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Toyota Builds Cars That Can Go 200,000 Miles or More

At Classic Toyota, we’re proud to offer new cars at a variety of price points, including affordable models like the 2015 Toyota Yaris. We realize, though, that not all cars meet all needs, and your family may require a bigger vehicle. Fortunately the Toyota brand’s reputation for durability and reliability means you can drive your car for potentially 200,000 miles or more. more Consumer Reports magazine recently took a look at cars that are the most likely to pass the 200,000 mile mark. Each year, the magazine has an annual research survey that takes analysis of 1,000,000+ cars. The end result is a list of 10 vehicles based on actual ownership experience. Five of the vehicles on the list were Toyotas. The compact Toyota Corolla, the midsize Toyota Camry, the Toyota Highlander crossover, the Toyota Prius hybrid, and the Toyota Sienna minivan all made the cut. These models offer a variety of sizes and options, so it’s not hard to find a long-lasting vehicle that meets your needs. Of course, choosing a car is only the first step in meeting the 200,000 mile mark. During the course of ownership, you have to properly maintain the vehicle. Visit the Classic Toyota service center for all your regular maintenance needs and don’t wait to fix any issues with your vehicle. Consumer Reports says even missing something simple like an oil change can hinder the life of a vehicle. Consumer Reports also points out that just because a car can reach 200,000 miles doesn’t mean you should necessarily keep it that long. Every year Toyota releases new technology on their models, including advanced safety features designed to prevent crashes. It may be to your benefit to upgrade sooner rather than later. Whether you’re looking for a 2015 Toyota Camry near Gurnee or any of these other models on the Consumer Reports list, visit Classic Toyota. We carry the full 2015 Toyota lineup, and our Toyota dealers will be happy to help you find the car that best meets your needs.

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Don’t Miss Out on the 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

Toyota is actively working on the next generation 2016 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid. Compared to the 2015 Toyota Prius, the 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid lets the car drive solely on electric power for a limited time before switching to a blend of electric and gas performance. If you are curious about the current generation of the 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, this is the time to get behind the wheel! more The automaker recently announced they would stop production of the 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid as they ramp up for the next generation. 2016 hybrids will likely start showing up towards the end of this year or early in 2016. Not much is known so far about the upcoming model, but Toyota has said they want to focus more on styling. Currently the 2015 Toyota Prius and 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid have the same styling and that’s expected to change. Since the current 2015 Toyota hybrid is halting production next month, this is one of your last chances to get behind the wheel before the next generation comes out. The current hybrid is powered by a 1.8L four-cylinder engine supplemented by two different electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. A continuously variable transmission produces a total 134 hp from all sources. It takes about 90 minutes to fully charge the 2015 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid using a 240-volt power outlet or about three hours with a standard 120-volt outlet. When fully charged, the car can drive around 11 miles solely on electric battery. Once that charge is exhausted, drivers can still take advantage of the hybrid powertrain thanks to a regenerative braking system that helps to recharge the battery. Fuel economy is estimated at 51 mpg city and 49 mpg highway. We carry the full lineup of 2015 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles near Chicago at Classic Toyota. You can see our current inventory online, or you can visit our dealership to take a test drive. We are located in Waukegan, IL at 515 N. Green Bay Road.

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The 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser is Chicago’s Ultimate Luxury SUV

