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Posts Tagged ‘toyota’

Although the initial idea of the car scrappage scheme was a good idea, buyers entering their scheme may be loosing out because car dealers are not giving them the same low price deals available to everyone else.

If you are unsure of what the scrappage scheme is, it’s where the government gives you a £2,000 grant to scrap your old car if it’s 10 years or older.

Not all buyers will lose out on the deal. Only ones that take out a loan with the manufacturer to pay for the car over several years. Car scrappage scheme customers will be loosing out because the car manufacturers who offer loans with rates as low as 4.0%, they are charging customers on the scrappage scheme up to 10% APR. This means that you can get a new car cheaper by selling your old car seperately and get a lower APR than go into the scrappage scheme.

Toyota is just one manufacturer that is increasing their percentage rates for their customers who are part of the scheme. Toyota has loan deals available with rates between.9 and 5.9%, due down to the length of the loan. However, they have decided now that they are only going offer an 8.9% rate to car scrappage scheme participants. This means that if you were to buy the new Toyota T2 Avensis, it would cost you £14,565 with the scheme, but once you pay off the loan, you will have payed an extra £2,699 which is almost £700 over the standard retail price.

Seat and Ford are also car manufacturers that are doing this to their customers. Ford normally offer a 3.9 APR, however, if you are buying your new car as part of the scrappage scheme, you have to take the 7.9 APR that they have to offer. Seat tends to be the worst, they normally offer a 0 APR, however, now if you are on the scrappage scheme, they will only offer you a 8.9 APR.

The reason this problem has come about is because the government has made the car manufacturers pay for half the bill of the scheme. This has left many manufacturers annoyed and having to try to find the extra cash somewhere else, and it seems that they have found where.

It now seems that it would be more beneficial to sell your car seperately rather than participating in the new scrappage scheme. However, there are a range of alternatives to buying a brand new car. Contract hire is a method of owning a car that is often overlooked. By taking out a Ford lease you can get the latest cars at cheaper prices.

So before you go out and scrap your car as part of the scrappage scheme, look into the other options that could save you some money.

Toyota has announced that they expect to sell around 25,000 of their all new hybrid Lexus car in the United States for the first year.

Toyota has revealed their new hybrid car the Lexus HS250 Hybrid which is due for launch this summer in the U.S. The new Lexus HS250 is the first dedicated hybrid car that’s part of, Toyota’s luxury car make, Lexus. However, it’s not their first hybrid car, Toyota had huge success with their first hybrid car, the Prius, which was launched in the US in 2000.

Even though no details on price have been released, the new Lexus HS250 Hybrid is not going to be cheap. Maybe a lexus lease option would be a cheaper alternative.

Since the release of the Prius back in 2000, Toyota has controlled the hybrid U.S. market by selling over 1 million hybrid cars and holding over 75% of the hybrid market. All of those hybrid car sales have accounted for half of Toyota’s worldwide hybrid car sales.

Toyota also released new 3rd generation Prius car in the US earlier this Spring which expected to reach 180,000 sales within the first year. Certainly a great deal more than the new Lexus hybrid car.

Although they may have forcasted these figures, whether they actually achieve them is another matter. Even though the amount of car sales in May rose from the previous month, the amount of sales in the U.S. since the start of the year has dropped by 36%. Some more bad news for the manufacturer is that the amount of hybrid car sales is dropping. This is becayse although fuel prices rose by large amounts last summer, since the beginning of the year they have dropped considerably.

This price drop has meant that the amount of gasoline car sales has risen because a hybrid car is generally around $4000 more than a hybrid car.

That aside, Toyota are still hopeful that their new hybrid cars will do well because they believe that the US car market in improving and that the demand for hybrid cars will also improve. Toyota might be relying alot on the car lease market. With the current credit crunch, many new car buyers are choosing to lease a car instead of buying their own new one.

Toyota has 2 massive things in store for the Camry when the 2007 model year version of the vehicle rolls out this coming summer: a total revamp and the supply of a hybrid engine. Already the best selling car in America, the Camry is destined to be overhauled and re-engineered. Let’s have a look at some of the changes scheduled for Toyota’s venerable model.

