Friday, March 29, 2013

Happy Easter Friends!

When it comes to eating our chocolate bunnies 76 percent of Americans think the ears should be eaten first, 5 percent say feet first and the other 19 percent say any part that doesn't have Easter grass stuck in it. What part do you eat first?
 

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Another Wonderful Five-Star Review for Tri-County Toyota on DealerRater!

"I truly cannot say enough positive things about my experience with TriCounty Toyota" -JAHolabaugh

Thank you so much for the five-star review of Tri-County Toyota! If you have any questions or concerns, please let our team know. Click HERE to see this and all our wonderful reviews. Remember to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter to get online specials and updates.

Dealerrater

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

It's Wallpaper Wednesday friends! We want to know: What do you use your Toyota for?


Thank you Addison for the amazing review! We really appreciate it.


"Easy transaction -- we were able to do most of the communication via text and emailing which worked great for us because we are busy with 3 kids! Rich Rippel was great to work with -- this was our second Sienna purchased from Tri-County."- Addison F.




Click here to read it and more.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Come check out the new vehicle specials we have going on right now!







These are some deals you don't want to miss. Just click here.

Our amazing customers have been busy sending us amazing reviews!

"I was recommended to this dealership by my aunt who had purchased a Toyota there a few years prior. I was very pleased by the friendliness and honesty of the sales staff. They made leasing my first new car super easy! Thanks."- cpmackin8
Click here to read them and more.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Come join us this Wednesday March 27th at 6:30pm!

We are having a new owner’s clinic. Everything you need to know about Toyota's will be discussed and all questions answered. Can't wait to see you.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Young Entrepreneurs Win Scion Motivate Program

Scion announced today the 10 talented and passionate young entrepreneurs who each won a Scion vehicle, Scion accessories, $10,000 and career mentoring as part of the Motivate program. The winners include a nonprofit music program leader, documentary filmmaker and a graphic designer, reflecting the competitive program's focus on the creative arts community.

Launched in October, the Motivate program drew applications from all over the country that described individuals' variety of entrepreneurial goals and efforts around art, fashion, music and film. A panel selected 50 semi-finalists to participate in a three-day workshop last week in Santa Monica, Calif. with leading entrepreneurs covering topics such as growing sales, establishing a physical space and online development. The participants incorporated new insights learned into their Motivate entries and final winners were chosen. The 10 winners are:
Jahmal C. of Chicago, an author and publisher
Jeff P. of Denver, a backpack manufacturer
Kate B. of Portland, Ore., a co-owner of a touring theater company
Lily S. of Dallas, an owner of a graphic design and letterpress company
Peter K. of Villa Park, Ill., a digital music magazine publisher
Philip G. of Nashville, Tenn., a nonprofit music program leader
Reed G. of Annapolis, Md., an artist and import retail store owner
Roseli I. of Oakland, Calif., an import accessories business owner
Tobi A. of San Francisco, a custom wood product designer
William T. of Chicago, a documentary filmmaker

All winners will be individually paired with a relevant business mentor for future career-building and had their choice of any Scion vehicle. The remaining semi-finalists each received a $1,000 grant and left the workshop with helpful industry knowledge that they can apply to their business moving forward.
“We've learned so much and winning the prize, it means the world to me and my business,” said Kate B. “I won the Scion xB and that will make a huge difference for my company. It’s a touring theater company, and we'll be able to tour safely and fit everything we need to in our car.”
Reed G. also chose the xB for her fair trade accessories boutique.
“My business now revolves a lot around being transient, so I go to festivals, I vend, so to have a very reliable car and one that has a lot of space to carry my inventory is pretty amazing,” she said. “Even if I hadn’t won this amazing prize, I still just felt like it was so beneficial for me as a business owner to be involved in this amazing workshop.”
Other winners planned to use the new vehicles as part of their marketing efforts by wrapping them with custom designs. Winners already had plans for how they would invest the prize money back into their businesses, including new equipment and increasing their online presences.
“The Motivate winners live and breathe the passion Scion hoped to find and elevate through this first-ever program for young entrepreneurs,” said Scion Vice President Doug Murtha. “These individuals’ continued success is what we wish for all of our customers, who continue to show us they relate to forging their own paths and creative expression. In its 10 years, that passion remains part of the Scion story.”

