Carolina Canines for Service in Wilmington, North Carolina, uses the Toyota Sienna Mobility they won to help partner talented service dogs with disabled individuals who need their help. These dogs can help do many tasks people take for granted, including

Fans, you only have five days left to save on tires! When you buy 3, you get the 4th tire at 1/2 price!

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Bill Nye utilizes his super-science knowledge to explain why the Prius c hybrid battery is an amazing piece of technology!

Thank you for this 5-star review!

Read this 5-star review from DealerRater:

"I met with my initial salesperson for several hours, not making progress and finally asked for my keys back, I was finished, there would be no deal. Scott Busby entered the picture, he had sold my daughter a car the day before and her experience had been great. He came in with a smile, I'm sure trying to save the deal, but willing to negotiate. His attitude towards a difficult process was professional,calm and,yes, he did save the deal. My initial salesperson would not even present offers, her answer was a flat NO. Scott told us if you don't ask, you can't possibly get. My daughter and I left Carlsbad Toyota with 2 Prius', feeling good about the deals we had struck"

Did you know the Toyota Camry is the #1 selling car in America?

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Check out this 5-star review for Toyota Carlsbad on DealerRater!

"First, let me say I ended up in Carlsbad after a terrible experience at Irvine Power Toyota. I went there with the thinking that it was close by, and also thinking that all Toyoto dealerships were the same. Not so. After four hours at Irvine, the manager didn't think I was a serious buyer, so he would not get the car on to the lot that I wanted Prius C1(it was in storage)without me signing buying paperwork! Umm what?! Sign to buy a car I have never seen or driven?? I was so insulted, and in a hurry to get a new car that I left. The next day I went to Carlsbad, long drive for me, but very worth it. My dealer Scott Busby listened to my situation, tiny tiny tiny budget, and of course I wanted the world:) we haggled for three hours. But every minute he was patient, flexible, and above all; as a girl by myself, he never treated me like a sucker. I got my car, s smokiing deal,and I met a dealer that I will personally recommend to everyone that is looking for a Yoyota. Scott- you're a cool car dealer. However; the story gets better. I got mine on 4/20/12. My mom and I went back the next day 4/21/12 and she got hers. So Toyoto Carlsbad, you have gained two loyal customers for life. Note to dealerships that don't treat car buyers properly, learn from the folks at Casrlsbad. A good recommendation can make people drive further, and bring friends and family. Thanks Carlsbad, you made a mom and daughter really happy.I don't know plural for Prius, Prui??? but we are a money saving prui family now!"

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5-Star review on Yelp!

"Toyota Carlsbad is a great place to buy a car!  We just bought our third car from them and it was a wondrful experience, just like it should be.  Dana and Michael are two of the Managers there and they made me feel like a VIP!  I drive past several other dealers and go straight to Carlsbad."

Bill Nye shows you how available Entune™* can help make you more efficient in your daily tasks: like searching for a coffee bar, nail bar or somewhere to take the state bar.

Check out this stunning Highlander Hybrid—We dare you!

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Toyota Racing Introduces Scion FR-S Speedster

Toyota Racing debuted a custom-built Scion FR-S Speedster show vehicle on Friday, April 13 to celebrate the 38th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Designed and built by Joe Iacono of Iacono Design and Jeremy Lookofsky of Cartel Customs, the car will be both showcased on site and featured on a limited edition poster commemorating the race event.

 

The vehicle will be on display in the Lifestyle Expo lobby on Friday and Saturday and will serve as the official Grand Marshal vehicle on Sunday, escorting this year’s IZOD IndyCar Series race Grand Marshal Parnelli Jones. It will be piloted by race car driver and 2012 Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame inductee Scott Pruett. Following the Grand Prix, the Scion FR-S Speedster will be available for select appearances.

 

“The Scion FR-S Speedster is a true sports car that embodies the spirit of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and our commitment to motorsports,” said Toyota National Motorsports Manager Les Unger. “We think enthusiasts are really going to enjoy seeing this vehicle during the race weekend festivities.”

