Toyota, Auto Industry 'Gaining Momentum'

Consumers are regaining confidence in the American economy and no one can tell better than the auto industry, which suffered greatly during the recession. But automotive companies, especially Toyota, are picking up steam as was announced by Toyota’s U.S. executive, Jim Lentz, at the L.A. Auto Show.

"The auto industry is gaining momentum," Lentz proclaimed Wednesday. "The forecast ahead looks even better."

Locally, Burien Toyota has noticed a pick-up in business, too.

“Absolutely people are buying cars, especially Toyotas,” said Nathan Ayers of Burien Toyota. “Things are still a little shaky for some people, so when people invest money in a new or used car, they want to know they are getting a good, quality car that will last a long time. That’s why Toyota is doing better then most other brands.”

According to this Detroit News article, “For example, Toyota's U.S. sales are up 30 percent this year through October and the automaker's market share has risen nearly two full percentage points following last year's production shortage as a result of a devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC sales have also jumped year-over-year, but to a lesser extent.”

And it’s not just Toyota’s executives that are optimistic: "I'm not sure I've ever seen the auto industry so upbeat," GM's Mark Reuss told CNBC's Phil LeBeau.

Ayers encourages anyone who is considering buying a car to do what is comfortable for them in their situation, but not to let any concerns about the auto industry scare them away from local dealerships like Burien Toyota.

“Toyota was never affected by the recession like some other companies were, so it only makes sense that Toyota would lead the pack in the recovery,” Ayers said.

If you are looking for a new or used car, come try Burien Toyota’s amazing, no-pressure customer service! Stop by today!

Kelley Blue Book: Toyota Has Best Resale Value

Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Toyota brand has long been known for its dependability and long-lived vehicles. Well, Kelley Blue Book recently awarded Toyota with the best non-luxury brand resale value award in its annual Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards! Additionally, the Toyota luxury brand, Lexus, won best resale value for the luxury brand!

This means that when you sell your Toyota, you will get more money than any other brand because the Toyota resale value is better than any other brand!

According to this New York Times article, “…the used-car pricing service, the average vehicle, no matter the brand, is expected to retain about 38.2 percent of its original value after five years, which means that a $50,000 new car today would be worth about $19,100 after five years.

The average Toyota, however, is expected to retain 44 percent of its original list price, while a Lexus is expected to retain 43.7 percent, Eric Ibara, director of residual consulting for Kelley Blue Book, said in a telephone interview.”

The awards are based on which cars are expected to retain the most value after 75,000 miles and/or a five year period…just about the time you may be considering selling your Toyota to make room for a newer model.

The vehicle that retained the most value after five years was the Toyota FJ Cruiser at 63 percent. In second place was the Toyota Tacoma, retaining 57 percent of its value.

“Combined, 12 Toyota and Lexus models received Best Resale Value Awards this year, and half of the Top 10 models were from either Toyota or Lexus.”

So what do you do now that much-respected Kelley Blue Book told the world about Toyota resale values? Check out the huge new and used car inventory of Burien Toyota. Or even better, head to Burien Toyota to test drive the Toyota that fits you knowing that it will have dynamite resale value down the road because of its high quality and reliability!

Self-Driving Cars to Overcome Dangers of Technology, Human Error

Much has been written about the self-driving cars that have recently been made legal in the state of California. What you may not know is that they have logged more than 250,000 driving miles…without a single incident.

That’s right; a perfect record.

Maybe like me, you were wary of the self-driving car at first. But, I was convinced of their inherent good and benefit to society when someone pointed out how they can give independence to people with disabilities and the elderly.

This article points out how the self-driving car can save those of us who willingly disable ourselves while we drive…with technology. We all know we do it: text, talk on the phone, check our emails on our phone, etc. If it’s not you, then it’s someone in a car around you, which could easily make you a statistic.

The self-driving car technology could save us from…our use of technology while we drive.

Imagine being able to tell your self-driving car to drive you home while you typed away at all those emails you didn’t get sent while in the office? Sounds dreamy, right?

