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

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a pioneer in the compact SUV class. It was introduced more than 10 years ago (debuted in 1996), but still holds a strong reputation as a reliable, safe, and comfortable vehicle. This Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency was picked as one of the "Best Cars"for families by AAA and Parents Magazine. IntelliChoice also gave it the award for "Highest Retained Value" in it's class.

As the smallest member of Toyota's family of SUVs, I've always found the RAV4 particularly appealing. A friend drives one and absolutely loves it. And it's easy to see why. I spoke with Checkered Flag Toyota's business manager Brian Korich (pictured below) and sales consultant JR Grayer about the RAV4.

It comes in three trim levels: Base (starting at $21,500), Sport, and Limited. RAV4 models come with either a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive. Automatic transmission comes standard. The 2.4-liter produces166 hp, while the V6 engine produces a 269 hp. Both engines get comparably great gas mileage for a vehicle of its class. The RAV4 is rated at 21/27 city/highway (2.4-L, 2WD). The mpg numbers don't change too much with the larger and more powerful 3.5-liter engine. You're still looking at 27 miles on the highway, and 19 city. With a 16 gallon tank, it can get over 430 highway miles.

JR took me for a drive in the RAV4. It drives smoothly and the seats are very comfortable. The RAV4 is a five passenger vehicle, but JR says an optional 3rd row bench makes room for seven. If you don't need the extra seats, the bench folds flat into the cargo floor. I was also impressed by the dash layout. It's straightforward and everything is placed where it should be. JR says RAVs were specifically designed with that in mind. All the controls and switches on the console would be easy to reach for any size driver. JR also highlighted the convenient dual glove box and 10 cupholders.

Other standard features include: 16-in. steel wheels and wheel covers; full-size spare tire mounted on the rear; AM/FM CD player, MP3/WMA playback capability and six speakers; and a handy first aid kit. Also, don't be fooled by the RAV4's grouping as a compact SUV. Even though it stands smaller than other SUVs, the RAV4 still has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds (V6 engine).

Safety wise, the RAV4 has you protected with Toyota's Star Safety System which includes: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control; Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags and front- and second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags (RSCA) also come standard. The safety feature list is long, so visit here for the full list.

If you're interested in seeing the RAV4 in person, visit Checkered Flag Toyota, 5301 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 for more information.

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Toyota Matrix

When the Toyota Matrix came out in 2003, it was the first vehicle of its kind to combine a distinctly unique look with functionality. The Matrix falls somewhere between a compact car, sport wagon, and a crossover utility. If you look around now, the Matrix was definitely quite the trendsetter. Many similar vehicles have followed suit, but the Matrix still leads the pack in offering performance, affordability, versatility, and efficiency. And to add a little more to the Matrix's credit, it's dubbed as one of our Unsung Heroes of Fuel Efficiency.

The current 2009 Matrix comes as a second generation redesign. Cynthia Rawlings, a sales consultant at Checkered Flag Toyota (pictured here), says the Matrix is a very reliable vehicle that's based on the Corolla sedan, but comes as a sportier hatchback. Three trim levels are available for the Matrix: base (starting at $16,190), S, and XRS. The base Matrix is powered by a 1.8-liter engine that has 132 horsepower. The S and top level XRS both come with 2.4-liter engines and 158 horsepower. Transmissions offered are 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic, and 5-speed manual gearbox.

Matrix engines also feature Dual VVT-I (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) that help with performance and fuel efficiency. The base model gets 32 highway miles and 26 city. Both the S and XRS are rated at 28 highway, 21 city. With a 14 gallon tank you'll get around 450 highway miles.

Inside, the Matrix is friendly to both passengers and cargo. It comfortably seats five people and has enough space to carry items up to 8 feet long. Cynthia demonstrated the 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, and it looks like you could easily fit a surfboard. I pulled an image from the Toyota website that shows how much you can really pack into it. Pretty impressive and useful. Every Matrix features colorful LED Optitron gauges that house an easy to read speedometer, fuel and engine temperature indicators. It's also equipped with an AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability and an auxiliary audio jack for your portable music player.