 

The custom show vehicle--the result of a collaboration between Toyota and its youth brand Scion--is modeled after the 2013 Scion FR-S, a rear-wheel-drive sports car with exceptionally balanced performance and handling, compelling style, flexible utility and surprising fuel economy. The FR-S was most inspired by the AE86 generation of the Corolla, better known as the “Hachi-Roku,” meaning “8-6” in Japanese. It was designed around the core goal of achieving “pure balance,” as demonstrated by its compact size, flat shape and strategic use of the world’s only flat boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration.

 

Cartel Customs styled the car in a nod to Toyota’s rich racing heritage. The vehicle proudly bears the number 86 on its door panels and rear wing. It also features Toyota Racing’s iconic paint scheme. Exterior modifications include Cartel Traditional Signature Series Chop Top, modified front fenders and hood, custom-molded rear deck with hand-made sheet metal speed blisters, custom metal fabrication interior and exterior panels, APR Performance Custom 61” carbon fiber wing, and custom formed and cut glass front windshield and side door glass. Interior modifications include custom-shaped metal door panels with carbon fiber insets, carbon rear panel false wall, modified dash center drive gauge cluster and carbon switch panel, and red and white accented seats, dash and center console.

 

In addition to the Scion FR-S Speedster display, Toyota will also host a live art event on Saturday, April 14 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time in the Lifestyle Expo lobby. Urban artist Justin Bua will be on site to recreate the scene featured in his commemorative poster for this year’s race. Grand Prix fans are invited to take part in the live reenactment.

 

Scion FR-S Speedster Specifications

Length                          166.7 in.

Width                            69.9 in.

Height                           40.2 in.

Wheelbase                    101.2 in.

 

Powertrain:

Flat 2.0L boxer engine

6-speed transmission

Maximum output           200hp @ 7,000 rpm

Maximum torque           151 lb.-ft @ 6,600 rpm

TORCO Synthetic SR-5 Racing Oil

ACT Clutch

GReddy SP Elite Exhaust System

 

Chassis / Suspension:

KW Suspensions Clubsport Coilovers (independent rebound and compression adjustability)

Wilwood SUPERLITE 6-piston radial mount calipers in custom red on 13”

SRP drilled and slotted two-piece rotors & BP-10

Wilwood Smart Pads

 

Wheels & Tires:

Front                            18 x 8.0 Forge Line center lock wheels

Back                             18 x 9.5 Forge Line center lock wheels

Front                            225/40/18 TOYO Proxes R888

Back                             245/40/18 TOYO Proxes R888

 

Courtesy of Toyota

Fans! Here is a car care tip.

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Tighten up that gas cap. Gas will evaporate from your car's gas tank if it has an escape. Loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year, according to the Car Care Council.

Thank you for sharing your experience with us! Way to go Scott!

Five star review from Google Maps:

"Thanks to Scott Busby our new car purchase was smooth and stressfree! He thought of every detail and made sure everything promised was delivered. Thank You Scott!"

Toyota and Boys & Girls Clubs of America Announce National Partnership to Help Combat America’s High School Dropout Crisis

Toyota and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) announced today a national partnership through the establishment of a college readiness initiative, which will help fund youth education and improve high school graduation rates. As a founding sponsor of D2D - Diplomas to Degrees, Toyota is providing a $1.5 million grant over three years to help provide tools, resources and support to Boys & Girls Club teens to help prepare them to move from high school to college graduation.

The announcement was made at an education celebration event on the campus of Bowie State University in Bowie, Md., where more than 150 local Boys & Girls Clubs teens from the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. region were joined by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, former NBA player and Boys & Girls Club alum A.C. Green, as well as representatives from Toyota and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

“I am pleased to join Toyota and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to announce a new national partnership to prepare our children for the future,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “To move forward in this changing new economy, we must create jobs and expand opportunity – and education is the best tool we have.  In Maryland, we have set a goal to improve student achievement and school, college and career readiness by 25 percent by 2015 because we believe in giving our children the tools they need to succeed.  Together, with innovative partnerships like this, we can return to the urgent work of building up our children’s future.”

Studies have shown that students who fail to graduate high school prepared to obtain a postsecondary education are less likely to gain full access to our country’s economic, political and social opportunities. Therefore, Toyota and BGCA are dedicated to ensuring Club members receive the support needed to succeed in their academic careers and in life. 

