2013 Toyota RAV4 Setting Sales Records in Canada

2013 Toyota RAV4

Here on the Burien Toyota blog, we try keep things relevant and that usually means local to the Burien area. But this story about how quickly the 2013 Toyota RAV4 is selling in our neighbor to the north (Canada) caught our attention and even made our mouths drop open (just a little).

What is so impressive about the 2013 Toyota RAV4 sales in Canada? "Last month, delivers grew 36 percent compared to the same period last year, while March and February sales rose 95.7 and 59.6 percent over 2012."

Almost 96 percent?! In all of this blogger's automotive reading and writing I have never seen a sales increase that high. Not even close.

"[Toyota] came out with a new style, and we can't keep them in stock," said Steve Cowell, sales associate at Eastway Toyota in Windsor, Ontario. "I'd say it's our No. 1 selling vehicle right now."

But it's not just the sleek style of the 2013 Toyota RAV4 that has them cruising off dealership lots all over North America, including at Burien Toyota.

"The 2013 Toyota RAV4 is a really, really great compact SUV," said Ted Klarich, general sales manager at Burien Toyota. "A big part of that is the incredible gas mileage it gets. With 31 miles per gallon on the freeway and 24 in the city, you cannot beat that for a good-sized family car. Not to mention that it has lots of space for kids, camping gear, home improvement stuff. It has some really great bells and whistles that you will want to be sure to check out if you are thinking about buying a compact SUV."

Stop by Burien Toyota today to take the 2013 Toyota RAV4 for a test drive! Check out the inventory of the new RAV4 at Burien Toyota HERE.

Toyota Encourages Environmental Awareness in Hispanic Community, Partners with Key Influencers

Utilizing key influencers in the Hispanic community and social media, Toyota has launched a new program that will increase environmental awareness and sustainability in the Hispanic community.

A recent press release notes that Hispanic communities across the country are becoming more involved with environmental sustainability and, since that's one of Toyota's key pillars of business, Toyota wants to assist with that by initiating an extensive social media campaign utilizing notable Hispanic influencers like Jon Secada, Chloe Bridges, Julian Gil, Candela Ferro, Ana Flores, Omar Germenos, Daniel Elbittar, Yarel Ramos, Gina Rodriguez and Diana Franco. They will use Twitter and Facebook in a way that "the Hispanic community will be able to follow the lives of the influencers and their adventures with their Toyota Prius, while simultaneously learning tips on how to live a greener lifestyle."

"I am excited about being a part of this campaign because Toyota's commitment to the environment aligns with my lifestyle and values.  The idea of coaching Hispanics on how to make wise environmental choices and live a more sustainable lifestyle is truly fulfilling," said Jon Secada.

 The social media campaign started May 23 and we have all the information you need to get involved:

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/28/5453792/toyota-drives-environmental-awareness.html#storylink=cpy

	Twitter	Facebook
Jon Secada	@jonsecada	facebook.com/jonsecada
Chloe Bridges	@chloebridges	facebook.com/ChloeBridges
Julian Gil	@juliangil	facebook.com/JULIANGILTV
Candela Ferro	@candelaferro	n/a
Ana Flores	@laflowers	n/a
Omar Germenos	@ogermenos	facebook.com/paginaomargermenos
Daniel Elbittar	@danielelbittar	facebook.com/DanielElbittar
Yarel Ramos	@yarel_ramos	facebook.com/pages/Yarel-Ramos/60402985543
Gina Rodriguez	@HereIsGina	facebook.com/HereIsGina
Diana Franco	@dianafrancotv	n/a

Central to this campaign is greener transportation, and with Toyota that means the Toyota Prius family.

"We are excited to launch this campaign and to nurture the continuous increase in environmental awareness in our communities," said David Chung, national manager, targeted advertising and strategy for Toyota. "The Prius is Toyota's most nature-inspired model and is the ideal vehicle for this campaign. All participants were selected based on their level of environmental awareness and their role in the community.  Each and every one of them is without a doubt, a perfect fit for the campaign."

