O’Brien Automotive Family: Toyota Corolla Equals Reliability

In the next couple of months, two special edition Toyota Corollas will arrive at our O’Brien Toyota Scion dealership with some consumer friendly add-ons. These limited editions will consist of only 7,500 units; 2,250 of the Corolla LE and 5,250 of the Corolla S.

The Black Currant Metallic painted Toyota Corolla LE is targeted at those consumers who don’t think the standard Corolla is comfortable enough. It is equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels and a display for the navigation system and audio system, which includes a three-year subscription to Entune. The powered seats are trimmed in beige leather and the floor mats are in a special edition style.

As you could probably guess, the Toyota Corolla S Special Edition is the sporty model aimed at a more youthful demographic. It has bigger alloy wheels (17-inch) and sport fabric seats. Just like the LE, the S also includes an audio and navigation display with a three-year subscription to Entune and special edition floor mats. The Corolla S will be painted in a Hot Lava color.

These Special Editions will have a starting price of $20,550. The Corolla has been one of the most reliable cars since its introduction; according to the Toyota website, 80% of Corollas are still on the road; the Corolla is, it is a reliable car and will last a lifetime if it is taken care of.

The O’Brien Automotive Family of dealerships are one of central Indiana’s best source for new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, FIAT, and Toyota & Scion brand vehicles along with a large inventory of pre-owned vehicles & Factory Certified Pre-Owned. Our goal is to make as many central Indiana customers as satisfied as possible when it comes to selection and competitive prices. We welcome you to stop by one of our convenient locations, call us at 317-534-2256, chat online (Indianapolis location Chrysler Brands – Greenwood location Chrysler Brands * FIAT Brand  / Toyota & Scion Brands), or submit a request make an appointment to test drive your next vehicle today.

“Our family works for you.
Since 1933.”

Your leading Greenwood, Franklin, Indianapolis, Carmel, Plainfield, Avon, Lawrence, Anderson, and Noblesville Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT Toyota and Scion Dealers!

Information for this blog was gathered from a post by automedia.com.

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O’Brien Family Automotive: 4-Reasons to Consider CPO!

YOU DON’T NEED US TO tell you that buying a used car can be a stressful experience. Why not consider a CPO? Just what is a certified pre-owned car? (Chrysler Certified / Toyota Certified) Let me begin by qualifying what the O’Brien Automotive Family means by a CPO vehicle. To qualify for our definition of a “certified used” vehicle, the warranty must be backed by the original vehicle manufacturer.  Also, a certified used car or a certified pre-owned car (CPO) is a used vehicle that has passed  a strict factory-mandated safety inspection. (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Inspection Sheet / Toyota Scion Inspection Sheet)  Considering the unsteady economy, CPO’s offer the reliability, quality, and luxury of the new vehicles car shoppers might have wanted, but could not afford.  For many people, certified used cars have become an affordable alternative to buying new.  So, what are the benefits to the consumer? Per cars.com:

1. The Warranty — Ask owners of certified vehicles why they made their purchase and the number-one reason is usually the factory-backed warranty. For many people, paying an extra $1,000, $2,000, or more for a used vehicle with an extended factory warranty is well worth the expense.

2. Vehicle Inspection and Certification — CPO buyers are also willing to pay extra to ensure that the vehicle they are purchasing isn’t going to break down any time soon. That’s the point of the certification process, and every certified pre-owned vehicle, regardless of who made it, undergoes an inspection and certification.

3. Factory Financing or Incentives — Because certified cars are usually among the most expensive on the used-car lot, many buyers need a little financing help or cash incentives to step up to the plate. Because the manufacturer backs a CPO vehicle, the automaker often throws incentives or cut-rate financing into the mix to help close the deal.

4. Roadside Assistance — In many cases, CPO buyers get the added security of roadside assistance, just like many new-car buyers. This further reduces the hassle of ownership, because buyers can rely on the manufacturer to come through in a roadside emergency.

