 Toyota is well known for developing safe, reliable, and efficient vehicles that people really want to drive. Although Toyota is known for focusing on these priorities, they have also turned out their fair share of powerful sports cars over the years. Many examples can be found of Toyota’s engineering and design prowess, but as a nod to our favorite brand’s need for speed, here’s a list of the “10 Fastest Toyota Cars of All Time,” according to their 0-60 acceleration times:
10. MR2 Spyder- 7.2 seconds
9. Celica 1.8 VVTLi T-Sport- 7.0 seconds
8. Corolla T-Sport Compressor- 6.9 seconds
7. Camry Solara SE Sport- 6.9 seconds
6. Supra Mark IV- 6.5 seconds
5. Celica GT-Four- 5.9 seconds
4. Camry SE V6- 5.8 seconds
3. MR2 Turbo- 5.7 seconds
2. Supra 3.0 Turbo- 4.9 seconds
1. Supra Twin Turbo- 4.6 seconds
DCH Toyota of Oxnard is proud to represent a brand that has churned out so many impressive sports cars. Stop in today or call or contact us online to schedule a test drive and see what Toyota vehicles can do.
Pictured: 2014 Camry SE
Image: Toyota
 Summer is winding down, and you want to go on vacation, but the travel costs would break your budget. How about a staycation? Plan a stay-at-home vacation and avoid the hassle and cost of travel. Here are some suggestions from DCH Toyota of Oxnard for how to make the most of your stay-at-home vacation:
- Become a tourist in your own town. Do those things that your friends and relatives do when they come to town. If you don’t have friends or relatives (that visit), look in the newspaper, on the internet, or in those free magazines they have at the grocery store.
- Dress like a tourist. Get out the video camera. Take pictures wherever you go. Eat crappy food. Ask people for directions. Don’t bring a map. Pull three or four u-turns to get where you need to go.
- Decorate your house. The dollar store has really cheesy decorations. Buy them. Hang them up.
- Get together with the family. If they don’t shoot you for telling them you’re doing a stay-at-home vacation instead of a trip to Tahiti, choose at least one fun idea for each day along with a few backups.
- Go to parks, lakes, mountains, or any other outdoor recreational area. One of the main purposes of a vacation is to spend quality time with the people you care about. A day at the park, assuming it’s not hailing, is inexpensive and fun. Be sure to bring plenty of outdoor games, food, and the family pet.
- Hanging at home can be fun. Set up a tent in the back yard. Play football with the kids. Jump on the bed. Take a nap. Take a nap while jumping on the bed.
- Visit relatives. You’ve been putting off that visit to Aunt Gertie for 13 years. Your kids really want to meet her, and now would be the perfect time. You can also spend a day with relatives you see frequently. Plan a barbecue or a day at the beach with them.
- Hire a babysitter and take a kid-cation.
- Dine out. You saved a bundle you could have spent on a hotel and transportation. Use some of it to eat out. Let each family member choose a restaurant each night. If dining out is too expensive, cook special meals at home.
- Hire someone to clean your house. Pretend you’re at a fancy (or not so fancy) hotel and have a maid clean up midweek. Hire a neighbor kid to mow the lawn and take out the trash.
- Visit museums, zoos, aquariums, water parks, baseball games, city festivals, and family fun centers. In short, do all those things you do on vacation that you could do at home but usually don’t.
- Finally, here’s the most important part of a stay-cation: don’t work. Turn off the cell phone. Disconnect the lap top. Don’t answer the phone. After all, you’re on vacation.
 At DCH Toyota of Oxnard we’re proud to announce another one of Toyota’s initiatives to contribute to fundraising efforts worldwide.
One of the nation’s greatest art museums, the Detroit Institute of Arts, has committed to raise $100 million dollars as a part of Detroit’s “grand bargain.” The grand bargain’s ultimate goal is to raise the equivalent of $816 million over 20 years to break the city out of bankruptcy. All the funds raised by the city’s efforts will funnel into pensions for city workers, and if the goal is reached, the DIA will be protected from forced sale to pay city debt because ownership will be transferred to an independent nonprofit.
To help save the art museum and contribute to the Motor City’s overall effort, Toyota has pledged a $1 million donation.