New Styling Cues – No-one has ever asserted that the Camry is a knock out when it comes to style. Despite its pedestrian look, the Camry has managed to capitalize on Toyota quality, price, and engineering to present a car that is clearly a best seller. Still, critics have routinely yawned at the Camry’s looks, but which may shortly all change and dramtically at that. Borrowing some styling cues from Toyota’s Lexus line up of luxury cars, the 2007 Camry is anticipated to delight motorists and critics alike. Witness the latterly made over Toyota Avalon : what used to be a bland, full sized vehicle has now been transformed into a graceful, splendid sedan.

Time For A Hybrid – Toyota is riding the hybrid crest and it will, introduce hybrid technology into the Camry line up. Like all other Camry models, the hybrid version will also be built in the US, making it the first Toyota hybrid to be built outside of Japan. However, the battery and inverter will be sourced from Japan while the engine will be Kentucky built. The Camry will join the Prius and the Highlander as the 3rd Toyota model to offer hybrid technology.

No one knows for sure if the “hybrid phase” is just a fad or something which will at last catch on. With government credits still free and high gas prices at the pump, USA citizens continue to look at hybrids as a viable alternative to parched internal combustion engines. Toyota, for its part, continues to capitalize on this trend and the Camry is the latest vehicle in Toyota’s expanding arms depot to successfully incorporate hybrid technology.

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In the early part of this decade Toyota was inspecting its car line up and the choice was made to build an automobile to entice young folks who were attempting to find something that was little, fun to drive, and affordable. While the Corolla served faithfully in this capacity, Toyota required something that spoke excitement. The Corolla just wasn’t that sort of a vehicle and something radically different was required. Enter the Matrix. based on the Corolla platform, the Matrix does what no Corolla can do: turn heads. We’ll take a look at this sporty compact and see how the 2006 model stacks up.

In 2003, the Matrix was introduced to the northern US market. Built in California as a joint venture with General Motors – the Pontiac Vibe is its twin – the Matrix is directed toward budget conscious young folks who need a car that makes a statement. To save money, the Corolla frame was employed, but the Matrix stands some 3 inches taller and is eight inches shorter than its Toyota sibling. The roof line on the Matrix is completely different too as it slopes from front to back and ends in a wedge, giving the car somewhat of a wagon look to it. This rakish appearance is what gives the Matrix its unique look as well as an additional bit of room for people and their stuff. Indeed, both driver and front passenger sit higher up, much like in a small SUV or as in an automobile like Chrysler’s PT Cruiser. With 4 doors and a rear lift gate, the Matrix acts more of a lorry, but its sleek exterior simply refutes that fact.

Motorists have a choice between front wheel drive and a 4 wheel drive versions of the car, something not offered on the Corolla. The standard motor for the Matrix is a 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-I 4-cylinder engine. Joined to a 5 speed manual transmission, the engine turns out a respectable 126hp. For more power, there is also a higher tuned version of the same engine delivering 164hp. It becomes twinned with a six speed manual transmission. 4 wheel drive versions of the Matrix come equipped with a 4-wheel anti-lock brake system [ABS] which is optional on 2WD models.

Gas mileage for the Matrix makes the vehicle a motorist’s dream. At 30 mpg city and 36 m.p.g road, the front wheel drive version of the vehicle produces some of the finest results of any non-hybrid automobile sold in North America. A thirteen gallon fuel tank makes 400 mile trips a probability on just one tank of gas; this is very good for the scholar who has to drive backwards and forwards between college campus and home.

Unlike many vehicles of its size, the O.E.M crowd has produced a wide selection of products to help Matrix owners customise their vehicles. Hood protectors, tail light covers, polymer air dams, fog lights, hood scoops and vents, mud flaps, and paintable window covers are some of the Toyota parts and accessories pitched to youth, who are the primary owners of the Matrix.

MSRP starts at US$15,110 [CDN$17,200] with a top of the line Matrix topping out at just below US$20K to about CDN$25K.