Check out the inventory at Burien Toyota of the Toyota Prius, Toyota Prius V, Toyota Prius C, and Toyota Prius Plug-in. Join Toyota in developing greener lifestyles and take one of this hybrids for a test drive today!

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/28/5453792/toyota-drives-environmental-awareness.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/28/5453792/toyota-drives-environmental-awareness.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/05/28/5453792/toyota-drives-environmental-awareness.html#storylink=cp, Twitter and Facebook.

Burien Toyota Offers Memorial Day Payment Deferrment Program, Veterans Rebate

Burien Toyota is having a big-time money-saving Memorial Day sale through Monday!

How would you like to make no payments on when you purchase a new Toyota from Burien Toyota?!

Well, we can't do that, but if you purchase a new Toyota before closing on Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day) then you won't have to make any car payments for 90 days! That's right, buy a new Toyota like the popular 2013 Toyota RAV4 or the critically acclaimed, completely revamped 2013 Toyota Avalon, and your payments will be deferred for 90 days!

2013 Toyota Avalon

"Buyers love this 90-day deferred payment program," said Ted Klarich, general sales manager at Burien Toyota. "It's like temporarily owning the car for free...and who doesn't love free? Plus, there are a lot of things people like to do this time of year like camping, travel, and graduation parties, so that money you save on not making a payment for 90 days is a real bonus."

At Burien Toyota we know what's really important: taking care of our veterans. Not just on Memorial Day, but every day. So we want to remind you that qualifying veterans receive a $1,000 rebate when they purchase a new Toyota from Burien Toyota.

"In the big picture of everything that veterans have sacrificed, I don't know if there's ever anything we could do to say thank you enough," Klarich said. "But our veteran rebate program is just a small way to thank them for their service. We are proud to offer it, especially because we have a pretty large military presence in our area with Joint Base Lewis-McCord not too far and a large Navy presence."

2013 Toyota RAV4

To qualify for the rebate, you must meet these conditions at the time of purchase:

• Be in current active duty status in the U.S. Military (Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard and active Reserve) OR a U.S. Military inactive reserve (i.e., Ready Reserve) that is part of the individual Ready Reserve, Selected Reserve and Inactive National Guard. Retired Military Personnel are not eligible.
• Provide verifiable proof of military status or active service at the time of purchase:
  • Leave and Earning Statement or
  • Military Identification Card (Photo copy of Military Identification Card is NOT required.)
• Receive a salary sufficient to cover ordinary living expenses and payments for your Toyota
• Receive credit approval through a Toyota dealer and Toyota Financial Services

If you are a veteran and need more information, please do not hesitate to call or stop by Burien Toyota. And don't forget to stop by and test drive a new Toyota before the end of Memorial Day weekend because you may just want to drive it home and take advantage of not having to make payments for 90 days!

Western Washington Staycation Ideas From Burien Toyota

It's almost Memorial Day weekend and, in case you've forgotten to make plans, we've got some great Washington staycation ideas. There's no need to stay home this long weekend even if you don't have much of a budget...that's the great thing about living in the Puget Sound area: there are many great things to do within driving distance!

1) Winthrop: In an unofficial Facebook survey, Winthrop was a definite winner. Located in the northern cascades in the Methow Valley, Winthrop is a hot-spot for all things outdoorsy, including camping, hiking, hunting, and even ballooning. The town of Winthrop is filled with old-timey shops, but a family favorite is the putt-putt golf course and ice cream shop. Be sure to check the weather for this weekend, though, because snow is predicted in some mountain areas.

2) Deception Pass: Deception Pass is one of the most iconic places in Western Washington. If you haven't driven (or walked) over the churning waters of Deception Pass, you are really missing out. If you have done that, then you might be interested in Deception Pass boat tours that give you a much closer (and faster) view of the bridge and the beautiful sights. Just past the south end of the bridge is an entrance to Cranberry Lake. This is an amazing park because you can stand on a stretch of land and see Puget Sound on one side and Cranberry Lake on the other. On warmer days, you and the kids can swim in the ocean and then run over and rinse the salt off in the lake.

