Tag: SUV

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Texas Toyota

4 Tips to Keep Your Car Looking Great

Keep your car clean with these 4 tips

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or simply a daily driver, keeping your car clean is always a must. While it may seem like a daunting task to keep your car clean, it truly isn’t, especially with our Toyota of Abilene helpful car cleaning tips.

As with any chore, the more you keep up with cleaning your car, the easier it is to maintain. That is why we recommend regularly cleaning out your car, vacuuming it and keeping it free of trash and debris.

When it comes to keeping the exterior of your car looking great, regular washes and waxes will go a long way. Maintaining your car’s paint is a great way to ensure your vehicle won’t have rust or peeling problems. The best part is that it keeps your car looking great too.

With this list of helpful tips, you’ll have all the tools and knowledge you need to keep your car looking just as great as it did the day you bought it.

Clear it Out

The first step to cleaning your car like the pros is pretty simple — clear it out! Trash, debris, last week’s hamburger wrapper, you’ll want to get rid of it all. Clearing out the clutter from the interior of your car instantly makes it look better and a lot less “lived in”. Plus, if you had enough stuff in there, you could consider it as fuel savings to clean it all out.

Not only is interior clutter unsightly, but it can also be dangerous. If you’re ever in an accident, every item you have on the interior will be tossed around becoming a hazard to you. Plus, who wants to be coated in a two-day-old soda after getting in an accident?

Cleaning out the interior of your car is the easiest step, all you need are some trash bags and you’ll be clutter-free in no time. Once you’ve cleaned out the interior of your car, you can move on to our next step detailed below.

Scrub it Out

Just like the carpet and flooring in our homes, the floor mats in our cars can get pretty dirty. That’s why it’s important for you to pull them out of the car and give them a good scrubbing. Getting your floor mats nice and clean doesn’t just look good, it also will help cut down on airborne bacteria and irritants too.

Before you get to scrubbing, you may also want to give your floor mats thorough vacuuming. This will get the dirt and debris that has found its way into your car and been compacted down. Once you’re done vacuuming you can get to scrubbing.

You’ll want a good brush with semi-firm bristles to attack carpet floor mats, and a good cleaning agent as well. If you have rubber or “all-weather” floor mats, you can skip the vacuum step and just give them a good spray down with your chosen cleaning agent.

Vacuum it Out

If you have been following our steps thus far, you should have your vacuum out still, so why not tackle the rest of the interior with it? Thoroughly vacuum all carpeted surfaces in your car, including the passenger and rear-seat floorboards, especially if they see high traffic.

While you have the vacuum out, it’s probably a good idea to run it over any non-carpeted surfaces that accumulate dust and debris like the dashboard. You can even hit the vents as dust accumulates there and can cause allergies or irritation.

A solid vacuum job should leave your car’s interior looking fresh and smelling even better — so why not take the time and do your car a favor?

Wipe it Out

A final step to cleaning your car like a pro is wiping it out. Pick up some interior cleaning and detailing wipes and get to work! We recommend starting from the driver’s seat, hitting all the instrumentation and surfaces you touch most.

From there, we say no amount of attention to detail is too much. Dig into those cracks and crevices, don’t be afraid to really get in there. You can use things like Q-Tips to get into tight spaces like between the air vents or radio controls. Work your way throughout the front first, then make a move to the back of the car — don’t forget the cupholders!

Get to Cleaning

Now that you have read our list of tips to keep your car clean like the pros, it’s time to grab your cleaning supplies and get to work. Whether you’re going for full interior and exterior detail or keeping it simple with a wash and wax, this list of tips is sure to get you started on the right path.

If you’re not feeling the whole DIY car detailing process, that’s okay too, we can always help you out at our reconditioning department. All you have to do is book an appointment online or by calling 325-550-2122 — stopping by works too.

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Texas Toyota

Is Buying a Car in 2022 Worth It?

iStock/deepblue4you
iStock/deepblue4you

With the COVID-19 Pandemic coming to a close, consumers are once again demanding a large supply of new vehicles. One that cannot yet be fulfilled by the world’s manufacturers due to a massive shortage of semiconductors with no end in sight.