In closing, we encourage you to check out the factory-backed certified pre-owned inventory at each of our Chrysler stores, one located in Greenwood just south of the Greenwood Park Mall on U.S. 31; OR our other location on the north side of Indianapolis between Keystone Avenue and Allisonville Road on 96th Street. Our Toyota Scion store is located on the east side of Indianapolis, at 2550 North Shadeland Avenue — just two blocks north of I-70.

• Review the CPO details – (Chrysler Certified / Toyota Certified)
• Review our current CPO inventory (Greenwood CJDR / Indianapolis CJDR / Toyota Scion)
• But don’t stop there! Give our Customer Care Team a call at (317) 534-2256 and schedule a test drive today! See for yourself why a factory-backed certified vehicle gets SO much attention!

  Your friends at O’Brien Automotive Family!
“Our family works for you. Since 1933”

Your leading Greenwood, Franklin, Indianapolis, Carmel, Plainfield, Avon, Lawrence, and Noblesville Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT Toyota and Scion Dealer!

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O’Brien Automotive Family: A drop-top that raises the standard!

For 2013, spring officially starts tomorrow, Wednesday the 20th! Not sure what pops into your mind when you think of spring, but I think of flowers, billowy clouds, and a road trip! There are few things in life as enjoyable as driving with the top down on a beautiful, sunny day! Simply put, there is no better car to drive on that road trip than a convertible! Tom O’Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram just happens to have the PERFECT solution to enjoy the spring weather that is sure to be “just around the corner”!  A drop-top that raises the standards: You’ll find it on our 2013 Chrysler 200 Hardtop Convertible, which is actually fit for all seasons.

The Chrysler 200 Convertible, on sale or for lease now at both of the Tom O’Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram locations (Greenwood at 750 U.S. 750 N / Indianapolis at 4630 E 96^th Street)! This Convertible is one of the few automobiles left that will give you a pleasant ride without breaking the bank. For 2013, the Chrysler 200 convertible gains improved driving manners and new color options.

New for 2013:

• An enhanced and retuned suspension resulting in an improved ride and better handling.
• A larger front stabilizer bar has been added, a rebound spring was added to the front struts and damping rates have been revised, too.
• In the rear, shock damping has been revised, rear spring rates increased and a new rear jounce bumper has been added.
• This midsize convertible is available in both soft- and hard-top versions and has room to spare in trunk, even with the top down. You’ll enjoy up to seven-cubic feet of cargo space with the top down and 13.3 with the top up.
• Best-in-class interior passenger volume is standard.
• Fuel economy is EPA-estimated at 18 mpg city and 29 mpg highway in the 4-cylinder.
• Drivers who crave more power should opt for the award-winning Pentastar V6, which that cranks out 283 hp and 260 lb/ft of torque through a six-speed automatic; expect 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

Like all Chrysler vehicles, the 200 Convertible is safe. Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Antilock Brakes with Brake Assist, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System; there are also advanced multi-stage front airbags to go along with the active head restraints. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 200 Convertible its top rating, “Good,” in both moderate overlap front testing and side impact testing. A five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty brings you peace of mind and speaks to the quality of the 200 Convertible.

• The Touring trim comes standard with 17-inch wheels, heated exterior mirrors, automatic headlamps and a power-operated cloth top. Inside, drivers are greeted by an Electronic Vehicle Information Center, ambient interior lighting, six-way power front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic temperature control and the Uconnect^® Media Center 130 system with six-speakers. SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a one-year subscription is also standard.
• The Limited adds the V6 engine to the list of standards, as well as 18-inch wheels, foglamps and dual bright exhaust tips. Supple leather adorns the seats, with heaters added for the front passengers, and the Uconnect Media Center 430 with Bluetooth, DVD capability and 40GB hard drive is included, as well.
• The 200S adds a healthy dose of attitude with unique “S” trim including 18-inch wheels with painted black pockets, body0colored door handles and mirrors, black painted “S” grille with painted black bars and a Chrysler winged-badge with black inlay. The steering wheel and leather seats with suede inserts are marked with an “S” badge, and the audio system is a premium Boston Acoustics setup.

