How To Use Facebook To Find A New Car

Social media websites such as Facebook aren’t just for online socializing anymore.

Facebook can help you with your purchasing decisions.  You may have never thought of this, but Facebook can also help you buy a car.

If you don’t believe us, here are some ways to use Facebook to find a new car!

• Use Facebook Marketplace – Facebook Marketplace is an online listing where you can buy all sorts of things.  You can search for cars.  There’s also a feature to ask your friends if they know anyone selling a car.

• Check Facebook Pages – You’ll also want to check any dealership Facebook pages.  Here, you’ll learn about upcoming specials some dealerships may be running in your area.  It all depends on the dealership.  Some update their Facebook page more often than others.

• Ask Your Facebook Friends – It highly likely that at least one of your Facebook friends recently purchased a new vehicle.  Post a status update asking for recommendations.  You will be surprised how much advice you get via Facebook.

• Check Out Facebook Apps – There are a few apps on Facebook that could help with your car buying experience.  Some include: LotPro and MyAutoFields.  At the moment, there aren’t many apps, but that could all change in the future.

These tips will help you find a great car on Facebook!

Once you purchase a new car, be sure to take great care of it.  For instance if you purchase a Toyota be sure to use genuine Toyota parts.

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Toyota Concept Cars We Would Like To See In Production

Every year, Toyota unveils concept cars at auto shows that never go into mass production.

Some look really cool.

Here are some of our favorite Toyota concept cars that we would love to see go into production!

FT-HS – This is a mid-priced sports car that has a potent hybrid engine.  The car’s interior features a cross-car instrument panel.  This car is sleek, fun and fast!

FT-CH – This compact car has some nice curves and also sports a hybrid engine.  It was introduced during the 2010 North American International Auto Show.  It looks like it can be a Transformer.

PM – We probably won’t see these going into production any time soon.  They look like something you may see in a futuristic move.  “PM” stands for personal mobility vehicle.

These are just a few concept vehicles, we would love to see go into production so we can start carrying Toyota parts and Toyota accessories for them!

What would you like to see go into production?  Leave your comments below!

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How To Save Money On Costly Auto Repairs

Auto repairs are expensive.  Your typical auto repair may be as much as you spend on groceries in a given week.  It might even be more.

That’s a lot of money!

To help you save on your next repair, consider the tips below.

1. Shop Around – It may be a little trouble, but take your car to a few mechanics.  Get an estimate on how much it will cost on the repair.  This will ensure that you get the best price.  Don’t just go to the first guy.

2. Don’t Wait – The worst thing that you can do is put off a repair for a long time.  In most cases, it’s only going to get worse and it could end up costing you more.  Don’t procrastinate on auto repairs.

3. Read Reviews – If you want to find a good mechanic that won’t rip you off, read online reviews.  Also be sure to ask your friends and family whom they use for a mechanic.  They can give you some good advice.

Following these three tips will help you save lots of money on auto repairs.

If you know your way around a car, you may also want to consider doing some of the repairs yourself.

Many times you can find great deals on parts online.  Whether you’re looking for Corolla parts or Rav4 parts, you’ll find great deals online!

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The Truth About OEM Parts

You’ve probably heard mechanics talking about OEM parts or Toyota OEM parts.  But do you know what this means?

OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer.  These are parts that were actually built by the manufacturer.

For instance if you’re looking for Camry parts, OEM Camry parts would be made by Toyota.  Car parts not made by the manufacturer are often times referred to as generic or off-brand parts.

So when your Toyota needs new parts what should you get … OEM or generic?

You should go with OEM parts and it’s not just because we sell them.  Here’s the truth about OEM parts.

• OEM Parts Fit The First Time – With OEM parts, you don’t have to worry about the parts not properly fitting.  That’s because the manufacturer specifically designed the parts.

• OEM Parts Are Quality Made – Every OEM part meets manufacturer’s specifications.  No corners were cut.  It’s all about quality.

• OEM Parts Perform Better – These are the parts that were specifically designed for your vehicle.  You can be sure that they’ll help your car perform at its best.

• OEM Parts Come With A Warranty – Most OEM parts are at least backed up with a one-year warranty.  You don’t get that with most generic parts.

Sure there are some that will say OEM parts are more expensive than off-brand parts.  But you get what you pay for.  With generic parts, the quality is not as great … you don’t have much selection … and you don’t always get a warranty.

In our opinion, go with the OEM parts!

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iPad Apps For Your Car

The iPad is one of the hottest selling electronic devices right now.

People love it because it’s like having a small touchscreen computer that is easy to carry around.  Some people say it’s “magical.”  We won’t go that far.

While most people read books/magazines and play games, did you know that it has a lot of great apps for your car?

Here are some of the most popular iPad apps for your car.  You’ll be surprised what the iPad can do!

Beat The Traffic: Get real-time traffic maps for anywhere in the United States and Canada.  You’ll save a lot of time on your next trip with this iPad app.  This app is free.

