Trying to keep warm

As I write this, my office is nice and warm, even though we’re in the depths of winter. I recall how it was not this cozy too many years ago.

When we opened in 1979, the building had only one heater, and it was back in the shop. We had no heat in the front office or waiting room. Customers didn’t spend a lot of time waiting for their cars to be repaired.

I can remember once while we were being inspected by the fire department, the inspector asked how often the furnace cycled. I answered, “Well as far as I can tell, it cycles on in early October and off around April.”

After experiencing frozen pipes, then flooding when they thawed, we tried many things to stay warm - electric space heaters, baseboard heaters, kerosene heaters - you name it. The baseboard heaters did exactly what they said they would do - heat up the baseboards. The kerosene heaters did OK and took the chill off the rooms. Their trouble is for some unknown reason they would periodically belch clouds of black soot that coated everything in the office, including the freezing customers and me. Refilling them always left a mess, and the office was permeated with the smell of kerosene. I tried an electric space heater, but it only worked if I kept my feet under the desk right next to it.

Finally, we bought a real furnace a few years ago. What a pleasure! At last I’m warm and our customers aren’t turning blue while waiting for their cars to be repaired. Now, if only we could do something about the high gas bill…

Thanks for reading,
Lowell

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Fuel Tips from the Motley Fool

If you feel you're growing new gray hairs each time you fill your gas tank these days, take heart. There are many ways to reduce your gas bill. Here are some money-saving tips, courtesy of the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. They even apply to those of us who don't live in Texas.

Keep your car well-maintained. If you replace a dirty air filter, your mileage can improve by up to 10%.
Keep tires properly inflated and balanced. This can boost your mileage by up to a mile per gallon.
Don't speed. For each five miles per hour over 60 mph that you drive, you fork over an extra dime per gallon. If you regularly fill your tank with 10 gallons and routinely drive 65 mph instead of 60, you're paying an extra dollar per fill-up.
Be a gentle driver. Fast starts and stops and aggressive driving are huge money wasters. By maintaining stable speeds and driving calmly, you may save as much as 50 cents a gallon, which amounts almost to a 25% discount -- these days, at least!
Drive less. Combine your errands. If a short walk will save a drive, walk. Car pool. Take public transportation. Ride a bicycle. Driving is sometimes not your only option.
Don't keep your engine running in drive-through lanes. That eats more gas than simply shutting the engine off and restarting later. Save even more by just parking and making your purchase indoors.
Travel light. If you're carrying heavy things you don't need in your car, such as your cinder block collection or your sister-in-law, leave them at home. They're making your car work harder and use more gas.
Shifting your vehicle into overdrive gear as soon as your speed is high enough will improve your mileage. With manual transmission, know that the lower the shift speed, the better your fuel economy.

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Do we shuttle...?
Lowell's offers courtesy shuttle service to your home or work within Fayette County. When you make your appointment, just let us know that you need a ride, and we'll be glad to give you one. We have our "fleet" waiting to take you.

Toyota and Lexus are Most Reliable Vehicles

Consumer Reports recently released its statistics on the most and least reliable cars on the market. Once again, Toyota is at the top of the list. According to Consumer Reports, the most reliable small cars are the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Echo, Toyota Scion XB, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza, and Mitsubishi Lancer.

As for sporty cars, the most reliable are the Lexus SC430, the Toyota Celica, and the Acura RSX.

In mid-range cars, the most reliable models are the Lexus IS300, LS430, GS300, and GS430, Toyota Camry, Toyota Avalon, Acura RL, Buick Regal, Hyundai Sonata and Infiniti G35.

Among the many models for the ever-expanding SUV category, the most reliable vehicles are the Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Highlander, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Toyota Rav4, Honda Element, Honda CRV, Lexus LX470, Acura MDX and the Subaru Forrester.

The Toyota Prius and Honda Civic are the most reliable hybrid cars.

It looks like you really can't go wrong if you choose a Toyota or Lexus!

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Ponder this one...
"If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get a million miles per gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside."

Robert X. Cringely, InfoWorld magazine

Do you have a question about car repair or maintenance? 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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Lowell's Toyota Tidbits

Hybrid notes... Lexus is delaying the U.S. launch of the hybrid RX 400h. The company wants to increase the number of available vehicles at launch to accommodate the overwhelming demand for the new model.

Russian Toyotas?... Toyota is considering becoming the first Japanese automaker to set up a production plant in Russia. Toyota declined to offer many details, but is considering the move due to an expected rise in worldwide demand for cars.

Commercial-free radio... Toyota will begin offering Sirius satellite radio beginning in February. Models offering the option will be the Camry, Solara, Land Cruiser, Lexus LS 430, Lexus ES 330, Lexus LX 470, Scion xA, Scion xB, and Scion tC.

Toyota shooting for #1 worldwide... Toyota aims to expand sales by 18 percent in the next fiscal year, to 8.5 million vehicles - just shy of General Motors' 2003 sales. Toyota has been open about its ambitions to become the world's #1 automaker, and has set its goal for global market share at 15 percent. GM's market share was 14.7 percent last year.

Toyota/Lexus owners most loyal... Toyota and Lexus rank #1 and #2 respectively among automakers for customer retention rates. Of Toyota owners, 60.6 percent will buy another Toyota, while 59.5 percent of Lexus owners roll off the lot with another Lexus.

Celicas too bright?... Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 92,577 '00-'01 Celicas because their daytime running lights are too bright and could be a hazard to oncoming drivers. Dealers will repair the vehicles for free beginning in March.

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Did you lease your Toyota?
If so, did you know that Lowell's can service it? We can perform the factory-recommended maintenance such as oil changes, tune ups, and brake inspections that you should have done at regular intervals. You don't have to return to the dealer except for work that is covered under the factory warranty. Not sure what your car is due for? Give us a call at (859) 233-1173 or check your maintenance history online here.

Ever made an appointment using our Web site?
If not, here are five reasons why you should:

You can review your car’s maintenance history online, and select those services you need, based on your current mileage.
We’ll confirm your appointment via email, verifying the maintenance/repairs we have you scheduled for.
You can access your maintenance history and make an appointment anytime, day or night.
No waiting on hold.
It’s quick, easy, and painless! All you need is your Vehicle ID number and current mileage. If you don't know your Vehicle ID number, don't fret! You can find it in two different places. It is printed on your last repair order, in the upper right-hand corner by your vehicle information. Your number is also on your Lowell's key tag. If you still can't find it, or don't have a key tag, just give us a call at (859) 233-1173 or email us. We'll be glad to help.

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Lowell's Awards & Honors
Better Business Bureau Integrity Award in 1991.
Voted "Best in the Bluegrass" in ACE Weekly poll in 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2003.
Featured on a television special for employing women in a traditionally male environment.
Featured on Hometown Heroes for work done in the community.

Don't miss our "MONTHLY SPECIAL" at www.chooselowells.com.

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Lowell's Toyota Times is published by Lowell's Bluegrass Automotive. Opened 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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