This shortage has dealerships all over the country scrambling to find a way to put customers behind the wheel of a new vehicle. With the ongoing shortage and rising prices, you may be wondering if now is the right time to buy a new vehicle at Toyota of Abilene, and this blog just may help you decide.

At Toyota of Abilene, the shortage isn’t stopping them from stocking the Abilene, TX area’s best selection of new, pre-owned and certified pre-owned Toyota vehicles. Whether you’re looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle, Toyota of Abilene has plenty of options for you to choose from. Don’t let the shortage hold you back, stop by and see why Toyota of Abilene is Abilene’s favorite Toyota dealer today!

Rising Prices, Dwindling Inventory

As the world slowly returns to form after the COVID-19 Pandemic, the global supply chain is struggling to keep up after such a long period of disruption. Back in 2020, with the world at the height of the pandemic, factories all over the world shut down to stop the spread, while subsequently stopping the production of goods.

During the global shutdown, inventory began to pile up on dealership lots all throughout the United States. With each passing day, the cost of insurance and interest on this sitting inventory totaled in the hundreds of thousands, causing dealership owners a slight panic. This time of uncertainty and panic was not here to stay long, as a bigger problem awaited dealership owners in the near future.

Fast forward a year to 2021, dealerships throughout the U.S. are struggling to keep up with demand for inventory as manufacturers struggle to produce new vehicles. This struggle is largely due to a semiconductor shortage that was sparked by the worldwide lockdowns that took place during the pandemic. With factories shut down and semiconductors not being made, new vehicles ceased to be produced and vehicle manufacturers found themselves struggling to fulfill dealership orders.

In response to the growing supply chain issue, dealerships began to turn their focus toward to used vehicle market, encouraging customers to sell their used vehicles or complete trade-ins. With used vehicles more desirable than ever and equipped government-backed stimulus checks, consumers throughout the United States flocked to dealerships to trade in their old vehicles in favor of new ones.

The rush by dealerships to find ways to supplement the shortage of new vehicles only further exacerbated that shortage, leaving dealerships in a pickle. Now dealerships have droves of customers clamoring to trade-in their vehicles, with no new vehicles to sell those customers, resulting in long waiting lists and disgruntled customers.

With this shortage, you may be wondering if now is the right time to start the search for a vehicle. The answer here at Toyota of Abilene is a resounding, YES! Despite the supply chain issues and a shortage of new vehicles, there has never been a better time to trade in your old vehicle in favor of purchasing a new one. Keep reading to find out why!

The Time Is Now

If you’re wondering if it’s a smart idea to buy a car in 2022, the answer is YES! Now, you may be doubting that because of what you just read above…but fear not! There truly has never been a better time to buy a new car, truck or SUV — and here are some reasons why.

Interest Rates

One of the biggest reasons you should be buying a car right now is because of the incredibly low-interest rates that are available. Right now, banks are loaning out money at record-setting rates in attempts to reinvigorate the struggling, post-pandemic economy. With rates as low as 0.99% APR available, it’s a no-brainer to buy a new vehicle right now as rates like this aren’t typically available.

If you want the best interest rates on the widest selection of new and pre-owned Toyota vehicles, stop by Toyota of Abilene located in Abilene today!

Your Car Is Worth More Than Ever Before

Yeah, you read that right…your old car is worth more than ever before thanks to the shortage of new inventory. Typically, all cars begin depreciating the moment they leave the dealership lot. However, in this whacky post-pandemic economy, some vehicles have actually gained value as they aged.

As dealerships all over the country make a push to purchase used vehicles and increase trade-ins, the value of used vehicles has increased astronomically. That means there has never been a better time to purchase a new vehicle, as your trade-in is worth more than its ever been. If you’ve been tossing around the idea of buying a new car, you’ll want to act now before the value of your used car plummets back to pre-pandemic prices and you lose out on thousands.

You can get the best value for your used car, truck or SUV at Toyota of Abilene located in Abilene, TX. At Toyota of Abilene, they have the Abilene area’s best selection of new and pre-owned Toyota vehicles, so stop by and check out their inventory today!

