2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch – The King of the Road

Sitting near the top end of Ford’s F-150 3-ton pickup range, the 2012 F-150 King Ranch, named after a huge King ranch in Texas, is aimed at ranchers, contractors, or just regular pickup drivers who want or need more than just a basic truck and are prepared to pay almost twice as much as the XL base model for a truck that comes with a load more standard features, better styling and a standard SuperCrew 4-door cab.

 

 

 

2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch Powertrain

Running an all-aluminum 5.0L V8 rated at 360hp or an optional 365 hp 3.5L turbo V6 EcoBoost engine for more horsepower and 420ft-lb of torque, the King Ranch actually weighs in at just over 2.8 tons but can carry between a half ton and a ton of payload depending on whether the buyer chooses the standard 5 1/2′ or the optional 6 1/2′ tray.

2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch Features and Options

There’s a long list of standard features that make this comfortable yet extremely useful vehicle much more than just a workhorse: Remote Start system, Dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC) which allows individual control of heating/cooling for both driver and front passenger, cruise control, rear view camera, universal garage door opener, power-adjustable pedals, heated and cooled power front seats, 110-volt inverter, front and rear power points, 6-disc CD changer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), trip computer, reverse sensing system, Chaparral leather-trimmed steering wheel and front bucket seats, 4.2î LCD Productivity Screen, Sirius Satellite Radio, SYNC in-car connectivity system, and the list goes on and on. This is a high-spec vehicle for the pickup enthusiast who just has to have (almost) everything.

But then there are the options: Ford Work Solutions Cable Lock system for securing the truck bed and its contents, tailgate step, box side steps, skid plates, stowable bed extender, power moonroof, navigation system, electronic locking rear differential, 36-gallon fuel tank, 20-inch wheels and more. To get the more high-spec features such as sat-nav and moonroof as standard you can always upgrade to the Platinum or Harley Davidson model, but many of the exterior options would not be useful to the average pickup owner so haven’t been included by Ford as standard as they are more applicable to contractors or off-road enthusiasts.

The only thing you can’t get in the King Ranch is the 6.2L V8 available on the more expensive models, but for King Ranch buyers this isn’t going to be an issue as that extra power comes with a price, and the 5.0L and EcoBoost engines provide more than adequate power for work or personal use. It’s really only off-road enthusiasts who are going to want to pay the extra up-front cost and higher fuel bill that comes with the bigger V8.

2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch – A Smart Choice

Popularity: 3% [?]

2012 Toyota Avalon – A Conservative Design that Delivers on the Bottomline

2012 Toyota Avalon – Elegance and Modern Technology Combined

The 2012 Toyota Avalon is the premier sedan manufactured by the Japanese automobile maker in the United States and is Toyota’s flagship sedan in North America as well as the Middle East. The Avalon is a full-sized sedan with plenty of room and a broad range of luxury features which provide a comfortably smooth driving and riding experience. Its size and functionality caters well to people who value comfort and excellent design over raw performance.

The 2012 Toyota Avalon will remain unchanged from its 2011 model year, but still offers a wide range of benefits highlighted by the largeness of its space, the comfort it provides and a number of luxury appointments as well. Is there reason to think twice about buying an Avalon then? No and here is why:

2012 Toyota Avalon Exterior – Classic Luxury

The beauty of the 2012 Toyota Avalon is in the simplicity of its design. Compared to its competition, the Avalon lacks sleek lines or strong accented angles. This is a strong point of the Avalon’s design. Instead of imitating modern aesthetics in new vehicles, it relies on the simplicity of its exterior to emit an elegant appeal akin to luxurious classic cars which were very popular in the past. With this in mind, there really is no reason for Toyota to chug out exterior changes every year which may very well alter the uniqueness of the Avalon.

The 2012 Toyota Avalon has a wide wheelbase and with the inclusion of a wide substantial grille that blends with the projector headlamps and the broad hood, the full-sized sedan looks even bigger than it really is. In fact, many people who have had the chance of reviewing the Avalon up close liken the sedan to an outstretched Camry.

The Avalon is equipped with very bright headlamps due to the combination of halogen high beams and halogen low beams producing a light signature that is unique to the vehicle. Its front fog lamps blend well with the trapezoid front bumper to produce lights that cover a wide area. The side mirrors are resistant to glare and are integrated with turn signals.