The 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV for Chicago-area drivers that want a vehicle that can do everything and has everything. Capable of seating up to eight people, the 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser is built with standard off-roading technology and the latest luxury features. more First off, the 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs at our dealership near Chicago have terrific performance specs. Each model has a big 5.7L V8 that puts out 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. These models can go from zero to 60 mpg in only 6.7 seconds and tow 8200 pounds. A four-wheel drive system lets you go anywhere you want. A Kinetic Dynamic suspension shifts to improve driving on or off the road. Multi-Terrain Select lets you further adapt the suspension for current road condition. At Classic Toyota, there is only one trim available for the 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser and no available options. That is because it has everything you could want in a luxury vehicle. The interior of the three-row SUV is simply gorgeous with wood accents and leather upholstery. The seats in the front are both heated and ventilated while the second row is also heated. The center console storage can be cooled for drinks and food, plus there’s a rear entertainment system to keep back passengers happy. An eight-inch touchscreen interface, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and a 14-speaker sound system are all included as well. If you’ve ever wanted an SUV that can do it all, you will love the 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser. Our Chicagoland Toyota dealers would be happy to show you the 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser. Visit our dealership at 515 N. Green Bay Road in Waukegan, Illinois where we are conveniently located for Chicago-area drivers. You can contact us at (877) 216-747 with any questions about this exciting new SUV.

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Toyota Will Provide Free Fuel for the 2016 Toyota Mirai

The Toyota Prius was a big change for Waukegan-area drivers when it was first released, introducing hybrid vehicle technology to a widespread audience. Now Toyota is looking to do the same with its first mass production fuel cell vehicle: the 2016 Toyota Mirai. To encourage early adopters to switch to hydrogen driving, the automaker is going to provide free fuel. more Out this October starting with a launch in California, Toyota will give drivers free hydrogen fuel for the first three years of ownership or for the entirety of a three year lease. At roughly about 50 fill ups a year—the vehicle has an estimated range of 250 to 300 miles on a full tank—that would be a substantial reduction in ownership costs and a major incentive to jump on the hydrogen fuel cell train. Toyota plans to release around 700 models in 2015, then ramping up to 2000 models in 2016 and 3000 in 2017. During that time they will work hard to increase the number of places drivers can refuel in California while also working to expand the release of the vehicle into other states. The 2016 Toyota Mirai and fuel cell vehicles in general are poised to be an excellent alternative to electric vehicles and pose many advantages. For one, hydrogen cars do not require the lengthy recharging times of electric vehicles. Refueling the 2016 Toyota Mirai should take just about as long as it takes to refuel a normal gasoline car. Plus, the only byproduct of driving one of these cars is water, so you can feel good about your environmental footprint. Classic Toyota will keep you posted on any new 2016 Toyota Mirai developments. In the meantime, if you’re looking for an efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicle, you can find the 2015 Toyota Prius in Waukegan at our dealership. Visit us at 515 N. Green Bay Road for a test drive!

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Introducing the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Toyota is an automaker committed to advanced car technology and always pushing towards the latest thing. Recently on the blog, our Toyota dealership near Kenosha looked at the hydrogen-powered 2016 Toyota Mirai. Now comes the news that Toyota is continuing to build their hybrid lineup with the announcement of the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Unveiled at the 2015 New York Auto Show, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 will be the automaker’s first small crossover hybrid. Over the past few years, the compact crossover segment has grown tremendously with drivers looking for more efficient vehicles that are still spacious and versatile. So far, the segment has been pretty sparse when it comes to hybrids. At the moment, Toyota hasn't released many precise details. What we do know is the vehicle will feature the Toyota Electric On-Demand all-wheel drive system. Toyota also announced some changes in store for the gasoline 2016 Toyota RAV4. These models will gain a new SE trim that will be focused on increased performance. Both the interior and exterior will also see an upgrade. Currently, the 2015 Toyota RAV 4, available at our Kenosha area Toyota dealership, comes with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that can push out 176 hp with 172 lb-ft of torque. These models are rated by the EPA at 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. With an electric drivetrain included, both city and highway mpg should see an increase. We’ll have more information about the 2016 Toyota RAV4 and 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid as it becomes available. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to come Classic Toyota to see the current 2015 Toyota RAV4 or any of our current hybrid models. You can find us at 515 N. Green Bay Road here in Waukegan, Illinois where we are only a short drive from Kenosha!

