Lexus CT200h vs Lexus CT200h F-Sport

Lexus CT200h vs Lexus CT200h F Sport

Welcome to Full Throttle Auto Sales blog! Your used car dealership in the Seattle-Tacoma area! We have seen a lot of questions asking about the differences between a Lexus CT200h and a Lexus CT 200h F-Sport, so today we are going to talk about these great Lexus models. Let’s start with the standard features you can expect on both vehicles; the Lexus CT200h is the smallest car in the Lexus lineup, as well as the only Lexus hatchback. The Lexus CT200h is the most fuel-efficient gas-powered Luxury vehicle available, getting a combined 42 mpg! That does not mean it’s slow like a Prius, even though they share the same motor and hybrid drive train. The Lexus CT200h comes with multiple drive modes allowing you to change between Normal, Eco, and Sport. By changing through these modes you will be changing the throttle response, and the feel of the steering. On the inside Lexus uses there NuLuxe artificial leather. NuLuxe artificial leather is half the weight of real leather, and free from VOC’s, making it a better choice for your health, rather than other artificial leather materials!

Additional features that are available for the Non-F Sport are; heated front seats, navigation, sunroof, back-up camera, LED headlights with washers and Dynamic Auto Leveling, and Intuitive Parking Assist. Some newer models could come with Pre-Collision System and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Now comes the part that you all have been waiting for… what’s the difference between the regular Lexus CT200h and the Lexus CT200h F Sport? Well, it starts with the outside looks of course! The F-Sport comes with a black roof, a rear Spoiler, and a more aggressive front bumper with F-Sport mesh pattern Grill. It also has a 17-inch split 5 spoke wheels with a Graphite finish and the F-Sport badging.

So, how does that all play out in the driving experience? Well, the Lexus CT200h has good acceleration for a hybrid, and with being a Lexus it has the quiet interior you would expect. The main difference while driving this vehicle is going to be suspension. You can feel the sportier suspension in the F-Sport, as it handles better when turning, but does translate more of the feel-of-the-road to the driver. So, which one should you buy? If we are talking looks, then the F-Sport is the winner! For daily driving and comfort, then the standard model has a softer suspension. It does not matter which one you choose though, because you will to love it.

The Lexus CT200h comes with a 4 year / 50k bumper to bumper warranty and a 6 year / 70k power train warranty. On top of that, the battery and hybrid system have an 8 year / 100k warranty! You can always buy with confidence knowing you are protected by one of the best warranties in the industry when purchasing a Lexus! I hope you found this Blog to be helpful! For any further questions please contact Full Throttle Auto Sale or come in to our store and be the next to have a 5-star experience at your local 5-star rated used car dealer in Tacoma Wa. Click here to look at our current inventory! Thank you and have an amazing day!

04/18/2019 in Buying A Used Car

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Lexus Reliability and Cost of Ownership

Hello everyone, I am Steve Pinney Jr, the owner of Full Throttle Auto Sales, your used car dealership in the Seattle-Tacoma area. Today we are going to talk about the Lexus Brand reliability, and the cost of ownership. As the owner of a used car dealership in Seattle-Tacoma area, my main concern is the quality of the vehicles we sell, and the long-term experience for my customers. For many great reasons, nearly 50% of the vehicles we stock are Lexus and Toyota. Lexus is, of course, the luxury version of a Toyota, which gives you all the reliability and low cost of maintenance you would get with a Toyota in a luxury platform.

So, how Reliable is a Lexus? Lexus comes with a factory bumper to bumper warranty of 4 years / 50k miles, and then a powertrain warranty of 6 years / 70k miles! That warranty is one of the very best in the industry, which makes Lexus one of the best used cars to buy. Here at Full Throttle Auto Sales, we specialize in Used Lexus and Used Toyota vehicles that are still under their original factory Bumper to Bumper warranty. We find off-lease vehicles to be the best value in the used car industry. But what about a Lexus outside of warranty? Lexus and Toyota are the only two brands I will buy that no longer have a factory warranty, and here is the reason - We very rarely see any major problems with these brands, and the vehicles are built very well! I believe it’s a car that you can get 300k miles out of! What about the cost of Ownership? Is it going to cost more to own a luxury Brand like Lexus? In most cases a luxury vehicle may cost you more, but there is a huge difference between a Lexus and their competition. Bmw, Mercedes and Audi only offer a 4 year / 50K warranty, that’s were Lexus’ bumper to bumper ends, and their powertrain warranty begins for another 2 years and 20k miles. The cost of ownership is also higher on the European cars, as the parts and labor are both more expensive which can really add up. So, how does that compare to Lexus? Being that Lexus is designed by Toyota, you get the same kind of reliability and low cost of ownership. Lexus will be less expensive to maintain and repair, often needing only regular maintenance such as oil changes and brakes.