Customize Your New Vehicle

Due to the semiconductor shortage, chances are you will be waiting on a new vehicle to be built and shipped to the United States before you buy it. This wait may seem like nothing but a hassle when in reality it is the best thing that could happen. Wondering why it’s the best thing that could happen? Keep reading to find out why!

While it may not seem ideal to buy a car that hasn’t yet been built, there are some advantages to doing so. A car that hasn’t been built yet means you can tailor to fit your exact needs and specifications. That means you can forego features you won’t use and add features you may not have been able to find on a specific trim of that vehicle. With the added flexibility that comes with ordering a new Toyota vehicle, it truly makes right now better than ever to buy a new vehicle.

Stop by Toyota of Abilene located in Abilene to place an order for your new Toyota vehicle today!

Reasons You Should Avoid Buying a Car in 2022

This blog would not be complete without a good counterargument. So, let’s talk about a few reasons why you may want to avoid buying a new car, truck or SUV in 2022.

Seemingly Endless Waiting Lists

One good reason to avoid purchasing a new or pre-owned vehicle in 2022 is the waiting game. Let’s face it, nobody wants to spend their hard-earned money on a vehicle they have to spend months waiting for. However, the reality of this post-pandemic world is filled with long waiting lists for new vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

If you’re considering purchasing a new car, truck or SUV, make sure to inquire about the average waiting time at your dealership of choice. Another thing to keep in mind is delays do happen, especially with the rampant issues in the global supply chain. That being said, if you place an order for a new vehicle, be prepared to be patient.

Patience is a virtue they say, and if it’s a virtue that escapes you, perhaps its best to look into a pre-owned vehicle instead. If a pre-owned vehicle is something you would consider, Toyota of Abilene has plenty of them to choose from at their Abilene location — stop by today!

Record-High Prices

An unfortunate consequence of the vehicle shortage has been the steep rise in the prices of new vehicles. With incredibly high demand and constrained supply lines, the cost of new vehicles is rising to record highs in a staggeringly short amount of time. Many new vehicles are flying off of dealership lots, sometimes for prices above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).

Although interest rates are at all-time lows, it still may be wise to refrain from purchasing a new car, truck or SUV in 2022 thanks to the rising cost of new vehicles. If you want to save money and can keep driving your current vehicle, it just may be best to wait out this influx of pricing on new vehicles.

Fewer Options

Yet another drawback to purchasing a new vehicle during this shortage is the lack of available options. Due to the semiconductor shortage, vehicle manufacturers are opting to only produce certain types and trims of vehicles, leaving less variety to choose from. This is being done in an effort to keep profits where they need to be while dealing with a constrained supply of vehicles and parts.

During this shortage, you run the chance of walking onto a dealership lot and not being able to find a vehicle to fit your wants or needs. Many vehicles that are being produced right now are coming loaded with options and features, which increases the cost and makes them less appealing to budget-conscious consumers.

If you’re considering purchasing a new vehicle in these times, keep in mind that you may not get exactly what you want in a vehicle. This can be prevented with a little patience, all you have to do is simply wait out this global semiconductor shortage which should be over soon. Getting the vehicle of your dreams is still possible despite the worldwide shortage of vehicles, so don’t lose hope!

The Answer Is

Now that both sides to the argument have been made, the answer to the question “Is Buying a Car in 2022 Worth It” still remains a resounding yes. This is because the power is still in the hands of the consumer, even with the reduced supply of new and pre-owned vehicles. Consumers are more powerful than ever in the post-pandemic world, and it’s because struggling companies need every dollar they can get. Keep this in mind when shopping for your next vehicle, whether it’s new or pre-owned.

If you’re still reading and have realized that now is better than ever to buy a new vehicle, then stop by Toyota of Abilene located in Abilene, TX today! At Toyota of Abilene, they stock the Abilene, TX area’s biggest selection of new, pre-owned and certified pre-owned Toyota vehicles and sell them at the best prices. Get the best deal on your next Toyota vehicle by shopping at Toyota of Abilene located in Abilene today!