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The 2015 Toyota Prius V is an Efficient Family Car

Many Gurnee drivers may not realize there is actually a whole family of 2015 Toyota Prius hybrid cars. The 2015 Toyota Prius V is a larger, wagon-like version of the iconic hybrid. This model has a roomier rear seat than the compact 2015 Toyota Prius thanks to its larger, wagon design and also has more cargo space. Choose the 2015 Toyota Prius V near Gurnee at Classic Toyota if you’re looking for an efficient family car. more Every 2015 Toyota Prius V has an advanced hybrid powertrain. This starts with a standard 1.8L four-cylinder engine that gets augmented by two separate electric motors fed by a battery pack. Together they produce 134 hp, which is delivered with a continuously variable transmission. In terms of fuel economy, these hybrids are rated by the EPA at an impressive 44 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. A major benefit of choosing this model is its big backseat, which features, as described by Edmunds.com, “limolike legroom.” The rear seat can actually slide back and forth and even recline for maximum space or increase the cargo area. Behind the rear seats, there’s a very big 34.3 cubic feet which is almost triple what you’d find in some sedan trunks. The rear seat is split folding to give you more passenger/cargo customizations. With it full folded down, there’s 67.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. There are quite a few standard features for these models including full Bluetooth connectivity. You can easily access vehicle controls and entertainment through a spacious 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. There’s also keyless entry and keyless ignition, plus USB ports. If you want to learn more about the differences between the 2015 Toyota Prius models or more about the 2015 Toyota Prius V in particular, contact a Toyota dealer. We’d be happy to help!

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The 2016 Toyota Mirai FCV is the Future of Driving

When the Toyota Prius first arrived at our Waukegan Toyota dealership, not everyone was sure just what to make of the pioneering hybrid car. In the years since, the Toyota Prius has grown in popularity at Classic Toyota and the rest of the country. Now Toyota looks to change the game again with the release of the 2016 Toyota Mirai. more In Japanese “Mirai” means future, and the 2016 Toyota Mirai truly seems like something from another time. Based off last year’s Toyota FCV Concept, the 2016 Toyota Mirai showcases Toyota’s new hydrogen fuel cell technology. The vehicle will be similar in size to the current 2015 Toyota Camry. A hydrogen fuel cell car isn’t entirely different than an electric car in some ways. Drivers can move the car with an electric motor producing 151 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, which is sent power from a nickel-metal-hydride battery, which is also found in the 2015 Toyota Prius hybrids in Waukegan at our dealership. The big difference is there’s also a fuel cell that holds up to five kilograms of compressed hydrogen inside two tanks. These are located beneath the rear seats and behind them. According to Toyota, there’s enough hydrogen for a driver to go about 300 miles before refueling. Refueling is much faster than in an electric car and takes about the same time as it would to fill up a gas car. The other advantage is these cars are quite a bit more environmentally friendly to drive. The only emission from the hydrogen is water. Toyota plans to release the 2016 Toyota Mirai towards the end of 2015 starting in California so they can help to develop an infrastructure for refueling. Hopefully soon after that it will come to Classic Toyota. In the meantime, we carry the 2015 Toyota Prius and a variety of hybrid vehicles. Visit our dealership in Waukegan to take a test drive!

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Get Your Car Ready for Spring at Classic Toyota Serving Chicago

Our Toyota dealership serving Chicago knows how brutal the winters can be, especially to your vehicle. Fortunately, warm weather is on the horizon and that means it’s time to schedule a service appointment to fix winter damage and get ready for spring car driving. Classic Toyota offers free multi-point inspections, so there’s no excuse! more Here are a few of the most important areas to check after the winter season: Tires: If you were using winter tries, it’s time to take these off. If you weren’t, it’s important to check tread depths and wheel alignment. All the ice, snow, and salt can really harm your tires. Battery: Batteries and cold weather do not mix well. You want to make sure your battery isn’t going to die on you when the weather’s warm. Coolant Level: Hot summer temperatures are only weeks away, and you want your engine to handle it. We’ll be happy to check your coolant level and top you off if needed. Brakes: Brakes also get an extra workout trying to stop on snow and ice. This is a great time to make sure your brake pads are up to par. Oil Change: When is the last time you got an oil change? If it was at the beginning of winter, it’s time to come to our Toyota service department. Clean Your Car: Road salt gets everywhere in cars and can damage your paint, interior, and harm important driving systems. Classic Toyota offers a free car wash with every service appointment, and we also offer detailing services to get your car looking great for spring. Make an appointment or visit Classic Toyota at 515 N. Green Bay Road in Waukegan, Illinois to repair winter damage to your car. Our Toyota service team is ready to help you get ready for spring today!