“Oh, I’d totally get a self-driving car,” said Roger Herbaugh of the Seattle area. “I’d consider myself an early adopter and I work a lot out of my car, so it’d be nice to be able to do more worker safer as I traveled from client to client.”

The self-driving car can also save us from ourselves.

Imagine being able to tell your car to take you home after you’ve had one too many drinks or are so sleepy you could make a mistake? Self-driving cars could not only be independence-giving and convenient, they could also be life-saving.

“I’m not so sure about the technology right now,” said Douglas Harrington of Shoreline. “I did, however, just drive back from Eastern Washington after the Apple Cup and that’s a lot of boring road, so it would be nice to be able to put the car on a kind of autopilot. I was pretty tired after that Cougar victory, but I’m still not sure I’d feel comfortable sleeping while my car drove itself.”

This paragraph from the article sums up the issue nicely:

“Pioneers in the field estimate that driverless cars could save a substantial number of lives each year. These cars are immune to distractions caused by talking on cell phones, texting and checking emails, eating and drinking, grooming and shaving, reading and writing, watching TV or a video, adjusting the radio or CD player, checking the navigation system, watching the scenery, putting on make-up, fighting with passengers and disciplining children. They are also not impaired by alcohol, drugs, sleep deprivation and anger. They can react instantaneously and accurately. They always maintain the lane, use turn signals and never tailgate. They always respect red lights or stop signs. They keep detailed logs. They always remind you way before the time for refueling and maintenance service.”

What do you think? Are these arguments enough for you to jump behind the wheel of a self-driving car? What would it take to get you there?

Toyota Black Friday Event

The Big Event Returns for 2012

At Burien Toyota, customers can expect 0% Financing on 9 different new 2012 Toyota models AND get double their down from Toyota AND have $50 donated in their name to the United States Marine Corps' Toys for Tots Program - that's almost like having your cake & eating it too! ;-) Click Here for Details & Important Disclaimers.

Also expect:

And More . . . . or Click for Details.

Black Friday Event

• 1.9% apr available on Toyota Certified Used Vehicles
• 0% apr financing available on 9 different New 2012 Toyota models
• $189/mo Lease* offer on New 2012 Toyota Camry
• Over 338 New Toyota vehicles available to choose from at Burien Toyota
• 1-year, 15,000 mile Maintenance included on just about every used vehicle
• Free Tire Storage of your off-season tires (don't fuss & muss with your snow tires; let us store them for you!)
• Free Quarterly Health Checkup of your Toyota vehicle (shop & compare - we'll look at your check engine light issues for no charge, too!)
• Full-Service Tire Center: your 1-stop shop - we will not be undersold on tires; just put us on your shopping list!
• Buy 3 tires, get the 4th for $1 - details here
• Free New Owner Clinic, with lots of great information, service & maintenance education, discounts, coupons, yummy hors d'oeuvres & door prizes!
• Special Corporate Buying Programs & Fleet Services for numerous local companies
• Easy to get to: just 2 miles west of Sea-Tac Airport...complimentary airport shuttle

