Since the Camry first became a driver’s option back in the U.S. in 1983, about 13 million have been sold throughout the world.  In fact, for the past 9 years, it has been the number 1 selling car amongst auto shoppers in America.  In looking at the past 14 years, in the years that the Camry did not make the #1 spot, they were still near the top. 

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The recent tsunami and nuclear disasters that have stricken the country of Japan are something most of us cannot even imagine being a part of.  People have lost their homes, relatives, friends, and so much more.  Perhaps some of you here in Central Illinois were personally affected, or knew someone who was, by these terrible events?

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Between 2011 and 2020 many new drivers are set to become a part of local roadways, those being people born as part of Generation Y.  These individuals are a population especially concerned with finding autos that are environmentally friendly and include many technology features.  Currently a concept that’s set to become a reality most likely in 2012, the Toyota Prius C, may be a model Generation Y drivers, along with other Toyota and Prius fans, will enjoy.

Highlights of this model

The Prius C is still considered a concept car, but it already has drawn up buzz, especially amongst those who saw it on display at the Detroit International Auto Show last month.  It will offer some of these known features:

1. For the non-plug in hybrid class, it will be the most fuel efficient car. 
2. It will be lighter weight than the current Toyota Prius Gibson City commuters can find today at O’Brien Toyota of Urbana.
3. More modern and eye-catching exterior styling, such as distinctively styled headlights, to hopefully attract this new group of drivers anxious to get their first car.
4. Described as a city car, it may make traveling and parking around Urbana-Champaign much easier.
5. It will offer some of the most up to date technology features that Generation Y relies heavily on each day.  These will be announced in detail closer to production date.

Current Prius Models

If you are curious about driving a Prius now, stop by our store to take a test drive and find out more information.  We have a large selection of both new 2010 and 2011 models that would look great parked in your driveway.  Most of you know that the Prius gets unbeatable gas mileage of around 48 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway.  If you need something new or want a Champaign used car with the Prius name, and want to save money on gas, this car may just be what you need.

The Prius comes in several trims and exciting colors such as Barcelona Red Metallic, Classic Silver, and Winter Gray, to name a few.  You’ll also get the chance to enjoy a long list of convenience features, along with the assurance of a safe ride thanks to many safety features.

You may remember the time when driving as a teenager was the coolest thing to do.  It still is, but teen drivers also need to stay focused and knowledgeable while behind the wheel.  You go through the classes, driving hours, and the joy of having your permit to practice with mom, dad, or other guardian.  Now, you have your license and the really important part begins.

Toyota has teamed up with Discovery Education to launch a website where parents, teens, and educators can work together to keep teens driving with all the safety tools in mind.  The website has some very valuable resources that members of these groups can download and/ or read on line and work on together.  For example, there is a Mutual Driving Agreement that parents and their child(ren) can create to make sure everyone stays safe and responsible behind the wheel.  There’s even a space for parents to write out the amount of car related costs the teen will need to contribute to while driving their Gibson City Toyota Prius, for example.  These include cost of gas, registering the vehicle, any tickets, etc.

If it is time for your child to begin their hopefully long “career” of operating a vehicle, this is where we at O’Brien Toyota of Urbana come into play.  We have a large inventory of new and used Toyota models we are sure will make parents and teens very happy.  For example, 2011 Toyota models now come standard with the company’s Five Point Star Safety System that includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist as standard features on all models.  As a parent or guardian, having these features in your child’s auto will give you the peace of mind you need when handing them the keys, especially the first few times.

There are plenty of models featured at your Champaign used car dealer for Toyota models that would be perfect solutions for a family full of drivers!  Come in and check out our inventory today.

“App” me the “Carfax.” A few years ago that sentence would have looked really weird because two of the words weren’t even words. App of course is short for Application in reference to modern smart phone programs and Carfax refers to the facts or history of a car you’re interested in buying. As you can see it is much easier now to say it the way I started. Continue Reading

We’ve kept you guessing long enough. At this point you must have quite the burning curiosity to know the connection between Toyota, Avatar, the Fantastic Mr. Fox, and 30 Rock. Well, here it is. They are all concerned with the environment and all played a role in this year’s Environmental Media Awards. Urbana used car drivers can read on or stop by O’Brien Toyota to learn more about this exciting event. Continue Reading