Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

Superb 1 Owner 2007 Toyota Fj Cruiser Pkg 2, Katzkin Leather Rear Park Assist on 2040-cars

Year:2007 Mileage:31032 Color: Sun Fusion/White Top
Location:

Boulder City, Nevada, United States

Boulder City, Nevada, United States
Advertising:

     

2007 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER 4x4

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4x4

 

1 Owner • 31,032 Miles

 

Katzkin Leather Seats • Rear Parking Assist • Upgrade Package 2

 

Locking Rear Differential • Inclinometer • Suicide Doors

 

Ultra Low Mileage • Aesthetic and Functional Near Perfection • Future Collectable

 

If you want to talk deal, pick up the phone

and make your serious offer.

702-353-7500

I don't respond nicely to stupid messages such as:

"What's your reserve?"

"What is your bottom line?"

"What's the least you'll take?"

"What is your bottom dollar?"

"Do you have a Buy-it-Now?"

"What's it take to buy it?"

"What is your asking price?"

I will not email you a figure but we can talk about it.

 

It's a flippin' Auction!  That means . . . it's your number that counts . . . not mine.

 

Also, if yours is among the hundreds of emails I get with any of the above lame questions, I will immediately assume that you(r):

have not taken time to read the listing

have zero intent to purchase

• are clueless about relevant market values

• forthcoming "offer" will be completely detached from reality

 

26 years in the business has proven beyond all doubt that serious buyers read every line, look at every picture, research well enough on their own and feel confident making a real offer.

 

Our presentations are unequalled, on eBay or anywhere else.

We are therefore, usually able to choose from among quality buyers that actually want to purchase a vehicle.

 

THE ONLY WAY TO WORK YOUR DEAL IS TO CALL ME!

My vehicles are so unique and so rare,

knowing how much they will or should sell for is nearly impossible.

That is the magic of an eBay auction . . . serious buyers making a serious offer.

 

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4x4

VIN: JTEBU11F170030636

Odometer: 31,032

Engine: 4.0 Liter VVTi DOHC V6

Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic

Exterior: Sun Fusion/White Top  (2JU)

Interior: Katzkin Charcoal Leather

Built: June, 2006 - Hino Motors, Hamura, Tokyo, Japan

 

Over 118 high resolution pictures below.

 

Standard Equipment

5-Passenger 5-Door 4-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Vehicle

4.0 Liter VVTi DOHC V6 Engine

239 horsepower @ 5,200/278 ft-lb. torque @ 3,700 RPM

Electronic 5-Speed Automatic Transmission

4-Wheel Drive with 2-Speed Transfer Case  (1.00/2.57 center differential)

Variable Gear Power Rack and Pinion Steering

4-Wheel Power Disc Brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist

Vehicle Stability Control/Traction Control

Engine/Front Suspension, Transfer Case and Fuel Tank Skid Plates

Driver and Front Passenger Frontal Airbags

Air Conditioning with Cabin Filter

Power Windows

Power Locks

Tilt Steering

Seatbelt Pretensioners and Force Limiters

8-Way Adjustable Driver's Seat

Backlit/White Faced Analog Gauges: 7,000 RPM Tachometer, 120 MPH Speedometer, Volt Meter, Temperature and Fuel

Rubber Floor Covering

60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat with Removable Cushions

Exterior Color Dash Insert

Rear Defrost

3 Windshield Wipers  (intermittent)

Digital Clock

Covered Driver's Side Dash Top Storage

Multi-Reflector Halogen Headlamps

Black Overfenders with Integrated Mud Flaps

Rear Opening Access Doors

2-Front and 1-Rear Tow Hooks

Pipe Structure Flat Dash

Sun Visors with Passenger Side Mirror

Center Console with 2 Storage Bins and 2 Cup Holders

Seat-Back Pockets

Opening Rear Hatch Glass

Rear Door Storage Net

Rear Cargo Tie-Down Hooks

2 A-Pillar and 2 Front Overhead Assist Handles

2 Front and 2 Rear Door Map Pockets

Fully Boxed Frame

Coil Springs

5,000 lbs. Towing Capacity

Trailer Light Wiring/Plug

Rear Door Mounted Full Size Spare on Matching Alloy Wheel

Jack/Tools

3.72 Axle Ratio

19-Gallon Fuel Tank

 

