Happy Friday, fans! Time for a “caption this,” you know what to do!

Grand Prize Winner Announced in Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge!

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The Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge, having already donated $50,000 to winner Kyle Busch's charity and another $50,000 split among the other three teams’ charities, has one more big prize to give to a lucky fan: The Toyota Racing Dream Trip Grand Prize. That fan is Christina R. from Buckeye, Ariz.
 
Christina will receive her choice of either a NASCAR or NHRA race event experience, both of which were exclusively tailored for the Dream Build Challenge.  But she leaves little doubt what her likely choice will be.
 
"We're huge into Sprint Cup," said Christina.  "We like all the Toyota drivers [and] we're huge fans of Kyle Busch."
 
The NASCAR edition of the Dream Race Trip includes two grandstand tickets, two NASCAR Hot Passes and a $1,500 American Express gift card.  NASCAR's Hot Passes give fans up-close exposure to the team garages and pre-race activity during "hot" times at the track.
 
"We're delighted with the enthusiastic fan response to the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge," said Keith Dahl, Toyota national motorsports and engagement marketing manager.  "We wanted to make sure the Grand Prize winner would have a truly memorable race experience, wherever they choose to go."
 
The Dream Build Challenge featured Toyota NASCAR drivers Clint Bowyer and Kyle Busch, plus NHRA drivers Alexis DeJoria and Antron Brown in a friendly build competition.  Fans could follow each build on the Toyota Racing Facebook page and www.ToyotaRacingDreamBuild.com and vote for their favorite teams while also competing for daily $100 gift card prizes.
 
The competition yielded four exciting and completely unique vehicles conceived by the Toyota drivers and their build teams.  In the end, Kyle Busch and the Rowdy Edition Camry emerged victorious, and took home first place.  All vehicles were featured in Toyota's booth at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev.

Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

Grand Prize Winner Announced in Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge!

The Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge, having already donated $50,000 to winner Kyle Busch's charity and another $50,000 split among the other three teams’ charities, has one more big prize to give to a lucky fan: The Toyota Racing Dream Trip Grand Prize. That fan is Christina R. from Buckeye, Ariz.

  Christina will receive her choice of either a NASCAR or NHRA race event experience, both of which were exclusively tailored for the Dream Build Challenge.  But she leaves little doubt what her likely choice will be.

  "We're huge into Sprint Cup," said Christina.  "We like all the Toyota drivers [and] we're huge fans of Kyle Busch."

  The NASCAR edition of the Dream Race Trip includes two grandstand tickets, two NASCAR Hot Passes and a $1,500 American Express gift card.  NASCAR's Hot Passes give fans up-close exposure to the team garages and pre-race activity during "hot" times at the track.

  "We're delighted with the enthusiastic fan response to the Toyota Racing Dream Build Challenge," said Keith Dahl, Toyota national motorsports and engagement marketing manager.  "We wanted to make sure the Grand Prize winner would have a truly memorable race experience, wherever they choose to go."

  The Dream Build Challenge featured Toyota NASCAR drivers Clint Bowyer and Kyle Busch, plus NHRA drivers Alexis DeJoria and Antron Brown in a friendly build competition.  Fans could follow each build on the Toyota Racing Facebook page and www.ToyotaRacingDreamBuild.com and vote for their favorite teams while also competing for daily $100 gift card prizes.

  The competition yielded four exciting and completely unique vehicles conceived by the Toyota drivers and their build teams.  In the end, Kyle Busch and the Rowdy Edition Camry emerged victorious, and took home first place.  All vehicles were featured in Toyota's booth at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev.

Courtesy of Toyota USA Newsroom

Good afternoon, everyone! We hope you all had a wonderful holiday and weekend! Now that the weekend is over it's time for us to check in with another Monday Maintenance Tip for you all! Today's tip: Check drive-belt tension

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Check the tension and condition of your drive belt (or, with many cars, multiple belts) every month. Belts that are too tight can wear out the bearings in accessory components, such as AC compressor, water pump, and power-steering pump. Belts that are too loose will wear out faster and may fail prematurely. Perform your examination before you start the car to avoid injury due to a hot belt or moving engine part. Check for tension by pressing in the center of the belt’s longest exposed run while holding a ruler next to it. If you can depress the belt 1/ 2 to 1 inch (13 to 25 mm), but not more or less, the tension is good. If not, adjust the belt tension yourself according to your car’s service manual, or have your dealer or auto repair service do it. Also check for belt damage, such as glazing (often due to oil leakage), fraying, and cracks. If you spot damage, have the belt checked by a pro and replaced if necessary.

Everyone has a different way to prepare their holiday bird. However you choose to cook your turkey tomorrow, we hope that all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

A very big thank you, to Lisa S., for the outstanding review! It is always a pleasure to hear feedback from our customers!

Toyota Certified Center of Santee- (5) Star Review on Yelp

• "Everyone that works here is very helpful and friendly and I never feel like I'm getting ripped off." -Lisa S.

Introducing the new RAV4 EV, with cutting-edge technology, dynamic performance and modern advancements inside and out.

