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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

2013 Scion FRS in Greensboro

We are already callings dibs on driving this Scion FR-S as a demo. 

Scion FRS Greensboro, High Point and Winston Salem at Rice Toyota Spring/Summer 2012
“We all know that it’s not hard to make horsepower and torque, but it is hard to do all that and still achieve impressive fuel economy,” Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “The FR-S accomplishes all three.”


Today Rice Toyota in Greensboro is extremely proud to introduce you to the latest member of the Scion family…the Scion Racing/GReddy Performance FR-S built to compete in the 2012 Formula Drift season!
 The Scion FRS is coming to Greensboro, Winston Salem and High Point at Rice Toyota in Spring/Summer 2012. You can reserve yours by emailing sales@ricetoyota.com or calling us at 336-288-1190.


 The FR-S, which stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport; is Scion’s definition of an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car with exceptionally balanced performance and handling, compelling style, flexible utility and surprising MPG. The sports car is most inspired by the AE86 generation of the Corolla, better known as the Hachi-Roku, meaning “8-6” in Japanese. The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe was lightweight and well balanced, making it a solid choice for driving enthusiasts.


The FR-S’s 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine is the result of a joint development between Toyota and Subaru. The partnership begins by combining Subaru’s newly developed horizontally opposed engine and Toyota’s cutting edge D-4S injection system that incorporates both direct and port injection. The D-4S system, partnered with a high 12.5:1 compression ratio, results in an impressive 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.

You can read more about the Scion FRS or browse Scion vehicles in Greensboro, Winstons Salem and High Point by visiting RiceToyota.com


Wednesday, February 15, 2012

History of Toyota


The front emblem from the first passenger car (the model AA) which started mass production in 1937. This mark is composed of the wings to convey speed and kanji "Toyoda" which was made into a design.
Ever wondered where the word Toyota comes from? Or what about the round T logo you seen on every Toyota made since 1989?

From "TOYODA" to "TOYOTA"


Toyota originated from the family name of the founder, "Toyoda", with early vehicles produced by the company originally sold with a "Toyoda" emblem. In 1936, the company ran a public competition to design a new logo, which lead to a change in the brand name to what is now called "Toyota".

To learn more about the history of the Toyota brand: Toyota Vehicle Heritage

1973 Toyota Landcruiser FJ 40



Rice Toyota in Greensboro, NC is proud to present a totally restored 1973 Toyota Landcruiser FJ 40.The restoration of this vehicle was a ''TOTAL FRAME OFF'' ...no expense spared..Every piece removed, restored or replaced. Professionally repainted in it's original blue. We have photo's of the total restoration process. This is a vehicle that must be seen to be appreciated as there are too many detail's to list in this short description...

Land Cruiser Model 40 Series Production Period 1960-1984
See photos and details on this restored 1973 Toyota Landcruiser FJ 40.






The Land Cruiser currently has the longest running history in the Toyota lineup. With origins from the Toyota Jeep BJ which was created in 1951, the name "Land Cruiser" has since been used from the release of the 20-series in 1955.

After the test drive on Mt Fiji July 1951

Scion iQ in Greensboro

Greensboro, High Point, and Winston Salem the Scion iQ is at Rice Toyota.


Don't let its size fool you, this car is loaded with big features, all within a modern, intelligent design.

Edmunds.com says" The 2012 Scion iQ is a minimalist metropolitan runabout that gets great fuel economy. Style and utility are the messages here, not driving excitement.
Pros: Compact agility; great fuel economy; lots of style inside and out."

Scion iQ dashboard


Scion iQ driver's side interior door

Scion iQ dash

Scion iQ front view




Thursday, February 9, 2012

10 Tips on How to Spot a Flood-Damaged Vehicle

When shopping for a used car in Greensboro, Winston Salem or High Point you need to be an informed consumer. We always recommend purchasing from a dealer or store that has a solid reputation and has been in business a long time.


Tips on How to Spot a Flood-Damaged Vehicle


10 Consejos Prácticos para Detectar un Vehículo Dañado por las Inundaciones

Severe weather across the nation has led to floods in several parts of the country. In their wake: a large number of flood-damaged vehicles.

Considering purchasing a used car? Protect yourself from buying a flood damaged vehicle by doing a little research and by having the vehicle thoroughly checked by a mechanic. Rain, thunderstorms, swelling rivers and seasonal hurricanes hitting the coastlines all contribute to flooding disasters that can mean serious water damage to vehicles in those areas.



NADA offers 10 inspection tips that may be used to detect significant water damage. A prospective buyer can spot a flooded vehicle by following these simple steps:



1. Check the vehicle's title history by VIN through commercially available vehicle history reports like Carfax or Experian Auto Check. The report may state whether a vehicle has sustained flood damage.



2. Examine the interior and the engine compartment for evidence of water and grit from suspected submersion.



3. Check for recently shampooed carpet.



4. Look under the floorboard carpet for water residue or stain marks from evaporated water not related to air-conditioning pan leaks.



5. Inspect for rusting on the inside of the car and under interior carpeting and visually inspect all interior upholstery and door panels for any evidence of fading;



6. Check under the dashboard for dried mud and residue, and note any evidence of mold or a musty odor in the upholstery, carpet or trunk.