Optional Equipment

Roof Rack with Adjustable Bars

Driver and Front Passenger Seat Mounted Side Airbags and Front/Rear Side Curtain Airbags

Running Boards

Spare Tire Cover

Toyota Tow Hitch Receiver

Sirius Satellite Radio

Driver and Passenger Fold-Down Armrests

Carpeted Floor and Cargo Mats

First Aid Kit

Convenience Package:

Remote Keyless Entry

Cruise Control

Folding Power Mirrors with Illuminated Markers

Rear Privacy Glass

Rear Wiper

Rear Parking Assist

Daytime Running Lights

Upgrade Package 2:

AM/FM Stereo/6-Disc In-Dash CD Changer with 8-Speakers and Subwoofer

(on/off subwoofer switch)

Exterior Color Interior Door Panel Inserts

Dash Top Gauge Pod Including Compass, Outside Temperature and Floating Ball Type Inclinometer

3-Spoke Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel with Integrated Audio Controls

Aluminum Brush Transmission and Transfer Case Levers

115v/400 Watt Power Outlet

6-Spoke 17-Inch Alloy Wheels

Active Traction Control

Electronic Locking Rear Differential

 

Other Items

Katzkin Leather Upholstery

Capitol Precision Trac II Steel Belted Radials 265/70R17

 

Backstory from the owner...

You are looking for the nicest, near new, best maintained FJ Cruiser you can find.  You are here because the quality found in your neck of the woods, by even the lowest standards, is a joke.  I know exactly how you feel.  I attend specialty and dealer-only auctions every week searching for the best of the best in what me and my assistant (Foy) call "niche autos."  I scan lists of over 3,000 vehicles locally each week and select cars I've come to know are hard to find and that fit my business model of marketing exclusively on eBay.  FJ Cruisers make my list because they are just plain cool.  A few, maybe 1 or 2 a month, appear at one of the three major auctions here in the Las Vegas area or perhaps in local classifieds.  During the past seven years I've seen hundreds of Toyota off-road vehicles and what that means for you is; I have looked at, touched and smelled a lot of Toyota SUVs.  I am extremely picky about what to buy and this FJ is one of just a handful nice enough for this business model.  Past ownership, service history and condition, condition, condition are what matters.  4-wheel drive vehicles are not always treated well, but a precious few are taken care of.  This particular Toyota is one of those rare finds and you will not want to pass it up.  Beautiful paint, spectacular Katzkin leather interior, near new condition everywhere you look and an absolute knock-out to see in person.  As good as my pictures are, they can't possibly show how truly beautiful this truck really is.  What else could you want?  A great deal?  I have that covered too but you will not be purchasing this fine vehicle for wholesale or even low book value.  You already know you get what you pay for and if you want unmatched quality, service, care and condition, this Toyota is a super rare find.  Read what Foy has to say about his time driving this incredible FJ Cruiser.  Examine every picture in detail, see the amazing quality, up close and personal and then make your call and give me an offer.  I promise, you will not be disappointed.

                                                                                                              Doug - Viva Las Vegas Autos, Inc.

 

 

Full disclosure: I knew I would love this Toyota the minute I laid eyes on it and if someone could be objective (for example, a buyer such as yourself) they're going fall head-over-heels as well.  This is a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4-wheel drive with a dazzling Sun Fusion yellow finish.  It has had one previous owner and shows just 31,032 miles on its digital odometer.  It is superbly maintained and has every option available from the factory at the time (Upgrade Package 2) including a locking rear differential, premium audio and a dash-top inclinometer, to name a few.  It also has an expensive Katzkin leather seat upgrade that appears factory installed.  It looks, feels and functions like a brand new vehicle and the more I drive it, the more I want it.  Intensely . . .