3) Rosario Beach/Bowman's Bay: These two beaches are not far from Deception Pass and could easily be combined for a very fun day trip. Rosario Beach is home to some of the most colorful and plentiful tide pools in the area. You will be able to hold hermit crabs and gently poke sea anemones, guaranteed. Be sure to check out the giant mermaid and read her legend. There are some great little hikes (really a walk out onto a small cliff) for those with younger kids and bigger hikes, including a hike that will take you to the much calmer Bowman's Bay, which is awesome for skipping rocks and looking for beach treasure. There is camping nearby, so if that's your thing, be sure to check it out.

4) Friday Harbor/Orcas Island: What would be a stay-cation list without the San Juan Islands. Drive up to Anacortes and take the ferry out to either of these islands for the day or for the weekend. You don't need specific plans. If you drive your car onto the ferry, you will be delighted to simply drive around the islands and see what you see (I was surprised at the number of farms and gardens). There are any number of Bed and Breakfasts on the islands, but if you want some luxury, check out Rosario Resort and Spa on Orcas Island. While you're there, you can stop by the Whale Museum and any number of the fun little shops in town. Rain or shine, you will feel like you've escaped to different way of life and like you've gotten a much-needed vacation.

5) Kalaloch (pronounced Clay-lock): This is a fabulous Western Washington secret, but was recently picked as one of the best campsites in the country. You cannot beat camping on a bluff right on the Pacific Ocean and falling asleep to crashing ocean waves. You (and your family) will loves the miles of beach to meander. A favorite is the freshwater creek with plenty of logs to ride downstream until it opens up into the ocean (don't forget the wet suits). There are many forest trails to hike and many other nearby beaches that you will want to check out before you leave the salty air and head back to the city. If you are not the camping type, Kalaloch lodge very near the campsite and it even has private cabins. The views and "unplugged" experience are unmatched. Bad weather? There's no such thing because there's nothing better than watching a storm roll in off the ocean...

6) Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad: Mount Rainier is a staple in Washington recreation. Camping, hiking,
fishing, wildlife, and more. The "more" could be the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad. Take your family on a real-life train ride with picturesque views and a chug-a-chug-a that will take you back in time. Children and mature adults alike will revel in this experience. (Tip: if they aren't sold out for Father's Day, there is a fabulous Father's Day deal that includes a trip, BBQ, and all dads get their own conductor's hats. We did it and it was awesome and the grandchildren and grandparents alike loved it, so check it out.) Again, for the non-camping types that want to bask in the ambiance of Mount Rainier, there are various resorts and spas in the Mount Rainier area (which, admittedly, is a large area). You cannot go wrong with a beautiful hike on Mount Rainier.

Whether you go near or far this Memorial Day weekend, be sure to drive your Toyota (or whatever car you currently own...we know you're coming to get a Toyota next, right?) safely and enjoy your Western Washington staycation!

Scion FR-S Named 2013 AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star

 

The Scion FR-S was named a 2013 AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star today as part of the leading automotive publication’s annual list. To earn its spot, industry judges evaluated the FR-S against all current model year vehicles on sale in the United States across all categories. The FR-S shares its spot with the Subaru BRZ.

In naming the FR-S, AUTOMOBILE Magazine highlighted the rear-wheel sport car’s engaging driving experience and accessibility.

“The affordable and fun-to-drive FR-S is not only a welcome addition to the automotive landscape for American enthusiasts, it’s also exactly the sort of vehicle we’ve been hoping to see from Scion,” said Jean Jennings, president and editor-in-chief at AUTOMOBILE Magazine. “We are very happy to celebrate its arrival.”

The FR-S comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip differential and 2.0-liter flat boxer engine that produces 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.

Courtesy of Toyota

Change oil frequently

Your dad knew that frequent oil changes were key to keeping his car on the road another year. And while owner’s manuals for today’s cars recommend increasing long intervals between oil changes, the fact remains — frequent changes flush abrasive dirt and metal particles out of the engine, prolonging its life. Most owner’s manuals recommend a more frequent interval for “severe conditions.” To maximize the life of your engine, follow the severe intervals recommendations, especially if drive regularly in stop-and-go traffic.