In conclusion, here at Full Throttle Auto Sales we strongly believe that Lexus is the #1 brand for reliability and low cost of ownership. That being said, we do still strongly believe in buying a used vehicle under warranty. But what if the car you’re looking at is close to being out of warranty, or is already out of warranty? Here at Full Throttle Auto Sales we offer a factory type extended warranty that can extend your bumper to bumper warranty up to 8 years and 120k miles for only $2,995! That’s 70K miles of additional bumper to bumper coverage! But why would you buy an extended Warranty on a Lexus? The main reason is to control the repair cost over that period of time. Lexus is a very good brand, the best, as I previously stated. They can have 20+ different computers and countless parts that may eventually fail, such as: alternator, water pump, starter and all your accessories. These small things can really add up, so be sure to ask about the extended warranty options that are available for your car. We hope you found this Blog helpful, and if you have any questions please contact Full Throttle Auto Sales, your local 5-Star Rated used car dealer serving the Seattle-Tacoma area. Thank you and have a great day!

-Steve Pinney Jr

Owner

Full Throttle Auto Sales

04/06/2019 in Buying A Used Car

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Get Your Vehicle Ready For Summer

Get Your Vehicle Ready For Summer

Who is ready for summer? I know that all of us at Full Throttle Auto Sales, your used car dealership in Tacoma, WA. are! Barbecues, warmer weather, flip-flops, swimming pools. People across the United States load up the car and hit the highway to enjoy one of the great traditions of the season… the road trip. This is the time of year for a road trip! Go see the country!

All of us at Full Throttle Auto Sales want everyone to beware of potential expense and frustration. It’s the end of a long day in the hot sun, you’re on the road, excited to reach your relaxing destination, but not there quite yet, and not quite in a relaxed state of mind.

Just as you see the sign that says that you’re within 30 miles of the next town - CLUNK! You hear a very mechanical-sounding noise and feel your car lurch. Perhaps the noise gets worse, or the steering starts to feel not quite right. Maybe there’s a mechanical smelling… smell or even some visible smoke or steam. And then your heart drops, and the feeling of dread may start to sink in: that you may be in for a delay in reaching the relaxation you’ve been longing for. Frustration may set in at this point.

Prepare for happy travels

In order to make the most of your travels, it’s best to give your vehicle a thorough checkup before you take on the road. Let’s be sure you don’t get stuck with maintenance issues in the middle of your excursion.

If there is something you do not know how to handle, then bring your vehicle into Full Throttle Auto Sales to have it checked! Also, check your owner’s manual for advice on how to properly care for your car. Some of your equipment may be outdated and be ready for replacement.

9 Summer car care tips

Here is a list of areas to consider maintaining as summer begins:

· Windshield Wipers – After long days of Washington’s rainy, snowy, and icy winters, the windshield wipers may be pretty worn down. Double check your wiper fluid and wiper blades to ensure they are full and in great working condition. Check and make sure they are not losing their grip, so you don’t end up stuck in a summer rainstorm unable to see the roads.

· Coolant– Make sure to check your cooling system, since summer is a prime time for your car to overheat! Since the cooling system helps prevent the engine from overheating, consider flushing and refilling the coolant. Or bring it in to Full Throttle Auto Sales to do it for you if you do not know how to properly perform this task.

· Battery– It’s not something we would call fun to go to your car, start it, and BAM… dead battery in the middle of a hot summer day. Make check your battery for any defects. Be careful when handling a battery! Try cleaning around the structure to prevent future problems. Look around it to make sure it is properly filled and cleaned. This can help lengthen your battery’s lifespan. Click here for more information on how to properly check your vehicle battery!

· Engine air filters– During the hot summer months your car’s engine can be negatively affected by the extra dust floating around. You might be surprised how much dirt and dust can get caked on to them and reduce your car or trucks performance. It’s a good idea to check the filters to see if they’re caked with dirt and, if so, to replace them so your engine can function properly.