We are excited about Toyota’s latest fundraising efforts and we’re looking forward to see what our favorite brand decides to do next. For more information about this and other Toyota news stories, contact us at DCH Toyota of Oxnard today.
 You buy a car. You get insurance. It’s easy to forget about it completely except, of course, when you have to pay the premiums. But you might be leaving money on the table if you don’t occasionally update your auto policy. Take a look at these tips from DCH Toyota of Oxnard to make sure you have the best auto insurance policy for your needs.
Life Changes
Whenever you have a big change in your life, it’s important to remember to update your auto policy. Yes, it’s just one more thing to do, but having the right amount of coverage is important and could maybe even save you money.
- Marriage – If you recently got married, congratulations! Now don’t forget to update your policy to add your spouse. They should add you to their policy, too. Also be sure to talk to your agent about getting a family policy discount.
- Divorce – There’s no reason to keep paying for your ex on your policy. Consider it just another way to sever those ties.
- Moving – Whether you’re moving down the block or across the country, you need to tell your auto insurance company. Your rates will probably change. It’s a great time to go over your policy and see if you’re under- or (gasp!) over-insured.
Teen Drivers
If your child has recently gotten their driver’s license it might be a good time to take up meditation. But since you now have a new driver in your household, you also need to add them to your policy. Teens can sometimes qualify for discounts based on academic achievement. Good grades can cut your premium, so make sure to ask your provider about these incentives.
Buying or Selling a Car
Whenever you get a new car or sell your old one, you have to notify your auto insurance company. Remove the old and add the new. You may want to change some of your coverage options, like collision, if you’ve gone from an old beater to a brand new car. You also may have new discounts coming your way if your new car has anti-theft devices, air bags, daytime running lights and other safety devices.
Pay off Your Car Loan
If you’ve finally paid off that car loan, take a look at your policy. Auto financiers often require certain amount of minimum coverage. You might not need it anymore, or you might be able to adjust your deductible.
Shop Around
It never hurts to get a few estimates. You might be able to switch companies and save. Shop around and see what other insurers can do for you. Be sure to talk to your current agent. They might be willing to work with you if you tell them you’ve found a better deal elsewhere.
If You’ve Been Good
If you’ve been a good driver, meaning no accidents or tickets for the last few years, you might qualify for a good driver discount. Talk to your agent about such a discount as well as any other potential discounts you might be missing out on. They want to keep you as a customer, so they’re usually willing to help you save a few dollars here and there. Remember, it never hurts to ask.
 At DCH Toyota of Oxnard, we’re always excited to learn about new Toyota technology. We’ve been following news about the Toyota i-Road for a while now, and we want to share with you some of the latest updates!
Toyota has officially announced that the i-Road 3-wheeler will be launching in Grenoble, France as a part of a carsharing program. The program is a part of a “Smart City” network that will be active for three years.
If you haven’t heard about the i-Road, it’s Toyota’s latest take on smart transportation. It’s a fully electric, tiny, enclosed, machine that brings a new meaning to “point A to point B” transportation. Its small size and incredible efficiency combined with its maneuverability (just look at how it whips around turns) makes it an easy choice for commuters that can’t justify owning a car or just want a cool way to get to work.
We’re excited about the project in France, but we’re also hoping the i-Road reaches U.S. markets sooner rather than later! Stay tuned for more about the i-Road and other Toyota innovation. DCH Toyota of Oxnard will keep you updated with the latest information. Until then, contact us or stop by to learn about Toyota’s currently available vehicles that prioritize efficiency.
 Setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July is as American as apple pie, backyard barbecues, and small-town parades. Since this tradition was initiated in 1777, Americans have used fireworks every year to celebrate our nation’s independence. Before you participate in all the explosive fun this year, take a look at these firework safety tips from DCH Toyota of Oxnard so you can celebrate the America with fire, as safely as possible.
Common sense
Common sense is first and foremost the best way to ensure maximum firework safety. The National Council on Firework Safety recommends that parents closely supervise teenagers and older children if they are using fireworks. Young children should not be allowed to access or handle fireworks, and parents should keep them at a safe viewing distance at all times. Needless to say, fireworks should always be used outdoors, and preferably away from flammable objects or yard decorations. Additionally, alcohol and fireworks do not mix and should not be used together as this significantly increases the likelihood of misuse and injury to yourself and others.
