It’s pretty amazing to think that only ten years ago, more than half of the features in your 2014 or 2015 model were unthinkable. Ten years ago, the idea of automated systems or travelling Wi-Fi hot spots was unthinkable. Your La Grange Area Toyota and Scion dealer tells you what to expect in the next five years.
Autonomous Features
The idea of a driverless car is not new, but as sensor technology becomes more sophisticated, the more likely it is that various systems in your car will completely override you. Right now, a car can apply brakes before you even touch the pedal, but in the future, it’s likely that your car will take matters into its own hands in an emergency regardless of what you do.
Head-Up Displays
Organic Light Emitting Diodes are the next generation of LEDs. Right now, speed and some other information can be projected onto a windshield, but OLEDs will allow it to be interactive and high definition. Navigation will appear on your windshield and augmented reality as well.
Vehicle Tracking
As more and more vehicles are connected to the Internet, tracking vehicles becomes that much easier. As the technology becomes more common, it’s likely that insurance companies and possibly government administrations will monitor the number of miles driven.
Active Health Monitoring
Among the technologies that will coincide with the consumer market, Bluetooth will allow for vehicles to monitor the general health condition of the driver and passengers. This will mean things like pulse rate can be monitored for safety.
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The auto market is getting pretty crowded. There are dozens of manufacturers out there who all have multiple offerings for the driving public. Google has been getting into the game with its driverless car and insurance. Not to be outdone, Apple has let it leak that they, too, will be entering the auto industry and your Chicago Area Toyota dealer wants to tell you all about it.
The What
Recently, a source high in the Apple organization made it clear that Apple is actively seeking the means to design and produce a driverless electric car. The move would compete directly with the likes of Google, known for their driverless technology, and companies like Tesla who are quickly bring EVs to market. Apple is reported to be reaching out to development companies and possibly even looking to poach industry leaders to spearhead the initiative.
The Why
The writing is on the wall. Electric vehicles are most certainly going to be a big part of the future. Almost every major car company from Kia to BMW are developing or releasing an EV or two. As infrastructure and charging stations are improved, that’s only going to increase. As for driverless technology, more and more companies are seeing the benefit in small changes that add up to a lot. The NHTSA has already announced they’re considering making automatic braking and crash avoidance systems mandatory.
The Result
If we’ve seen anything, it’s that Apple has remained a trendsetter for over a decade. With Google and Apple in the mix, you can bet that more than a few smaller competitors are going to get in the game as well. Expect to see more and more EVs and automated systems working their way into 2016s and beyond.
La Grange Area Toyota and Scion Bring the Big Guns
Power is one of those irresistible things. The power of an engine is part of what built America. If you’re looking for power in a pre-owned vehicle, look no further. Your La Grange Area Toyota and Scion dealer has these great deals on monster engines.
2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
Possibly the most iconic SUV on the road, the Jeep name is synonymous with power. The Grand Cherokee has a 5.7-liter V8 engine that pumps out 330 horsepower and 375 pounds of torque. Capable of handling a payload over 1,000 pounds and towing over 7,000 pounds, the four-wheel drive and four-wheel anti-lock brakes give you complete control. Inside, a six-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system gives you the tunes to match the power.
2013 Toyota Tundra
In case you need something a bit more open, the Tundra also sports a 5.7-liter V8 engine, but can deliver 381 horsepower and 401 pounds of torque. That means a payload of over 1,500 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 9,000 with its four-wheel drive. A six-speed automatic transmission gives you efficiency while the manual mode gives you added control. Inside, twelve JBL speakers blast your favorites to and from the job site.
2010 Chrysler 300
Not all power has to be for hauling, of course. The 300 features another 5.7-liter V8 engine with overhead cam, capable of 360 horsepower and 389 pounds of torque. Since you won’t be towing, the 300 features a six-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather interior, and heated seats.
Truck owners see the world a little differently than car people. They see the world in terms of to-do lists and projects, of accomplishments and hard work. As a result, they look for different 
things in their vehicles. Your Chicago Area Toyota dealer gets it and recommends the 2015 Tacoma.