For the entire North American market, Toyota sells nearly 100,000 Matrix’ each year. Not bad for a car whose origins are fairly simple but whose heart is actually sporty and youth minded.

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Honda has announced the price tag on the new Insight.The base model Insight is priced almost $4000 below the base price of the Prius. The cheap base price give the Insight the title of most affordable hybrid in the U.S. 

The Insight offers an ECO Assist system which enhances fuel economy further by controlling acceleration rates and helping the driver drive learn how to drive more economically.The ECON setting can be switched off so that the insight will produce more HP, or when left on the car will help you drive more efficiently.The integrated motor assist helps out the puny hybrid engine by giving it a horepower boost via and electric motor. This new technology further reduces weight, saves on manufacturering costs, and adds to the overall cabin space. The Honda sports a VTEC motor that is connected to an automatic transmission.  Features included on some Insight models are: alloy wheels, cruise control, 6 speaker audio with USB interface, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, Stability Assist, and a satellite navigation system with voice recognition. The goal of Honda is to make the Insight the top dog in the hybrid market, and this would entail selling more cars then the ever populat Prius. 

Toyota’s answer to the Insight is the Prius with a 160hp 1.8L engine and features three different driving modes. These 3 modes are the Power Mode which increases the performance of the Prius, the ECO mode which makes fuel economy the #1 proirity, and finally a EV mode which stands for Electric Vehicle.  The Prius also has a PCS, Pre- Collision System, available.The Pre-Collision System is similar to the intelligent cruise control found in other cars which will apply brake pressure if your car get too close to the car infront of you. The touch sensor system relocates certain buttons onto the steering wheel to lessen driver distraction.

When it comes to price the Insight is hands down the winner, but the gas mileage rating is another story altogether.Right now the MPG ratings for the new Insight are at 40 MPG in the city and 43 MPG on the highway, and the Prius comes in at 48 MPG city and 45 MPG on the highway.If you drive over 20,000 miles in a year (with gas costing $2.50 a gallon), the Toyota would only cost just over $1000 every year and the Honda would come in $200 more. When you drive a Prius, the amount of gas saved compared to an Insight is about 53 gallons, so to cover the lower price you would have to drive for 27 years.  So although the Prius gets better gas mileage; the Insight overcomes that hurdle by having such a low MSPR!

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The world of hybrid cars has a new king in the 2010 Toyota Prius. The Prius continually gets the best gas mileage of all hybrids today.The little Toyota is fitted with a 1.the displacement is up 0.3 liters.5L.Due to the increase of torque, the larger engine in the new Prius has better fuel economy.Horsepower is now up from 110 to 160. 

Past versions will be eclipsed by the 2010 Prius, which is up by 4 MPG.Simple gas saving habits can help the Prius to get over 75 MPG!Fuel Economy is improved by a redesigned powerplant and the lighter body weight. The stiffer body helps deduct the noise and vibration from the engine as well as the transmission.

Engineers have refined the steering by giving the Prius disc brakes all around. Something else exciting about the new Prius is that many of the optional features on the previous model now come standard on the 2010 model, such as: automatic air conditioning, a CD stereo, power windows, locks, and doors. Some cool new items include a rearview camera, LED headlights, Solar Panels on the sunroof, and a Satellite Navigation System.

The battery recharging system has also been upgraded. The new Toyota Prius graduated at the highest of its class in safety standards. Maintaining distance cruise control, parking assist, and safety connect systems like on-star are all accessories included on the Prius.

See the new Prius and a nice inventory of other hybrids at the Riverside County Toyota Dealer.  Or view an article at at Best New Autos on the Prius winning some awards.  The Prius has been named top green car for the past few years.  And why shouldn’t it.  The Prius gets great gas mileage which saves gas, in turn putting less strain on the environment.  Not to mention is is a low emissions vehicle.  The PRius is an honored car that does a great job of keeping its resale value.  So if you cannot afford to buy a brand new 2010 Prius, go ahead and look for a nice used model.  You will pay less, get a capable car, and even get a used car warranty if you buy a certified Toyota hybrid.

Most of us have to keep an eye on our outgoings nowadays and one major expense is running our cars. The price of petrol seems to be forever going up and so there are a few rules we can follow to help save on fuel.