Safety tips
Preparation for emergencies is also extremely important to keep in mind while celebrating the Fourth of July, including these from the Consumer Product Safety Commission Fireworks Information Center. Always have water ready when lighting fireworks, and remember to soak used fireworks in water before disposing of them in an outdoor trashcan. Never relight or pick up fireworks that are not fully lit. If a firework does not light, wait twenty minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water. Always read the caution label on a firework before lighting it, and obey all local firework laws. Wear safety glasses while igniting fireworks. Light only one firework item at a time and back up to a safe distance until the device is fully spent.
Sparklers and miscellaneous fireworks
Always remain standing while using sparklers and do not move rapidly or wave sparklers around while they are still lit. Keep sparklers away from people and flammable surfaces, and never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time. Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives, as they can be extremely unpredictable and dangerous. Luckily, sparklers are a fun, relatively safe way of celebrating Independence Day. Keep these firework safety tips in mind while celebrating this summer and have a wonderful Fourth of July!
 When you join thousands of other commuters on the road early in the morning, it’s important that you are in a good state to drive. As the working week takes its toll, it can become harder to stay completely alert at the wheel, but if the road doesn’t have your full attention, then you’re potentially putting yourself and other road users at risk. It’s important to wake up properly before your morning commute and at DCH Toyota of Oxnard, we’ve got five tips to help you do it.
It takes time to wake up properly, so it should go without saying that you need to allow yourself enough time before your morning commute. Set the alarm with plenty of time to get up and get yourself ready without having to rush around. Avoid that snooze button, too. It can actually make it harder to get up. When the alarm goes off, just get up and get going.
Establishing a morning routine is often a good idea, as it helps your body adjust to the day. Rather than finding endless ways to save time in the evening (and therefore encouraging yourself to stay in bed longer and longer) try and make better use of your time before you set out for a commute. Shower and shave, feed the pets, watch the morning news, make lunch, and sort out your paperwork for the day so that when it’s time to leave, you feel settled and alert. It’s great to give your mind things to focus on before you step behind the wheel.
If you’re a very heavy sleeper, then you may need some extreme methods of waking up. That could include a cool shower, loud music, and a number of different alarms. You may not be popular with other members of the household, but if it’s the only way you can guarantee getting to work on time, then so be it. Many commuters find that a burst of exercise really helps them wake up. Consider going for a morning run or swim (if you can). Even a few exercises at home can start you up for the day too.
Have a healthy breakfast. A breakfast kick starts your metabolism and sets your body up for the rest of the day. Commuting on an empty stomach is likely to make your energy reserves even lower. Avoid heavy, cooked breakfasts which are comprised of foods that are rich in fat and calories. Opt for fresh fruit, cereals, and juice, all of which can boost your vitamins and give you a slow-release of energy that should keep you alert until lunchtime.
Many commuters enjoy a caffeine boost first thing in the morning. Caffeine stimulates your brain and nervous system, making you feel more alert and sharpening your responses. Fresh coffee has a high caffeine content, so a cup of coffee before you hit the road can often help you feel much more awake. Allow some time before you start driving for the caffeine to kick in, and don’t drink too much, or your commute might need to be interrupted by a visit to the bathroom.
As much as you probably dread your daily commute, you should never underestimate the importance of being at your best. Take the time to wake up properly and ensure that you remain safe behind the wheel at all times.
Father’s Day is fast approaching, and it’s time to get Dad a gift. Your dad is an original, so why get him the same tie as Mr. Johnson down the street? This Father’s Day, don’t settle for a one-tie-fits-all gift. We know shopping for dads is hard, so DCH Toyota of Oxnard has put together a quick list of gift ideas that celebrate your dad’s quirks, whatever they may be, to make this year’s Dad’s day extra special.
For the Dad on a Health Kick
Is your dad constantly on his way out for a jog? Would he ditch a suit for his favorite wicking t-shirt any day? Are your childhood memories haunted by sweaty dad hugs and smelly gym shoes? We’ve got the gift for you. Whether your dad’s been a health-nut his whole life, or he’s trying a new healthy lifestyle, a FitBit® will help him both stay on track and reach his goals. The latest FitBit® products track both physical activity and sleep, and come in a variety of shapes and colors so dad won’t have to sport a hot-pink gizmo on his sleeve.