 

 

available dates/mileage
6-06 compliance label build date
7-16-06 NICB - vehicle manufactured and shipped to original dealer  
8-1-06 Longo Toyota - El Monte, California - install Sirius Satellite 12 miles
8-9-06 Longo Toyota - El Monte, California - install center caps 15 miles
9-11-06 California DMV - Los Angeles  
9-20-06 Longo Toyota - El Monte, California - install spare tire cover, activate remote 16 miles
10-5-06 California DMV - Los Angeles  
10-15-06 California DMV - Los Angeles  
9-12-08 California DMV - Los Angeles  
6-18-09 California DMV - Los Angeles  
6-11-13 California DMV - Los Angeles  
8-5-13 California emissions - Los Angeles 28,372
1-6-14 California emissions - Duarte 30,571
1-29-14 Nevada DMV - Clark County  
4-2-14 Carmax - Henderson, Nevada 30,603
4-9-14 current 31,032

 

 

The boxy shape and lozenge grille strongly connects the new FJ to the original Land Cruiser and like its legendary predecessor, is a very real and serious off-road performer.  As you'll see in the pictures below, it has a beefy, fully boxed frame, an undercarriage armored with thick skid plates, a 2-speed transfer case and suspension pickup points tucked up and well out of harms way.  Its off-road prowess is no accident; this FJ Cruiser is justifiably fearless in the outback . . .

 

 

I simply never get tired of looking at this gorgeous SUV and it's even more amazing when you consider some of its startling capabilities.  The FJ Cruiser has 8-inches of rear suspension travel and over 9-inches up front and can ford 27 inches of water.  The good news is, from what I can see, this FJ hasn't even been down a dirt road yet . . .

 

 

Integrated mudguards, covered full size spare, optional roof rack with adjustable cross bars and running boards make this FJ Cruiser look terrific.  I especially like the corners on this rig and come to find out, the design was intentional.  The chamfered corners (up front in particular) are a definite off-road plus when the going gets claustrophobic . . .

 

 

Side opening rear door with a glass hatch that opens too.  Also, an externally carried spare is important for an authentic 4-wheel drive.  Imagine having a flat in the mud, crawling around on all fours to retrieve the spare.  Or worse, a vehicle sinking in the wet with an undercarriage mounted spare tire on or near the ground.  Carrying it outside the vehicle makes it easy to get to and avoids taking up valuable interior space . . .

 

 

With the installed receiver tow hitch, this FJ Cruiser can haul up to 5,000 lbs.  The muscular 4.0 liter engine is definitely up to the task with an impressive 278 ft-lbs of torque, enough to squirt the FJ through traffic with authority.  Behind the wheel, the upright windshield appears further away than most vehicles and the perception of roominess is real - one of the most comfortable cabins I've ever been in . . .

 

 

Lots of FJ Cruisers for sale but this is the one I want.  They look great in any color but I like this slightly darker shade of yellow best and this FJ is equipped exactly right with quality perfect for the most demanding buyer.  Exceptional low mileage, spectacular condition and feels showroom fresh behind the wheel, this stunning FJ is going to sell very quickly to a very happy person . . .

 

 

Looks like new in here and things like a flat instrument panel with silver trim pipe structure, outside body color dash and door panel inserts and an upright windshield are styling cues taken directly from the original FJ40.  This modern interpretation however has a 9-speaker stereo with 6-disc in-dash changer, an enormous bass boom box in the cargo area, a 400-watt power outlet, leather wrapped steering wheel and power equipment everywhere . . .

 

 

Toyota never offered a leather interior for the FJ Cruiser but the quality of the Katzkin upholstery in this FJ looks factory perfect - as well it should for an installed price approaching $1,500.  Even with an all-weather floor that can be hosed out, the smooth leather manages to look and feel luxurious . . .

 

 

This optional dash-top pod is very cool.  A simple digital outside temperature in the middle, a floating ball compass on the left and an inclinometer at right showing fore/aft and side-to-side angles up to 30°.

 

 

Looks like a boom box but this is a subwoofer that can be turned off by a button on the dash . . .

 

 

Floor can be easily washed out . . . vehicle has averaged about 4,400 miles a year since new.

 

 

4.0 Liter DOHC VVT-i V6 Engine

239 horsepower @ 5,200/278 ft-lb torque @ 3,700 RPM

 

 

Like the rest of the vehicle, the undercarriage looks like it just rolled off the assembly line . . .