Safety wise, the Matrix comes standard with: front driver and passenger airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags; 4-wheel ABS; Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System; active headrests, and much more. Visit here for the full list.

In addition to those standard features, an array of optional features are offered. Cynthia highlighted a few of the most popular options including: 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels; power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade (only available on S and XRS models); and the JBL AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer; and DVD navigation with XM NavTraffic capability.

The Matrix is a multipurpose and practical vehicle with a lot of style. It's loaded with space, which makes it a perfect errand runner. Visit Cynthia and the Checkered Flag Toyota sales team for more information or call (757) 490-1111.

Toyota Prius Made in America

Trying to get your hands on a Prius, but haven't had any luck?  There's been very high demand for the high mileage Prius that gets 45 miles on the highway and 48 in the city. But nationwide demand for this fuel-sipper far exceeds the supply.

If you're really aching to get a Prius, there is hope in sight (although it'll still be awhile). The Toyota Motor Corporation announced last week that they have made plans to meet customer demands for the Prius and will start producing it for the first time in the U.S. Production is schedule to begin in 2010 at a plant that is currently under construction in Blue Springs, Mississippi. Toyota said customers can expect the first US-produced Prius cars to roll off the assembly lines within two years. The Prius follows the Camry Hybrid (presently built in Kentucky), as the second Toyota hybrid built in North America. With the opening of the new plant, Toyota is able to respond better to the increased customer demand for fuel efficient hybrids.

While the new plant is good news, we do have to wait a bit longer before the Prius supply pinch is alleviated. With gas prices still rising, you're still thinking about mpg right? Well, in the meantime check out our Unsung Heroes of Fuel Efficiency series every Tuesdays and Thursdays. We'll be featuring vehicles that get outstanding mpg, but are sometimes overlooked. See the list of Unsung Heroes here.

If you have any questions about the Prius including availability speak with the sales team at Checkered Flag Toyota, 5301 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111.

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 Toyota Customer James Barton!

The Checkered Blog caught up with this entrepreneur dad at Checkered Flag Toyota where he brought in his Toyota Tundra for a routine oil change and state inspection. James is a busy family man who owns a pool services business, but he was nice enough to spend a few minutes chatting with us.

CB: Where do you live?

James: Virginia Beach. I have lived here for about 30 years now.

CB: What are your hobbies, when you are not keeping busy with business?

James: Surfing. We try to do that a lot. Mostly, I spend time with family.

CB: What is your favorite place to eat?

James: Aldos. It is always good, and you can always count on them.

CB: What music do you have in your CD player right now?

James: Hawaiian music.

CB: Oh, have you ever been to Hawaii?

James: Yes, I used to live there before, on the island of Kauai. We still visit.

CB: What movie have you seen recently?

James: Kung Fu Panda. I really enjoyed it. Great voices. Great story. And the kids enjoyed it. I recommend it!

CB: What pets do you have?

James: We used to have fish.

CB: What is the one thing about you that people would be surprised to know?

James: That I have 3 kids. 2 boys and 1 girl. They are ages 1, 3, and 7. It keeps me busy, but I love it.

CB: What is the one invention that you could not live without?

James: Hmm, probably a washer and dryer. With having a family, it really helps. I could live without a cell phone, but probably not the washer and dryer.

CB: What is the best thing about being a Checkered Flag customer?

James: Great service. Great product. The relationships you build here are really wonderful. And that is why I keep coming back.

Unsung Hero: Toyota Tacoma

Understandably, not all drivers can confine their lifestyles to small sedans. Yesterday, CheckeredChick introduced you to the Honda CR-V, and we both were pleasantly surprised to learn that driving a larger vehicle does not necessarily mean big compromises at the pump. Continuing along those lines, I am glad to introduce you to the Unsung Hero for today, the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Yes, you read it correctly; a pickup truck makes the list.

