Checkered Blog by Checkered Flag is the automotive play place in Hampton Roads Virginia

Regular Maintenance Equals Better Fuel Economy

Every Sunday afternoon, I begin to gear myself up for Monday morning and the new work week. My routine usually involves making a trip to a gas station for a fill up. Yesterday, I found myself wandering the streets of Virginia Beach looking for the cheapest gas I could find. Admit it, you do it too. Websites like Gasbuddy.com were designed for us fuel bargain shoppers who seek out the stations offering the lowest prices. But searching for these coveted gas stations can get pretty time-consuming and may even defeat the purpose if you end up driving more (i.e. using more fuel) to get there. Getting the most mileage possible per tank is all the rage these days, but it does require a bit of thinking. There are a lot of gas saving advice out there, and it may be hard to separate the rubbish from what really works. Rest assure, the tips I bring to you today come from reliable sources.

I poked my head around at the Checkered Flag Toyota service department, and Teeia Young, the assistant service manager, gave me some good advice (which of course I am sharing with you). Teeia says one of the easiest and guaranteed ways to increase your fuel economy (and ease the hit on your pocketbook) is to regularly maintain your vehicle. Regular maintenance can mean improvement of a few miles per gallon and that adds up. The EPA agrees. They estimate that drivers can save up to $690 (based on a 16-gallon fuel tank refilled once a week) by having routine maintenance.

Teeia says she has noticed an increase in customers voicing their concerns about fuel efficiency, and here are a few suggested maintenance tips:

Keep your engine in tune: A properly tuned engine will lower fuel costs. Regular maintenance checks will catch dirty or worn down spark plugs and wires. Having a service technician regularly inspect your ignition system can prevent poor performance and reduced fuel efficiency. Also, according the U.S. Department of Energy, fixing a car that is out of tune can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent.

Keep up with recommended oil changes: Getting your oil changed on a regular basis not only improves fuel economy, but it increases the life of your engine too. Dirty oil makes the engine work harder, and a harder working burns more fuel. Replacing the fuel filter is also suggested. A clogged fuel filter means less gas is flowing to the engine, which then causes you to step harder on the gas pedal.

Check and replace air filters: Air filters are just as important. Dirty air filters prevent an engine from breathing properly. When the engine has trouble breathing, it has to work harder, which means its needs more fuel. Air filters also help protect the inside of the engine from impurities, so it is a good idea to replace them regularly.

Along with those tips, Teeia also suggests to maintain correct tire pressure and to use cruise control whenever possible. The Checkered Blog would like to recognize Teeia Young, Karen Freytag, Connie Evans-Zgrodek, Bonnie La Rowe, Aaren Rainey (all pictured here) and the entire Toyota service team for keeping our vehicles in tip-top shape! Hats off to the service teams at all Checkered Flag locations! For more tips or services visit Teeia and the service department team at, Checkered Flag Toyota, 5301 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or to schedule an appointment at any of the Checkered Flag service center locations call (757) 490-1111.

               

Meet Checkered Flag Honda Customer Alma Rojas

This friendly mom and her very energetic 2 ½ year old toddler, Lorenzo, were playing in the kids zone at Checkered Flag Honda today, while her 2005 Accord was being serviced. Bringing in her car for maintenance was just one of the many things Alma has on her to-do-list before traveling to Puerto Rico to visit family. While Lorenzo kept busy with all the fun toys, Alma spent a few minutes chatting with the Checkered Blog.

CF: Where do you live in Hampton Roads?
Alma: Portsmouth. We come to Checkered Flag because the space is cozy, and this kids zone area is good for my son. There are toys and it is closed off, so he can scream as loud as he wants without bothering anyone (smiles).

CF: Aside from keeping up with Lorenzo, what else do you like to do?
Alma: I do a lot of reading, and a spend a lot of time at church. I love to go shopping! (Laughs) Unfortunately, I can not always do that.