Courtesy of Reader's Digest

Toyota and National Center for Family Literacy Launch $10 Million Initiative

Toyota and the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) are launching Toyota Family Learning, a six-year initiative that will create a new model for literacy by expanding it beyond the walls of the classroom and into homes and communities. This new initiative will engage families in learning together both online and offline, incorporating digital elements launching later this year, including a website, mobile app, social media and more. Today, the first phase of Toyota Family Learning goes live: a grant program for communities to fund new family mentor and service learning programs targeting vulnerable families.

Five organizations will be awarded a three-year, $175,000 grant, in addition to a wide range of NCFL training and communication support, learning items and materials. Fifteen grants will be awarded over the course of the six-year initiative. Schools, libraries and community-based organizations that provide services to families are eligible to apply. Submissions are being accepted now through June 24 at www.toyotafamilylearning.org. Submissions will be evaluated on a number of factors, including strength of existing services, commitment from community partners, and strength and innovation of proposal. Grant recipients will be notified in July.

“The vision for Toyota Family Learning is to become a modern-day movement for families learning together and this grant program launch is the first of many steps we’ll be taking in the coming months and years to make that vision a reality,” said Sharon Darling, president and founder, NCFL. “The components of this initiative are all rooted in increasing Parent and Child Together (PACT) Time® that is so critical to improving family literacy.”

“For over 20 years, we’ve been proud and humbled by our partnership with NCFL, which has helped more than one million families learn and grow together,” said Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of National Philanthropy and the Toyota USA Foundation at Toyota Motor North America. “We’re excited to build on this with the new Toyota Family Learning initiative and look forward to seeing how local community organizations will help expand our work beyond the classroom and into homes and communities.”

This new initiative is the latest in Toyota’s long-standing support of NCFL’s mission to advance family learning and literacy. Since 1991, Toyota has been a strategic partner to NCFL, providing more than $36 million to fund 256 literacy programs nationwide and impacting more than 1 million families. Program highlights include:

• Toyota Family Literacy Program: brings parents and children from immigrant families together in a classroom to learn and engage with culturally relevant programming.

• Toyota Teacher of the Year award: annually recognizes individual educators for their efforts to improve literacy among learners of all ages. The winner receives a $20,000 grant to implement his or her classroom project.

• Toyota Families in Schools: establishes learning services in schools and engages parents and at-risk students aged 5 to 12 years old by providing academic and home-life support.

Courtesy of Toyota

1967 Toyota 2000GT Become Most Expensive Asian Car Ever Sold

 A 1967 Toyota 2000GT recently sold for $1.16 million at an auction in April making it the most expensive Toyota AND Asian car ever sold.

The 1967 Toyota 2000GT that was auctioned off was one of only 351 made and was completely restored.

According to this article, "The Toyota 2000GT is a limited-production, front-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-seat, hardtop coupé grand tourer designed by Toyota in collaboration with Yamaha. It was first displayed to the public at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1965. The 2000GT was manufactured under contract by Yamaha between 1967 and 1970. The 2000GT is seen as the first seriously collectible Japanese car and the first Japanese supercar."

The 1967 Toyota 2000GT had been called "Toyota's E-Type"-"a reference to the gorgeous Jaguar sports car from the 1960s — and "the best car you've never heard of."

Here are some specs:

• The 1967 beauty has a 2,000 cc six-cylinder engine that produces 150 brake horsepower, good for a top speed over 135 mph. It has only has 62,000 miles on the odometer.
• The car has a dual overhead cam 2-liter in-line 6-cylinder engine and three Solex 2-barrel carburetors.
• Capable of producing 150 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, it reached top speed of 135 mph
• Toyota had matched the powerful engine with a 5-speed manual overdrive transmission.

Ready for some pictures?

 

 

2013 Toyota Avalon Appeals to Younger Buyers

2013 Toyota Avalon

Much has been said about the new 2013 Toyota Avalon, mostly along the lines of, "The Avalon is no longer a car just for older drivers."

The automobile writer of this article described previous Avalon models as "Geriatric, grizzled or perhaps even doddering might have all been apt descriptors, but nothing about previous Avalons were even remotely exciting or enticing."