2012 Toyota Avalon Interior – Elegant Simplicity

Aside from its elegant and classic exterior, the interior design of the 2012 Toyota Avalon is no different. The spacious interior looks very elegant from the inside not to mention comfortable because of the seating and the included amenities. Colors of the materials match well with the wood-grain style materials used to exude the elegance found commonly in luxury sedans.

The gauges are very presentable with white lighting and white pointers enclosed in smoked lenses as well as deep chrome rings that add up to the already luxurious appearance of the interior. To add comfort to luxury, Toyota even included finger tip-controlled control switches that help access other vehicle systems including Bluetooth smartphone connectivity

2012 Toyota Avalon Technology and Gadgetry

Despite exuding a sense of luxury evident in classically modern automobiles, the 2012 Toyota Avalon has a wide array of modern electronic technology to improve the vehicle experience of the driver as well as the passengers. Just some of these features include hands-free phone and music streaming via Bluetooth with a compatible device, auxiliary connectivity for iOS devices, and Sirius XM satellite radio capability among others.

The display system installed in the 2012 Toyota Avalon is not only for DVD playback. Likewise, it is also used by the navigation system and features a keyboard screen much like a personal computer. To provide the best sound quality, Toyota equipped the Avalon with a 9-speaker audio system to produce impressive sound quality. Upgrades to this system can also come in the form of a JBL 12-speaker 660-watt JBL Premium Synthesis audio system that is also fitted with a 2-coil subwoofer.

2012 Toyota Avalon Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency

The 2012 Toyota Avalon is equipped with a 24-valve 3.5-liter DOHC engine producing 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 pound-foot of torque at 4,700 RPM. Despite the powerful engine, it is integrated into a 6-speed automatic transmission system to maximize fuel economy. Because of this, the 2012 Toyota Avalon has an EPA rating of 20 miles per gallon on city roads and 29 miles per gallon on highways making it more fuel-efficient than many of the full-size sedans available in the market today.

There are many good reasons why the Avalon has a huge following among the older generation and there is no reason why younger car enthusiasts should not consider transitioning to a more elegant car design in the form of the 2012 Toyota Avalon.

Review and price 2012 Toyota Avalon now.

 

Popularity: 2% [?]

2012 Toyota Prius Goes Plural – Brad’s Smart Buy – Car Buying Tips –

 2012 Toyota Prius Goes Plural - Brad’s Smart Buy – Car Buying Tips –  

The 2012 Toyota Prius is part of the breed that produced the top selling hybrid car in the world.

With more than 2.3 million units sold up to August 2011. Its status as a top seller reflects Toyota’s continued innovation and development in the hybrid field where the Prius was the first commercial hybrid on the market in 1997.

IntelliChoice, which gathers its data from many different sources, selected the Toyota Prius as the Best Overall Value of the Year for 2011 in its class.  http://doengestoyota.com/Bartlesville-OK/For-Sale/New/Toyota/Prius/2011-5dr-HB-III-Silver-Car/3410366/

 The 2012 Toyota Prius Four Model Trims:                                                                                                                            The  Toyota Prius Two@ $23,520,                                                                                                                                                        The 2012 Toyota Prius Three @ $24,520,                                                                                                                                          The 2012 Toyota Prius Four @ $27,520,                                                                                                                                          The 2012 Toyota Prius Five@ $28,790                                                                                                                                             Take a quick look here.    http://www.toyota.com/prius-hybrid/trims-prices.html#/?view=showroom&vehicle=0  The two models both use the same engine, but the 2012 V is a bigger, heavier car than its stable mate and, as a result, has considerably poorer performance in terms of fuel efficiency.

In March 2012, the first plug-in version of the Prius will be shipped through dealers in 14 states, and in all states in 2013. This new version has been demonstrated achieving an amazing 87mpg using mainly electric power and is bound to be another Toyota success.

The 2012 Toyota Prius Myth Buster

Myth: Many people are reluctant to consider using hybrid cars because they fear they will have to learn new driving skills to compensate for the different power sources.

There is a perception that there will be noticeable lags as the car switches between electric and gas power, and vice versa. Some people are under the illusion that it is the driver who has to control the power source.