Piloted in ten cities over the past year, D2D – Diplomas to Degrees will now be available in more than 1,000 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. The program is designed to help youth develop short and long-term goals; explore post-secondary institutions to familiarize teens with the college lifestyle; pursue and secure essential financial assistance; and foster supportive relationships with caring adults who can provide ongoing advice and mentorship throughout the teens’ academic experience. 

“Toyota is committed to helping improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work,” said Mike Groff, vice president, Sales, Marketing and Product Planning, Toyota Financial Services. “Our partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs is an extension of our focus on education and a key component of the new D2D program is engaging our associates to volunteer as mentors and college coaches through their local clubs. The ultimate goal of this program is to increase the number of youth who graduate from high school and enroll in a college, university or other postsecondary institution.”

In addition to D2D - Diplomas to Degrees, Toyota has provided close to $1 million in academic scholarships for more than 225 Boys & Girls Club alumni and staff and supported thousands of middle and high school youth with mentorships, internships and financial or career programs to help them become productive and caring adults. Toyota has worked closely with BGCA to support Boys & Girls Club of East Los Angeles, investing toward the local organization’s Formula for Impact Grant.

“BGCA is committed to working with youth to ensure they are prepared for post-secondary education, but we can’t do it alone,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO at BGCA.  “With the help of corporations like Toyota, we now have the opportunity to provide targeted programs for youth through key transition periods between high school and college.  Schools, families and community partners are all vital parts of the education equation and we must work together to improve the outlook for our nation and secure more great futures for our youth.”

 

Courtesy of Toyota

Happy Wednesday Fans! Here is your weekly car care tip.

Rotate your tires. Rotating your tires helps to distribute tire wear evenly and ensures that you’ll get the maximum road life out of them. The first rotation is especially important. Your owner’s manual should specify both rotation period and pattern.

Toyota Venza Adds Significant Updates for 2013 Model Year

The Toyota Venza crossover now offers enhanced exterior styling, added value through several new standard convenience features and updated option packages that include the Entune™ multi-media system for 2013 model year. 

Venza’s aerodynamic shape has been tastefully modified with a new upper and lower grille, fog lamps and rear taillights. The updated styling is complemented by a new 19-inch wheel design and three new exterior colors: Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl, and Cosmic Gray Mica. 

The 2013 Venza is available in LE, XLE and Limited grades. The LE and XLE models are available with all powertrain combinations: four-cylinder, V6, front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD); the Venza Limited is powered by the V6 engine only, in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. Value has been enhanced and ordering simplified with the addition of many standard features in all three grades.  

Venza was developed specifically for the North American market, appealing to customers who prioritize bold, innovative design, a luxurious and refined interior and excellent handling, but they still require roominess and versatility. Venza provides SUV flexibility with its fold-flat rear seats, spacious cargo area, elevated driver sightline, available AWD and up to 3,500-lbs. towing capacity.

The Venza design was the creation of Toyota’s Calty Design studios in Newport Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor, Mich.  Calty designers leaned toward a sleek crossover concept with a wide stance that featured a sporty exterior, but  they also included important SUV attributes, such as cargo space, towing capability and available all-wheel drive performance.

Venza was primarily engineered at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. And It is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, Ky.  More than 70 percent of Venza’s components come from North American suppliers.

 

Performance and Efficiency

The 2013 Venza offers four-cylinder and V6 models in FWD and AWD versions.  Venza’s 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 181 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 182 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. The four-cylinder Venza is EPA-rated at 21 MPG city/27 MPG highway for the FWD model and 20/25 for the AWD.

The 3.5-liter V6 produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. The V6 FWD model has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway and 18/25 for the AWD.  Both engines are teamed with a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i).  The six-speed ECT-i provides an engaging driving experience and helps optimize fuel economy. Uphill/downhill shift logic selects the proper gear for driving conditions and helps provide moderate engine braking during downhill driving.

Venza's Active Torque Control AWD System optimizes torque distribution between the front and rear wheels to help ensure stable acceleration and smooth cornering on all road surfaces. AWD offers enhanced traction and helps provide excellent overall handling in inclement weather.

An available Towing Prep Package on V6 models equips Venza with an engine oil cooler, larger radiator fan and heavy-duty alternator.