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Toyota News

Two First-Production 2022 Toyota Tundras Auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Help Raise More Than $1.2 Million for Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund

The First 2022 Toyota Tundra at the Barrett Jackson Auto Auction

PLANO, Texas (Jan. 31, 2022) – Toyota auctioned two of the first i-FORCE MAX Tundras at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona, over the weekend, resulting in more than $1.2 million going to benefit the Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund.

The Toyota Tundra Capstone with VIN 001 sold for $700,000. The Toyota TRD Pro with VIN 002 sold for $550,000.

The Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund is a first-of-its-kind program launched by the company in an effort to further support Team USA’s Paralympic athletes as they pursue their sport dreams. To date, more than 430 U.S. Paralympic athletes and hopefuls have received direct support from the Fund, with contributions from across the country, including from Toyota dealerships. With proceeds from the Toyota auctions at Barrett-Jackson, the Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund has now raised more than $4.9 million.

U.S. Paralympian Kaitlyn Verfuerth, who received support from the Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund, joined Toyota on the auction block both nights.

“I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would help Toyota auction off a Tundra for $550,000!” says Verfuerth. “These funds will go directly to help Paralympic athletes train, have proper equipment and have access to the best coaching. This type of support is life-changing, and I cannot thank Toyota enough for helping me go more places than I’ve ever imagined.”

Each winning bidder will also receive:

  • A Toyota-hosted trip for two to Park City, Utah, for an exclusive program to cheer on the Team USA athletes who will be competing at the Paralympic Winter Games.
  • A Tundra engine cover signed by chief engineer Mike Sweers.
  • An exclusive framed print of the original Tundra styling sketches from Calty (Toyota’s North American design studio), signed by Calty president, Kevin Hunter, and Tundra exterior designers, Adam Rabinowitz and Chung Lee.

Vehicle specs for each truck auctioned off can be found here.

*The auction-winning vehicles will not be immediately available and will be delivered in spring of 2022.

Source Article: Toyota Newsroom

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Service Center

What is Synthetic Oil and How Often Should I Change It?

Does your car, truck or SUV need an oil change? If so, have it performed here at Toyota of Abilene located in Abilene, TX today!
Does your car, truck or SUV need an oil change? If so, have it performed here at Toyota of Abilene located in Abilene, TX today!

Some may say that the engine is the most important part of your vehicle, but the truth is, it isn’t the engine itself, but what runs through it that is the most important part of your vehicle. Engine oil is the most important part of your vehicle, as it protects vital components of your engine that keep your car running right. Through short trips, weekend joy rides, and long cruises, the oil in your engine heats up and cools off multiple times, and must not degrade during this process as that could cause engine wear and tear, and eventual failure.

To keep engine oil from degrading quickly, oil manufacturers turned to synthetic oil blends which degrade at a slower rate and even provide improved protection to the engine. Synthetic oil is far more refined than traditional oil, resulting in less engine friction, reduced sludge buildup, and even better engine performance.

If you’re located in Abilene or the surrounding areas and wondering when you should change your oil, you’ll want to read the rest of this blog!

What is Synthetic Oil?

Synthetic oil is an artificial lubricant that was designed to reduce friction and wear of internal combustion engines, as well as replace traditional motor oil. Developed from chemically modified petroleum instead of crude oil, synthetic oil provides better performance by reducing friction and wear of your engine, far better than a traditional motor oil can. Synthetic oil tends to degrade at a slower rate than traditional motor oil, making it an attractive choice to auto manufacturers attempting to keep their vehicle maintenance costs low.

One of the best benefits of synthetic oil that often goes overlooked is it’s reduced impact on the environment. With synthetic oil usage on the rise, the world’s reliance on crude oil has decreased, thus reducing the environmental impact that oil has. If you want to reduce your vehicle maintenance costs, wear and tear, and environmental impact, using synthetic oil in your car is the way to go!

Why Should I Use Synthetic Oil?

The use of synthetic oil isn’t just about reducing your environmental impact or stopping the use of crude oil throughout the world, its best trick is increasing the performance of your engine! Synthetic oil is great to use in your engine, as it can withstand a wider range of temperatures, is more stable, and causes less engine sludge. Using synthetic oil also means your internal engine parts will stay better lubricated, meaning less wear and tear on your engine and better performance too.