Well, that seems a little bit harsh, but his review of the 2013 Toyota Avalon is a complete 180 as he found himself caught completely by surprise by the new luxurious, high-tech quality of the new model.

And we suspect you will be, too. Check out the inventory of the 2013 Toyota Avalon at Burien Toyota HERE and be sure to stop by to take one for a test drive!

This writer describes the upgraded 2013 as having its DNA completely revamped.

"The interior, for instance, is more (and I suspect Toyota’s bosses might not appreciate this compliment) Infiniti than Toyota. The cabin is more luxurious than ever with better quality leather, hedonistic wood grains and subtle aluminum trims."

He also notes something that has been noticed by other critics and consumers: the high tech navigation system and other dashboard technology is much easier to use compared to other systems.

While the backseat of the 2013 Toyota Avalon may not be as limousine-esque, it is still large and spacious enough for large adults to comfortably sit.

This Motorweek video review of the 2013 Toyota Avalon does a great job of showing off the luxurious and spacious interior and incredible drivability.

As the video points out the new Avalon is the perfect mix of high-tech and high-luxury that will make you forget the 'geriatric' history of the Toyota Avalon. It is a luxurious full-sized sedan built with Toyota quality and reliability for a non-luxurious price (starting at just more than $31,000). Stop by Burien Toyota today to see what all the buzz is about!

Toyota Marks 5 Million Hybrids: VIDEO

2013 Toyota Prius

As we previously reported, Honda recently reached a major milestone: five million Toyota hybrids have been sold and been getting people around in a more environmentally conscience way!

Toyota hybrids have far outsold any other auto maker (even Honda) and has truly been a trailblazer in the commercialization of hybrid engine technology. Even knowing this, we were struck by the sincerity and consistent message of Toyota Vice Chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada. His message wasn't, "We were the first, we are the best." His message was "Please support us as we tackle global environmental issues."

See the entire "Toyota Marks 5 Million Hybrids" video HERE.

2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid

In fact, over and over again, Uchiyamada states how the Toyota hybrid was developed as a "solution to air pollution and environmental depletion." For Toyota, hybrid development and commercialization was not simply jumping on board with a trend; Toyota was a trailblazer and, in fact, the first to put the time, money, and effort into developing vehicles that would "bring customers closer to environmental issues that face us all."

Uchiymada admits Toyota plays "a very important role in the next generation of vehicles to tackle environmental issues" and asks for continued to support from consumers.

Honda has come a long way from its first Toyota Prius. There are now four members of the Toyota Prius family: Toyota Prius V, Prius C, Prius Plug-in, and your standard Prius. Additionally, Toyota has integrated its hybrid technology into other models, so there is also a Toyota Camry Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

2013 Toyota Highlander

Toyota is even planning on introducing an all-new RAV4 Electric Vehicle...with a completely electric engine designed in conjunction with engineers from Tesla Motors.

Here in Western Washington and the Seattle-Tacoma area, we have an incredible culture of preserving and protecting the environment. Toyota hybrids fit right into that culture. Support technology that helps "tackle global environmental issues" and stop by your "Hybrid Headquarters" at Burien Toyota. The professional staff at Burien Toyota will help you find the perfect hybrid, whether it's for a family or to fit the needs of a small commuter car. Stop by today!

Toyota Awards Scholarships to 20 Asian Pacific Islander Students from Southern California

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. awarded scholarships to 20 Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) students from the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines at its second annual awards dinner and reception at the Toyota Automotive Museum on Tuesday, May 7, 2013.  The scholarships were given in partnership with the Asian Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF).

The scholarships provide recipients with $2,500 towards a degree in a STEM field. These 20 selected students trace their heritage to seven different countries in the Asia Pacific Island (API) region, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Cambodia, Korea and Pakistan.  Students were also awarded a proclamation from their respective local governmental officials.

The focus on Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) students originates from their need of resources to access higher education, which serves as a foundation for their future success and contributions to a stronger America.  The students heard about the program through APIASF, “the nation’s largest 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides college scholarships to” APIAs.  They were encouraged to apply to the program by school and college counselors.