Available on both the Limited and 200S are the Uconnect 730 system with Navigation and 6.5-inch touch-screen, and the retractable, body-color hardtop. “Gotta” ask? What do you appreciate most in your convertible? http://bit.ly/101B3D6

We encourage you to chat * click * call * or stop into one of the Tom O’Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram store’s today. We are conveniently located in either  Greenwood or Indianapolis. To learn more about the 2013 Chrysler 200 Convertible, Sedan or our pre-owned models we currently have in stock, visit the links provided. Our sales team would be happy to help show you around the lot, discuss specifications of the different models, answer any questions you might have, as well as set you up on a test drive!

  Also, our Internet Customer Care Team is available during business hours by chat (Greenwood / Indianapolis),   or by phone: (317) 534-2256.

From our family to yours: be “safe on the road, and happy motoring”!

“Our family works for you.
Since 1933.”

Your leading Greenwood, Franklin, Indianapolis, Carmel, Plainfield, Avon, Lawrence, Anderson, and Noblesville Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT Toyota and Scion Dealers!

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O’Brien Automotive Family: New tech, easier credit, safety and fuel economy—Why NOW is the time to buy!

Remember when auto sales cratered in late 2008 when the rest of the financial markets tanked? Things were so desperate going into 2009 that the government stepped in with the Cash for Clunkers programs to pay people to buy new wheels.

Today, the picture is a lot different. The haze has cleared from consumers’ eyes, wallets are opening, credit is easier to get and there are just a lot of good reasons to sell your clunker and buy a shiny new vehicle. There must be something to it.

So…why now?

• Fuel Economy — Sales of hybrids and clean-diesel vehicles were up more than 35% in 2012. But you don’t necessarily have to buy one of those vehicles to gain a lot of fuel economy and savings. The internal combustion engine has improved so much in the last ten years that even non- hybrids will save you big money the longer you hold on to your new vehicle…if you choose well.
• Safety — Significant changes in technology make vehicle occupants safer than ever before. Today, most all-new cars offers standard airbags in from and back, as well as side airbags in front and back, driver’s knee airbag. Stability and traction control systems are standard, as are tire pressure monitors. Knowing when your tires are losing air can not only keep you out of a nasty accident, they can save you money since low air pressure costs you miles per gallon. In addition to the basics, technologies such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and various traffic warning systems are migrating down from luxury cars to the mass market.
• Tech — Not a single new 2001-model year vehicle sold in the US offered factory-installed iPod connectivity or the ability to play music off of a USB device. Are you trying to use your iPod or smart-phone while you drive? If so, you are likely breaking the law. Other technically advanced features you couldn’t find in 2001 include power ventilated front seats (that cool or heat one’s seat) Bluetooth wireless connections that enabled cell-phone integration into the vehicle’s audio system, and even Satellite TV. Options including head-up display, voice-controlled navigation systems and rear-view cameras – some available in 2001 and some not – are becoming more widely available today. Once you live with a back-up camera in your car, you will never want to go back.
• Easier Credit — Back in 2008, 2009 and even 2010, it was ridiculously hard for consumers with even solid credit to get favorable terms from banks and finance companies. Now that banks have burned off a lot of their bad loans, credit terms are easier today than a year or two ago for people with solid, and even decent, credit.

Mark your calendar, save the date! This coming Saturday – March 9^th – we are opening the doors at 8:30 at both of the Tom O’Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram stores! Not only are we celebrating the success that both of our locations had for 2012, but we are also wanting to show off the highly awarded 2013 Chrysler * Jeep * Dodge and Ram line-up!  And, we have something BIG for you! Food, a reward for just test driving one of the new 2013 vehicles, and HUGE savings! See you Saturday!

The O’Brien Automotive Family of dealerships are one of central Indiana’s best source for new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, FIAT, and Toyota & Scion brand vehicles along with a large inventory of pre-owned vehicles & Factory Certified Pre-Owned. Our goal is to make as many central Indiana customers as satisfied as possible when it comes to selection and competitive prices. We welcome you to stop by one of our convenient locations, call us at 317-534-2256, chat online (Indianapolis location Chrysler Brands – Greenwood location Chrysler Brands * FIAT Brand  / Toyota & Scion Brands), or submit a request make an appointment to test drive your next vehicle today. Check out our current service specials by visiting this site! Questions? Simply call:

• (888) 699-9629 for our CJDR Greenwood location
• (888) 734-9394 for our CJDR Indianapolis location
• (888) 448-8263 for our  O’Brien FIAT Studio
• (888) 693-5876 for our Toyota Scion location

Still haven’t pointed your car in our direction? We’ve got lots of great reasons to stop by – our service specials or parts specials for instance! Or, you can just schedule an appointment now. Did I mention we’re open on Saturday’s?