FluxTunes: This iPad app allows you to control your music with simple gestures while driving.  It makes it easy to keep your eyes on the road while selecting music on your iPad.  This app is $0.99.

Car and Driver For iPad: If you love Car and Driver Magazine, you’ll love it on the iPad.  It has all the great things that you have come to love as well as some cool interactive features.  The app is free to download, but it does require a subscription.

Honk: With this iPad app, you’ll be able to keep track how long your car is parked at a parking meter.  This app will help you avoid those costly parking tickets.  It’s priced at $0.99.

Car Manager: Keep track of your insurance, fuel, car care expenses and more with this iPad app.  It’s a great way to keep track of all of those Toyota OEM parts and Toyota accessories that you buy for your car!  This app is priced at $3.99.

Do you have an iPad?  What are some of your favorite iPad apps?  Leave your comments below!

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How To Prepare Your Toyota For Winter

Before you know it, it will be December.  And in many parts of the country, there will be snow and ice!

Is your car ready for winter?

If it’s not, be sure to follow these five car care tips for winter!

1. Replace Wipers – Visibility is very important during the winter months.  Be sure your Toyota’s windshield wipers are in good working order.  Also check to make sure that the windshield washer reservoir is filled.

2. Check Your Tires – Make sure that the tire pressure and tire tread is at proper levels.  It’s important to have a good set of tires on your Toyota during the winter months.  You may want to even consider snow tires.

3. Perform A Maintenance Inspection – Before winter, be sure to check the battery and any belts and hoses.  If you have any major repairs, try to get them done before the winter months.  Be sure to use quality Toyota parts and Toyota accessories.

4. Check Coolant – You’ll want to make sure that your engine coolant is a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze.  You can check this by getting an antifreeze tester at any auto parts store.

5. Have A Car Kit – For emergencies, you’ll want to keep a warm blanket, gloves and a hat in your vehicle.  You’ll also want to consider these items in your car emergency kit: a shovel, flashlight, jumper cables and a first aid kit.  Also be sure to have a great ice scraper in your vehicle.

Following these tips will help get your Toyota ready for the winter months!  What types of winter preparations do you make?  Leave your comments below!

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Car Accessories Your Dog Will Drool Over

If you’re a dog owner, your dog is probably going to ride in your car or truck at some point or another.

To make your ride more comfortable, you may want to consider getting some of the car accessories for dogs below.  These car accessories for dogs will make your driving experience a lot more enjoyable.

• Seat Covers – If your dog travels a lot in your car, you may want to consider getting some seat covers.  These come in all shapes and fabrics.  A seat cover will protect your seats from dog hair and rips in the seat fabric.

• Dog Crate – If you own a pickup truck, you may want to consider installing a crate in the back of your pickup.  You never want to let you dog ride in the truck bed without crate.  It’s dangerous.  Make sure the crate is properly fastened to the truck bed.

• Dog Barrier – There are various types of fences/barriers that you can install in your vehicle to prevent your dog from jumping into the front seats.  These barriers ensure that your dog will stay in the back of your car or SUV.

• Traveling Water Bowl – These come in handy for long road trips.  It’s important to keep your dog hydrated.  Having a portable water bowl will do the job.

All of these accessories are great for your dog.  If you’re looking for human car accessories such as Toyota accessories, consider visiting Olathe Toyota Parts.

What type of dog do you own?  We would love to hear from you! Leave your comments below.

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Is A Plug-In Car Right For You?

There’s a lot of buzz right now about Toyota’s new Prius Plug-In.

The car combines the standard Prius hybrid engine with a new lithium ion plug-in battery.  The car is expected to get an estimated 87 miles per gallon in combined electric/hybrid driving and 49 miles per gallon in hybrid-only mode.

So is a plug-in car such as the Prius Plug-In right for you?  There are of course other options such as the Chevy Volt.  Whatever you choose, you’ll want to remember these important facts.

Most Plug-In Cars Still Need Gas

Cars like the Prius Plug-In and the Chevy Volt still use gasoline.  According to CNN Money, the Prius Plug-In can go about 13 miles on battery power alone.  After that, it switches over to the standard hybrid engine.

Charging Takes Time

The Prius Plug-In uses a lithium ion battery.  This is similar to the batteries in your cell phones and laptops.  It’s just a lot bigger.  According to Toyota, a full charge takes 2.5 to 3 hours on a 120V household outlet.

Expect To Pay More

The Prius Plug-In is going to cost you a little more than your standard Prius.  The Prius Plug-In starts at $32,000.  The standard Prius starts at $23,520.

Expect To Wait

There’s already a demand for the Prius Plug-In and it’s not even out yet.  Just like when the first Prius came out, there will probably be somewhat of a wait.

The video above will show you to order a Prius Plug-In.

So is a plug-in car right for you?  That’s for you to decide.  The information above should help you make the right decision.