 

 

Fully boxed frame and all frame braces and supports are thick gauge steel.

 

 

VIN Decode: JTEBU11F170030636
country J Japan
manufacturer T Toyota
type E multi-purpose passenger vehicle
body/drive type B 5-door wagon, 4x4
engine U 4.0 liter V6  (1GR-FE)
series 1 GSJ15L  (model 4704: 4x4, 5-speed automatic)
restraint system/grade 1 S  (?)
car line F FJ Cruiser
check digit 1 matches per NHTSA
model year 7 2007
assembly plant 0 Hino Motors - Hamura, Tokyo, Japan
sequential production number 030636

 

 

Compliance label with June, 2006 build date.

 

Receiver trailer hitch

 

 

 

Original owner books.

 

 

 

A note from the owner.

I am a “used car dealer” but before that, I’m an automobile enthusiast.  I love original rare and high quality modified vintage cars and over the past decade I’ve been in business, have come to appreciate an expanding selection of high-demand, high value vehicles.  I specialize in and am always on the lookout for cars and trucks that were cherished by their previous owners.  I have an experienced eye for quality but I’ve discovered that my preferred buyer can instantly discern such a vehicle and I have therefore, built my business and reputation around finding these kinds of cars for this type of customer.  Super low miles and/or gentle ownership are strict requirements but a car must do something for me on a personal level if there is any hope of convincing you, the bidder, that this is an above average, exceptional vehicle.  If nothing about the car excites me, it probably won’t do much for you either and I would soon be out of business.

With just four employees and no sales people, I realize how unusual a “dealership” like mine may at first glance appear.  It has taken great care and effort to create such an organization and often, an unusually high investment in a particular car we are about to list.  To sell the best it is critical to have a trusted expert in my corner and Chris, owner of A-Best Auto Repair in Henderson, Nevada has my back.  He and his crew can fix anything; from a low budget beater to the absolute most expensive exotic you can name, no job is too big and no small detail unimportant.  They do an exhaustive 130 point inspection on each and every vehicle and nothing escapes their methodical investigation.  Experience has shown that everything I spend making a car truly “right” will come back to me not only with a higher selling price, but a happy customer that says good things about me.  Moreover; it allows my writer to describe the car with ease and confidence, something that simply is not possible unless he thinks it is true.  If major issues are found or the cost of fixing the car the way it should be makes it too expensive to sell, my choice is an easy one.  I simply absorb a few hundred dollars loss for my trouble and sell it at auction.

After the vehicle is fully sorted it arrives at our facility where it encounters the suspicious eye of Tom, my writer that creates the presentations you see on eBay.  He believes absolutely nothing I or anyone else tells him about the car as he combs over every inch, researches its history and documents originality and authenticity.  Historical significance, rarity, special features, possible modifications and much more are used to accurately describe the vehicle with integrity and honesty.  Most important for the potential buyer are the 100 to 150 high resolution pictures that I take myself.  The pricey equipment I use would be right at home in the hands of the very best professional photographers and I’ve developed a logical format that walks you around the entire vehicle with close-up shots of every square inch.  I provide detailed views of the interior, under the hood and then put it on a lift to show the undercarriage and confirm that the beauty of the car you are considering is not merely skin deep.  Even our detailers are enthusiastic about the cars they so meticulously clean.  This reconditioning can sometimes take several days and I’ve converted a paint booth, especially prepared for the professional clay bar and polishing each car lovingly receives.

Usually, I’ll also include a high definition video that shows the car doing its thing.  If it’s a fast car, we film it going fast.  If it’s a 4x4 you’ll see it crawling up a hill.  In every case you will hear things like a rumbling exhaust, working sound system and watch the temperature fall on a digital, laser thermometer pointed at an air conditioning vent.  How many “dealers” will video a Lotus Esprit doing a buck-eighty?  We do.

No “dealer,” on-line or in the real world, takes it to this level.  No other seller or organization provides you, the buyer, with so much information.  I do this because it is the only way I can convince a person; often a world away, unable to touch or feel their purchase, that my vehicle is for real and what I say is the truth.  All the above is necessary for me to stay in business while keeping integrity intact.  I want every buyer to be happy and I need glowing feedback on eBay.  To accomplish that I need satisfied customers that are as thrilled with their purchase as I was when I bought it.