 

Handling and Ride

Venza was designed with a lower center of gravity than typical SUVs to help provide dynamic handling, which is further enhanced by the large wheels and tires. The four-cylinder models ride on standard 19-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. Distinctive 20-inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels are standard for the V6 model. Power-assisted, ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes are standard on all models.

Venza’s body structure relies on high tensile-strength steel, gussets and cross members for its strength, rigidity and optimized weight.  Front suspension consists of a rigid L-arm-type MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar, and the rear suspension is a dual-link MacPherson strut setup with stabilizer bar. Electric power steering (EPS), with its ideally weighted steering effort, contributes to the Venza’s spirited driving dynamics. EPS helps provide a more direct steering feel at both high and low speeds and delivers just-right assist when maneuvering the vehicle into tight parking spaces.

Safety

Toyota's STAR Safety System is standard on all Toyota models and features enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC)  Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and the Smart Stop Technology (SST).

VSC automatically adjusts engine output and the vehicle's braking force at each wheel to help control loss of traction during cornering.  TRAC helps maintain traction during challenging driving conditions. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking.  If the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage ABS, Brake Assist supplements the applied braking power until the driver releases the pedal.  Smart Stop offers an additional level of safety by automatically reducing engine power when a vehicle’s brake and accelerator pedals are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions, helping to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), also standard on all Venza models, temporarily provides pressure to the brakes while the vehicle is stopped on an incline to help ensure easier starting with no rollback.

In addition, Venza provides seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, driver and front-passenger front-seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side-curtain airbags.  Front seat-belt pretensioners retract the seat belt in a severe frontal collision, while the dual-stage force limiters help limit the seat-belt force applied to the driver’s and front passenger’s chests.

Driver and front-passenger seats employ active headrests.  If the vehicle is struck from the rear, a cable-actuated mechanism will move the headrest upward and forward to help limit movement of the occupant's head.

 

Comfort and Convenience

Venza’s generous utility includes several clever storage locations and lighting.  The adjustable center console features a sliding cover and armrest, three iPod^®/MP3 player holders with wire concealment features, and a large storage compartment.

The center-console compartment is also equipped with a USB port, auxiliary audio jack and 12-volt power outlet.  The upper portion of the center console houses the gearshift lever for easy and comfortable driver reach.  An on/off switch on the overhead console enables front-seat occupants to operate all four personal overhead interior lights.

Interior storage is further complemented by a total of 10 front and rear beverage holders (six bottle holders and four cup holders).  These include dual-illuminated, sliding front cup-holders in the center console, two in the rear-seat armrest, and front- and back-door bottle holders.

Entune Multi-Media System

The 2013 Venza now offers the Toyota Entune multimedia system. This system leverages the mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services.

Toyota Entune supports engaging mobile apps, such as Bing, OpenTable, and movietickets.com, along with accessing useful travel-related services, such as live weather, traffic, fuel information (location and price), stocks, and sports. Toyota Entune has a large selection of music options available to a vehicle, including iHeartRadio’s 750+ stations, and Pandora’s personalized music service.

The audio systems combined with Entune feature a best-in-class, advanced conversational voice recognition system that helps the driver to stay focused by eliminating the need to memorize thousands of voice commands. 

An Abundance of Standard Features

The Venza LE grade comes well equipped with new standard features that include a blind spot mirror and outer mirror turn signals with puddle lamps. Additional key standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control with air filter and second-row-seat vents; eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar; 3.5-inch LCD  multi-information display; a tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel with integrated audio controls; an overhead console with map lights; rear-seat adjustable personal reading lamps and three 12-volt power outlets.

The LE also comes standard with the Display Audio system, which includes a 6.1-inch touch screen, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod^® connectivity and control, vehicle information, hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth^® wireless technology.

The available Convenience Package for the Venza LE adds a power liftgate and a rear back-up camera. The Preferred Package adds a panoramic glass roof with front power moonroof and Display Audio with Navigation and Entune.