Courtesy of House of Japan

Monday, March 18, 2013

Wax to protect your car’s paint job


No way around it! Waxing your car is work. But it’s satisfying work that will help keep your car looking new. Car wax preserves paint by slowing oxidation and forming a barrier against bird droppings, sap, and pollution. Plus driving a nice shiny car is just plain fun.

Here’s what to do to ensure the maximum in protection:

  • Liquid and spray waxes are tempting to use — they make the car shiny with less work than rubbing in paste wax. But there’s still no beating paste wax for the hardest, longest-lasting finish. Look for paste with a high carnauba wax content.
  • Apply a thin, even coat of wax to the car’s surfaces with a damp sponge. Avoid applying too much, or it will be difficult to remove and some residue will inevitably mar your finish.
  • To avoid fine scratches, use a clean, soft cotton or microfiber cloth to remove wax once it has dried.
  • Apply an extra coat of wax to the nose and hood. The wax film in these areas wears away quickly.
Courtesy of Reader's Digest

A thank you goes out to all of you for your kind words.

" He was receptive to what I wanted and directed me in the best direction to meet my budget. I felt comfortable to talk to him and ask questions that I thought were stupid, for I as a buyer have no idea about the auto world!"- fredwenhold


Click here to check out the latest reviews from our great customers.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Did you know the actual color of St. Patrick is blue?

Green became associated with St. Patrick's Day during the 19th century. Green, in Irish legends, was worn by fairies and immortals, and also by people to encourage their crops to grow.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

TOYOTA BOOSTS FJ CRUISER'S DRIVING RANGE AND ABILITY

Toyota has boosted the appeal of its "go anywhere, do anything" FJ Cruiser 4x4 by more than doubling its fuel range and adding an off-road cruise control system known as CRAWL.
The classic FJ Cruiser's fuel-tank capacity has been expanded to 159 litres with the 72-litre main tank now supplemented by an 87-litre sub-tank.
As a result, the theoretical driving range increases to 1,060km in the city and more than 1,700km on the highway. The combined-cycle fuel economy of 11.4 litres/100km1 delivers a notional range of almost 1,400km.
Off-road driving competence is enhanced with CRAWL - a "feet-off" control system that helps take the vehicle over severe or slippery terrain.
It can assist in climbing or descending steep hills, freeing the vehicle if it is stuck, and is also helpful in mud, sand and gravel, and when fording water.
CRAWL control engages in L4 (low-range) and temporarily disengages at speeds above 25km/h, or above 10km/h when the rear differential is locked.
A speed-selector dial on the overhead console provides the choice of five speeds.
The system automatically maintains a low uniform vehicle speed uphill and downhill by controlling both engine output and brake hydraulic pressure, allowing the driver to concentrate fully on steering the vehicle.
It increases vehicle stability in extreme four-wheel driving conditions, by minimising wheel spin and tyre lock-up.
The system has the added benefit of reducing potential damage to the vehicle, by smoothly controlling vehicle speed over rugged terrain.
It reduces load on the drivetrain by smoothly controlling engine output and brake application.
CRAWL can be engaged under these conditions: transfer gear position in L4, shift lever in any position except P or N, vehicle stopped, foot brake on, parking brake off, doors closed, second-gear start system switched off, CRAWL Control switch on and the VSC system in Normal mode.
FJ Cruiser is Toyota's fifth SUV and most recent addition to the LandCruiser family.
It is powered by a 200kW, 380Nm 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine with five-speed automatic transmission, part-time 4x4, an electrically activated rear differential lock and switchable Active Traction Control technology to maximise off-road climbing ability.
It features impressive road clearance - a 36-degree approach angle, 31-degree departure angle and 29-degree break-over angle. The latter two dimensions are the best for any vehicle in Toyota's local 4WD range.
FJ Cruiser is a modern interpretation of a Toyota classic, paying homage to several of the most compelling stylistic themes of the LandCruiser FJ40 of which more than 1.1 million were produced between 1960 and 1984.
The modern FJ inherits the DNA of the original, which was renowned as a rugged, dependable vehicle that could travel to, and return from, any extreme environment.
Its FJ-inspired features include angular lines, round headlights set either side of a wide, mesh grille, an upright windscreen with three wiper blades, a white roof and wrap-around rear corner windows.