With intended majors ranging from biomedical sciences to electrical engineering and school selections from UCLA to Cal Poly Pomona, students were thankful for the scholarships while already expressing desires to give back to their communities.

Scholarship recipient Jose Rabaino from Carson Senior High School said, “With the scholarship, it is very likely I will be able to go to” the college of my choice. “The [Toyota/APIASF] Scholarship will help me achieve my life goals and dreams. For that, I am extremely thankful.”  He plans to study computer science.

TMS Group Vice President and CFO Tracey Doi also attended the event.  Doi is an advocate of Toyota Asian American Society in Alliance (TAASiA), an employee resource group that represents the diverse Asian American cultures and heritages within Toyota and the community.

"Our twenty extraordinary scholars were selected from a pool of over 7,200 applicants,” said Doi.  “Toyota is proud to celebrate their outstanding academic achievements and community service.   Clearly these scholars demonstrate the drive, passion and courage to become our next generation of leaders."

In addition to Doi, Toyota Vice Presidents Karen Ideno, Wei Shi, and Alok Vaish participated in a panel reflecting upon “What I would tell my younger self?" These top executives are well-positioned to provide insight to the young scholars as TAASiA continuously leverages the strength of a growing population within Toyota to foster an environment and corporate culture of diversity and inclusion.

Courtesy of Toyota

Best Toyotas for Mothers

We have gleaned from the all-knowing interwebs the best Toyotas for moms...you know, in case you want to give your mom or wife a new vehicle for Mother's Day. Or maybe you want to get yourself one, too (hey, there's nothing wrong with shopping for your own Mother's Day gift). And we're not just talking minivans. Read on to find the perfect car for any kind of mom!

Here's what the LA Times said:

"Toyota Sienna: 30-year-old mom and founder of MotherProof.com, Kristin Varela takes us through this year's favorite minivan and other top mom-mobiles. "This minivan actually treats mom like a bona fide grown-up, with a fit and finish that anyone would be proud to drive," says Varela

"Toyota Highlander Hybrid: It's not too big and still meets all of mom's needs. Varela says: "For an SUV that doesn’t look or feel big, this baby can pack a lot in (including hybrid technology). We have an ongoing quandary because we don'’t love huge cars, but a teeny car just doesn'’t cut it anymore.""

In case you didn't, know the Scion xB is a great "mom" and family car. This isn't just coming from us, it's according to Cars.com and Forbes.

Here's what Cars.com said about the Scion xB as one of the Top 10 Best Cars for Moms: "The boxy Scion xB started life as a look-at-me boxmobile for young male extroverts, but after the car proved to be inexplicably popular with 36-year-old women, Toyota wisely decided to scale up the xB to proper family size. The current xB has more back seat and cargo space than many small SUVs, plus it's strong on safety with six airbags, antilock brakes and electronic stability control, all standard. It's also a good value: $16,520 including air conditioning, while strong resale values and last-forever build quality make it a safe buy."

Cars.com also picked the Scion xB as one of the Top 10 Family Cars under $20,000.

Forbes picked the Scion xB as one of Top 10 Best Cars for New Parents: "With a boxy and muscular
shape that affords a high roofline, the xB four-door wagon is one of the most spacious compact models on the market, with generous rear-seat room that makes buckling kids into car seats a breeze. There’s also plenty of cargo space in the back to stow a weekend's worth of baby gear. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers lively acceleration and can be mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. A long list of standard features includes a Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone interface with audio streaming. The xB’s handling is lively while otherwise maintaining a fairly smooth ride. In addition, the car can be spiffed up with myriad appearance accessories that can otherwise mask its mission as a kid-mobile. MPG: 22/28; MSRP: $16,300."

Consumer Reports listed the best cars for different kinds of moms. We've selected the best Toyotas for different kinds of moms:

"Best cars for Environmental Moms: If you're looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle, it's hard to top the Toyota Prius. It has an average fuel economy of 44 mpg overall, roomy interior, and excellent reliability. However, if you need something a little larger, the Prius V wagon adds even more second-row and cargo space, while delivering a still-excellent 41 mpg overall.