Happy Monday, everyone! We’re checking in with another Monday Maintenance Tip, to remind you all to: Maintain your transmission

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Change automatic transmission fluid and filter after the first 5,000 miles (8,000 km) and after every 25,000 miles (40,000 km) or two years thereafter, or as recommended in your owner’s manual. If you use your vehicle for towing, change the fluid and filter every year. For manual transmissions, change the lubricant (motor oil or gear oil, depending on the car) after the first 5,000 miles and after every 50,000 (80,000 km) thereafter. Use synthetic motor oil or gear lube for longer transmission life unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise.

The 2012 Toyota Yaris, it sure is a car! Choose the color you like and come down to Toyota Certified Center of Santee to make it your car!

Shopping for a car on a tight budget? You won't have to sacrifice style because of price on this incredibly economical and stylish 2011 Toyota Corolla LE! So stop by Toyota Certified Center of Santee today, and take it for a test drive.

Click here for more details!

Hand-stitched feel meets intuitive technology. Toyota designers used breakthrough materials to create the 2013 Avalon's elegant, sporty interior.

Make sure to visit Toyota Certified Center of Santee– and with offers like these, who can resist! Get our $20 off coupon today!

Today is Election Day, get out there and Rock the Vote! “Like” this post if you voted already!

Welcome back fans! Here is a Monday Maintenance Tip for you.

Maintain Your Car’s Battery

Maybe the manufacturer says your battery is maintenance free, but don’t you believe it! Check your battery regularly to extend its life and avoid the hassle of being stranded with a dead battery.

• Begin with the simple: keeping your battery clean. A dirty case can actually cause current to drain. Wipe with a damp rag. Use a mild detergent if necessary.
• Next, clean the battery posts or terminals. Loosen and remove the negative cable (black or minus sign) first, then the red positive cable. Use a brass wire battery brush dipped in a paste made from a few tablespoons of baking soda and a little water.
• Inspect the battery case for damage, such as cracks or bulges — signs that a battery needs to be replaced.
• Reinstall the cables, positive first, and coat the terminals and clamps with a thin coating of grease to prevent new corrosion.

Many thanks to Karen and Kathy for these outstanding reviews! Keep up the great work team!

Toyota Certified Center of Santee - Two (5) Star Reviews on Yelp

• I have been taking my Avalon here for the last three years. They have several service people and I have had the very best service from Scott Miller. He really listens to you, and always try's to help where possible like finding discounts or giving advice about your car. He really knows what he's talking about and is very honest. So, look for Scott and you'll be in good hands. -Karen G.

• I just had the most positive car buying experience of my life.  The salesman, Bob Miner, was great...no high pressure.  He really listened to me and when he understood what I wanted, he steered me to exactly the right car for me.  i never thought I would be able to afford such a nice pre-owned vehicle but Robert Petty worked out all the financials for me.  They both went the extra mile and stayed late to make sure that I could get this car.   I walked into the dealership expecting to purchase a very old, high milage small car and I drove away that night in a 2004 Toyota Camry XLE with 54,000 miles on it.  It is the perfect car for my new business.  
  Thank you Bob and Robert.  I appreciate your integrity and it was a pleasure doing business with you. -Kathy A.

Toyota Donates $1 Million to Support Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

Toyota today announced a $1 million contribution to the American Red Cross and other nonprofit organizations to support relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Sandy in the regions worst-hit by the storm. In addition, Toyota will match employee contributions to the American Red Cross and other non-profits doing relief and recovery work in affected communities.

Commenting on the donation, Shigeki Terashi, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor North America, Inc., said, “On behalf of Toyota, we express our sincere condolences to the families affected by Hurricane Sandy. Since we have operations and many dealerships in the affected regions, we felt a special responsibility to lend a hand. In addition to this contribution, many Toyota employees are already involved in volunteer activities to support those in need. We very much appreciate their support.”

Beginning Nov. 1, Toyota Financial Services (TFS) and Lexus Financial Services (LFS) will launch a “Customer Outreach” calling campaign to lease and retail customers who are delinquent, or become delinquent, due to circumstances related to the storm and who reside in the 13 states directly impacted by the hurricane (CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT and WV) and in the District of Columbia. This campaign will determine if these customers may be eligible to take advantage of payment relief options, some of which include:

• extensions and lease deferred payments;
• redirecting billing statements;
• and arranging phone or on-line payments.

Toyota Financial customers with questions about their account should call (800) 874-8822. Lexus Financial customers with questions about their account should call (800) 874-7050. Qualified residents residing in FEMA-designated areas (of the above-mentioned states and the District) needing to purchase a vehicle may also take advantage of a 90 Day Deferred First Payment Program designed to assist customers with their transportation needs as they work through the recovery process. This program is for a limited time and only available through participating Toyota and Lexus dealers and TFS/LFS.

Toyota Operations
Toyota continues to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy to its operations on the East Coast and reports no known injuries to associates, family members and dealer employees. The storm had the biggest impact on company operations and dealerships in the New Jersey area. Some regional/branch offices, as well as Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships, were affected by flooding and power outages. Toyota Logistics Services operations at the Port of Newark (N.J.) sustained water damage to its buildings and a number of vehicles.

Courtesy of Toyota Pressroom