*Offer good on new 2012 Camry LE Model 2532, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve dual VVT-I engine; remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, trunk-release, panic and remote illuminated entry function; tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel with audio controls; cruise control; multi-adjustable power driver’s seat with adjustable headrest, seatback pocket and lumbar support; CFC-free air conditioning with air filter; AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, XM Compatible (additional hardware and subscription required) and auxiliary audio jack; power windows and locks, plus much more! $189/Mo. – 36 Month Lease. Due at lease signing; includes $2161 Customer Down Payment + First Month’s Payment/$189 + $650 Acquisition Fee, +$500 TFS Lease Subvention Cash for a total of $3500 due at signing. $225 security deposit waived to qualified buyers subject to approved credit through Toyota Financial Services. Good on Tier I PLUS only. 36-month payments total $6,804. Excludes state and local taxes, tags, registration and title, insurance, $150 negotiable documentary service fee, and dealer charges. A $350 Disposition Fee is due at lease termination. Lease Factor .00001. Actual costs should be assessed at dealership and will vary based on individual customer. Closed-End Lease. Lease-end purchase option $13,660. Eligible accessory adds approved from Toyota Financial Services. The manufacturers suggested retail price for the new 2012 Camry LE Model 2532, vin #4T4BF1FK4CR253214 is $24,060. Includes destination charge, but excludes state and local taxes, tags, registration, title and insurance. Adjusted Capitalized Cost is $20,472 based on dealer participation. Other options and dealer charges extra. Lessee may be charged for excessive wear based on Toyota Financial Services standards for normal use and for mileage in excess of 36,000 miles at the rate of $0.15 per mile (low mileage lease). Your payment may vary depending on final price. Delivery must be taken from new 2012 dealer stock between 11/06/12 and 12/3/12 and is subject to availability. Available to qualified customers through Toyota Financial Services. Lease offer may not be combined with APR or cash back offers. Details and qualifications apply.
On Approved Credit, Matching down payment from Toyota Financial Services or trade equity up to $1,000 on any remaining new 2012 Toyota taken from dealer stock 11/23/12 - 11/26/12. Ends 11/26/2012. PHOTOS FOR ILLUSTRATION ONLY

Toyota Takes Top 3 in Consumer Reports Annual Reliability Ranking

Toyota rules the Consumer Report annual reliability rankings with Toyota Motor Co.’s Scion brand taking the number one spot on the list, followed by Lexus and Toyota. The Toyota Prius C received the best overall score of any car on the Consumer Report list!

“We are not surprised by this at all,” said Nathan Ayers of Burien Toyota. “Toyota brands have earned this recognition for reliability through years of creating high quality cars that people have come to count on. Consumers recognize that.”

Scion’s philosophy of creating cars “built by passion-not committee” has taken Scion to the top of the automotive industry. The small size of this Toyota brand allows it to design unique cars that can be personalized to the car-buyer. Attention to detail and this kind of personalization are just a couple reasons that people trust their Scions.

The Toyota Prius C is the smallest of the Prius family, but has made the biggest name for itself after earning  on top of the Consumer Report annual reliability rankings! The Prius C is perfect for getting around town and because it gets 53 mpg, you’ll be doing a lot of getting around. Despite the size of the Prius C, can comfortably fit four and “easy-to-assemble Swedish furniture.”

Toyota Prius C

“When people come to Burien Toyota looking for a hybrid, a lot of them haven’t heard of the Prius C,” Ayers said. “But after they take it for a ride and find out that it gets 53 miles per gallon, they often realize it’s the perfect car for them, especially if they do a lot commuting around Seattle, Tacoma and the entire Puget Sound area. Driving the Prius C makes gas prices a little less painful.”

And the fact that the Prius C starts at just under $19,000 doesn't hurt either.

According to the New York Times article, the Consumer Report ranking was based on “800,000 people submitting information on 1.2 million vehicles from the 2010 to 2012 model years.”

Come to Burien Toyota and Scion to see why Toyotas and Scions were named the most reliable cars and why the Toyota Prius C was named the best overall car by Consumer Report!

http://www.toyota.com/priusc/

http://www.scion.com/about/

http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/toyota-tops-consumer-reports-reliability-survey-article-1.1194707

Burien Toyota is the Best Place Buy Certified Used Cars, Trucks

At Toyota, our philosophy is “The best new cars make the best used cars” because we know that the better a product is made, the longer it will last. Toyota is known for designing and building long-lasting, quality cars, so, naturally, Toyota is the best place to come if you are looking for a used car or truck.

In fact, Burien Toyota can also help you if you’re looking for a Certified Used Hybrid vehicle, like the ever-popular Toyota Prius. All gas and hybrid vehicles go through an intense 160 point inspection before they can be declared “Toyota Certified,” so you can buy with confidence when you buy a used car or truck from Burien Toyota.