Power
The Tacoma boasts a 4.0-liter V6 engine with dual overhead cams, multi-point fuel injection, and variable valve timing. Consequently, it offers 236 horsepower and 266 pounds of torque at the same time as an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon on the highway.
Potential
Using four-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, the Tacoma can take on over 1,300 pounds in the sizeable bed and up to 6,500 pounds in towing capacity. With a spacious double cab, the Tacoma seats a crew of five. Meanwhile the anti-lock, ventilated disc brakes keep you in control of whatever you carry.
Prevention
Speaking of brakes, electronic brake force distribution helps to stop fast when you need to. Electronic traction and stability control help keep you on the road while the advanced airbag system in the front protects you from the unexpected. Side and curtain airbags complete the protection for the cabin.
Perks
Inside, the Tacoma features a six-speaker audio system controlled through a color touchscreen. It offers AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback, auxiliary and USB 2.0 inputs for multiple devices, and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming as well as hands-free calls and texting. Climate control and power windows are just a few of the other amenities found inside.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last fifty years or so, you know how volatile gas prices can be. One week they’re up; the next week they’re down. Then there’s the impact on the environment. These days, more and more people are looking for less consumption without getting less car. Your La Grange Area Toyota dealer has you covered with the 2015 Yaris LE.
Efficiency
The Yaris can deliver an EPA-estimated 36 miles per gallon on the highway and 30 in the city. How? By taking a reasonable 1.5-liter, in-line four cylinder engine and giving it dual overhead cams, variable valve timing, and multi-point fuel injection. The Yaris is capable of 106 horsepower and 103 pounds of torque with a four-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Safety
Toyota’s number one priority is safety. That’s why they equip the Yaris with anti-lock, ventilated disc brakes that are managed by a brake force distribution system. Electronic traction and stability control help keep you on the road. In case of an accident, intelligent front airbags use sensors in the seats to adapt to crash conditions and reduce the risk of injury. Side and curtain airbags are also equipped to protect the entire cabin.
Feeling
The independent front and semi-independent rear suspensions use a combination of struts, coil springs, torsion beams, and stabilizer bars to give a sporty feel. Meanwhile, inside, a six speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback, digital radio, touchscreen interface, and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and texting sets the mood.
Often times we have a ballpark idea of how many miles we are getting to the gallon and Chicago Area Toyota encourages drivers to find out more. Taking some time to actually calculate what your car is getting can prove to be very beneficial. Often times once you begin clocking how many miles to the gallon you are getting you may be more mindful of your driving. You may even see an increase!
How To Calculate Miles Per Gallon
Here is the first step. Bring your car to the gas station and fill it up to full. Don’t squeeze as much gas as you can in to the tank, just fill the tank until the nozzle clicks off. Write down your current mileage, and keep that number saved.
Keep A Written Record
The next time you go to the gas station, write down how much you put in the gas tank and how many miles you traveled since your last fill up. So, say you put in 5 gallons and when 100 miles. Divide the number of miles by the number of gallons you put in your take. So, in this instance we would divide 100 by 5. According to this example, we would be getting about 20 miles to the gallon.
Calculating MPG Keeps You Accountable
Follow these steps and keep a log of how many miles to the gallon you are getting. You may find that you stomp on the gas pedal less often, or travel at slower speeds on the highway. This number may fluctuate after you get an oil change. You will begin to learn more about your car. By keeping track of your miles per gallon you will have an exact number for how your car performs.
When it comes to refueling your vehicle La Grange Area Toyota cautions that there are some hazards. You can easily search online and find videos of everyday people pumping gas while not following basic safety instructions and the results can be tragic. Here is a simple check list to keep you and your family safe:
Put Safety First
- Be sure to turn your vehicle off. This seems so unnecessary, especially in the colder months! Unfortunately, we all have to do it. It keeps us safe!
- Do not smoke or use electronics while fueling up. It’s important to make sure that we aren’t using anything that could potentially light fire or spark near the gasoline pump.
Tend To Your Vehicle
- Do not leave your vehicle unattended while the gas is pumping. If something did happen it’s helpful if you are right there to react.
- Remember to close all of your doors and windows. This ensures that the fumes do not get in to the interior of your car while you are pumping gas.