 Reality:  The 2012 Toyota is a smooth operator. No compensation, no lag, if you did not know it was a hybrid .With the 2012 Toyota Prius, Toyota has produced a hybrid car that feels and behaves just like a standard gas-powered.

You will Love the Way the 2100/ 2012 Toyota Prius Drives

The onboard technology automatically and seamlessly swaps between the two power sources, or uses both together, as it deems necessary. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) system is also fully automatic and responds instantly and unnoticeably to power source changes.

The Toyota 2012 Toyota Prius is sold with a 1.8-liter, gas-powered engine coupled with two electric motors, delivering a maximum horsepower rating of 134. It is a 4-door, 5-seater hatchback with a very seductive appearance and beautifully designed interior, giving it a luxury feel.

If You Drive a Lot and Want to Go Green The Prius is the Answer

Because of the combined gas and electric motor technology, the Prius hybrid costs more than similarly sized cars with standard engines, so the key question is whether or not the car is worth the initial extra outlay. The answer depends very much on the model chosen and the predominant type of use the car is    put to.

The 2011/12 Prius will provide up to 51mpg in city driving and a generous 48mpg on the highway, while the larger, heavier 2012 Prius manages a more modest 44mpg and 40mpg respectively.  It is clear that by using the Toyota Prius people who do a lot of city driving will make substantial savings on gas and that these savings will more than compensate for the initial additional purchase outlay.

It should also be remembered that gas prices have consistently been on an upward trend and are likely to continue to rise during the life of the car, making the Toyota Prius an even more economical investment…. Wouldn’t you agree?

              Coming Soon to a Dealership Close to You

Be on the lookout for a new Prius coming to town. Later the Prius C (for City) will become available. This is a more compact and efficient Prius than the standard models. More on this in a future post.

 

 

Popularity: 2% [?]

The 2012 Toyota Corolla – Car Buying Tips – Brad Your Car Guy

The 2012 Toyota Corolla – Affordability and Convenience in a Family Sedan

No other sedan is more iconic to the Toyota brand than the Corolla and the all-new 2012 Toyota Corolla puts the legendary sedan series firmly on track with that notion. The Corolla has become Toyota’s international all-time flagship or “flagsedan” for that matter for more than 40 years now and has even become the basis for the design of other Toyota sedans or hatchbacks. This year, the 2012 version carries with it the major changes seen from the greatly revamped 2011 Corolla plus a slew of new features making it as visible as ever among the most top-selling sedans around the world.

 Brief History and the New 2012 Toyota Corolla

Since its introduction in 1966, the Corolla has long been regarded as one of the best family sedans because of its features and its rather inexpensive price tag. For this reason, it is one of the most well-known sedans internationally.

 2012 Toyota Corolla Design

Despite not belonging to the same price range as its more expensive counterparts, the 2012 Toyota Corolla still features a smooth design that appeals even to drivers with a sense of style. It may not look like the most aesthetically appealing in its category but clearly, what it lacks in the design department, it makes up for in its cost and its comfort.

Interior Creature Comfort of the 2012 Toyota Corolla 

Like all other compact cars under the sedan category, the 2012 Toyota Corolla isn’t exactly designed to provide a very spacious head room. It is in essence a four-door sedan with a passenger capacity of a maximum of five. However, many creature comforts have been added to ensure that passengers get the best comfort for every ride including improved front seating for taller drivers and passengers, a display that shows a range of information about the vehicle, as well as easy to reach storage spaces.

Technology and the  2012 Toyota Corolla 

Depending on the trim level chosen, there is a wide range of upgrades available for the 2012 Toyota Corolla. The base L trim level has the basic power windows, locks, mirrors, air conditioning, trip monitor, as well as keyless entry system. The mid-range LE trim level features steering wheel audio controls that also have iPod and Bluetooth connectivity integrated with the improved audio systems. The sportier S trim level meanwhile has stitched seat accents, XM satellite radio, a moonroof, as well as a navigation system.

Safety Features on the 2012 Toyota Corolla 

Those second guessing whether the 2012 Toyota Corolla is the right choice as a family vehicle should realize that for its affordable price, this vehicle is one of the safest family sedan or compact car around having been chosen as an IIHS Top Safety Pick. All trim levels are fitted with front and side-curtain airbags, as well as active front head restraints. The body is also designed and engineered to absorb impacts and disperse energy throughout the entire body making use of specially partitioned crumple zones.