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The 2015 Toyota Prius C is an Efficient City Car

Classic Toyota is proud to carry a full lineup of 2015 Toyota Prius models at out Toyota dealership near Libertyville. The 2015 Toyota Prius C is the most affordable of the energy efficient Toyota cars and the smallest. This compact hatchback is a good choice for city drivers, younger drivers, and anyone looking to cut down on their gas bills. more You do not need to plug in the 2015 Toyota Prius C or worry about having to find a charging station in order to take advantage of its hybrid drivetrain. Each of these models features a 1.5L four-cylinder engine that is augmented by an electric motor charged by a nickel-metal hydride battery. Together, these two systems produce 99 horsepower, which, in a car of this size, makes it easy to cruise around the city and highway. All models are front-wheel drive and power is delivered by a continuously variable transmission. It functions similar to a standard automatic transmission, but is not limited by a set number of gears. This makes shifting smooth and helps to boost fuel economy. Speaking of fuel economy, every drive should be happy with the 2015 Toyota Prius C. The EPA has estimated this model’s fuel efficiency at 53 mpg city and 46 mpg highway. According to Edmunds.com, this is “one of the most economical non-plug-in hybrids on the market.” These models come generously equipped with standard features like a 6.1-inch touchscreen display and Bluetooth connectivity, plus USB ports. There are four total trims with even more available features like satellite radio, navigation, keyless entry, and heated front seats. To get behind the wheel of the 2015 Toyota Prius C or any of the other 2015 Toyota Prius hybrids, visit Classic Toyota. If you have any questions right now, don’t hesitate to contact a Toyota dealer today.

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Sporty Toyota Special Edition Sedans are Coming to Chicago

Classic Toyota near Chicago currently has the 2015 Toyota Camry and 2015 Toyota Corolla in stock at our dealership in Waukegan. This week, though, our customers will have the opportunity to get a sneak peak of the 2016 Toyota Corolla and 2016 Toyota Camry. The automaker will be displaying “Special Edition” versions of both models at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. more Toyota fans have long been interested in sportier versions of these two classic sedans. The automaker has listened and will release unique trims this fall with some changes from the standard vehicles. The 2016 Toyota Camry Special Edition will offer sportier touches like blue stitching across the interior, tight 18-inch alloy wheels, and what Toyota is calling a smoked tail lamp, which sounds particularly thrilling. These models will also have unique paint colors like Blue Streak Metallic and Blizzard Pearl. Models will start production in August 2015 and will be limited to 12,000 units. The 2016 Toyota Camry Special Edition also has many upgrades. A sport driving mode tells you the mission of this model and that’s further cemented with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels, and rear disc brakes. The inside of the car will be black along with some red stitch and accents for the dashboard. These models will start production at the same time, though are limited to 8,000 cars. Anyone interested can see both models at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show for a minimal fee. Held at McCormick place, the show runs February 14 th through February 22 nd. You can find the current 2015 Toyota Camry near Chicago with the 2015 Toyota Corolla at Classic Toyota, located at 515 N. Green Bay Road in Waukegan, Illinois. If you are interested in either of the upcoming limited edition Toyota sedans, be sure to let us know. We expect demand to be very high for both cars!