Knowing a few Tacoma drivers myself, they all seem to have one thing in common; they love their Tacomas! And during a visit to Checkered Flag Toyota yesterday, I now understand why. Fredie Bagtas Santos (pictured here with the Tacoma), a sales consultant there, was gracious enough to take me along for a drive (around the dealership lot) in a 2008 Tacoma Regular Cab. My initial reaction upon sitting in the truck was that it seemed very easy to handle. This particular model was outfitted with a three-passenger bench that allowed for plenty of space.

Fredie says the Tacoma is popular with buyers, especially construction workers. Females also tend to see the compact truck as a friendly option. Fredie shared with me the story of a female customer coming in looking for a Tacoma. She admitted to him that she originally was looking to buy a truck of another make, but her husband, who was a seasoned mechanic, convinced her to choose the Tacoma instead. The story ends with Fredie handing her the keys to a brand new Tacoma. 

According to Fredie, the popularity of the Tacoma is largely due to customers recognizing its value. Starting at $14,280, the Tacoma is a great choice and at Checkered Flag there is currently a $1000 rebate. Consumer Guide Automotive also saw its value and named the Tacoma a Best Buy. 

The Tacoma comes in a wide range of models to pick from. Four different trims are available on including: Regular Cab, Access Cab, Double Cab, and X-Runner. The standard engine is 2.7 liter, four cylinder. There is also a 4.0 liter V-6 engine, which is standard on the Double Cab and X-Runner models. Customers also have their choice of manual or automatic transmissions. With the four-cylinder model, the Tacoma gets 25 miles to the gallon on the highway and 19 city. It will get you 525 miles to a tank on its 21 gallon tank.

The Tacoma is equipped with an AM/FM radio and CD player; driver and front passenger airbags with Advanced Airbag System; side impact door beams in all doors; and 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The options list is expansive with items such as chrome grilles and suspensions with Bilstein® shocks. The full list can be found here.  

For some, having a truck is essential for work or it simply comes in handy in certain situations. The Tacoma delivers the practicality drivers are looking for while sparing them frequent and costly trips to the gas station. Test it out yourself at Checkered Flag Toyota, 5301 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111. I am sure Fredie or any of the Toyota sales team would take you out for a ride too.

Winners Shine with Checkered Flag Detailing

I spent some time over the weekend tidying up my car, but it still lacks the brand new feel I was going for (I did this after writing the blog last Friday). Being unfulfilled with my car cleaning attempt, I stopped by the Toyota Prep/Detailing location and discovered that they had the solution to my problem.

Checkered Flag Toyota Prep Manager Keisha McGrue gave me a rundown of the services they offer there. Four different packages are available that range from the standard wash/vacuum to a full detail (complete package details can be found here). Keisha said that customers can work with them to create customized packages according to their specific needs. She also told me that for a complete detail the process takes about four or five hours, but she suggests that customers should plan on leaving their vehicles for the entire day. "We ask this because we do not like to rush jobs. We want it done right. We are here to please them and to make the service as pleasurable as possible."

While I poked around the detail shop, I noticed that all of the wash docks were filled with cars. Keisha informed me that they have tons of cars come through each day. "I think the most cars we have had in one day were about 60, and the least was probably 30, so yes we keep busy here, she said."

With all those cars arriving for detailing can you believe that there are only seven people who work with Keisha? She explained, "My guys work extremely hard and they give 110%. I feel like we are one of the hardest working groups in this business, especially to be out in this heat, but we really care about what we do."

Aside from taking care of customers and their detailing needs, Keisha and staff also get both the new and used Toyotas ready for the lot or delivery. Ryan Allen, a Toyota sales associate, told me, "The work they do back there is a big deal. Imagine showing a dirty vehicle to a customer. No one would want to buy a car like that, so what Keisha and the team does is very important for all of us."

We at the Checkered Blog would like to recognize Keisha McGrue, Phillip Pugh, Gary Blowe, Jarvis Bamberg, Anthony Garcia, Marcus Chevres, Hector Bonilla, and Carl Swayze for all their hard work at Checkered Flag Toyota Prep and Detailing! Also a special thanks goes out the detailers from all of the Checkered Flag locations.