If you have any questions at all, please call me on my cell at: 702-353-7500.  If your inquiry is sincere and your offer  serious, you’ll find me the most accommodating business partner you’ve ever dealt with.  If you call or e-mail asking for my reserve or “what is my bottom line” I will be looking for ways to politely end the conversation.  Until you are ready to actually pull the trigger, I will happily quote you the absolute highest nationally advertised suggested retail price I can find – a number we both know will not buy the car so, don’t waste your time, or mine.  I am after all, a “used car dealer.”

Serious buyers know the maximum they can offer.  I then must simply decide if I can sell for that number.

If you hit the reserve, the decision is no longer mine.  I must sell at that number.

OFFERS GET MY ATTENTION: 702-353-7500 or Doug@vivalasvegasautos.com

If you want to make a deal,

pick up the phone and talk a serious offer.

702-353-7500

I don't respond to emails asking for "bottom line, sale price, reserve, or Buy-it-Now" figures on top line cars.

THE ONLY WAY YOU GET THOSE FIGURES IS TO CALL ME!

The book values posted below are relevant to "real" selling figures.

NADA & KBB wouldn't be in business if their values were not real but their figures are averaged for the entire nation.  If this car is less than or better than this average, bid or offer accordingly.

Please ask about our service programs and pricing.

 

Cars sold without warranties are sold As-Is.

 

Waiver's of Warranty will be signed if declined.

 

All automobiles have breakdowns; some minor, some serious.  I know, because I fix them without the advantage of a warranty.  You don't have to.  Seriously consider a safety net for the unknown.

 

Most vehicles are already pre-qualified for the warranties with AULcorp.com

 

Terms of Sale
 

This vehicle is safely stored in our beautiful climate controlled showroom in Boulder City, Nevada.  We are just 25 minutes from Las Vegas International Airport (McCarran) and welcome the opportunity to meet the winning bidder there and drive them to our facility for vehicle delivery.  We have years of experience with vehicle shipping, nationwide and across the globe.  We stand ready to facilitate whatever arrangements are necessary, at the buyers request and expense.  This vehicle will not be delivered or released for shipment until complete payment is received and all funds have cleared.

Third party, pre-purchase vehicle inspections are welcome BEFORE the auction ends.  We are happy to answer questions about this vehicle and resolve any concerns you may have BEFORE YOU BID and BEFORE THE AUCTION ENDS . . . THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.  If you are in the Las Vegas area, we invite you to stop by for a demonstration.

A $1000 non-refundable partial payment must be received 24 hours from the end of this auction .  We prefer VISA but will accept PayPal if necessary.

Full payment must be received within four (4) business days of the end of auction.  Cashiers-check, direct deposit or cash in person are acceptable but BANK to BANK WIRE TRANSFER IS PREFERRED for US winners and required for all winning bidders outside the United States.  Loan checks can be accepted only after prior approval from the owner, Doug Williams.  M/Os will NEVER be accepted.  CHECKS in ANY FORM MUST BE CLEARED as CASHABLE FUNDS before delivery of any item.

Free and clear title is in seller's possession and will be transferred upon payment in full.

Important:   Winning bidders on-line enter a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle presented here.  Bidders that win the auction and then do not pay, will be aggressively pursued.  Non-paying bidders will be prosecuted.  If you do not intend to purchase this vehicle, DO NOT BID.

We will happily do whatever is required to assist a legitimate bidder that intends to purchase the vehicle with their transaction.

This vehicle sold AS-IS, with no warranty.  This is not a new vehicle, it is used.  A used vehicle will have normal wear and tear congruent to its age and/or mileage.  This vehicle may have dings, scratches or other indications of use because it has been used.  Terms such as "perfection," "flawless" or "mint" may not be subjective but all other descriptions are.

When you bid, you understand and agree to these terms.

Please call Doug @ 702-353-7500 with ANY questions. Email: Doug@VivaLasVegasAutos.com

Sales tax, smog and title fees may be applicable to Nevada residents.

A document fee of $200.00 will be added to the closing auction price.