2012 Toyota Corolla Performance 

Sporting an I-4 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that allows 132-horsepower at 6,000 RPM of power and 128 pound-feet at 4,400 RPM of torque, the 2012 Toyota Corolla has an excellent fuel efficiency of 27 miles per gallon for city roads and 34 miles per gallon for highways. This sedan can go from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 10.1 seconds and from 80 to 120 kilometers per hour in 8.6 seconds.

With a stiff body structure making use of a torsion beam rear suspension, the 2012 Toyota Corolla cruises with top-notch handling to allow for a very comfortable ride. It is fitted with an electric power-assist steering mechanism that automatically adjusts itself depending on vehicle speed. All these handling features make sure the driver gets the most responsiveness from his vehicle regardless of cruising speed.

 

Popularity: 3% [?]

2012 Toyota Sienna – Car buying Tips – Brad Your Car Guy

The 2012 Toyota Sienna is Toyota’s premier minivan.

The Sienna was originally meant to replace the earlier Previa minivan which saw lackluster sales in 1997. Despite it being in the minivan category, the Sienna is based and patterned on the Camry platform which it also shares the Toyota Kentucky manufacturing plant with.

Originally smaller than competing vehicles in the same category, the release of the 2nd generation Toyota Sienna saw the vehicle going through a size revamp allowing it to go toe to toe with what used to be its bigger competitors.

Having went through its 2nd major revamp and into the 3rd generation Sienna in 2011, the minivan is considered one of the Big Four most highly rated minivans in the world. The 2012 Toyota Sienna offers the most diverse configurations and variations for a wide range of customer preferences with its 12 available trim levels.

Exterior -2012 Toyota Sienna

Because the transition from the 2nd generation to the 3rd generation occurred with the introduction of the 2011 model, the exterior of the 2012 Toyota Sienna is no different to its direct predecessor. However, the 2011 and 2012 Sienna, both of which are of the 3rd generation, has greatly improved exterior aesthetics compared to the 2nd generation.

Compared to other competing minivans, the 2012 Toyota Sienna adopted a design with more pronounced forms on the nose down to the windows. Unlike most minivans with similar designs, the Sienna is less boxy and tapers softly from the front to the rear.

Interior-2012 Toyota Sienna

Designed primarily as a family vehicle, the interior of the 2012 Toyota Sienna is spacious and packed with features that parents and kids would love. The design of the dashboard is made so as to make the driver and the front passenger feel the least congested. The interior is specially designed to create spaces for each passenger and the nearby temperature and volume controls blend well with the overall feel of the Sienna’s cabin.

Perhaps the most comfortable area of the 2012 Toyota Sienna especially during long rides is the 3rd row seating compartment. Unlike SUV 3rd row seating which feels cramped and uncomfortable, the Sienna provides the exact opposite because of the ample amount of headspace and legroom.

Comfort and Convenience-2012 Toyota Sienna

The most basic trim level of the 2012 Toyota Sienna offers the basic features expected in a minivan. These include manual seats, an excellent stereo system, and air conditioning, but those who have more to spend and who want more value for money will surely find that the higher trim levels offer more than what they can expect in a family minivan.

The most popular upgrade available for the 2012 Toyota Sienna among families is the 16.4-inch rear seat DVD system. This system has the ability to show a single DVD in widescreen for each of the two rear seat displays or two separate DVDs to cater to 2 different audiences. This feature is perfect for parents who have kids that have different favorites when it comes to TV shows.

2012 Toyota Sienna  Safety Rating

Because it is primarily marketed as a family vehicle, Toyota engineers put a premium on safety while designing and testing the 2012 Toyota Sienna. Because of this, the vehicle has achieved optimum performance in the safety tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration earning five stars out of five for side impact crash testing and four stars for rollover rating. Aside from the NHTSA, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also recognizes the high safety rating of the Sienna and even named it a Top Safety Pick because of its performance in the crash tests they conducted.

A Top Toyota Family Pick

When displayed with other Toyota family vehicles, the 2012 Toyota Sienna will surely be a top pick among large families because of the iconic design of a minivan. It is just the perfect vehicle to take the kids to and from school, practice, or other family destinations such as camping or fishing.

 

 

 

 

Popularity: 1% [?]