CF: Where is your favorite place to eat?
Alma: Atlas Oyster in Pensacola, Florida. That was the best food I have ever had in my life. Around here...oh, Volcano Sushi. Their Bento Box is such a great deal. Anyone who has been there will know what I am talking about.

CF: What is in your MP3 player or CD player right now?
Alma: (Laughs) Oh, gosh. I have a 6-Disc changer. Hmm, I have Hill Song, Israel and New Breed...Joyce Meyer is number 4, and then Reliant K and Sarah Groves are 5 and 6.

CF: What is the latest movie you have seen?
Alma: Prince Caspian and I loved it. I loved Narnia too.

CF: What pets do you have?
Alma: No pets. My son keeps me busy enough and taking care of a pet would be like having another kid (laughs). Maybe, we will get a goldfish because that is low maintenance.

CF: What is the one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
Alma: I was once in a band called Bachata Mambo. Bachata is a genre of music from the Dominican Republic. I sang.

CF: What is one invention you could not live without?
Alma: I am not going to say the microwave (laughs). But actually, it is probably the microwave. It is just so convenient. And can you imagine, without it Hot Pockets would take like 25 minutes in the oven!

CF: What is the best thing about being a Checkered Flag customer?
Alma: Customer service. From as soon as you walk in someone always greets you. The people at the counter are very nice, and they are flexible in working with you. Also there was one time, and I will not ever forget this...it was raining hard outside, and a Checkered Flag employee walked me and my son out to our car with an umbrella. The service is just really wonderful. You do not get that anywhere else.

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Porsche Boxster

Surfing the net today, I read about a man who is looking to beat high gas prices by finding alternatives ways to commute to work. Sounds like a story you have heard before. Everyone is trying to find ways to save gas, but how many of you would kayak to work? A man living in Seattle does it, and even more impressive (although some would describe it as crazy) his entire commute to and from work takes 8 hours by kayak! Talk about dedication. At least he will not find himself stuck in traffic. But for those of you who are not ready to brave the open waters or have 8 hours to spare for commuting, I have another Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency to tell you about, the Porsche Boxster. Now, I know what you are probably thinking...a Porsche? Porsche is known for high performance, and usually high performance means more fuel. Well, you will be surprised to know that the Boxster delivers the signature Porsche performance, but not at the cost of fuel efficiency (more on that later).

The Boxster is offered in two models: Boxster (base, starts at $45,800) and Boxster S. The Limited Edition Boxster and the Boxster RS60 Spyder are also available, but are fewer in number. Eric Davis (pictured with the RS60), a client advisor there, says there are only 1,960 RS60 Spyder Boxsters in the entire world! I had the opportunity to check out one of the very special and rare RS60s. Eric showed me #498 of the 1,960 produced. A plaque sits on top of the glove box lid to show the limited numbers. Number 498 makes a bold impression with its Carrera Red leather interior. Very stylish. 

The Boxster is a two-seater convertible with a mid mounted engine layout. It is powered by a 2.7-liter, 6-cylinder boxer engine with 4-valve cylinder heads. With the engine placed in the space between the back of driver/passenger seats and the rear of the vehicle, the Boxster gets ideal weight distribution giving it awesome handling and performance. The engine technology on the Boxster is impressive, and I wish I could have taken a photo to post here, but seeing the engine is actually a bit of complex process and requires a Porsche mechanic. But never fret, if you are really interested in the seeing the engine visit the Porsche website. They have detailed diagrams of the Boxster engine. It is pretty cool stuff.

On the Boxster there is also an engine management system called the Motronic ME 7.8. This serves as the control center for all the engine-related systems, including fuel supply. Ah, fuel the magic word. ForbesAutos.com named the Boxster on its Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Luxury Cars list. It gets 29 highway miles, and 20 in the city. With its 17 gallon tank, you can get around 500 miles on the highway.

Other than the engine, I was wowed by the amount of cargo space the Boxster offers. With the engine fitted snuggly in the middle of the car, it leaves room for two generously sized storage compartments at the front and back. Eric even joked that I could fit comfortably inside the front compartment! 