7. Check for rust on screws in the console or other areas where the water would normally not reach unless submerged.



8. Look for mud or grit in alternator crevices, behind wiring harnesses and around the small recesses of starter motors, power steering pumps and relays.



9. Complete a detailed inspection of the electrical wiring system looking for rusted components, water residue or suspicious corrosion.



10. Inspect the undercarriage of other components for evidence of rust and flaking metal that would not normally be associated with late model vehicles.



While these inspection suggestions will not detect flood damage in every case, they do provide some information to protect the consumer from purchasing a vehicle damaged by water or flood. Mechanics at dealerships or repair shops can also be helpful with the inspecton of used vehicles.





Monday, January 16, 2012

Toyota Venza in Greensboro, High Point and Winston

Toyota Venza High Point, Winston and Greensboro
 Toyota drivers all over the Piedmont Triad - Winston Salem, High Point, Greensboro, Burlington, Durham, Chapel Hill and Asheboro- are quickly falling for the Toyota Venza.  Here are some quotes we found on the edmunds.com site where they review vehicles....



Toyota Venza Greensboro
PRO's: Spacious interior; powerful and efficient V6; pleasant ride; innovative interior storage; well equipped.

Toyota Venza Panoramic Sunroofs
The 2011 Toyota Venza is a strange creation, one rife with contradictions and difficult to properly define. There is one thing we're sure of, though; it makes a great family vehicle.
Toyota Venza Interior

The Venza has the basic body dimensions and interior space of a midsize crossover SUV -- think Ford Edge or Nissan Murano -- but with one significant exception: The Venza is nearly 4 inches shorter in height than its rivals, and technically this puts it in the same camp as a wagon, not a crossover. Its wagon-style dimensions also make the Venza feel more like a car from behind the wheel compared to Toyota crossovers like the Highlander and RAV4. The Venza puts an emphasis on comfort and ease of driving.
 
This is one of the best -- and possibly the top -- V6s in the crossover class. If that weren't incentive enough, going with the V6 gets you even bigger, 20-inch wheels.


In the front cabin, the Venza is filled with a variety of innovative storage solutions. By placing the shift lever up high on the center console, space opens up for several storage bins.

Certainly, the 2011 Toyota Venza is a strong contender whether you're in the market for a wagon like the Subaru Outback or a midsize crossover like the Edge, Murano and Chevy Equinox. The Venza is also a more likable and stylish choice than the similarly conceived Honda Accord Crosstour. When a vehicle is such an indefinable oddity, it's bound to draw comparisons to such a diverse range of vehicles, but against them all, the Toyota Venza stands tall on its big wheels.

Parking lot maneuvers couldn't be easier, however. Both engines provide ample power to move this sizable vehicle, although the V6 is obviously the way to go if passing folks on the highway takes precedence over achieving the best fuel economy.

Visit RiceToyota.com for Lease and Purchase Specials on the Toyota Venza










Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Home Charging Station for Plug In Electric Vehicle


Prius Plug-in Hybrid Advanced shown in Clearwater Blue Metallic.
 Get a home charging station for your plug-in electric vehicle:

Progress Energy Customers
Duke Energy Customers

Info on Progress Energy's Plugged In:
Plugged In is a new program for Progress Energy's North Carolina and South Carolina customers, designed to help our area move forward with tomorrow’s plug-in vehicles today.

If you qualify, Progress Energy will install a 240-volt, Level 2 charging station at your home. The program runs until April 2013, during which time the company will monitor the data from the station, plus be responsible for any maintenance and servicing. After that time, the station becomes yours to keep.

Info on Duke Energy's Charge Carolinas:
Eligible residential customers in North Carolina and South Carolina now have the opportunity to participate in Duke Energy’s Charge Carolinas pilot program. Charge Carolinas provides qualified participants with a 240-volt, Level 2 charging station, installation and service for the duration of the two-year pilot.

How the pilot works:
  1. Duke Energy will install a 240-volt, Level 2 charging station at the homes of eligible customers.*  
  2. We will also service the charging station for free for the duration of the pilot program.
  3. We’ll remotely access information to better understand collective charging habits and the impact on the power grid. This way we can better prepare for increased use in the future.
  4. When the pilot ends, participants will be able to keep the charging station for only $250.

 Electric transportation has many advantages over traditional gasoline vehicles:
  1. Fueling at the plug instead of the pump is cheaper for consumers.
  2. The use of plug-in vehicles will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  3. Grid enabled electric transportation can significantly decrease our reliance on foreign oil.
How do Plug In Cars Work?
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have two power systems, an internal combustion engine and a battery which can be re-charged from electricity. These vehicles use both gas and electricity. Some are designed to operate in all-electric mode until the battery is fully discharged, with the gasoline engine then taking over. The Chevrolet Volt is an example of this type of vehicle. Others will operate with both power systems at the same time to reduce gasoline usage, much like the planned Toyota Prius PHEV.
 
Like what you see? We are taking orders on Toyota Prius Plug In Vehicles. Email us at sales@ricetoyota.com or call 336-288-1190 and ask for either of our sales managers Kerry Mitchell or Neil Kelly to get your name on the list. 
 
Visit RiceToyota.com for more information