· Oil change– It may be time for an oil change depending on your car and your usage of the vehicle. While most modern cars have sensors to warn you when your oil needs a change, make sure to check if your oil or oil filters need replacing. It’s also a great idea to check your oil weekly, just to ensure things are running right.

· Air conditioning– You don’t want to get stuck in the summer heat without proper A/C, so it’s a great idea to check that your air conditioning is working at its best. Just turn it on and make sure that it is giving off the right amount of air flow. If it does not feel right or powerful enough, take it in to be looked at by a licensed mechanic. *If it’s a little sluggish, then it most likely just needs to have the freon recharged to have it blasting cool air throughout your car.

· Tires and tire pressure– Take a look at your tires to see if they are in tip-top shape for summer road trips and hot summer roads. Also, check your tire pressure regularly! *Your vehicles appropriate pressure for your tires can be found on the tire place card in the driver’s side door jamb or in your vehicle owner’s manual.

· Hoses and belts– Check any hoses or belts under the hood of your car. When your car is cool, feel around gently and see if there are any worn out parts or blisters. This could mean that the pieces need some repairs.

· Brakes– Try pumping your brakes a few times to see if they are still in good shape. If they make a weird noise, or feel different while you’re driving, consider taking them to a mechanic to be checked, or replacing the brake fluids.

It’s a great idea to take your car for a quick test drive every so often. Listen for any odd noises, or strange feelings while driving. This can help you catch a problem before it gets worse.

These quick and easy steps can help you enjoy your summer knowing that you’ve worked to stay on top of your car’s maintenance. If you’re looking to purchase a new-to-you vehicle, then stop in to Full Throttle Auto Sales used dealership in Tacoma, WA., or click here to see our inventory!

03/29/2019 in Car Issues

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How Often Do I Need to Get My Oil Changed

An oil change typically falls between 3,000 –10,000 miles of driving for many cars, but the exact amount of miles varies from vehicle to vehicle, so the best place to check is your car’s owner manual. If you don’t have it, check for your year, make and model online. The owner’s manual is a good place to start to get the recommended mileage, but you should also keep track of what is happening in your oil changes, as driving habits and type of oil can also influence how often it needs to be changed.

When you have your oil changed, talk to the mechanic about how clean the oil was. If your oil is very dirty every time you get a change, consider having it changed a little sooner and find out how dirty it is with less miles. If your oil tends to be clean when it’s changed, you may not need to get your oil changed as frequently. Keep a log of mileage, type of oil and the results of the change, and eventually you will have a good idea of the best timing based on your driving.

Oil changes are a crucial part of regular maintenance on your vehicle. Neglecting this can eventually lead to engine failure. So visit Full Throttle Auto Sales today and schedule your next oil change.

01/03/2019 in Car Issues

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Toys for Tots Fundraiser a Huge Success!

Full Throttle Auto Sales is happy to announce that, for this year’s fundraiser, we have donated $2800 to the Toys for Tots Foundation! The owners, Steve and Parichat, also donated $400 worth of toys. Toys for Tots makes it possible for so many children to “share in the magic of the holidays”. We are humbled that we are able to contribute and are grateful to our community for their support. Thank you to everyone who purchased a vehicle in the month of December! You helped make a difference in our community and brought a smile to the faces of some very special children!

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year!

Love,
The Full Throttle Family

12/25/2018 in Fundraiser

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Should I have my car checked before a long trip

Regular maintenance on your vehicle is always best, but for safety reasons and extra peace of mind, it's always a good idea to get your car a "check-up" before going on a road trip. Have your mechanic check your car's fluid levels, including oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid, etc. Your mechanic can also listen to your motor, check the wear and air pressure of your tires, and test the charge on your battery. Swing by Full Throttle Auto Sales before your next road trip and we'll help make sure your trip is smooth sailing.

Tip: It's also a good idea to do your own check of your "emergency kit" before a trip. Do you have jumper cables, a tool kit, water, spare tennis shoes? It never hurts to be prepared for an emergency when you are away from home.

12/13/2018 in Car Issues

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Tips For Buying a Used Car - Part One

Part One: Finding a Reputable Dealer

Buying a used car can be confusing. There are so many variables to consider. How do you know you’re getting a good deal? Can you trust the dealership? What do you look for during a test drive?

Full Throttle Auto Sales is going to walk you through how to get the best value for your money, and let you know what you should be looking for when buying a used vehicle.