Safety wise the Boxster has you covered with standard features including: Anti-lock braking system (ABS); 4-piston monobloc fixed alloy calipers and ventilated brake discs; seatbelt pretensioner; immobilizer system with transponder system for safety protection; two full-size Advanced Airbags; and the Porsche Side Impact Protection system with dual side airbags. Boxsters are also equipped with Porsche Stability Management (PSM). When the car is in motion, the PSM monitors direction, speed, yaw velocity (speed of the rotation around the vertical axis), and lateral acceleration. Using that information, the Boxster can correct over or under steering. It comes in handy especially during bad weather.

There are a ton of optional features to choose from for the Boxster. A few that caught my attention are: the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) which includes goodies like advanced audio and navigation systems; ParkAssist (rear bumper sensors to aid with parking); and HomeLink (standard remote control garage opener in roof console). The full list of features is found here.

Like I mentioned earlier, there are only a few RS60 Spyders and the Limited Edition Boxsters in the world, and you do not want to miss your chance to see them. Visit Checkered Flag Porsche, 2865 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 for more information.

A Mighty Cool View of MINIs

Seeing a convoy of MINIs is always impressive.

Seeing a convoy of MINIs from the air is REALLY impressive.

When a group of MINIs left Virginia Beach last week after stopping for one night as part of the MINI Takes the States rally up the East Coast, they drove in formation across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.  Photographer Patrick Mclaughlin was hovering in a helicopter and he captured the action from his literally birds-eye view.  Patrick graciously shared some of the photos with the Checkered Blog.  These are actually just a few of the really cool pictures that he got that day.  You may see all of them and purchase them if you wish on the web site where Patrick has a gallery of shots. Thanks, Patrick!

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Jaguar XJ

To get to work, I hop on 1-64 and every now and then my car comes to a stand still. While I usually love to drive, traffic puts a hamper to it. Today was one of those days where I  found myself moving at what felt like a inch per hour. With a few patient minutes on hand, I began to think about all the different Unsung Heroes for fuel efficiency that we have featured over the last couple weeks. They each are special vehicles in their own regard, and the Hero for today, the Jaguar XJ is no exception. You may be wondering, a Jag is fuel efficient? Yes, it is.

But before I give a rundown about that and all the wonderful things about the XJ, just sit back and imagine what it would feel like to have a personal chauffeur drive you around. During a visit to Checkered Flag Jaguar, I got a slight indication of how that must feel. Sherron Bent (pictured below with the XJ), a sales consultant, braved the smoke outside to introduce me to the XJ. The very first thing Sherron said about the XJ was its distinction from Chauffeur Magazine as the Chauffeur Car of the Year. At first sight of the XJ, I was caught by its presence. The mesh panels of its front grille grabs your attention. It truly has a regal look, inside and out, that would be fitting for any dignitary or any average Jane car lover like myself.

The 2008 model is a third-generation XJ and features an advanced aluminum body shell that makes it 40% lighter, but 60% stiffer than previous XJs. Being leaner results in shorter stopping distances, better driving dynamics, lower emissions and improved fuel economy. The XJ gets 25 highway miles to the gallon and 16 for city. With its 23 gallon tank, you are looking at an amazing 575 miles on the highway. Less weight for the XJ also means more power. Every XJ is fitted with a V8. Two engines are offered: the 4.2-liter, 32-valve, 4-cam aluminum V8 (300-hp) or the Eaton supercharger (400-hp).

You also have your choice from two wheelbases and five trim levels. The XJ8 and supercharged XJR are short-wheelbase models. The other three trims, XJ8L, XJ Vanden Plas, and the XJ Super V8 are long-wheelbases. On the XJ8 (starting at $64,500) standard features include: 19-in. Polaris wheels; body-colored exterior mirror caps and grille surround; electrochromic self-dimming power-adjustable heated door mirrors; automatic Xenon headlamp; rain-sensing windshield wipers; one-touch power moonroof; and Bluetooth® wireless technology. Visit the JaguarUSA website for a full list of features on the XJ8 and the other trims. 