Detailing at Checkered Flag Toyota is available every day of the week, but FYI Keisha did mention that Sundays tend to be the least busiest. To schedule a cleaning for your car at any of the Checkered Flag detailing locations or for more information, call 757-490-1111.

Toyota Prius Celebrates Millionth Milestone

Last week, sales of the most popular in the world and first mass-produced gas-electric car, the Toyota Prius, hit the one million mark! This HUGE milestone was probably inconceivable when the first generation Prius was introduced in 1997. Back then gas was cheap and few were concerned about such things as mpg and fuel economy. 11 years later, times have changed and it is no surprise that the Prius has captured the interests of drivers globally.

Toyota Motor Corporation announced that approximately 1,028,000 units were sold as of the end April 2008 and that figure continues to rise. TMC also proudly claims that Prius vehicles around the world have produced approximately 4.5 million tons less of global warming gases compared with standard fuel engine vehicles.

As gas prices continue to take a toll on our pocketbooks, the Prius, with an EPA-estimated combined city/highway average rating of 46 mpg, will likely be seen more frequently on the roadways. Toyota aims to sell 1 million or more hybrid vehicles annually.

If you are at all interested in grabbing a Prius for yourself, stop by Checkered Flag Toyota at 5301 Virginia Beach Blvd. More than one salesperson told me that some local Prius owners are taking advantage of the high demand and excellent trade-in values and swapping for some of the other Toyota fuel efficient models (like the Camry hybrid, also growing in popularity). If you have questions about availability, use the inventory search tool on CheckeredFlag.com or call CF Toyota at 490-1111.

Meet CF Toyota Customer Rex Pimentel

Where do you live? In Virginia Beach.

What kind of vehicle do you drive? I have a 2004 Toyota 4Runner.  It's gold.

What do you like about it?  When I drive it, I feel secure.  I drove a Camry before and traded it in for the 4Runner when it reached 20,000 miles.  We got that Camry at Checkered Flag, too, and another Camry, also.

What do you do? I work for M & G Electronics.  I am an assembler.

How long have you lived in Virginia Beach?  Since 2000.  I moved here from the Philippines when I married my husband.  I grew up in the Philippines.  You know, even in the Philippines, I loved Toyotas, and I worked in Japan for a while and I drove one there.  Toyotas are easy to drive, parts are easily available ... I feel comfortable with them.

Do you have children? Yes, a daughter who lives here and two sons, who live in the Philippines. They are all grown.

Do you have pets? Yes, two cockatiels, named Bruno and Bubba, and two parakeets, named Michiko and Giant.

What is your favorite restaurant?  I love Japanese food and so I like local Japanese restaurants.  And I would like to go to Ruth's Chris; I haven't been there yet.

What are your hobbies?  Bible study.  And I love to travel.

What do you like about Checkered Flag? It's priced reasonably and I know in my heart that I can trust them.

IIHS 2008 Top Safety Picks

People love lists, or at least that is what I am told.  I like lists because they present us with choice, which is usually a good thing, but not an infinite or unmanageable number of choices which can be overwhelming.  Lists organize the chaotic plethora of options that we consumers have today.

Each year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recognizes certain vehicles as TOP SAFETY PICKs and puts out, you guessed it, a list.  To achieve recognition as a TOP SAFETY PICK, vehicles must score good ratings in all three Institute tests (40 mph frontal offset, side impact and rear crash protection/head restraint tests) and offer electronic stability control.  Checkered Flag carries the following 2008 TOP SAFETY PICK award winners...

• Audi A6, Audi A3 and Audi A4
• BMW X3 and BMW X5
• Honda Accord (4-door), Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot, Honda CR-V and Honda Element
• Hyundai Entourage, Hyundai Sante Fe and Hyundai Veracruz
• Toyota Highlander and Toyota Tundra