The Venza XLE provides a major luxury and convenience upgrade to the vehicle and adds standard features such as leather-trimmed seating surfaces, steering wheel and shift knob; four-way power passenger seat; multi-stage heated front seats; driver seat memory; reverse tilt outer mirrors, Display Audio with Navigation and Entune; anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer; Smart Key System with Push Button Start and illuminated entry; power rear liftgate and a back-up camera. Also standard on the XLE is a TFT multi-information display that can be customized to adjust the font size and content, and navigation voice instructions available in Spanish, French or English (XM Traffic is only available in English).

Aside from powertrain choices, the XLE offers one major option the Premium Package, which includes a panoramic glass roof with front power moonroof, and Display Audio with Navigation , Entune and JBL^®, that includes 6.1-inch Touch Screen, AM/FM CD Player with MP3/WMA Playback Capability, 13 JBL^® Synthesis Speakers including Subwoofer, SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio (Includes three-month trial subscription to XM Select Package), HD Radio™ withiTunes^®  Tagging, Auxiliary Audio Jack, USB Port with iPod^® Connectivity and Control, Vehicle Information, Hands-Free Phone Capability, Phonebook Access, Advanced Voice Recognition, and Music Streaming Via Bluetooth^® Wireless Technology.

The V6-only, top-of-line Venza Limited comes standard with the Premium HDD Navigation with Entune™ and JBL^® multimedia system. The system features a seven-inch high resolution touch screen with split-screen capability, AM/FM CD Player with MP3/WMA Playback Capability, 13 JBL^® Synthesis™ Speakers including Subwoofer, SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio capability (Includes three-month trial subscription to XM Select Package); HD Radio™ with iTunes^® Tagging, Auxiliary Audio Jack, USB Port with iPod^® Connectivity and Control, Vehicle Information, Hands-Free Phone Capability, Phonebook Access, Advanced Voice Recognition, and Music Streaming Via Bluetooth^® Wireless Technology. 

 

The Venza Limited combines the Premium HDD Navigation with Entune and JBL and the panoramic glass roof with front power moonroof, and it adds high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights with automatic high beams and LED Daytime Running Lights. The high-beam feature detects oncoming vehicles and automatically switches the headlamps from high- to low-beam.

Customers looking for a pet-friendly vehicle will find a wide range of pet utility accessories available at Toyota dealerships. Among the available choices are a rear liftgate pet ramp, booster seat with harness, pet buckles and rear seat zipline-style harnesses, pet carriers and bucket seat, bench seat and hammock style waterproof seat covers.

Exterior Design

The Venza sports an aerodynamic shape with short overhangs, forward A-pillar, crisp character lines, and a low roofline. Continuous brushstroke lines run from the front grille to the D-pillar. A bold front end features a distinctive grille, headlights and fog lamps for a sporty yet refined appearance. Venza's sophisticated and confident appearance is completed by an angled rear hatch, spoiler and wide wraparound taillights that interconnect with the hatch door. Tight tire-to-body gaps contribute to the sophisticated, refined appearance.

The Venza design is highly practical, with a rear load-in height that is almost as low as that of the Sienna minivan.  The generously sized liftgate opening enhances the vehicle's utility.  An available power liftgate integrates jam protection that detects obstruction in the door’s path and reverses the motor. Venza provides a low step-over height for improved ergonomics, and because the closed doors cover the rocker panels, the driver and passengers are protected from accumulated road-dust while getting into and out of the vehicle.

Interior Design

The Venza interior is designed to enhance driving enjoyment and offer premium comfort.  Venza is available in three interior colors: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black, which is new for 2013. Each color is offered in fabric on LE and leather on XLE and Limited.

The flow of the center console creates a unique “60/60” design that gives both the driver and front passenger the feeling that 60 percent of the space is accessible from their seating position. All grades have a standard Optitron^® speedometer and tachometer. The XLE and Limited grades also include a TFT multi-color center instrument panel display. Dual-zone automatic climate system controls are centrally located on the upper console, providing easy access for both the driver and front passenger.

Personal space lends overall comfort to the vehicle's interior with ample head room, shoulder room, hip room and couple distance.  Cargo-area utility is enhanced with fold-down 60/40 rear seats, one-touch fold-down seat levers and a tonneau cover.

 Limited Warranty

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items.  Additional 60-month warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.  Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

The Venza will also come standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

 Courtesy of Toyota