If you own a Prius and are looking to get a few more years out of it, be sure to use genuine Toyota parts.  Genuine Prius parts will help to ensure your car is in good working order

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Great Interior Accessories And Items For Your Toyota

Does your Toyota need an upgrade?

If you’re looking for ways to enhance the look and feel of the inside of your Toyota, consider some of the interior accessories and items below.

• Floor Mats: If you want to protect the interior of your Toyota, you’re going to need a great set of floor mats.  From any Toyota parts dealer, you can purchase factory floor mats that will match the interior of your vehicle.

• AC Power Converter: If you’re looking to plug things into your car, consider purchasing a power converter.  This is a quick and easy way to plug in standard electronic equipment right into your vehicle.

• Rear Seat Covers: If you have a dog, consider purchasing rear seat covers to protect your seats from dirt and rips in your interior fabric.  This is a must if you own a dog that travels a lot in your car.

• First Aid Kit: Whether you keep it under the seat or in your trunk, your car needs a first aid kit.  It’s important to keep a small first aid kit around for emergencies.

• GPS Navigation Unit: If your car didn’t come with GPS navigation, you may want to consider purchasing a portable unit.  They come in handy when you’re traveling on vacation or on business trips.

All of these accessories are great options for your vehicle.  What types of interior accessories do you have in your vehicle?

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4 Ways To Get The Best Deal On A New Car

Finding the best deal on a new car can be tough, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Following these tips will help you get the best deal on your next new car.

• Do Your Research – Before buying a new car, you’ll really want to do your homework.  Consumer Reports suggests doing plenty of research.  Be sure to read all the reviews and pricing on the vehicle models that you like.

• Ignore the Sticker Price – When shopping for a car, you’ll want to try to figure out the true value of the vehicle.  You’ll want to figure out the dealer invoice price.  Car buying guides can typically help you figure out the dealer invoice price.

• Shop Around For Loans – Before buying a car, visit different banks and credit unions to compare interest rates on car loans.  This will help a lot when it comes time to shop for a car.

• Stay Focused – Don’t get caught up on financing options and then start talking about car accessories.   Stick to one thing at a time.  If you stay focused, you’ll get a better deal.

Once you get your new car, be sure to take proper care of it.

Getting regular oil changes and using quality parts can make all the difference.  If you purchase a Toyota, be sure to use Toyota OEM parts to keep your car on the road longer.

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Signs That It’s Time To Tell Your Car To Shove It

We can sometimes get really attached to a vehicle.  This is especially true if you own a Toyota.

But sometimes, you have to learn to say goodbye to a car.  If you’re experiencing any of these issues with your car, considering telling your car to “shove it.”

• Repairs Cost More Than Car Is Worth: If it’s costing you tons of money to repair your vehicle, it may be time to say goodbye to your old car or truck.

• Don’t Feel Safe In The Car: Does it feel like your car’s wheels are going to fall off while driving it?  Are you afraid of going on long trips because you may get stranded on the side of the road? If you answered, “yes” to both of these, it’s time for a new car.

• You’re No Longer Comfortable Driving It: Is the A/C or the heating broken?  If this is the case, then it’s probably not too comfortable on warm and cold days.  You may want to consider a new car.

• It Fails Emissions Tests: If your car is failing the emissions test every single year and you’re making tons of repairs, it may be time to look for a new car.

• Too Small For Growing Family: Is your family growing?  If your growing family can no longer fit comfortably in your car, it may be time for an upgrade.

• Costs Too Much To Fill It Up: If your car or truck is guzzling too much gas, you may consider trading it in for something that is more fuel-efficient.  Maybe consider getting a Toyota Prius.

To keep your Toyota on the road longer, be sure to use quality Toyota parts.  This will help to ensure that you get the most out of your vehicle.

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The Top 5 Vehicle Accessories For Any Football Fan

Football season is in full swing!  Thank goodness there wasn’t a lockout.

If you’re like most football fans, you may be doing a little tailgating.

In case you didn’t know, you can transform any Toyota truck into the ultimate tailgating vehicle.  All you need are the following items.

Truck Cap: A truck cap is a great investment.  A truck caps protects any valuable items that you may be carrying for a tailgate from potential thieves as well as weather.  Many people build custom compartments in their truck cap to store beverages and other items.

Grill: A tailgate wouldn’t be a party without a good grill.  Party King Grills offers neat hitch-mounted portable grills.  The grill attaches to your trucks hitch and swings out when you’re read to use it.

Keg Cooler: Why settle for cans of beer when you can have draft beer.  Installing a keg cooler into the back of your truck can make your truck the center of any tailgating party.

Great Stereo: Finally, you’ll need to have a great stereo with excellent speakers.  Listening to the pregame show or listening to music is a must for any tailgate.  The stereo in the Toyota below may be a little too much.

Other Accessories: Tailgating is all based on preference.  Also consider looking for accessories with a company that sells Toyota parts.  They may have some Tacoma accessories or Tundra accessories that will be great for any tailgate.

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