The 2012 Toyota Camry – Car Buying Tips – Brad your Car Guy

2012 Toyota Camry Has Earned Worldwide Appeal

Not only is the Toyota Camry the bestselling car in the United States and North America, it is also one of the safest. This reflects in its strong customer base in many countries around the world except for Europe where competition is fierce and incidentally in Japan.

In some Asian countries, the Camry is seen as an executive vehicle.

The new 2012 Toyota Camry comes as a slightly redesigned version that exerts a tough exterior but with a smooth and stylish touch. It also has a load of new features under its sleeves that are sure to strengthen its hold as the number one sedan in the market today.

Improvements –for the 2012 Toyota Camry

Considering the fact that many of Toyota’s big vehicle revamps were made in 2007 and just recently in 2011, there really isn’t so much to expect in terms of upgrades for the 2012 Toyota Camry. But the design team still found room to improve, and they did.

More for Less

However, Toyota has been generous in making sure that customers get more than what they pay for by adding some nifty little features that make a purchase more than worthwhile.

Toyota engineers think long and hard about changes it will make to its prized vehicle fearing the risk of drastically affecting sales. That is why the 2012 Toyota Camry will be included again, among the top selling cars for the past 15 years.

Small Incremental Improvements

What many prospective buyers will notice upon seeing the 2012 Toyota Camry  is small and incremental changes. Noticeable upgrades will be seen in the exterior, and interior. What you can’t see, except in your wallet, of course is the improvement in fuel efficiency. These enhancements will continue to add to the iconic design and appeal of the 2012 Toyota Camry.

Exterior and Interior-

Highlighting the new 2012 Toyota Camry exterior are small changes such as.

• A refitted bonnet/nose
• Revamped headlight design
• Integrated chrome grille
• New rear taillight designs
• New front bumper cover
• Lower air intake, and
• Chrome fog light recesses

Next the design team at Toyota worked hard to add the interior roomier. They accomplished this by adjusting several components such as the headliner [head room], the pillar caps, the center console, as well as the door control panels. This combination provides a more comfortable seating configuration. 

Electronic Features-

The 2012 Toyota Camry is packed with electronic features that make it more than just a family sedan. Buyers have a choice of choosing electronic features and upgrades depending on their chosen trim level. Some of these features and upgrades include an:

• LCD display system integrated with a six-speaker AM/FM/CD system
• 6.1-inch touch screen LCD with HD radio,
•  ITunes tagging audio system, and voice-controlled navigation.
• Display technology used in these systems gives the driver or the passengers the capability of personalizing other vehicle systems and controls.
• To top it all off, the most advanced electronics system in the form of a navigation system with a 7-inch display connected to 10 JBL Green Edge speakers.

This entire electronics package provides the driver and the passengers with an entertainment and navigation system that only can be described as “da bomb”.

Safety-First-Five Stars

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons to own a 2012 Toyota Camry as a family vehicle is safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rating for the 2012 Camry stands at 5 stars. The highest rating a vehicle can achieve. This is impressive due to the new and more rigorous testing procedures introduced by the current administration.

Crumble Zones and More Air Bags

A crumple zone {CZ} is a safety design feature that absorbs energy. In the event of an accident, the CZ absorbs the majority of the displaced energy before reaching the passenger seating area.  The body structure is designed to crumple at certain areas and withstand deformity near the passenger compartment to ensure maximum protection. 

In addition, the vehicle is equipped with 10 standard air bags as well as the Toyota Star Safety System which is a complete vehicle safety solution that incorporates safety in stability control, traction, and braking among others.

Fuel Economy

Another good reason why the 2012 Toyota Camry could still retain its top spot in the sedan bestseller list is its improved fuel efficiency which further improves the EPA rating of the 2012 Camry to 25/34 miles per gallon city/highway compared to the 22/32 miles per gallon city/highway of its outgoing 2011 predecessor.

 

 

Popularity: 1% [?]

2012 Toyota Tacoma Truck Buying Tips Brad Your Car Guy

2012 Toyota Tacoma Line Up in three Tim Levels:  

In the compact to mid-size class of pick-up truck, the Toyota Tacoma comes first in class based on performance, price, drive quality, features and fuel economy. It is an excellent performer when driving on pavement and is impressive in its off-road handling when loaded with special off-road add-ons.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The Top Level  trim is the X-Runner, which at nearly $10,000 more than the Regular Cab base-level truck, is somewhat surprisingly available only as a rear-wheel-drive truck. Toyota sells all other Tacoma trims with a choice of 2 or 4-wheel drive versions. Other trims available are the Access Cab and the second most expensive trim, the Double Cab. The two middle trims have a choice of either a 2.7-liter or a 4-liter engine. The Regular Cab is sold only with the lower spec engine and the X-Runner only with the most powerful engine.