"Best car for new moms: All mothers naturally place a priority on safety, but new moms also need plenty of cargo room to fit all the baby gear. A small SUV can be the ideal choice for carting around your new bundle of joy. Their elevated height means easy-on-your-back installation of the baby seat. The...Toyota RAV4 scored well in Consumer Reports tests and have excellent safety scores and reliability. Plus, they deliver relatively decent fuel economy.

"Empty Nesters: If the mom in your life now has time for herself, a sedan a good choice for everyday outings, vacations, and trips to see the grandkids. The Toyota Camry is comfortable and refined, with a nice interior. Fuel economy is excellent at 27 mpg for the four-cylinder. For more space, consider the roomy Toyota Avalon.

"Big Family Moms: Large families need a vehicle with plenty of room for seating, gear, and entertainment to keep kids occupied and mom sane while driving. The Toyota Sienna minivan offers generous cabin storage that includes large bins, pockets, and open trays. The optional in-vehicle entertainment system includes a large fold-down screen can show videos from two sources at the same time, including the DVD player up front."

We've given you the best Toyotas for moms (all kinds of moms) and families, now stop by Burien Toyota to pick the best one for the mom in your life...or yourself!

Thank you for this outstanding review!

"Going to a dealer, you are always leery about how the sales reps are going to be. But not with Burien Toyota! We cannot speak more highly of this place. Their service was outstanding, from start to finish. We truly felt taken care of and that every measure was being taken to ensure we were getting the best possible deal and meeting our every request. Best car buying experience EVER! When it's time to buy another Toyota, we will be driving the 2 hour and 15 minute drive back to Burien to do business with them. Everybody is exceptional!" -M Mitchell

2013 Toyota Avalon Best New Full-Sized Sedan

2013 Toyota Avalon

The 2013 Toyota Avalon is one of the best, new full-sized sedans in a competitive part of the automotive industry. With a sleek design, responsive handling, great gas mileage, and technology out the tailpipe, the 2013 Toyota Avalon truly is a luxury car at a mainstream price.

It is also one of Toyota's new, best-selling models and "continued to attract customers with double-digit gains in April," said Bill Fay, general manager of Toyota Motor Sales USA.

Here is what some of the top auto websites are saying about the 2013 Toyota Avalon.

From Kelley Blue Book's, kbb.com:

•  All told, the 2013 Avalon represents a dramatic departure from its vanilla-flavored predecessors and deservedly holds down the spot as Toyota's flagship sedan.
• "...a striking new design, responsive driving dynamics, and advanced, yet easy-to-use in-vehicle technology."
• Given its class-leading resale value and stellar record for reliability, the new Toyota Avalon is a smart buy for value-conscious shoppers.
• Has "a dose of athleticism and panache to the mix."
• For a marginal price premium, the 2013 Avalon Hybrid offers plenty of power for everyday driving and up to 40 mpg combined city/highway – impressive figures for a full-size sedan.
• Favorite Features: CAPACITIVE TOUCH SWITCHES and REAR CROSS TRAFFIC WARNING 
• The 2013 Toyota Avalon offers perhaps the finest cabin in its class, with first-rate materials, user-friendly controls and impressive fit and finish.  
• Toyota's latest batch of infotainment options such as advanced voice recognition, mobile application integration and hard-drive-based navigation should appeal to tech-savvy buyers.
• "...the 2013 Avalon is expected to retain the highest resale value in the segment."

From a expert reviwer at Cars.com:

• "I'd take the 2013 Avalon over a family-friendly three-row SUV any day."
• "The Avalon has a smooth ride, but don't be fooled, if you need a kick of power, it's there thanks to the 3.5-liter V-6 engine... The available adaptive cruise control kept my lead foot in check on the long desert highway, and when patches of traffic came up en route, the car handled all the braking for me. Now that's luxury."
• "Prepare for a double take. At first glance, you might mistake the redesigned 2013 Avalon for a bona-fide luxury car. Throughout my weeklong test drive with the Avalon, I kept checking the badging to confirm it was a Toyota. It's a looker."
• "Families will marvel at the nearly endless trunk space. I picked my jaw off the ground after I was able to stash my stroller in the very back of the trunk and still had a substantial amount of space remaining. The Avalon's rear seats don't fold, but the trunk was so big that it wasn't a problem."
• "Two words describe the standard leather seats: like buttah."
• "It delivers one of the best smartphone integration experiences I've tested."
• "The 2013 Avalon has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety."