From our family to yours: be “safe on the road, and happy motoring”!

“Our family works for you.
Since 1933.”

Your leading Greenwood, Franklin, Indianapolis, Carmel, Plainfield, Avon, Lawrence, Anderson, and Noblesville Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT Toyota and Scion Dealers!

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O’Brien Automotive Family’s Tuesday Tidbit: You can See Clearly now, the Crud is Gone

  Your ability to see clearly is imperative to driving safety. Having an unobstructed, clear view out your windshield is always critically important, and never more so than during the winter months. Just a few minutes of basic maintenance before the poor weather starts can help insure the best possible visibility during the shorter days and longer nights of winter.

• Dead bugs, sap from parking under trees and even bird droppings all make it hard to see out, and can be hard to remove completely. A clean rag and some vinegar can usually loosen up any residue that has been left on the glass.
• Living in Indiana, we all know that frost, snow and ice left on the windshield while you drive can make navigation downright dangerous. Always completely scrape and clear snow and ice, from all of your vehicle’s glass, before getting underway. Don’t forget to clean the inside surface of your windshield completely and regularly.
• Film from smoke and other substances builds up inside over time and can significantly reduce visibility. Glass cleaners containing vinegar make the task quick and easy.

With the glass clean inside and out, don’t forget to remove any leaves or twigs that may be left in the inlets at the base of the windshield. These will restrict airflow into the cabin that is needed for heating and defrosting the inside of the windows.

  Oxidation and long-term exposure to the sun will cause wiper blade rubber to harden and crack. Just as with tires, winter temperatures also cause rubber to stiffen. Like winter tires, winter wiper blades are made from different rubber formulations that stay pliable in sub-freezing temperatures, and they often have covers or shrouds over the wiper frames to prevent ice build-up. When you buy wiper blades, make sure you get the right size for your vehicle. If you have a hatchback, station wagon, van or SUV with a rear wiper, don’t forget to replace that blade as well, so you can see out the back. It is recommended by the Be Car Care Aware that wiper blades be replaced each year, a good point of reference is either the anniversary date of purchase or when you roll back the clocks in the fall.

Remember to keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir full throughout the year. It’s especially important to use a de-icing washer fluid during the winter months to prevent the fluid from freezing. These fluids typically contain some ethanol or ethylene glycol to lower the freezing point

It doesn’t take much effort to maximize your visibility, so spend a few minutes to care for your windshield and wipers. If you live in the snowy North, don’t forget to put an ice-scraper in the car. If you stop by today, we’ll help you keep your car ready for anything.

  The O’Brien Automotive Family of dealerships are one of central Indiana’s best source for new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, FIAT, and Toyota & Scion brand vehicles along with a large inventory of pre-owned vehicles & Factory Certified Pre-Owned. Our goal is to make as many central Indiana customers as satisfied as possible when it comes to selection and competitive prices. We welcome you to stop by one of our convenient locations, call us at 317-534-2256, chat online (Indianapolis location Chrysler Brands – Greenwood location Chrysler Brands * FIAT Brand  / Toyota & Scion Brands), or submit a request make an appointment to test drive your next vehicle today. Check out our lease specials by visiting this page. If you should  have any questions, please give us a call!  If you do not see the particular vehicle you were hunting for on the internet lease specials list, don’t fret. Simply call:

• (888) 699-9629 for our CJDR Greenwood location
• (888) 734-9394 for our CJDR Indianapolis location
• (888) 448-8263 for our  O’Brien FIAT Studio
• (888) 693-5876 for our Toyota Scion location

“Our family works for you.
Since 1933.”