“We only want to sell the best used cars and trucks so, we have very specific standards before we even test the vehicle, like that a car must have fewer than 85,000 miles on it and we only sell current models plus six years back.” Nathan Ayers of Burien Toyota said. “After meeting those standards then we check 160 points to prove one point: Only the best vehicles get to be Toyota Certified Used Vehicles.”

This inspection includes:

•  Engine Compartment
• Steering System
• Transmission/Transaxle
• Braking System
• Frame, Structure, Underbody
• Interior Condition/Appearance
• Audio/Alarm Systems
• Instrument Panel and Electronic Systems
• Tires and Suspension Systems

Take a look at our certified used vehicle inventory here! 

Our Certified Used Hybrid candidates actually go through an even more demanding 174 point inspection to make sure that every aspect of that hybrid technology is in tip-top shape, so you can drive your low-emission hybrid home knowing you made a good decision.

See all our Toyota Certified Used Hybrids here! 

Not only do you get to drive away in your Toyota Certified Used car with confidence because you know it was built to last and endured a rigorous inspection, but you can be confident because you also get an exceptional coverage policy when you buy from Burien Toyota:

• 12 month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty
• 7 year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty
• 1 year of FREE roadside assistance
•  Every Toyota Certified Used vehicle comes with a FREE Carfax Vehicle History Report.
• All Toyota Certified Used vehicles purchased from Burien Toyota are also covered by our 1 year/15,000-mile maintenance program. 
• Toyota Certified Used Hybrids are additionally covered with an 8 year/100,000-mile Factory Hybrid Vehicle Battery Warranty.

The Toyota Certified Used Vehicle coverage plan is honored at more than 1,400 Toyota dealers in the United States and Canada, so you can travel knowing that we’ve got you covered.

For more information about buying a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle from Burien Toyota, go to our Certified Inventory information page, visit www.burienToyota.com,   or stop by the dealership today!

Burien Toyota Provides Award-Winning Service

There are a lot of places potential car buyers could go purchase a vehicle. But if you come to Burien Toyota, you won’t just find any vehicle; Burien Toyota will help you find the perfect vehicle for you and then provide amazing support after you drive it off the lot. Even after you buy a vehicle form Burien Toyota, we still take care of you with our award-winning service department and service!

When we talk to people about buying a Toyota hybrid vehicle, some people are a little concerned about maintaining this newer technology. With Burien Toyota behind you, there’s no need to worry whether you own hybrid or not.

“Our technicians are experts in hybrid technology,” said Nathan Ayers of Burien Toyota. “Hybrid technology is not as expensive or ‘mysterious’ as it was ten years ago. The ASE and Toyota Certified Technicians in our award-winning service department know what they’re doing and we can usually do it at lower price than “discount centers.” We are also your hybrid headquarters with the latest technologies and coolest accessories.”

Burien Toyota is also one of the only dealers in the Puget Sound area with a state-of-the art Collision Center! We know how to take care of you whether you bought your car from us or not because we know that accidents can happen. We are also home to the Genuine Toyota parts Center where you can get one-of-a-kind parts and accessories for all your vehicle needs.

Burien Toyota also provides FREE quarterly health check ups on your Toyota or Scion. Speaking of free, Burien Toyota will also store your snow or off-season tires for free, eliminating all kinds of hassle for you.

For you chance to see all that Burien Toyota can offer you with our incredible inventory of new and used vehicles, maintenance and service support, and more, come by Burien Toyota today!

Burien Toyota: Toyota Prius Headquarter South of Seattle

The Toyota Prius has set the standard for hybrid vehicles. It has sold more than double the units of any other hybrid vehicle. Why? Because the Toyota Prius is dependable, eco-friendly, driver-friendly and wallet-friendly.

The Toyota Prius hybrid has been around long enough to get any kinks worked out, so you know you are getting a quality Toyota vehicle when you purchase a Prius. And when you purchase your Prius from Burien Toyota, you know you will get a hassle-free experience!

But how do you start the process of buying your Toyota Prius from Burien Toyota (your headquarters for all hybrid technology and Toyota Prius experts)?