Sherron wanted me to experience the luxury of the XJ and had me sit in the back while he took the driver seat. I was impressed by the spacious interior of the XJ. Even with Sherron, who is around 6-ft. tall, seated comfortably in the driver seat, I had more than enough space. The interior is done in the traditional Jaguar fashion with Burl Walnut trim and premium softgrain leather. I especially liked the rear-seat control console, where passengers in the back can control their own conditioning and heating system (this comes standard on the Super V8).

Remember the aluminum body structure that I talked about earlier? It not only helps with performance and fuel efficiency, but its also a safety feature on the XJ. Built into the body are crumple zones and a rigid impact-resistant safety cell. The Occupant Protection features on the XJ  includes: dual-stage chest airbags for front occupants; seat-mounted side-impact airbags; side-impact head protection curtain airbags; Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.);energy-absorbent seat system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and more. Another cool feature on the XJ is the vehicle security system. Every Jaguar ignition key is outfitted with a coded computerized chip to help prevent theft. Visit the website above for the complete list.

The XJ has a timeless design and all the features of a modern luxury sedan. Like usual, it is best to let the XJ speak for itself by visiting Checkered Flag Jaguar, 2865 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or speak with the Jaguar sales team at (757) 490-1111.

Boggled by the X6?

What is the new BMW X6?  Is it a coupe?  Is it a SUV?  Is it a sports car?  Is it a truck?  Or is it a hybrid of all those things?

BMW calls it a SAV Coupe, but let's see what Christine has to say...

Meet Checkered Flag's Scion Champion Lawrence Doligosa

CF: What do you do here at Checkered Flag?
Lawrence: As the Scion Certified Internet Sales Manager and the Scion Champion,  I help with training and sales. If anyone has any questions, I try to answer them. I help with putting on events for Scion too. Oh, and I also run the computer system here.

CF: How long have you worked for Checkered Flag?
Lawrence: Since March of 2005. Before that I was a student at Old Dominion University, studying computers.

CF: Where do you live in Hampton Roads?
Lawrence: I have lived in Virginia Beach for about 8 years now. My dad was in the military and before moving here we lived in Japan for about 4 ½ years.

CF: Oh, Japan...Do you miss it there?
Lawrence: Yeah, its definitely an experience. I did not want to leave. I think everyone should experience going and living out of the country.

CF: What are your hobbies?
Lawrence: Watching movies, playing computer games. Playing whatever sport I have time to play, but I do not usually have time (laughs). Basically, just relaxing. Oh, and definitely sleeping. That is a good one.

CF: What is your favorite restaurant?
Lawrence: Kyushu on Newton Road. It is Japanese and sushi. If you have not gone yet, you should try it out. It is very good.

CF: What is in your MP3 player (or CD player) right now?
Lawrence: Oldies. Well, I would say that I listen to the music of the time I grew up in, so 80s music. But I got the new Usher CD and I am a Mariah Carey fan.

CF: What movie have you seen most recently?
Lawrence: The Love Guru, and that was alright. I watched Get Smart before that, and I think it was better.

CF: What is one thing about you that people would be surprised to know?
Lawrence: Hmm, that is a good question. Can we come back to that later?

CF: What is one invention you could not live without?
Lawrence: My computer. My Toshiba laptop just broke.

CF: So, how are you getting along with your laptop being broken?
Lawrence: (Laughs) Well, I borrow a computer from a friend. I go over there a lot.

CF: Do you have an answer for the question we skipped?
Lawrence: Uhm, I guess people would be surprised to know that I am a big geek. Well, everyone knows that already. Let me see...wait I will ask someone. (Makes a call to a friend). Oh, yeah that works...I speak Japanese.