Your leading Greenwood, Franklin, Indianapolis, Carmel, Plainfield, Avon, Lawrence, Anderson, and Noblesville Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT Toyota and Scion Dealers!

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O’Brien Automotive Family’s Tuesday Tidbit: Buying a Car can be Overwhelming

Buying a car can be overwhelming; in fact, the pleasure of getting a new car can be quickly clouded during the financing decision-making process and price negotiations. Besides price haggling, many car shoppers are plagued with the decision to lease or buy. Which financing decision is right, and why?

• Buying – The Benefits: By far, the greatest benefit of buying a car is that you may actually own it one day. Implied in this benefit is that you’ll one day be free of car payments. The car is yours to sell at any time, and you are not locked into any type of fixed ownership period.
• Leasing – The Benefits: Perhaps the greatest benefit of leasing a car is the lower out-of-pocket costs when acquiring and maintaining the car. Leases require little or no down payment, and there are no upfront sales tax payments. Additionally, monthly payments are usually lower, and you get the pleasure of owning a new car every few years.

When it comes to whether to buy or lease a car the options can be confusing. To help you make an informed decision we have provided the information below, we hope you find it informative and useful. I understand that this post looks a bit lengthy, but I promise it is good information and worth the read!

Step 1: There is a selling price whether you buy or lease your next car. You can negotiate the selling price even if you are planning to lease, just as you would if you were planning to buy.
Step 2: If you were to put the same exact amount of money down on a leased car and on a financed car, the lease payment would typically be lower than financing. This is one of the biggest draws of leasing; you can get more car for your money. With a lease payment, you’re only paying for the car’s depreciation during the term of your lease, whereas with a loan payment, you’re paying for the entire purchase price of the car.
Step 3: If you own your own business, and the car you are considering will be used for business purposes, you can write-off most, if not all of the payments by leasing. If you buy, you can only write-off a portion of the depreciation or take the mileage deduction. We recommend you consult with your tax professional about the write-off.
Step 4:  Generally speaking, it is harder to get approved for a car lease than it is for a loan. So make sure to check your credit and see if you qualify.
Step 5:  A car lease will have an annual mileage cap. The norm is between 10,000-15,000 miles. Once you go over the specified mileage on your leasing contract, you will incur mileage charges. If you think you will go over the mileage cap, we recommend that you pre-pay for the additional miles at the time of signing, because it’s typically cheaper to pre-pay rather than to pay at the end of the lease. When you buy, there are no rules on mileage, the car is yours to drive as little or as much as you like.
Step 6:  There’s less commitment when you buy than when you lease a car. When you buy, you can drive the car till the wheels fall off, or you can sell it or trade it in at any time and pay off the remainder of your loan. With a car lease, if you want to end your lease before the term is up, you will incur costly early termination fees.
Step 7:  Most leased cars are under warranty for the duration of the lease, so repair costs are minimized, which is nice perk. Some brands like BMW and Toyota also offer free maintenance programs during all or part of their lease agreement, which means that all you need to worry about is putting gas in the car. Keep in mind that manufacturer warranties differ in length and coverage.
Step 8: Leasing a car gives you more flexibility when it comes to getting rid of your old car. Unless you actually drive your car till it dies, you will have to deal with selling or trading it in at some point, which can be a hassle. Whereas, at the end of a lease term, you can: 1) Turn in your car, and either buy another car, lease another car, or re-lease from the same brand; 2) Buy the car you were leasing for the predetermined residual value on your lease contract; or 3) Buy the car you were leasing and sell it to a third party for profit (if your car is worth more than purchase price offered on your lease contract). Because the used-car market has been so strong the last couple of years, some consumers can actually make money by buying and then selling their leased car for more than the residual value of the car.
Fact #9: Customizing is not advisable with a lease. Generally speaking, you can do it, but at the end of your lease, you will have leave the customizing and lose your investment or remove any custom parts you have added. (If removed, you have to pay any damage to the car from the modifications you made.)
Fact #10: Reasonable wear-and-tear is expected and is written into a car lease contract. A lease contract will also specify what is considered “excessive.” It’s safe to say that if you return your leased vehicle with scratches, dents, worn tires, or other not-yet-repaired damages, you will be billed for those repairs. So, although there is no written contract, you will need to be mindful of the condition of your vehicle if you plan to resell.