First, how do you know that you are buying from a reputable dealership? There are many platforms that can be checked to assure you’re buying from a great dealer you can trust. Do your research before purchasing your new used vehicle by checking user ratings and reviews. Places you can check online include Google, Yelp, Facebook, Cars.com, CarGurus, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Reading reviews can help you know what to expect when you visit a dealership.

Full Throttle Auto Sales has over 100 five-star reviews and an A rating from the BBB because we care about our customers and want to make sure you have the best experience possible.

12/13/2018 in Buying a Used Car

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Tips For Buying a Used Car - Part Two

Part Two: Vehicle Maintenance

Once you’ve visited a dealership and found a used car you’re interested in purchasing, it’s important to know the history of the vehicle. A great way to do this is by checking the CARFAX report. CARFAX is an independent organization that tracks the reporting of vehicle histories, including information about accidents, recalls, service history, mileage, previous owners, and more. It is a very useful tool for learning about a used vehicle and how it’s been treated.

Full Throttle Auto Sales is a CARFAX Advantage dealership. Why is this Important? As a CARFAX advantage dealer, every vehicle we offer comes with a CARFAX report. The CARFAX report is an important place to start with any used vehicle.

Once you have determined that the vehicle has a clean CARFAX, you will next need to look at maintenance performed. Maintenance of your used vehicle is significant as anything that needs to be done can really add up, adding to the overall cost of your vehicle.

Here at Full Throttle Auto Sales we bring all maintenance up to date if needed, including replacing spark plugs, changing the air filter, changing the oil and oil filter, and replacing brakes and tires. Along with bringing all maintenance up to date, we also repair anything we find when inspecting our vehicles.

Unperformed maintenance can add hundreds to thousands of dollars in additional expenses, so always ask the dealer to show you what has been done and the current condition of components such as brakes and tires.

12/13/2018 in Buying a Used Car

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Tips For Buying a Used Car - Part Three

Part Three: Warranty

Next you need to look at the warranty that is offered by the dealership. Why is that important? A warranty is going to give you the peace of mind that the vehicle you are purchasing has coverage that protects your vehicle in case of break downs. This is a big added value, but not all warranties are created equal. It is important to ask the dealer what is covered by the warranty and also how much is covered.

At Full Throttle Auto Sales, most of our vehicles come with the manufacturer warranty still intact. For those cars that aren't covered by the manufacturer warranty, we provide a three month/90-day warranty.

12/13/2018 in Buying a Used Car

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Tips For Buying a Used Car - Part Four

Part Four: The Test Drive

Finally, you will want to take your potential new used car on a test drive. The test drive actually starts when you first see the car. Before entering the vehicle, have the salesperson pop the hood and start the car while you listen for any strange noises during start up: grinding, popping or rattling is not normal, so listen carefully. If the car starts and sounds good, put your hand on the top of the motor and feel that it is running smooth and not rough.

If everything sounds, looks and feels good, then look around the engine compartment and underneath the motor for any signs of oil or fluid leaks. If the bottom of the motor is covered in oil this could lead to pricey repairs.
If the engine is clean move on to the tires. Inspect them to make sure they have a safe amount of tread and no unusual wear patterns. The tires should be evenly worn from inside to outside.

Once satisfied with the engine and tires, have the salesperson rev up the vehicle while you observe the quality of the exhaust. If, when revving, you notice some blue smoke, then the car is burning oil, which could lead to pricey repairs.

If all has checked out, then you are ready for your test drive. First, start out slow: hit the brakes at slow speeds and listen for any abnormal noises such as clunking or knocking. Put the car in reverse and then back into drive looking for abnormal shifting or clunking of the transmission. Then, turn the vehicle all the way left and right will driving at slow speeds and continue to listen for noises. If all seems well and there are no lights present, such as ABS or Check Engine lights, you are ready for your road test.

While driving, let go of the steering wheel and see how the car is tracking down the road. If it is pulling constantly to the left or right, the car is in need of an alignment. If you feel a vibration in the steering wheel that increases with speed, you might have a tire balance issue.

Continue to listen for any abnormal noises while driving. Also, be aware of smells while driving. If you smell burning oil when driving or while the car is sitting at idle, this could be a sign of a valve cover leak or more.

Also, be sure to ask lots of questions. At Full Throttle Auto Sales, we are here to help! And our maintenance and warranty packages will give you reassurance that you can trust your purchase.

12/13/2018 in Buying a Used Car

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