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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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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

At Classic Toyota, we are extremely excited to share the news that Consumer Reports has named the 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid the Best Value Car for 2015. With a roomy cabin, incredibly efficient powertrain, and plentiful list of convenient standard features, drivers will likely agree that the 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid is an ideal midsize sedan. For 2015, the Toyota Camry Hybrid includes new exterior styling and an updated interior cabin that is equipped with additional new features. more As the 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid cruises around town, drivers will likely notice the exterior changes, such as the large grille and updated taillights. The 2015 Toyota Camry LE Hybrid comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless ignition, and a six-speaker sound system. For drivers interested in more features, the 2015 Toyota Camry XLE Hybrid offers leather upholstery, heated front seats, and LED running lights. The hybrid powertrain of the 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and battery pack. The combined output is a notable 200 horsepower. According to the EPA, the 2015 Toyota Camry LE Hybrid delivers a remarkable 41 miles per gallon in combined driving. In addition, the 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid is outfitted with several reliable safety systems, such as antilock brakes, a rearview camera, side curtain airbags, and stability and traction control. The 2015 Toyota Camry XLE Hybrid is also offered with an optional blind spot monitoring system that includes rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warning, and frontal collision warning. To discover the reasons Consumer Reports chose the 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid as the Best Value Car for 2015, come in to your local Classic Toyota dealership and check out this impressive hybrid vehicle. We are looking forward to answering any of the questions you might have about owning a hybrid vehicle. While in our showroom, drivers can also check out our huge selection of new and used cars. Waukegan customers may contact us today and learn how to schedule a test drive in a 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid this weekend! See you soon!

When the Toyota RAV4 made its debut in 1995, drivers were buzzing about the compact crossover sports-utility vehicle’s spacious interior, reliable safety systems, and practical standard features. Twenty years later, the 2015 Toyota RAV4 continues to impress drivers because this compact crossover is the perfect combination of dependability and convenience. more The 2015 Toyota RAV4 five-passenger compact crossover is available in three main trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited. Drivers who understand the importance of convenient features will certainly be excited to learn that keyless entry, full power accessories, cruise control, and a rearview camera are all standard on the 2015 Toyota RAV4 LE. Also, the 2015 Toyota RAV4 XLE includes heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and sportier front seats. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is paired to a standard six-speed automatic transmission and powers the 2015 Toyota RAV4, delivering 176 horsepower and 172 pound-foot of torque. According to the EPA, the 2015 Toyota RAV4 LE and XLE models with front-drive achieve an estimated 23 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. In addition to practical features and an efficient powertrain, the 2015 Toyota RAV4 includes a variety of safety systems. The 2015 Toyota RAV4 comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, whiplash-reducing front head restraints, and full-length side curtain airbags. At your local Classic Toyota dealership, we are excited to share the news that the 2015 Toyota RAV4 was named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2015 Top Safety Pick and earned the agency’s highest rating of “good” in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact, roof strength, and small-overlap frontal-offset crash tests. Contact our professional and knowledgeable team members today to learn more about the 2015 Toyota RAV4. Drivers interested in the 2015 Toyota RAV4 can also come in to our conveniently located Classic Toyota dealership. Waukegan customers can check out our large selection of new and pre-owned Toyota vehicles in our showroom right now. We hope to see you this weekend!

Toyota drivers will likely agree that there are many benefits to purchasing a pre-owned Toyota vehicle from Classic Toyota. If you are looking for a Toyota sedan, sports-utility vehicle, or minivan, then you may want to consider purchasing a certified pre-owned Toyota vehicle. At your local Classic Toyota dealership, we have a huge inventory of certified pre-owned vehicles and offer several advantages for customers who purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle! more To become certified, each pre-owned vehicle must pass a 160-point quality assurance inspection. In addition, all of our certified pre-owned models come with a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty and 7-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty, which help to assuage drivers’ worries when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. Each certified pre-owned vehicle also comes with a CARFAX® Vehicle History report that offers customers important information and relevant facts about the vehicle’s previous history. In Waukegan, used car drivers will likely be interested to learn that our certified pre-owned vehicles also come with one year of roadside assistance. The roadside assistance includes several services, such as flat tires, jumpstarts, lockouts, and towing for mechanical breakdown. In the event that the vehicle needs to be towed for collision recovery, the roadside assistance provides towing services to the nearest Toyota dealership. What are your plans for 2015? If you are considering purchasing a pre-owned vehicle this year, then come check out the certified pre-owned models that we have available at Classic Toyota. Our knowledgeable and professional staff will be happy to share additional details about the advantages to purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle. Waukegan drivers can browse our certified pre-owned vehicles online or come in to our dealership today!

Drivers will likely agree that a comfortable cabin and a large selection of safety systems are generally high priorities when searching for a new vehicle. If you are looking for an ideal sedan that includes convenient features and a spacious interior with plentiful legroom and headroom, come in to Classic Toyota today and take a peek at the 2015 Toyota Avalon. more The 2015 Toyota Avalon is available in XLE, XLE Premium, XLE Touring, Limited, and XLE Touring Sport trim levels. In Chicago, drivers and passengers certainly understand the importance of finding a vehicle that offers cold-weather features. The 2015 Toyota Avalon XLE trim level is outfitted with heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. In addition, the 2015 Toyota Avalon includes electronic features, such as a 6.1-inch central touchscreen display, an eight-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity. A 3.5-liter V6 engine is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission on the 2015 Toyota Avalon. The V6 engine and automatic transmission combine to churn out 268 horsepower and 248 pound-foot of torque. The 2015 Toyota Avalon has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 24 miles per gallon in combined driving. Traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, side curtain airbags, and a rearview camera are all standard safety systems on the 2015 Toyota Avalon. The Toyota Safety Connect service, which is standard on the 2015 Toyota Avalon Limited model, offers roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, and stolen vehicle location. Are you ready to try something new this holiday season? If you would like to learn how you can get behind the wheel of a 2015 Toyota Avalon, come in to speak with one of our friendly team members at our Classic Toyota dealership. Waukegan drivers can also browse our huge selection of new and used Toyota vehicles!