Toyota 4Runner Named to List of Best Party Vehicles

2012 Toyota 4Runner

Be honest - is your favorite part of football season really the game itself, or the excuse it gives to have a party? If it's the party, you're in luck, because Kelley Blue Book just named the Toyota 4Runner to the list of 10 Best Tailgating Vehicles of 2012.

Kelley Blue Book called the 4Runner "the automotive equivalent of the tuxedo t-shirt" for its versatility as an off-road utility vehicle and an always-ready party machine. With an available sliding rear cargo deck and “Party Mode” sound equalizer that channels music to the liftgate speakers, the designers of the Toyota 4Runner definitely had tailgating in mind.

Other KBB favorite features include the rear window in the liftgate, allowing access in close quarters like a garage or tight parking space. The 40/20/40 split seat offers a multitude of cargo/seating arrangements and even reclines for maximum comfort. There is an optional third row available to expand the seating capacity to seven passengers.

The 2012 Toyota 4Runner is available in three trim levels, the SR5, Trail, and Limited. Standard equipment includes a 4.0-liter V6 engine paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, plus Hill Start Assist. Other standard tech features include SiriusXM satellite radio, a USB port with iPod connectivity, hands-free phone, trip computer and three auxiliary power outlets. 2012 Toyota The 2012 4Runner is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine that pushes 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque. EPA fuel economy ratings are 17/23 city/highway mpg in rear-wheel drive and 17/22 mpg in 4-wheel drive.

Whether you cheer for the Panthers or the Tarheels, or your heart lies somewhere farther away, Toyota of Concord near Charlotte, North Carolina will help you find the right vehicle to make you the envy of the parking lot pary crowd. Browse our inventory online or stop by our dealership for a test drive. You can also follow us on Facebook for updates on new Ford products and awards.

2012 Toyota Tacoma, Tundra Win in Kelley Blue Book Study

2012 Toyota Tacoma

Kelly Blue Book rated the 2012 Toyota Tundra and 2012 Toyota Tacoma top in their segments in the latest KBB Cost to Own Awards. The Cost to Own evaluation goes beyond the purchase price of the car to estimate what the actual costs would be over five years of ownership.

The Cost to Own analysis includes factors such as out-of-pocket expenses like insurance, fuel, repairs, maintenance, state fee, and financing. Depreciation is also a factor, which is determined by the loss in the value of the car from its value after five years of ownership compared to the initial price of the car.

Why should buyers care about ownership costs? If a buyer is considering two similarly-priced models, the cost of ownership should be considered as well. In the long term, it could save the driver thousands of dollars.

While Toyota is often praised for its reliable, affordable compact cars, it was the trucks that were the stars in the cost of ownership study.

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma (regular cab) was awarded Best in Class in the Mid-size Pickup Truck category in the Kelley Blue Book evaluation. With estimated out-of-pocket expenses of $22,847 and depreciation of $9,481, the five-year cost to own a Toyota Tacoma is $32,328. This puts it above other mid-sized pickups like the Nissan Frontier and Chevrolet Colorado.

The lowest cost-to-own Full-size Pickup Truck category was won by the 2012 Toyota Tundra (regular cab). With estimated out-of-pocket expenses of $27,482 and depreciation of $15,561, the five-year cost to own a Toyota Tundra is $43,043. Not faring so well in the same category were the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra.

To test drive a 2012 Toyota Tundra, Tacoma, or any other Toyota model, visit Toyota Scion of Concord today. We are happy to supply the Charlotte area with new and pre-owned Toyota vehicles and many other used cars. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and updates on all things Toyota or Scion.