TheCarConnection.com gave the 2013 Toyota Avalon an 8.4 out of 10 rating:

• The 2013 Toyota Avalon is more responsive and sophisticated than ever before, without giving up any comfort; and in the new Avalon Hybrid, 40 mpg has never been so serene.
• "Taking a step back, the exterior of the new Avalon really lures you in."
• "Up close, cabin materials are superb, and also a full league above those in the Camry."
• "This is a cabin that feels extremely roomy and far more modern and luxurious than the previous Avalon, with top-notch materials, thoughtful details and comfortable seats."
• I"n back, the seats are among the best we've sampled in a larger sedan—contoured well for adults and with relatively long lower cushions to provide thigh support."
• "The new Avalon gets a 16-cubic-foot trunk, and with a flat floor and wide opening, you can fit a lot of grocery bags. Meanwhile, the Hybrid's 14-cubic-foot trunk is only slightly smaller than last year's 14.4-cu-ft cargo hold."
• "The Avalon offers a strong list of safety features, including separate rear side-thorax airbags and front knee bags. And at the top of the lineup there's the Rear Cross Traffic Alert system, which uses sensors in the rear quarter panels to help detect vehicles as they approach from the side and behind the vehicle—especially helpful if you're backing out of a driveway with an obstructed view. Additionally, all but the base Avalon XLE come with a backup camera system."

The 2013 Toyota Avalon starts at a non-luxurious price of $31,000! Click HERE to see the inventory of 2013 Toyota Avalons at Burien Toyota and stop by today see what all the buzz is about!

Thank you for this outstanding review!

"You don't have to buy a car to know if it's a good place to do business or not.We were car shopping, which - for me- is somewhere between root canal and three hour technical meeting in the 'how much I like to do it scale'  but here at Burien Toyota, it was more like 'good coffee and donuts after church' kind of good.I had driven out to Burien to see a car listed online at another dealer but couldn't see it, (see that review next) but when driving to get a snack nearby, we drove by and saw Burien Toyota had the kind of car we were looking for in their lot so we pulled in and were greeted - not stalked or creeped on- by Gary who offered to help us.In the end, the one they had wasn't the car for us, nor was the nice but not quite in my pricerange new Rav 4 we drove.  But they offered to keep their eyes out for what we did want, and got our info.  Of about 6 dealerships, this is the only one who really did follow up and in a nice way not too long after.After a day or two of the car shopping dance, I know when I'm being waltzed with and when someone is stepping on my toes.  In this case, it was like a lovely fox trot:  quick, easy and friendly.No pressure, no weirdness, just helpful info and a nice gentle follow up.We bought elsewhere, but only because we found exactly the used car we wanted.If I (or you) need a Toyota or they have the used vehicle you want, Gary's your guy.Trust me on this, I'm an excellent shopper and dancer." -Clover A.

2013 RAV4 Earns Top Safety Rating from IIHS

2013 Toyota RAV4

The all-new 2013 RAV4 earned the highest safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 2013 RAV4 earned a "Good" rating "in the agency's moderate overlap front, side, rollover and rear crash tests."

A big improvement is in the RAV4's roof strength. The 2013 model withstood five times it's weight.

"The RAV4 has been a crossover for families, in big part because of its safety features," said Ted Klarich, general sales manager of Burien Toyota. "The 2013 RAV4 is even safer than previous models. It is one of the best crossovers in the industry. If you need a vehicle that is safe enough and designed well to move around what is most important to you, than the 2013 RAV4 could be for you."

Check out this video of the IIHS side-impact test of the 2013.

See the inventory of 2013 RAV4s at Burien Toyota HERE.

For you chance to drive one of the safest crossovers on the road, stop by Burien Toyota today and take the 2013 RAV4 for a test drive!