CF: What is the best thing about working here?
Lawrence: During the time I spend at work, my co-workers have really become like family. I am thankful for the opportunities Checkered Flag has given me. I love working here and it is fun being here. Also, Scions are the greatest cars!

Unsung Hero: BMW 128i

Does anyone else feel like the week has flown by? I sure do, and now here we are on beautiful Friday with the weekend in sight! We have been fortunate the past few days with gorgeous summer weather in Hampton Roads (well, it would be even better if that smoke cleared out completely, right?) With the amazing weather, I have noticed more convertibles with their tops down. I have never driven a convertible, so my curiosity brought me to Checkered Flag BMW yesterday, where I found the perfect summer car, the BMW 128i. Not only is it one beautiful vehicle, but the 128i also makes our Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency list.

The 128i is part of the 1-series and is considered to be the modern version of the legendary BMW 2002 (pictured below) of the late 1960s and mid 1970s. The 2002 introduced American drivers to the concept of the "sports sedan". Forty years later BMW does it again by introducing the 128i, which delivers sports car performance with all the sedan comforts. This "throwback" is available in two body styles: convertible or coupe (personally, I am fond of the convertible).

Scott Weseleskey (pictured here with the 128i), a client advisor at Checkered Flag BMW, described the 128i as "pure BMW from the ground up." It is a entry level (starting at $28,600 plus destination and handling) compact  rear-wheel drive, and at about 3,300 lbs is lighter than its 3-series siblings. The 128i shares the same powertrains as the ones on the 3-series models. It is powered by a 230-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six with 200 pound-feet of torque. Scott, as a BMW driver himself, says owning a BMW is the ultimate driving experience. From its superior handling and performance, to its dedication to quality, BMWs are simply joys to drive. The 128i is perfectly balanced with 50-50 front and back wheels distribution.

Scott also says the 128i has remarkable fuel efficiency for a vehicle in its class. Paired with its strong engine, the 128i also has 6-speed STEPTRONIC with paddle shifters that is designed to adapt to every driver improving gear shifting and reducing fuel consumption. The patented Valvetronic system is also found on the 128i, which allows for increased power output and fuel efficiency. Scott says with all of that technology integrated together, you will get good gas mileage. The 128i gets 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Its tank size is 14 gallons and will get about 400 highway miles. 

Outside, the 128i is a real beauty with its chrome-plated exhaust tips, chrome-line exterior trim, and gray-band windshield. It also has halogen free-form front fog lights; heated dual power mirrors; and heated windshield washer jets. The convertible has a fully lined power-folding automatic soft top with heated glass rear window.Inside, the 128i is cozy and intimate. It has many of the comforts that you would expect from a BMW including: Anti-theft AM/FM stereo CD/MP3 player audio system with 10 speakers; Radio Data System (RDS); audio input for portable music players; 8-way adjustable front seats with 2-way headrests; manual height adjustment for front passenger seat; leatherette upholstery; high-gloss black trim; and 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel with audio.

The 128i is also feature-rich when it comes to safety and security. Anti-lock braking system (ABS); Adaptive Brake Lights; Rollover Protection System Driver and passenger front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS); front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags; interlocking door anchoring system; and central locking system with center console switch are just a few of the safety features on the 128i. For a full list visit here.

There is so much to talk about when it comes to the 128i! I got so excited about this car that I went to the BMW website, and for kicks I utilized the Build your Own feature. There you can customize your perfect 128i or any of the other BMW models. My virtual 128i was in the Blue Water Metallic, but you can chose from several different exterior colors. Try it out for yourself, here. I suggest also stopping by at Checkered Flag BMW, 5225 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach to see the 128i in person or call (757) 490-1111 for more information. Have a wonderful weekend!

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency:

For the past two days, CheckeredChick and I have been "partying", but now it is time to continue on with our Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency series. I dropped by Checkered Flag Honda today and spent a few minutes talking with salesperson Dennis Anderson Sr. about our Unsung Hero for today, the Honda Accord.