With a longer lifecycle, synthetic oil allows you to stretch the time between changes, as they last anywhere from 7,500 to 15,000 miles. This longer lifecycle means you can save money and not worry about your engine’s performance degrading or being at risk. If you own a newer car with a turbocharged or hybrid engine, using synthetic oil is a must as these engines have higher compression ratios which cause extreme wear and tear.

How Often Should I Change My Oil?

Each vehicle and engine has different requirements for oil change intervals, but its been a general rule of thumb to change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles. These days, however, oil change intervals seem to be growing, with most manufacturers making the switch to synthetic or fully synthetic oil. Since synthetic oil takes far longer to degrade and can withstand higher temperatures, you should be able to stretch out the time you take between oil changes.

With most synthetic oil manufacturers claiming to get tens of thousands of miles between each oil change, it’s easy to get confused about when you should be swapping out your oil. The best way to know when to get an oil change is to read your car’s owner’s manual, as it will list all the various service intervals needed to maintain your car properly. If you’re unsure of when to change your oil, simply call up the parts and service experts here at Toyota of Abilene, we’ll be happy to provide you with that information.

Where Can I Get Synthetic Oil?

You can purchase synthetic oil from your local auto supply store, or you could stop in here at Toyota of Abilene as we stock the widest variety of synthetic oils around. Not only will we have the exact synthetic oil and filter you’re looking for in stock, but we’ll have it at the best price as well.

Is it time to change your oil? Have it changed here at Toyota of Abilene, as we have the best team of expert mechanics and the lowest prices in the Abilene area. Don’t waste your precious weekend beneath your vehicle, let our certified mechanics here at Toyota of Abilene Service Center, located in Abilene, TX.

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Toyota News

Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Named Compact SUV of Texas

2021 Toyota RAV4

Best-Selling SUV wins top honor at the 2020 Texas Truck Rodeo

PLANO, Texas (November 5, 2020) – Toyota’s best-selling vehicle in America was recognized by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) at the annual Texas Truck Rodeo event. The 2021 RAV4 TRD Off-Road was named Compact SUV of Texas for the second consecutive year.

“It’s great the media members of TAWA recognized the RAV4 TRD Off-Road’s ability to help people find their adventures on and off road,” said Cynthia Tenhouse, vice-president, Vehicle Marketing and Communications for Toyota.

One of the newest members of the TRD family, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road offers impressive off-road capability with the comfort, style and safety RAV4 is known for in segment. With the RAV4’s first-ever TRD-stamped stainless-steel front skid-plate, the 2021 model benefits from increased resistance against debris found on or off the road. Other key off-road features of the vehicle include matte-black TRD alloy wheels and TRD-tuned suspension engineered to enhance body control and small-bump isolation. The vehicle’s Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail all-terrain tires use a unique tread pattern and compound developed to TRD technical requirements, and their rugged, square-shoulder design helps protect against punctures.

Additionally, the 2021 RAV4 TRD Off-Road offers drivers the ability to take more adventure equipment along, towing up to 3,500 pounds. The vehicle’s interior offers striking red stitching and red trim to further enhance the TRD Off-Road model’s cabin. As the fifth generation of the best-selling SUV in the U.S., the 2021 RAV4 TRD Off-Road is both a segment leader and segment disruptor.

This year’s Texas Truck Rodeo brought together 27 journalists to evaluate 39 trucks and SUVs on an off-roading course in the Texas Hill Country. Vehicles from the world’s top manufacturers were evaluated on interior, exterior, value, performance and personal appeal. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road ran the rugged course, leaving its competitors trailing in the competition. Additionally, Toyota’s 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, the 2021 Toyota Tundra Trail Special Edition and the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Trail Special Edition were recognized as finalists in each of their categories.

TAWA is a Texas-based nonprofit association for automotive journalists promoting professionalism and quality in journalism for more than two decades. TAWA has grown to become one of the most influential and recognized automotive journalist associates in the U.S. The group produces two annual events – Texas Auto Roundup and Texas Truck Rodeo – that allow members to experience vehicles from various manufacturers in one place, at one time.

Source: https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-rav4-trd-off-road-named-compact-suv-of-texas/