Courtesy of House Of Japan

We really appreciate all these amazing reviews.

"Justin was very patient and helpful in choosing our car (Prius). Tri-County matched all other dealers package (car plus trade-in price). They were very easy to deal with."- Joe B.










Click here for the latest.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Toyota FT-86 Open Concept would make a mighty fine droptop FR-S

There's nothing wrong with going topless. And Toyota is proving that its FT-86 (read: Scion FR-S/Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ) coupe is just as excellent with its roof removed. It may only be a concept, but this FT-86 Open previews a new droptop from the Japanese automaker to round out the Toyobaru sports car family. We're finally getting the chance to see the open-air FT-86 in person here at the Geneva Motor Show, and we're already yearning to take it canyon-carving.

Interestingly, the FT-86 retains the Toyota coupe's two-plus-two seating arrangement (we'd prefer a proper roadster setup here), but things still look good for this droptop two-door. We'll be curious to see how the car looks with its folding soft top in place (operated by fancy-shmancy electronics, by the way).

As for production intent, rumors have been flying about a production Scion FR-S convertible, but until we hear it directly from Toyota. Consider our hopes in check but our fingers crossed.

Courtesy of Auto Blog

Monday, March 4, 2013

Spring Cleaning Check List


 
Oil Change
· Remove oil filler cap on top of engine
· Put oil pan under drain plug
· Remove drain plug and oil filter
· Drain oil into pan
· Transfer oil and used filter into proper recycling containers
· Replace copper crush gasket on drain plug and install plug
· Fill new filter with fresh oil and smear a thin layer of oil on rubber gasket on filter
· Install filter
· Fill engine with proper amount of oil
· Recycle used oil
  Cooling system
· Remove radiator cap
· Inspect condition of radiator's interior to determine if it needs flushing
· Test anti-freeze with test strips or ratio gauge
· Replace or top-off antifreeze as necessary
· Refill overflow reservoir as directed by owner's manual
· Recycle used fluids
 
Brake and Power steering System
· Clean lid and around opening of each reservoir
· Remove lid
· Inspect fluid for color
· Test fluid with test strip or boiling point test
· Flush or bleed system as necessary (if this step is necessary, we suggest towing your vehicle to a shop and letting a professional do it.)
· Replace or top off fluid as necessary
· Recycle used fluids
 
Belts and Hoses
· Inspect condition of hoses and replace as necessary
· Inspect condition of all belts and replace as necessary
 
Fuel system
· Add fuel stabilizer to fuel tank
· Add fuel to top off tank
· Replace cap
 
 Charging system
· Test battery for charge
· Replace battery if necessary; if not, then...
· Clean both terminals and top of battery
· Disable ignition system
· Crank over engine without actually starting for 30 seconds
· Enable ignition
· Open all doors of garage
· "Gentlemen, start your engines!"
 
First Drive
· Re-inspect for leaks from oil cap, dip stick, and plug; coolant from hoses, etc.
· Check to ensure all lights, gauges, and systems are operational
· Check automatic transmission fluid for color and amount
· Add or replace as necessary
· Make first several stops slowly and deliberately early
· Take a cell phone or a quarter with you and enjoy the drive
The bath
· Park the vehicle in a shady area
· Hose off the entire vehicle
· Wash vehicle from top down with sudsy water
· If you have a convertible or cloth top, scrub with proper cleaner
· Rinse a section at a time as you go
· Dry with many soft, terry towels
· Once dry, use a magnifying device to access the condition of the paint
 
 The real cleaning
· Use a clay bar or paint cleaner as required by the condition of the surface (clear coat or otherwise)
· Remember to begin with the least abrasive products and progress as necessary and follow directions
Polish away
· Apply paint sealer/glaze/polish and follow directions
 
 Finish line
· Apply wax and follow directions
· If you desire, apply tire dressing
· Enjoy your drive and Hope it doesn't rain!
 
Courtesy of MotorTrend 

 
 

Friday, March 1, 2013

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to share your experiences with us.

"He let the brand quality and customer service speak for itself. I would absolutely recommend this dealer and salesman to anyone looking to purchase a new or used Toyota."-zzpops

Dealer-rater
Check out the latest reviews here!