing and winching services, fuel delivery, lockout services, battery jumpstarts, and tire services.
If you live or work around Chicago, then you’re an old hand at this kind of thing. The problem is that even people who grew up driving around big cities can sometimes forget about the hazards that a city can create. Continental Toyota, your Chicago Area Toyota and Scion dealer, has these reminders for you.
Traffic
It seems inevitable and all the time, but traffic is one of the things to beware of. Whether it’s due to construction, an accident, or just normal time of day rush hour, other drivers get a little crazy. Always be on the lookout for erratic drivers who are looking to get ahead or aren’t paying attention.
Tourists
You might be experienced when it comes to heading into the city, but we all know there are a lot of people who aren’t. They’re called tourists. Out of state plates should signal the need to give a wide berth. Without knowing where they’re going, these folks can cause a serious hazard.
Pedestrians
Children are the real thing to look out for here as they don’t always think about the rules of crossing busy streets and can rush out into traffic. But that doesn’t mean the occasional adult or two won’t barge into a crosswalk either, so be alert.
Potholes and Parking Lots
Particularly in the springtime before there’s a chance to fix them, be on the lookout for the large potholes common to city streets. These can range from nuisance to axle-buster. Parking lots also pose a real threat. Parking real estate comes at a premium in the city, so be extra careful backing out.
There are some who argue that a luxury car needs to come from one of a few, elite carmakers and must cost a small fortune. The good folks at Toyota 
don’t agree. The way they see it, everyone should be able to get the kind of luxury they deserve. That’s why they make the 2015 Avalon Limited, available from Continental Toyota, your La Grange Area Toyota dealer.
Under the Hood
The Avalon uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Using variable valve timing, multi-point fuel injection, and a high efficiency automatic transmission, the Avalon delivers 268 horsepower and 248 pounds of torque as well as an EPA-estimated 31 miles per gallon on the highway.
On the Road
The horsepower alone will allow you to accelerate in the red, but the independent front and rear suspensions use a combination of struts, coil springs, multi-link, and stabilizer bars to create a feel that is smooth without losing the curves. Top it off with a manual mode for a real driving feel.
Inside the Bones
It’s four-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes are managed through a brake assist system to help you stop faster and safer. Electronic traction and stability control make sure your wheels are doing everything they can. Inside, intelligent airbags adapt to crash conditions to minimize injury.
In the Lap of Luxury
Let’s begin with cruise control, power windows, and remote locks. Then let’s add triple-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and a sunroof. Finally, let’s throw in on-board navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with SiriusXM, color touchscreen, and Bluetooth streaming.
For many of us, car insurance is just another utility bill. It’s just something we pay. When our rates go down, we’re happy. When they go up, we grumble but pay it anyway. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the math to make up your insurance premium, Continental Toyota and Scion, your Chicago Area Toyota dealer, has the answers.
Your Coverage and Your Record
Let’s start with the obvious. Like all things, if you want more, you need to pay for it. Getting $300,000 worth of liability coverage is much less expensive than $950,000. The more you want the more you’ll be charged in your premium. However, insurance is about risk. If your driving record has multiple accidents, traffic violations, or suspensions, you can count on paying more.
Location and Use
The next biggest factor has to do with geography. If you live in the middle of nowhere, you’re really not likely for an accident. On the other hand, a metropolitan area like Chicago sees accidents all the time. Similarly, if you’re driving 20, 30, even 50 miles a day for work, your premium will be higher. The more you’re on the road, the greater your chance of an accident.
Age, Sex, and Credit
If you’re in your early 20’s, you can expect to pay more. Risk behavior is still an issue for the young. Likewise, older drivers over 75 can see higher premiums, too. Males almost always pay more than females (again: risk behavior is higher). Finally, your credit can affect your payment, too. If your credit is bad, insurance companies can see you as a payment risk and so charge you more.
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