2012 Tacoma Regular Cab and Access Cab

There is a variety of transmission options available as well. The Tacoma Regular Cab and Access Cab are available with either 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. The Access can also be equipped with a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual option.

2012 Tacoma Double Cab

The Tacoma Double Cab can come with 4 or 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual while the X-Runner has just 6-speed manual transmission.

2012 Tacoma X Runner

The Toyota Tacoma is obviously intended to be a working vehicle, and with so many configurations to choose from, it is clear that the purchase choice will be down to exactly what the vehicle will be expected to do. Even though the X-Runner is the top-level trim, it has been designed for the lightest workloads and easiest conditions.

It looks as though Toyota are aiming this version at those who want a certain amount of work capability, who will do little or no off-road driving, but who require good performance on standard road surfaces.

2012 Toyota Access Cab and the Double Cab

For more robust working performance, the Access Cab and the Double Cab trims with the V6 engine come with options designed to get the most out of the trucks. The Tow Package includes transmission coolers for the automatic version, a heavy-duty battery and Trailer Sway Control. The latter is an important safety feature that continually monitors the trailer to detect potential control problems and automatically inputs adjustments to prevent any sway from developing to harmful levels. This option is particularly useful for those who are not used to towing trailers.

2012 Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Off-Road Package

These two Tacoma trims can also avail of the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Off-Road package. This features a different suspension tuned specifically for off-road conditions incorporating Bilstein shock absorbers and a locking rear differential that is electronically controlled.

The package includes Hill Start Assist, Active Traction Control and Downhill Assist Control. This latter is selectable at the touch of a button and sets the automatic transmission, the Anti-Lock Braking System and Active Traction Control units working together to maintain a constant downhill speed while preventing any wheel locking.

There are lots of other features, mostly related to styling, bundled in the Off-Road package for the Toyota Tacoma. They include an engine skid plate, which could be very important, a front tow hook and an integrated backing up camera.

 

Popularity: 2% [?]

2012 Toyota Sequoia – Car Buying Tips – Brad Your Car Guy

2012-Toyota Sequoia – Car Buying Tips

A reliable, powerful, dependable SUV

 

The 2012 Toyota Sequoia is the largest full-size SUV in the company’s range. This vehicle is a combination of incredible power, great towing ability, legendary Toyota reliability. The Sequoia is engineered with surprisingly nifty handling for a SUV of its size. The Sequoia can be configured as a 7- or 8-passenger SUV. You also can fold the third row seats completely flat, providing the maximum storage space.

The Three Trim Levels for the 2012 Toyota Sequoia

1.) The base model is the SR5.                                                                                                                                                           2.) Next step up is the the Limited                                                                                                                                                 3.) The Platinum edition is the top of the line.

All trims are available as rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The base trim ships as standard with a 4.6-liter, 32-valve engine that will produce up to 310 horsepower and 327 pound-feet of torque. The Limited and Platinum trims get more power and performance with the bigger 5.7-liter engine bringing the available horsepower up to 381 and torque up to 401. The transmission is fully automatic with six speeds.

Safe and Comfortable Driving for the 2012 Toyota Sequoia

The Sequoia is a solid-looking machine that conveys an impression of safe and comfortable driving. The SUV is equipped with all modern safety devices. The driver and passenger are protected by facing airbags. Adding to your driving safety are seat-mounted side airbags and knee airbags. All but the base model have roll-sensing side curtain airbags. All the passenger seatbelts are fitted with automatic locking retractors. The benefit here is they can be essentially locked around any passenger, ideal when carrying children.

Sequoia Creature Comforts

Like so many of their vehicles, the 2012 Toyota’s Sequoia provides very comfortable driving. The driver’s seat is 8-way adjustable meaning that the height can be raised if required, giving excellent all-round vision. Height and angle of the steering wheel are also adjustable. All trims come with cruise control and the Platinum additionally has dynamic cruise control. This is a system that detects if the Sequoia is too close to the vehicle in front and reduces speed until a safe distance is regained.