Toyota Prius V

Start by perusing the entire Toyota Prius inventory at Burien Toyota, including all new models like the awesome 2012 Toyota Prius C, and all pre-owned cars! There are four members of the Toyota Prius family: the Prius Liftback (the model you are probably most familiar with), the Prius V Wagon, the Prius C and now the Prius Plug-In. There is a Toyota Prius for everyone and with gas prices so high here in Western Washington, you can’t afford not to look at the Toyota Prius, which gets around 50 mpg!  

“We love to sell Toyota Priuses,” said Nathan Ayers of Burien Toyota. “People come in with high expectation but they don’t expect as many options as we have. With four models now, there’s really something for everyone and Burien Toyota is your hybrid headquarters with all the latest technology and accessories to make sure you are 100% happy and excited to drive your new Prius home.”

While the Toyota Prius Liftback model is plenty roomy (offering more legroom and cargo space than even the Toyota Camry, according to the New York Times), the Toyota Prius V is five inches longer and the cargo volume is more than 13 cubic feet larger. It is perfect for families who still want to be conscious of their environmental footprint and still get about 44 mpg!

Toyota Prius C

The newer Toyota Prius C is perfect for city commuters and urban dwellers. It’s fun to drive, easy to park and get’s 53 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway. In fact, the Toyota Prius C tops the list of Consumer Reports most reliable cars for the 2012 model year! Just in case you need more convincing, build your own ToyotaPrius C right here.

“We know high gas prices really impact the budget, so what do you have to lose in coming to Burien Toyota and taking a Prius for a test drive?” Ayers said. “You will be impressed with how big the interior is and feels and, of course, the industry-leading gas mileage. Give us a call, stop by, take a Toyota Prius for a test drive!”

Come down to Burien Toyota today to test drive the best-selling hybrid in the industry: the Toyota Prius!

Burien Toyota, Chevrolet: Seattle Area Drop off Locations for Toys for Tots

Burien Toyota and Burien Chevrolet do much more than sell vehicles. Burien Toyota (or should we say “Toy-ota?”) and Burien Chevrolet are a part of the Burien community who have supported the community for many years. And while these dealerships do a lot to give back, it is now the time of year when many focus on the most vulnerable of our community: our community's children.

Burien Toyota and Burien Chevrolet dealerships are drop-off locations for nationwide Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program. New and unwrapped toys can be dropped of at both of these locations through December 22.

“Here at Burien Toyota, we are involved in so many community programs, but Toys for Tots has to be one of our favorites,” said Nathan Ayers of Burien Toyota. “Maybe it’s because of the holiday season, maybe it’s because Toys for Tots is all about bringing joy to kids. It’s probably a combination of both. We love being a drop-off location knowing that we are making it easier for our community to give to kids who may not have a whole lot this holiday season. Together, we can make a difference to a lot of kids.”

Toys for Tots was founded in 1947 and has since become the “unchallenged leader in looking after America’s needy children at Christmas.” The program has collected and distributed more than 407,000,000 toys!

“Burien Toyota and Burien Chevrolet are proud to be a part of such storied program as Toys for Tots,” said Ayers. “Bring one toy, bring lots of toys. Either way, you will make some child’s Christmas a little be brighter.”

Toys can be dropped off at Burien Toyota from now through Dec. 22. The toys will then be collected and distributed to needy children by enlisting the help of local social welfare agencies and churches.

The Toys for Tots literature says it best: “Christmas is a time of joy, happiness, and goodwill. It is time of giving and helping those who are less fortunate then ourselves, especially impoverished children.”

Join Burien Toyota and Burien Chevrolet in helping our community’s children by dropping off a toy today!

Burien Toyota is located at: 15025 1^st Ave South, Burien, WA 98148

Burien Chevrolet is located at: 14400 1^st Ave South, Seattle, WA 98168

Major Rental Companies Agree Not to Rent Recalled Cars

In what can be declared as a “Good News!” moment and win for common sense, “major U.S. car rental companies have agreed to support legislation banning the renting of recalled vehicles.”