Be Mindful Of Gas Spills
- When the gas tank is full the nozzle will shut off automatically. Do not continue to try and “top off” the tank or round the cost up by pumping just a little bit more. This can cause the tank to overflow.
- If any gas does happen to spill, be sure to let the attendant know. It’s easy to just drive away, but the attendant has a responsibility to clean up the spill properly. Without letting them know they may not see it or clean it up.
By following these simple rules you will be able to ensure the safety of you and everyone around you.
Chicago Area Toyota Cautions Drivers About Black Ice
Black ice can be unpredictable and Chicago Area Toyota is reminding drivers that it is hard to spot and very dangerous. Here is some helpful advice to keep you and your family safe.
What is black ice exactly? Black ice is an extremely thin layer of frozen water on the surface of the road. Often times when the temperature outside drops quickly it can cause moisture in the air to freeze on the road. It can also appear on bridges or overpasses, since the temperature of the black top is lower there.
Be Proactive
There are several ways to stay safe if there is black ice on the roadway. First, lower you speed. This allows you to maintain better control of your vehicle. Keep a safe distance between you and other drivers so that you will have extra time to react. If another car on the road loses control you will be able to stop easily and avoid a collision.
Slow Down Safely
If you find yourself sliding on black ice, the number one rule is to avoid slamming on your breaks. Your tires may stop spinning, but the momentum of your car on the ice will keep your car in motion. This could cause your vehicle to spin. The best way to slow down is to take your foot off of the gas petal. This will slowly and safely decrease the speed of your vehicle, keeping you and your passengers safe.
2014 Scion tC offered at La Grange Area Scion
The 2014 Scion tC is offered at La Grange Area Scion and it packs an amazing sport feel in to a car that is affordable, great on gas, spacious and safe. What more could you want? The Scion tC is a two door vehicle with a sports car edge. It can be purchased with base model features, or the sky is the limit.
Sporty Features
The Scion tC is the perfect marriage of practical use and a sporty feel. The interior of the car features sport bucket seats in the front, the add-on option of a sun roof, leather detailing and a large audio display. You would never guess that this car would come with such an affordable price tag. Base models start at $19,980 with a manual transmission.
The Sky Is The Limit
This model is highly customizable. Add on features come in a wide array of different options. Drivers can choose from different spoilers, interior lighting choices and audio features. In addition, Scion offers chrome exhaust tips, a variety of shifter knobs, and the ability to lower the car and upgrade the exhaust system. Each of these options can increase how sporty you would like to car to be.
Even though the 2014 Scion tC packs a punch, it fairs pretty well when it comes to miles per gallon. Drivers reportedly receive between 23 and 31 miles to the gallon. The vehicle holds 14 gallons of gas. When it comes to maintenance, your first two years of maintenance are free thanks to Scion’s 2 Year/25,000 mile no maintenance program.
Chicago Area Scion Reviews the 2015 Scion xB
The 2015 Scion xB is unmistakable with its boxy frame and distinct contour and it’s available at the Chicago Area Scion. When compared to others in its class, the Scion xB is a serious contender. Many features on this vehicle make it a top choice for those who are looking for something spacious, affordable and practical. The xB comes in either a manual transmission or an automatic transmission.
Base Models Come With Great Features
The 2015 Scion xB comes in base models that start around $17,890. There are some surprising features that are included in the base model. One of those features is a backup camera. This car is fully equipped with Bluetooth technology and remote keyless entry.
Exceptional Miles Per Gallon
When it comes to miles per gallon the Scion xB competes well with Honda’s CR-V. The xB receives between 22 and 28 miles per gallon. It holds up to 14 gallons of gas. This means that drivers could potentially drive up to 390 miles before each refuel.
Above Average Storage Space
The back seats in the Scion xB fold down, which creates almost 70 cubic feet of storage. This is a giant space. Often times, parents and college students appreciate the amount of space that the xB has to offer. The back seats have what is called a 60.40 split, meaning that they go down in two sections. One of the sections is slightly larger and one is smaller. This way there can be passengers in the back seat while transporting large cargo.
The 2015 Scion xB also includes their 2 year no-cost maintenance plan. This plan is good for up to 25,000 miles and expires after two years. Be sure to stop by and check out our selection.
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