An optional 15 day drive-away permit is available for $8.25. 

New eBay bidders with (0) feedback or international bidders

please make contact by email or phone at least 2 hours before bidding.

We reserve the right to cancel bids if necessary  to protect our clients.

Research for this ad was done with all due diligence toward an accurate presentation of the facts.  All information herein represents our sincere effort to be correct.  If we have made any errors or provided information later found to be inaccurate, we will correct these mistakes and resolve any issues that occur as a result, as far as it is within our ability to do.  Descriptive words like "perfect" or "flawless" are subjective opinions because nothing is perfect; flaws are inevitable.  If you question what you see, feel free to inspect our vehicles in person or by a professional inspection service strictly prior to the close of the auction.  Post auction inspections are unacceptable and we reserve the right to sell to the follow up bidder immediately.

 

 
 
Viva! Las Vegas Autos, Inc.
707 Yucca St.
Boulder City, Nevada 89005
Office Line - 702-889-Viva (8482)
Fax Line - 702-889-8486
Dlr # 26850
 
Doug Williams
Owner
 
Direct Line -  702-353-7500
 
 
 

Win Victoriously, Your Way!

Find Out How to Make Your Deal Immediately!

We Can and Will Find a Way to Make it Happen for You on eBay.

Beat all the last minute bidders to the punch!

Save Time & Last Minute Disappointment

Keeping the Deal on eBay & Keeping it Safe!

 Don't worry eBay!

We'll make sure the auction completes & does not happen off of eBay!

We wouldn't want eBay to think we're trying to circumvent their fees!

Keeping our clients safe and getting positive feedback is critical to us!

Almost as critical as EBay's enforcement of their circumventing fees policy.  

 
 
 

A Note for Potential Victims

 

 Please let us know if you see our vehicles under listings of obvious question or if you receive a "Second Chance Offer" with any e-mail other than ours.  You can easily recognize the crooks with the stupid low "Buy it Now" price and the direct e-mails off the eBay system.  They'll never disclose a telephone number or address either.  If they won't talk to you, return a call or can't send you a copy of a title to the vehicle . . . DON'T SEND THEM MONEY or fall for their sneaky e-mails and redirects attempting to get your seller ID and password.

 

* Be Careful! *

 

Be sure to ask about our Available Warranties

&

Review our Programs and Pricing on the Links below.

 

 

 

Some Vehicles May Qualify for the Premier Warranties of AUL.

 

 

 

 

Toyota FJ Cruiser for Sale

Auto Services in Nevada

Ultimate Auto Cars ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, New Car Dealers, Used Car Dealers
Address: 3210 Freemont St, Las-Vegas
Phone: (702) 440-0001

Team Acme Inc. ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Window Tinting, Glass-Auto, Plate, Window, Etc
Address: 150 N Gibson Rd Suite D, Henderson
Phone: (702) 566-8326

Tahoe City Chevron Center ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Parts & Supplies, Brake Repair
Address: Lovelock
Phone: (530) 448-8860

Sunshine Service Brake & Allignment ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Wheels-Aligning & Balancing, Auto Oil & Lube
Address: 850 S Rock Blvd, Sparks
Phone: (775) 358-5486

Sunshine Service Brake & Allignment ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Wheels-Aligning & Balancing, Auto Oil & Lube
Address: Paradise-Valley
Phone: (775) 358-5486

Stephen`s Buggy Repair ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Restoration-Antique & Classic
Address: 3060 N Nellis Blvd Ste 12, Henderson
Phone: (702) 651-9560