Most Americans may not realize that, while dealerships are barred from selling/reselling vehicles that have been recalled, rental car companies are still allowed to rent such recalled vehicles without fixing them. This had tragic consequences when the rental company Enterprise rented a recalled Chrysler PT Cruiser to Raechel and Jacqueline Houck who were killed when the car began leaking steering fluid, caught on fire and crashed into oncoming traffic. The PT Cruiser had been recalled for issues with the steering column but had not been fixed by Enterprise.

The rental car bill is named the Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act of 2012, after the girls.

"We couldn't bring my daughters back so we had to go forward and we had to look at stopping this unsafe and disastrous process," Kelly Houck, mother of the girls, said.

Enterprise is one of the major car companies that is now supporting the legislation to ban car companies for renting recalled vehicles. Other car companies include Hertz, Avis Budget, and Dollar Thrifty.

“I had no idea rental car companies could rent you a recalled car,” said Andrew Miller of Puyallup, a frequent business traveler. “That’s really scary. That’s really scary that they could do that and customers really would have no idea that they are driving a potentially unsafe car. At least if you own the car, you get notified of the defect. If you’re just renting the car, you don’t know there’s a problem and you are still behind the wheel. This legislation should have happened sooner, if you ask me.”

One of the sponsors of the bill, Senator Barbara Boxer of California, said car companies would implement the necessary policies before the bill was actually passed, which should happen during the lame-duck session after the presidential election.

According to one article, “The new Senate bill would require that rental companies ground a recalled vehicle no later than 24 hours after the rental company gets the recall notice. Rental companies will have up to 48 hours for recall that include more than 5,000 vehicles in their fleet.”

David Strickland, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said in a statement that the agreement was "a major win for safety on our roadways and in our communities."

Burien Toyota commends these rental car companies and legislators for doing the right thing and encourage everyone else to follow suit and endorse this legislation.

http://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Car-Rental-News/Car-rental-companies-agree-not-to-rent-recalled-vehicles/

http://www.freep.com/article/20120928/BUSINESS01/309280063/Car-rental-companies-to-support-legislation-on-recalls

Innovation Drives Toyota

This is the last article of our “Toyota in Action” series and it focuses on innovation. Really, you could say everything in the previous articles about Toyota operations, dedication to community, the people of Toyota, improvements in safety, and efforts to preserve the environment illustrates Toyota’s dedication to continually improve itself and the world around us.

Whether it’s developing programs to teach communities how to properly restrain their children, developing and implementing the Star Safety System in all vehicles, or developing environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and products, the spirit of innovation is what really drives Toyota.

The Toyota Production System Support Center (TSSC) supports 20 community and non-profit organizations around the country “using TPS to help improve their operations, extend their reach and increase their impact.” One of these organizations is Herman Miller, which uses the Toyota Production System (TPS) to make its operations more efficient and flexible. Toyota uses creativity, efficiency and innovation to make a difference to many different people.

Another way Toyota is being innovative is by partnering up with Tesla Motors to develop and manufacture electric vehicles like the new all electric Toyota RAV4.

“In total, Toyota has invested $50 million in Tesla. Working side-by-side with Tesla is just one example of Toyota’s emphasis on supporting environmentally sensitive mobility, and developing advanced technology vehicles to meet the needs of our consumers today — and tomorrow.”

Toyota is also partnering with Microsoft to make your car smarter and your drive more efficient.

“Integrating technology inside your car can mean much more than just connecting your smart phone. It can also improve your gas mileage and help the environment, which is why Toyota is partnering with Microsoft to develop the next generation of in-car technology. The partnership will create a new system that doesn’t just give our drivers access to entertainment and navigation features, but also will allow you to better manage energy consumption inside and outside of your car — while you drive, when the car is charging, and even in your home.”

Ok, ok. We could exhaust you with all the ways that Toyota is innovative and write pages with examples of the results of Toyota’s innovation. Instead, check out the rest of the Toyota in Action series blog articles or go to www.ToyotainAction.com and be sure to stop by www.burientoyota.com.