For the Scotch on the Rocks Man
Your dad is a classy individual that loves to sit back in his favorite leather chair, or behind his desk crafted from rich mahogany, sipping on his most prized aged scotch to end a busy day. This specially designed glass and ice-ball-maker combo from Brookstone create the ultimate on-the-rocks experience, and your dad needs to have it. The ice ball releases aromas and flavors of the liquor while simultaneously cooling the drink without watering it down. How? Science.
For the “The Fish Was This Big, I Swear!” Dad
Is your dad one of the dedicated few that thinks it’s fun to get up hours before dawn and stick his hands in a bucket of worms to lure the best catch of the day? Is the center picture on your mantel one of him and that huge bass he caught last summer? Does he wish it were? This all-in-one Kombo fishing tool is perfect for any fishing-father. It’s one hand-held device that serves as a “bonker,” scooper, sharpener, and high-quality filet knife. He’ll be the envy of his fellow fishermen, even if the fish wasn’t quite 3 feet long.
For the King of Dad Jokes
Your dad has an incredibly refined sense of humor, even if that means it’s refined to a small audience: him. Is he embarrassing sometimes? Sure, but most importantly he loves to laugh and that’s what you love about him. Comedian and father Jim Gaffigan’s latest book, Dad is Fat, is filled with hilarity to which any dad could relate. It’s sure to leave your dad chuckling, if not rolling on the floor and clutching his sides.
For the Dad with a Sweet Tooth
This one doesn’t require much explanation. Beer+pretzels+caramel= crazy delicious candy that your dad will drool over. The only thing that could make these babies better would be bacon. Maybe serve them up during Father’s Day brunch with a side of bacon. Best. Brunch. Ever. Just make sure you don’t eat them before you hand them over. Heck, they’re only $9. Treat yourself.
For Bat-Dad
Does your dad have one of those loveable geeky-sides that you hope doesn’t come out too strongly when you’re in public? Did he practice his Batman voice for weeks before The Dark Knight Rises premiere? Would he wear a cape outside if you would allow it? Was your first Halloween costume Robin to his Batman? Even if he isn’t this extreme of a fan, your dad will love this stylishly nerdy Batman money clip. Because, Batman.
We hope this list gave you some ideas, or at least got you thinking outside of the tie-box for this Father’s Day. Best of luck on your search for the perfect Dad’s Day present, for your perfectly quirky dad.
 Next time you complain about a speeding ticket, remember that there are much sillier things you could get in trouble for. Here’s a list of some of the weirder traffic violations we’ve heard of at DCH Toyota of Oxnard:
- It’s illegal to wear a blindfold while driving in Alabama. It’s dangerous in all states.
- It’s illegal to drive in Alaska with a dog tethered to your roof.
- It’s illegal in Eureka, California to use the road as a bed.
- In Glendale, California, it’s illegal to jump from a car going over 65 mph. It’s also stupid.
- In England, it’s illegal to drive on the right side of the road. Of course they think the U.S. law against driving on the left side of the road is weird.
- In Connecticut, it’s illegal to hunt from a car, even if it’s painted bright orange.
- There’s no driving through playgrounds in Georgia, but it is kind of fun.
- Thirty days in jail await any hooligan who screeches his tires in Derby, Kansas.
- It’s illegal for women to wear a housecoat while driving in California.
- Tourist states like Nevada, Hawaii, Alaska and California enforce laws against driving too slow.
- A fine awaits those who allow vehicular molestation by their pets in Kentucky.
- Don’t blare your horn at a restaurant after 9:30 P.M. in Little Rock, Arkansas or you’ll get a side of ticket with that burger.
- Don’t park in front of Dunkin Donuts while in Maine. It won’t be worth the trip.
- Don’t let road rage get the best of you in Rockville, Md. Swearing from a vehicle is a misdemeanor.
- Running into a pedestrian in Sarasota, Florida is only a $78 fine.
- It is illegal to spit from a car or bus in Marietta, Georgia. It is, however, OK to spit from a truck.
- There is no disrobing in your car in Sag Harbor, New York.
- In Dunn, North Carolina, it’s illegal to play in traffic…
- or drive on the sidewalk…
- or drive through a cemetery.
- Do not leave your car door open longer than necessary in Oregon.