The Sequoia is sooooo Quiet

On the road, the 2012 Toyota Sequoia is a very quiet car to drive and the on-board entertainment system can be enjoyed at low volumes. All three trims have a different standard basic system.

All trim levels have

• AM/FM radio and CD player
• Satellite radio
• Then there  iPod connectivity and
• Live music streaming via Bluetooth
• Standard on the Platinum edition, and available as an option on the Limited, are a voice-activated, touchscreen DVD navigation system and a rear seat entertainment system via a DVD player with 9-inch screen.
• Bundled with the navigation system is an integrated rear camera to assist when backing up. It transmits an image to the navigation screen of what is behind the Sequoia. This brings the owner         an excellent safety supplement when reversing this high, long and spacious vehicle.

 Bumper to Bumper Warranty Including  a Maintenance Plus Bonus

The new 2012  Toyota Sequoia  is sold with Toyota’s  warranty package that includes ToyotaCare service and breakdown coverage. There is a warranty on all parts except normal wear items like oil filters, tires,            wipers etc. The warranty is three years or 36,000 miles which ever comes first.

The engine, drive system and transmission are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. On top of this there is an unlimited mileage, 5 year warranty against rust. The ToyotaCare coverage, with restrictions on vehicle use, offers two years of normal scheduled maintenance free of charge as well as roadside assistance.

 

Popularity: 2% [?]

2012 Toyota Avalon – Car Buying Tips From Brad Your Car Guy

The 2012 Toyota Avalon is Luxury driving at an Affordable Price

 In the full-size sedan car market, Toyota’s main offering is the luxurious Avalon where the company has paid every attention to detail to provide a really pleasant and comfortable driving experience. Where the Avalon differs from similar cars from other manufacturers is in offering luxury features as standard, even on the base model.

The 2012 Toyota Avalon: The Base Model and the Limited Edition

 The Toyota Avalon comes in just two trims, the base model and a Limited edition, the latter being equipped with some slightly higher-spec equipment and features such as rain-sensing windshield wipers, a more sophisticated audio package and chrome door handles. The car is powered by a 3.5-liter, 24-valve engine that can pull up to 268hp and create torque of 248 pound-feet at 4,700 rpm. Even though this car is large with a pretty big capacity engine, it provides a pleasingly economical drive with a surprising 20mpg in city conditions and 25mpg on the highway. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic unit.

Solid, Safe and Steadfast

Toyota has a reputation for concentrating on giving its cars a solid, safe and steadfast appearance rather than opting for a sporty or flash appearance, and the Avalon, while stylish, is no exception.

This car has been developed specifically for the American market, and its primary aim is to deliver luxury at a price that is not going to break the bank, an aim that it has certainly achieved. From the beautifully designed interior, to the amazingly quiet and comfortable driving, this car exudes an air of mobile luxury that will appeal to many, while its price tag will attract those who might never have considered luxury cars in the past.

The Avalon’s Interior Package is Splendid

The interior of the Toyota Avalon looks splendid with the contrast between the leather-covered seats and the use of real wood trimming, as on the front, central console, reminiscent of a luxury yacht. Even the instrument panel has been given a makeover making for better clarity readouts and the in-car entertainment unit on the central stack has been modified to make it easier to adjust.

Superb Seating adds to the Comfort Factor

The 8-way adjustable front seats are individually heated with variable setting, and the car has full air-conditioning with separate vents for the rear seats. Exclusively for cars in this class, the two outer rear seats can be reclined. The driver’s seat, which is elevated to provide excellent all-round visibility, and the wing mirrors come with a memory function.

Plenty of Smooth Pick up – Compared to Other Vehicles  in this Class

Even though the Toyota Avalon has continued to impress as a reliable, trustworthy vehicle, it is still able to deliver responsive power inputs when required. In fact, it has been shown to accelerate from 0 to 60mph in about 6 seconds, a performance level that beats many of its competitors. Despite the quietness and comfort of the drive, the car certainly cannot be accused of being sluggish where it matters.