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Frequently Asked Toyota Service Questions at Classic Toyota

Besides helping drivers find a new vehicle, our Toyota dealership in Waukegan also has an award-winning Toyota service center that can help with all your maintenance needs. Our service center is headed by Certified Master Service Manager Bill King, who has been with us for 25 years and helped our service center secure nine Toyota President’s Awards, the top honor Toyota gives for customer service and quality work. more We have experience with pretty much everything that can go wrong with a vehicle. Here are some of the most frequent questions we get: What are the Differences Between Indicator and Warning Lights? Indicator lights are less severe than warning lights. If you see an amber indicator light, there may be an issue that requires attention. When a red warning light appears, however, you have something that needs to be taken care of right away. In both cases, you’ll want to call us to learn more and schedule a service appointment. What Does “Trac Off” Mean? Traction control is an important safety feature that helps to provide stability while driving under suboptimal road conditions. There are times when you may need to turn this feature off, like if the wheels are stuck in the snow, as traction control may not let you accelerate or “rock” your vehicle free in these situations. The Trac Off button is generally by the dashboard or center console. Just remember to turn it back on! The Tire Pressure Indicator Light is on. What do I do? If an exclamation point pops up on the dash, one or more of your tires are not inflated properly. As long as the tire is not flat and safe to drive on, bring your car to Classic Toyota and we’ll inflate the tire(s) for free. What Windshield Washer Solvent Do I Need? A lot of drivers aren’t aware there are multiple types of windshield washer fluid. Most important in the winter is to use solvent rated at -20 degrees to make sure it doesn’t freeze on your windshield. You also want to make sure to use up your summer fluid before adding the winter solvent. What does it Mean When the Maintenance Light Comes on? Your car automatically displays this light every 5000 miles. Even if you aren’t due for an oil change just yet, we recommend scheduling a service appointment. We can deactivate the light, perform an overall inspection, and determine if you need any other minor services. When do I Need to Change my Wiper Blades? In any season, wiper blades are invaluable. There’s no exact time frame; they need to be replaced when wear and tear prevents them from working properly. To help preserve your blades, remove all ice and snow from the blades and windows before you start to use them. For any other questions, or to schedule a service appointment, give us a call at 847-336-4300! -The Classic Toyota Service Team

Modern and Efficient: The 2015 Toyota Corolla

If you are searching for a practical sedan that is outfitted with a multitude of convenient features, then you will likely want to take a closer look at the 2015 Toyota Corolla. With a spacious interior, a powerful engine, and a long list of reliable safety systems, the 2015 Toyota Corolla is an ideal combination of luxury and versatility! At your local Classic Toyota dealership, Waukegan drivers are welcome to check out the 2015 Toyota Corolla models that have just arrived in our showroom! more The 2015 Toyota Corolla is offered in L, LE, LE Eco, and S trim levels. Power accessories, LED headlights, and a four-speaker sound system are all standard on the 2015 Toyota Corolla. For drivers interested in additional features, the 2015 Toyota Corolla LE includes heated mirrors, keyless entry, automatic climate control, a six-speed sound system, and a rearview camera.   A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine powers the 2015 Toyota Corolla L and delivers 132 horsepower and 128 pound-foot of torque. Drivers can choose to pair the four-cylinder engine with either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. With either transmission, the 2015 Toyota Corolla achieves an EPA-estimated 31 miles per gallon in combined driving.   In addition to an efficient powertrain and practical standard features, the 2015 Toyota Corolla also includes several dependable safety systems. Stability and traction control, front side airbags, a driver knee airbag, and antilock brakes are all standard on the 2015 Toyota Corolla. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the 2015 Toyota Corolla received the agency’s highest score of “Good” in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact, and roof-strength crash tests.   Are you ready to discover more details about the 2015 Toyota Corolla? If you would like additional information about the 2015 Toyota Corolla, please stop in to your local Classic Toyota dealership and check out our wide selection of new and pre-owned Toyota vehicles. Drivers can also contact our professional sales team to schedule a test drive in the 2015 Toyota Corolla today!

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