Auto blog

Toyota recalls 2016 RAV4, RX350, and ES350 for stability failure

Wed, Apr 6 2016

The Basics: Toyota will recall 4,170 examples of the 2016 RAV4, 90 units of the 2016 Lexus RX350, and 12,400 units of the 2016 ES350. The Problem: A component in the brake actuator assembly may have damage from a manufacturing error. The actuator controls the anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, and other systems. If the part doesn't work properly these safety systems might not activate properly. Accidents/Injuries: Toyota spokesperson Amanda Rice told Autoblog, "Regarding the recent recalls, alleged crashes, injuries, and fatalities are reported in many ways to many different organizations. We are not providing specifics at this time." The Fix: Dealers will check the brake actuator's serial number and will replace it if the part comes from a period when the damage could have happened. If you own one: Toyota will contact affected owners by mail. Related Video: TOYOTA RECALLS CERTAIN 2016 MODEL YEAR RAV4 AND LEXUS RX AND ES VEHICLES TORRANCE, Calif., April 6, 2016 – Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. today announced that it is recalling approximately 4,170 Model Year 2016 Toyota RAV4; approximately 90 Model Year 2016 RX350; and approximately 12,400 Model Year 2016 ES350. The involved vehicles are equipped with a Brake Actuator assembly that enables enhanced brake control functions including the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (TRAC), and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), among others. There is a possibility that a component inside the actuator could have been damaged during manufacturing, preventing the actuator from operating properly. This could cause a loss of vehicle stability control, increasing the risk of crash. All known owners of the affected Toyota vehicles will be notified by first class mail. Toyota and Lexus dealers will check the serial number of the Brake Actuator and replace actuators assembled during a specific production period. Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time. For the most up-do-date Safety Recall information on Toyota, Lexus or Scion vehicles, customers should check their vehicle's status by visiting toyota.com/recall and entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site: safercar.gov/vin.

Bring back the Bronco! Trademarks we hope are actually (someday) future car names

Tue, Mar 17 2015

Trademark filings are the tea leaves of the auto industry. Read them carefully – and interpret them correctly – and you might be previewing an automaker's future product plans. Yes, they're routinely filed to maintain the rights to an iconic name. And sometimes they're only for toys and clothing. But not always. Sometimes, the truth is right in front of us. The trademark is required because a company actually wants to use the name on a new car. With that in mind, here's a list of intriguing trademark filings we want to see go from paperwork to production reality. Trademark: Bronco Company: Ford Previous Use: The Bronco was a long-running SUV that lived from 1966-1996. It's one of America's original SUVs and was responsible for the increased popularity of the segment. Still, it's best known as O.J. Simpson's would-be getaway car. We think: The Bronco was an icon. Everyone seems to want a Wrangler-fighter – Ford used to have a good one. Enough time has passed that the O.J. police chase isn't the immediate image conjured by the Bronco anymore. Even if we're doing a wish list in no particular order, the Bronco still finds its way to the top. For now (unfortunately), it's just federal paperwork. Rumors on this one can get especially heated. The official word from a Ford spokesman is: "Companies renew trademark filings to maintain ownership and control of the mark, even if it is not currently used. Ford values the iconic Bronco name and history." Trademarks: Aviator, AV8R Company: Ford Previous Use: The Aviator was one of the shortest-run Lincolns ever, lasting for the 2003-2005 model years. It never found the sales success of the Ford Explorer, with which it shared a platform. We Think: The Aviator name no longer fits with Lincoln's naming nomenclature. Too bad, it's better than any other name Lincoln currently uses, save for its former big brother, the Navigator. Perhaps we're barking up the wrong tree, though. Ford has made several customized, aviation themed-Mustangs in the past, including one called the Mustang AV8R in 2008, which had cues from the US Air Force's F-22 Raptor fighter jet. It sold for $500,000 at auction, and the glass roof – which is reminiscent of a fighter jet cockpit – helped Ford popularize the feature. Trademark: EcoBeast Company: Ford Previous Use: None by major carmakers.

Watch a Camry driver in full road rage

Mon, 29 Apr 2013

There are vehicles that, fair or not, will forever be associated with jerky drivers. But as this very recent footage from an in-car camera shows, even the most mundane of sedans can be piloted by an ass.
In this video, the driver of one very beige Toyota Camry is driving like a person choked with rage. Though we don't see which (if any) actions by our camera car might have lead up to the tirade, we do see the Camry driver swerving from lane to lane, in multiple attempts to get in front of and brake check the couple in the recording.
According to the text associated with the YouTube video, the offending incident took place last week, on a section of I-880 near Fremont, CA. The uploader has gone so far as to include the date, time and license plate number of the Camry driver, in hopes, we guess, that some kind of legal action can be taken against him. Take a closer look for yourself in the video below.