The 2012 Toyota Avalon is a Top Safety Pick 

Toyota cars tend to do very well in industry safety evaluations and the Avalon is no exception, winning a Top Safety Pick award in 2011 from the IIHS. It is fully loaded with modern safety devices from pre-tensioning  seatbelts and active headrests to advanced braking systems. The front seats have front and side airbags while the entire car is protected by side curtain airbags. The driver is further protected by a knee airbag. The Toyota Avalon is the perfect vehicle for luxury, comfort, style and safety.

 

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2012 Toyota Yaris – Car Buying Tips From Brad Your Car Guy- Bartlesville

The 2012 Toyota Yaris – Don’t Let the Size Fool You!

The 2012 Toyota Yaris is a subcompact 5-door hatchback marketed by Toyota as the perfect small car for the budget-minded.  It is the perfect vehicle for the small family that want a car that is engineered to produce a long list of comfort and convenience  features.  Starting with a nice ride with excellent fuel efficiency owing to its size and weight, that is also convenient for the short hop or the long haul.

Since production started in 1998 up until the 3rd generation was introduced in 2010, Toyota has sold more than 3.5 million Yaris in more than 70 countries around the world. The main reason is the total value received for the dollar investment.

The Toyota Yaris is a testament to the Japanese carmaker’s success internationally especially in Europe where the market for smaller subcompact vehicles is riddled with strong competition. Having garnered a market share of not less than 5% in the continent over the past 10 years, it has boosted the brand’s visibility in Europe and became a major contributor in strengthening the brand name throughout the whole continent. This is no accident as Toyota has poured a ton of value into the Yaris.

The 2012 Yaris and its Rising Popularity in the United States

A few years ago, the United States market may have passed on the Yaris for another car because of its plain design and lack of features. However, with rising fuel costs and Toyota’s push for improving the Yaris changed that picture.  At present, the 2012 Toyota Yaris now enjoys a growing popularity in the US market. After all, it isn’t Toyota’s 3rd best-selling vehicle internationally for nothing.

The Toyota Emphasis on Quality

To further improve its growing marketability, Toyota focused on developing key aspects of the 2012 Toyota Yaris including its quality, design, space, and more importantly, its value for money.

The Yaris now comes as a 2-door or 4-door configuration, 5-passenger family coupe or wagon and is available in 7 trim levels – L 3-Door MT, L 3-Door AT, L 5-Door AT, LE 3-Door AT, LE 5-Door AT, SE 5-Door MT, and the SE 5-Door AT.

The 2012 Yaris  Exterior Makeover

The 2012 Toyota Yaris has the traditional form factor of the series but the design has clearly been heavily updated to compete with current car design trends. Despite its simple nature, the Yaris still has a polished yet aggressive look to it. It definitely looks nothing like the earlier year models that shooed away interested buyers because of its bland and tasteless exterior. To say the least, the 2012 Yaris can have other competing subcompact cars a good run for their money in terms of exterior styling.

2012 Yaris Interior Enhancements 

At twenty feet  one would think that there would hardly be any room for four inside the Yaris.  However, in reality the Yaris has a reasonably-sized interior room even for four large adults.

What makes the interior of the 2012 Toyota Yaris stand out is that it is no longer the awful cabin that was standard in earlier year models of the Yaris. The dashboard now actually looks more than just presentable and the knobs and gauges have been repositioned to help make the cabin appear less narrow than it really is which was a huge problem with earlier generation versions.

Standard Features for the 2012 Toyota Yaris

For its price range, the 2012 Toyota Yaris has a complete set of features standard in modern cars plus a few more under its sleeves.

• The basic trim levels are equipped with:
•  Air conditioning
•  CD player with iPod and USB connectivity
• Single-arm windshield wiper
• Power locks
• Nine airbags
• Whiplash-reducing seats
• Stability control

The LE trim has the standard features of the L trim

• Power windows and mirrors
• Bluetooth connectivity
• HD Radio
• Split-folding seat-back for the rear
• Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
• Metallic and chrome trim bit.

• At the top end of the Yaris Model is the  5-Door SE with standard:
• Cruise control
• Sports seats
• Silver gauge faces.

Toyota has proved the Yaris as a dependable vehicle that has a wide base of support world wide. Knowing the 2012 Toyota Yaris brings with it significant improvements to the series, there is no doubt that the new model will further improve Toyota’s market share in the subcompact car category. The 2012 Toyota exceeds it value in relation to its cost. This vehicle will prove to be a great buy.

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