Toyota Recalls

Some of you might already be aware, but Toyota is recalling a number of their newer vehicles for faulty accelerator pedals. Toyota is advising their dealerships today on how to address the problem. In the meantime, Toyota has halted sales and production on 8 of it's top models until further notice.

Toyota is taking big steps to reassure customers that Toyota is a safe and reliable brand, despite mishaps with sticky pedals and slippery floormats.

In any case, we can be sure that the world's largest car company will pull through. In the meantime, I wouldn't be too worried about driving your current Toyota. If you're really paranoid, you can always take out your floormats until Toyota gives you some new ones.

Detroit Auto Show

Detroit just had it's premier autoshow earlier this year, unveiling a legion of new cars and concepts from nearly every automaker. Hybrid and electric vehicles were all the buzz this year, as manufacturers find ways to increase fuel economy and fun simultaneously.One manufacturer looking to do so is Volkswagen. With their Compact Coupe Concept, Volkswagen is making hybrids fun and sporty. Capable of reaching 60 mph in about 8 seconds, the Coupe is light on it's feet, and it can obtain up to 45 mpg thanks to it's hybrid powertrain. It even looks cool, too, proving not all hybrids need to be as ugly as the Prius.

Mini Cooper rolled out a concept vehicle called the Mini Beach Comber. It's a small SUV without doors, though I'm not sure how many people will want something that quirky.

And finally a car that's no wider than a motorcycle. At $160,000 a piece, these little guys aren't cheap. And actually, it's probably the most dense car every built. It's loaded with batteries and electric motors under the floor of the car, weighing it down and giving it, shockingly, Corvette-like handling. With 800 hp, it's also as fast as a Corvette.

These and other cool cars are on their way to production soon, and hopefully showrooms in a year or two.

-Biggs

Extended Warranties

Sometimes people are unsure about extended warranties for vehicles, claiming they are costly and unnecessary. Yes, they can be expensive, but then again, cars aren't cheap. Unfortunately, repairs can be pricey too, depending on the work involved.

But here's a little comparison for you. iMac computers, for example (I love iMacs!) will run about $1,500 brand new. The 3 year warranty (2 years beyond the manufacturer warranty) they offer costs $169. That's 11.26% of the total purchase price. Apple is a pretty good company, and when compared to other electronic manufacturers, their warranty is likely more affordable than most.

We have a 2008 BMW 528i for sale. The car is listed at $28,395, and a 4 year/60,000 mile all inclusive warranty runs $1,922. That turns out to be 6.7% of the total price for the car, and that's for a BMW, not a Toyota.

We offer extended warranties through JM&A Group, the same company that provides the "certified used" warranties for Toyota, Volkswagen, and Audi vehicles. A little known fact: certified used vehicles don't have their warranties through the manufacturer. It's always through a 3rd party, for example, JM&A. We have warranties available for just about all of our vehicles, with different term, mileage, and coverage options available to fit any budget.

-Biggs

We Finally Got Smart!

Actually, we just got a Smart Car. We've always been smart....

Coming to you from LeSueur Car Company, introducing the first ever Smart Car! It's a convertible in the highest trim, known as "Passion." It has alloy wheels, a one-of-a-kind orange paint job, factory Navigation, and more!

Come and see it for yourself, and who knows, maybe you'll get smart, too.

Great Gas Mileage a Must in 2010

To anyone with eyes, it's obvious that hybrid and fuel efficient cars have gotten a lot of hype over the past year. It's also certain that this hype will carry over into the new year, 2010. The economy still lies somewhat in pieces, and sadly, many people are in the tightest financial situations of their lives.

With tight finances comes the need to cut payments, bills, and other spending. One of the best way that people have found to save some cash is to get better fuel economy. However, fuel economy can sometimes be a double-edged sword. Hybrid cars, especially, typically don't come cheap. Enter the micro-car. Lately, manufacturers have been introducing extra small cars, although Toyota has been selling them for years already. The Toyota Yaris, a spunky little car available in either sedans or hatchbacks, it the perfect alternative to someone wanting great miles per gallon and not spend a fortune to get it.

Here at LeSueur Car Company, we have the largest selection of Toyota Yaris sedans and hatchbacks, even more than the Toyota Dealers! If you're wanting your gas mileage to average in the mid 30s, then the Yaris is perfect. In addition to the Yaris, we have Nissan Versas, Toyota Prius's, Mini Coopers, a Smart Car, and a 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid. All of these cars get outstanding fuel economy and have a range of different options and features.

Come check them out today!

-Biggs

New Year and BIG PLANS!

I don't know if you've heard the news, but within the next few weeks we'll likely be breaking ground for a completely new facility. Say goodbye to the sixty year old house up front, the dusty dirt lot, and the lack of customer parking.

After years of hoping and wishing and jumping through the government obstacle courses for building permits, it's finally here. It's almost time to take the hammers to the house and start anew. And it's going to be absolutely awesome once it's finished.

We've been kicking around the idea of having a demolition party in conjunction with a possible BBQ and raffle. What do you think? We certainly want to celebrate this historic moment, and who better to celebrate with than our loyal and wonderful group of customers?!

Give us a call or stop by to show your support, and let us know if this is something you'd want to participate in. Thanks!
-Biggs