Greetings,

Welcome to the Summer edition of our newsletter.  We wanted to make sure you received this edition before we close for our upcoming vacation.  We will be closed Saturday, July 19 until we return on Monday, July 28.  If you need that last minute oil change or trip inspection before YOUR vacation, call us for an appointment.  The week leading up to our vacation has historically been one of our busiest, so call soon, before you forget!  If you'd like to make an appointment online, click here.

We would love to get your comments, so feel free to send us feedback. 

Lowell Nigoff

   

In this issue:
Are Thieves Targeting Your Car?
Lowell Doesn't Want You to Read This Article!!

More on Gas...from Clark Howard

A Quick Word on Used Toyotas
Do You Have a Question?
Advertisements & Self-Promotion

                                                 


Are Thieves Targeting Your Car?

Car theft has risen significantly over the past few years and is now the third most frequent crime in the country.  Even Lexington’s very own former mayor, Pam Miller, had her car stolen from her driveway when she accidentally left the keys in it.  

What factors control whether your car is stolen?  The likelihood is largely based on what kind of car you have and where you live.  What criminals like stealing in one part of the country is completely different than their tastes in another part of the country. The National Insurance Crime Bureau, an information clearinghouse, will soon have information at its website, showing what cars around the country are most likely to be stolen.  According to the Wall Street Journal, if you live in California, eight of the most stolen vehicles are imports.  In Ohio, nine of the 10 most stolen vehicles are made by General Motors.

The Top 10 most stolen vehicles (from most stolen to least stolen) are:  1) Toyota Camry, 2) Honda Accord, 3) Honda Civic,  4) Oldsmobile Cutlass Sierra, 5) Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, 6) Chevy C/K pick-up, 7) Toyota Corolla,  8) Ford Taurus,  9) Chevy Caprice, 10) Ford F150 pickup

You should keep in mind that the Camry and Accord are the most popular cars in the country, so the law of averages says they are likely to be stolen more often. The good news is if you own a Plymouth Sundance, no one wants your car. It is the least likely to be stolen. So, what can you do to avoid being a target in general?  Park in well-lighted areas; take the keys out of the ignition , and LOCK YOUR CAR!


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Lowell Doesn't Want You to Read This Article!! 
 (But we were able to sneak it in...shhhhhhh)

Warning:  This article will teach you how to keep breakdowns to a minimum!
 
Smart Money magazine has an obsession with Top 10 lists.  One of the most current lists  gives consumers tips to keep their car out of the shop.  Some of these tips are obvious, while others may surprise you. 

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More on Gas

From Clark Howard, the frugal consumer adviser

Don't play the name game with gas.  Clark talks about some topics until he's blue in the face, and there are always people who pay no attention until it really hits home.  Today, it's the cost of gasoline.  Clark has been a stickler about what he pays for gas since the first energy crisis in 1973.  It's just one of his things.  But for many years people didn't even notice the cost of the gas they were buying when they pulled up to the pump.  That sentiment is changing across the country now that gas prices are skyrocketing.  Most people have always been loyal to a certain brand name because they thought they were doing their car a favor.  That's changing too.  Now, people are seeking out the cheapest price on the street, and brand names no longer matter. So, if there is any good news in the energy crisis, this is it.  There are so many low cost sellers in the market and the gas is the same quality.  Warehouse clubs and supermarkets alone will sell one in six gallons of gas sold in the country.  These providers sell it much cheaper than what traditional gas companies charge.  Remember that gas is gas, so shop around for the best price.  Also, keep your car above a half a tank so you can find the best price without running out.

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A Quick Word on Used Toyotas     

A national consumer magazine recently asked its readers if they would buy their car if they had to do it all over again.  Readers were to consider such factors as price, performance, reliability, etc.  We're happy to report that several Toyota and Lexus models came in at or near the top of the list in their particular class.  They are listed as follows:  the Lexus ES300 in the upscale car category; the Highlander, Land Cruiser, Sequoia (4wd), and Lexus RX300 for the SUV's; the Lexus LS430 in the luxury car class; the Prius in small cars; the Avalon in large cars; the Lexus SC430 in the coupe/convertible category; the trusty Camry for the group of family sedans; and the Tundra (V8) in the pickup truck class.

This same magazine also highlighted several models that have both performed well in their testing over the years, and had better-than-average reliability.  The following Toyotas all made the list:  the 4Runner, Avalon, Camry, Solara, Celica, Corolla, Echo, RAV4, Sienna, Tacoma, and Tundra.  Several Lexus models also made the list:  ES300, GS300/400, GS430, LS400, LS430, and RS300.  Makes you feel good about buying a Toyota!

If you find a used car that you're interested in purchasing, don't forget to schedule an appointment with us for a pre-purchase inspection.  We've prevented more than one customer from buying a car and then having to spend a lot of money on unexpected repairs.

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Do You Have a Question About Car Maintenance That You Want Answered?
We love to hear from all our good friends and customers who enjoy reading "Lowell’s Toyota Times".  If you have a question about anything related to your Toyota or Lexus, feel free to give us a call at (859) 233-1173, or drop us a line at lowells@iglou.com.

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Thanks to everyone who voted for us in "ACE" Magazine's 
"The Real Best of Lexington" Poll.
Lowell's was once again voted
"Best Mechanic".

      

     Awards & Honors
Better Business Bureau Integrity Award in 1991.
Voted "Best in the Bluegrass" in ACE magazine poll in 1997, 1999, 2001, and 2002.
Featured on a television special for employing women in a traditionally male environment.
Featured on Hometown Heroes for work done in the community.

     

Be sure to check out our "MONTHLY SPECIAL" at  www.chooselowells.com.


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"Lowell's Toyota Times" is published by Lowell's Bluegrass Automotive.  Opening in 1979, Lowell's is the the only independent repair shop in the Bluegrass specializing in the maintenance and repair of Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

     

          

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