Dennis has a long standing history with Checkered Flag. He has been with the company for 22 years! He is also a proud owner of a Honda Accord, and who better to speak with about a vehicle than someone who knows it personally. Dennis says the Accord for his family was a very a good buy.

Dennis is not alone in his sentiments about the Accord. Car and River named the 2008 Accord on its 10Best for the year list (the Accord has made an appearance on that list a record 22 times). It has also received Best Family Sedan from Motor Week and Sedan of the Year from Road and Travel Magazine. Just on the way to work this morning, I encountered three different Accords.

So what is it about the Accord that makes it so special? Dennis says that it is just one "super car". He says customers like the luxury feel of the Accord, but like the price even more. Starting price is $20,360.

The Accord has been around for decades now. The new 2008 redesign made it bigger than previous model years and has improved engine performance, but still manages great fuel efficiency. The four-cylinder Accord garners 31 highway miles, and 21 in the city. You can get close to 560 highway miles per tank with the Accord (the tank size is 18 gallons).

The Accord is available as a midsize coupe or sedan. There are several trims to choose from, ranging from the entry level LX model to the high end EX-L model. The LX model comes equipped with a 2.4-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine, Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system; double wishbone front and independent multi-link rear suspension; air conditioning with air-filtration; and illuminated steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. The EX-L model includes top of the line features like leather trimmed interior; optional navigation system; leather-wrapped steering wheel; heated front seats; passenger's seat with 4-way power adjustment; a dual-zone automatic climate control system; a 270-watt AM/FM/6-disc in-dash premium audio system; XM® Satellite Radio; and HomeLink® remote system.

The list of safety features on the Accord is a long one including: 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System; Driver and Front Passenger Active head restraints; Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure; Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS); Dual-Stage; Dual-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS); Front Side Airbags with Passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and much more. Fore a full list visit here.

It is well known that the Accord is a great car, but its fuel efficiency may not be as well known. If you are interested in finding out more about the Accord, visit Dennis and the Honda sales team at Checkered Flag Honda, 6541 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach call (757) 490-1111. 

MINI Takes the States Takes Virginia Beach in Style

WOW! Yesterday evening and this morning were a lot of fun. That was when Checkered Flag MINI hosted the Virginia Beach stop of the MINI Takes the States Rally with the Flying Finn. This is a drive by MINI owners up the East Coast, from Miami to Boston, that is taking place this week and is one of several rallies across the country. This one is named Flying Finn in honor of Rauno Aaltonen, the Finnish-born rally champion who is participating in the East Coast event.

Checkered Flag MINI held a meet and greet outside of the Virginia Beach Convention Center yesterday evening, where local MINI owners welcomed the rally participants to town. This morning, Checkered Flag had a breakfast send-off for the group at First Landing State Park.

WinsGal and I had the "job" ("fun" is a more accurate word) of helping with the two events. As always, WinsGal did much more work than I did. I spent a lot of time meeting the MINI owners and looking at the cars. A highlight of the meet and greet was a talk by Rauno about rallying in a MINI Cooper S in the 1960s (that is the car he and Bob Holden were driving when they won the Gallaher 500, a premier touring race in New South Wales, Australia in 1966.) Rauno also autographed postcards and he signed the one shown here for the Checkered Blog.

Something else cool that happened last night was that WTKR Channel 3 television stopped by and reporter Ted Alexander interviewed Checkered Flag MINI brand manager Susan Drees, who explained that at 37 miles per gallon, the MINI combines fuel efficiency and flair. I saw Susan on the 11 p.m. news last night and of course, she was great.

This morning was a super time, too. It was a relaxed breakfast amid the wooded beauty of First Landing. As you can see here, the MINIs looked especially lovely in this setting. True to form, the rally participants departed in style. They formed a convoy and headed toward the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel for a photo-op of crossing the bridge. They are en route to Philadelphia now.

Happy motoring to everyone in the rally and thanks for visiting Virginia Beach!