- Don’t use your car to prove physical endurance on an Oregon road.
- Hilton Head, South Carolina forbids the storing of trash in your vehicle.
- It’s legal to eat road kill in West Virginia. Yummy!
- Police officers must honk their horn or flash their lights and wait at least three minutes before breaking up any romantic goings-on in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
- You can’t change your clothes in your car in Evanston, Illinois with curtains drawn.
- The ice cream man has been banned in Indianola, Iowa.
- The dead poultry delivery man has been banned on Kansas Avenue in Topeka, Kansas.
- You’ll get fined if your truck leaves a mess in Minnetonka, Minnesota.
- You can’t honk the horn of someone else’s car in University City, Missouri.
- There’s no tree planting in the middle of the street in Blairstown, New Jersey.
- There’s no running out of gas in Youngstown, Ohio.
- It’s illegal to shoot whales from your car in Connecticut.
- There is no rutabaga street planting in Chico, California.
- Spilling your margarita on the street is illegal in Hermosa, California.
- Fancy bike-riders should avoid Galesburg, Illinois.
- Absolutely under no conditions should you throw your Red Ryder into a street in Iowa.
- Benches are not allowed on the street in Reno, Nevada.
- Roller-skaters and cars cannot share the road in Canton, Ohio.
- Assembly members in Georgia cannot be ticketed while the Georgia State Assembly is in session.
- It’s OK to drive on the sidewalk in Oregon…as long as you yield to pedestrians.
- You must give an audible signal while passing a car in Rhode Island.
- It’s illegal to ride a camel in Nevada.
- Don’t ride an ugly horse in Washington.
- You can’t cross the street while walking on your hands in Hartford, Connecticut.
- Some birds actually have the right away on Utah streets.
- It’s illegal to start a car in Denmark if there’s someone under it.
- You can’t drive a car in England unless you’re in the front seat.
- Skateboarders in Florida need a license.
- Moose are forbidden to mate on city streets in Alaska.
No matter how big your car is, there will always be a time when it feels as though there isn’t enough room for all the cargo you want to carry. Modern cars are increasingly versatile when it comes to making the best use of your luggage space, but it also requires some sensible planning by the driver. The next time you are planning a road trip or vacation and you need to take a lot of luggage with you, consider these five tips from DCH Toyota of Oxnard that will help you organize your car’s interior space.
Make the most of versatile seating
Whether your car has one or two rows of passenger seating, there will norally be ways to split, fold down, or remove the seats entirely to make space for luggage. This is nearly always a more efficient way to use the space than trying to pile stuff onto the spare seats, and it will also protect your upholstery. Before you start packing, split, fold down, or remove any seats that won’t be needed so that you are working with the largest cabin space possible.
Keep everything in its place
You’ll be surprised how much a quick tidying up can do for your car. Piles of cleaning products, music CDs, bags, boots, shoes, and more can all eat up luggage space, and chances are that you just don’t need them all. Stow small items in the glove compartment or in side pockets so that the main cabin is free from clutter. Make sure that the spare tire is stowed away properly and that tools are easily accessible. Get rid of anything that you don’t need for the trip before you start packing.
Explore your car
Car manufacturers are growing increasingly creative when it comes to making space in your car. Before you start packing, make sure you spot all the hiding places, compartments, and gadgets that are there to make your life easier. For example, in larger cars (particularly SUVs), there may be an under-floor compartment. Your trunk may also have hidden side compartments that you might accidentally block with luggage. Identify what your real capacity is before you try and pack up the car.
Get organized
There are lots of accessories that can extend or make the most of your available luggage space. Trunk organizers keep everything nicely maintained and can make it far easier to stack items to make the most of the available space. Think about external storage, too. A cargo box on your roof can be a great way to carry more, so think carefully about whether or not you need one. You may even want to consider a trailer. Don’t leave it to the last minute to think about these additional accessories.
Pack sparingly
Perhaps the best way to make the most out of your luggage space is to be picky about what you take. Does every member of the family really need his or her own suitcase? Can you easily buy cheap items at the other end that otherwise take up a lot of space? Make sure that everything you pack is absolutely necessary. The more space you have, the less frugal you’ll need to be, but remember that any additional weight will decrease your fuel efficiency. Because of this, you should always aim to take the smallest load possible.
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