One thing a lot of us are guilty of is putting our foot down when we accelerate. If you drive an automatic it is best to accelerate at a fairly moderate speed in order to give the transmission time to move to the higher gears. Also if you accelerate away and brake right away this is a big waste of fuel.

One good way to save fuel is simply reduce your speed. As speed increases the fuel decreases!

Under inflated tyres are often overlooked. If they are not at the correct pressure they will need to use more petrol to keep the car moving. Get yourself a good tyre gauge and check the tyres at least once a month. One tip is to check them when they are cold because driving the car will warm up the tyres and also the air inside which increases pressure and gives a falsely high reading.

Check your air filter, a dirty one will restrict the flow of air to the engine which will affect performance and also economy.
 
New wheels and tyres may look really good and they can even improve the way that a car handles, but if they are wider they could create more resistance and increase fuel consumption. So it is worth thinking about keeping the old tyres for long road trips which will give you a far smoother ride and far better economy.

If you are thinking of changing your car then maybe this will be the ideal time to downsize a little. Nissan and Toyota are two of the leading manufacturers who have developed highly fuel efficient cars.

This may not seem obvious, but take a look in your car and give it a bit of a spring clean. We are all often guilty of hoarding rubbish in our cars and its surprising how this extra baggage mounts up in weight. The more weight that is in the car the more fuel is burnt.

Finally, more than likely not a very popular thing to say, but whenever possible why not simply walk?!!

The key to making big savings is to cut back on the biggest expenses.  For many people, one such large expense is their car. Not many people truly understand the expense of owning a car.

Let’s break it down.If you must finance your new car, you’re paying even more in interest.Being a new car, you have to pay for the full insurance coverage.Maintaining the car is yet another expense.This will add up to a big number rather fast.

Compare all this with something such as a $100- clunker.  You’ve just spent less than a grand on the car, which is thousands and thousands less than anything new.Even if you drop five grand you still are way ahead of the game.

The cost for insurance is much lower.Driving an older car also saves you money on insurance. You now need only pay for the minimum coverage required by your state.

This might not seem like the best plan to many of you since it seems like an old car like this would break down constantly.It doesn’t have to be this way.  In order to get the most reliable car for my money, I prefer to go with older imports such as a used Subaru.  These are very reliable, lasting hundredes of thousands of miles.

The best way to find old cars like this is to check used car listings, which will many different vehicle options to choose from.  Just be very careful to check into the background of the car before you go ahead and buy it.

If you are willing to drive an old, beat up car, you will be shocked at how much money you can save.  Driving an old, cheap car really helps free up your budget while still fufilling the basic task of getting you from place to place.  Give some thought to it, you just might make the best financial decision of your life.

Has this ever happened to you?

There you are driving along and you look down at the petrol gauge. Oops the fuel gauge says it is dangerously close to empty!

Now I really want to get to work before I am late and all the garages seem to have queues a mile long (well almost!) so I decide to carry on and get some petrol later on in the day.

Needless to say I did not remember and so it goes on. With every mile I am pushing my luck and promising myself that I will fill up at the next petrol station. At a guess I reckon I have travelled approximately another 15 miles or so until I have topped the tank up.
 
I have a Toyota RAV4 and in my user guide it says “when the petrol light comes on you should fill up soon.” Well “soon” means different things to different people. Can anyone tell me how many more miles they have managed to drive when the petrol light shows red? My husband drives a peugeot and his manual says “when the petrol light comes on you can go approximately 30 more miles.”

I suppose I could experiment and top up the petrol can that I keep for emergencies (usually empty I may add) and fill it up and drive in a quiet area until the petrol light comes on. Set the milometer and drive until the tank is on empty. Then I would know how far I can travel before I run out completely. Well thats an idea, but probably not too good for the engine.

 
I suppose the sensible thing to do would be to go the other way and never allow the tank to fall below three quarters empty because at the end of the day it really is so much hassle having to panic at the last minute and find somewhere to fill up!

I would love to hear how many miles you have managed to get after the red light has appeared!