The decision to lease or buy will always depend on your personal circumstances. If your objective is one day to be rid of pesky little car payments and you actually want to take ownership, buying a car may be the best option. If, however, if your goal is to drive a new set of wheels every three to four years and minimize your monthly costs, leasing a car may be a good alternative.

The O’Brien Automotive Family of dealerships are one of central Indiana’s best source for new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, FIAT, and Toyota & Scion brand vehicles along with a large inventory of pre-owned vehicles & Factory Certified Pre-Owned. Our goal is to make as many central Indiana customers as satisfied as possible when it comes to selection and competitive prices. We welcome you to stop by one of our convenient locations, call us at 317-534-2256, chat online (Indianapolis location Chrysler Brands – Greenwood location Chrysler Brands * FIAT Brand  / Toyota & Scion Brands), or submit a request make an appointment to test drive your next vehicle today. Check out our lease specials by visiting this page. If you should  have any questions, please give us a call!  If you do not see the particular vehicle you were hunting for on the internet lease specials list, don’t fret. Simply call:

• (888) 699-9629 for our CJDR Greenwood location
• (888) 734-9394 for our CJDR Indianapolis location
• (888) 448-8263 for our  O’Brien FIAT Studio
• (888) 693-5876 for our Toyota Scion location

“Our family works for you.
Since 1933.”

Your leading Greenwood, Franklin, Indianapolis, Carmel, Plainfield, Avon, Lawrence, Anderson, and Noblesville Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT Toyota and Scion Dealers!

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O’Brien Automotive Family: Bringing more money home is always a bonus!

Toyota has big plans for their production! Per Bill Fay…. A top Toyota executive, the auto company might eventually make all of its U.S.-bound vehicles in North America, with no imports from Japan. Their goal is to have all Toyota vehicles that are sold in the US, be produced here also. That is very exciting news coming from a company that added 3,500 jobs to the US economy last year. Bringing more money home is always a bonus.

Toyota dealerships in the US, like O’Brien Toyota Scion, will be selling vehicles that are more US based than any “domestic” car maker. That sounds odd doesn’t it? To anyone that has worked with Toyota it doesn’t sound all that crazy. Toyota has been moving more and more jobs to US plants every year.

It is no secret that Toyota and other Japanese automakers have been shifting production from Japan to other markets in reaction to the strength of the yen in recent years. A shortage of younger workers is another factor. In 2012, Toyota assembled slightly more than 70% of vehicles sold in the U.S. in North American factories.

“Our intention is clearly to grow that 70% over time,” Fay said. “Short term, we are not going to build everything in North America, especially (when) you consider Lexus, which we are shifting more slowly. “Certainly there’s a movement to do more of that work where the customer is,” Fay said after the company revealed the Furia concept sedan at the Detroit auto show.

Here is the current “picture” of Toyota’s U.S. presence:

• The company’s new Avalon sedan was engineered largely at its Ann Arbor Technical Center. It’s assembled in Georgetown, Ky., along with the Camry.
• “Whether we ever totally get there, I don’t know,” Fay said. “That would be a ways down the road, but we’re certainly making a lot of progress in vehicles like Avalon, where that was really all done here in North America by our companies here.”
• Fay said that by the end of the year, 100% of Toyota Corollas sold in the U.S. will be built at its Cambridge, Ontario, and Blue Springs, Miss., plants.
• Toyota has also expanded design and engineering centers, such as the CALTY styling studio near Los Angeles and its technical center in Ann Arbor.
• Last year, Toyota added or announced 3,500 new jobs and investment of $1.6 billion in North America.
• Toyota has nine U.S. plants that produce vehicles such as the Camry, Avalon, Venza, Corolla, Highlander, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra.

Way to go Toyota! We say “bring it on”!

  The O’Brien Automotive Family of dealerships are one of central Indiana’s best source for new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, FIAT, and Toyota & Scion brand vehicles along with a large inventory of pre-owned vehicles & Factory Certified Pre-Owned. Our goal is to make as many central Indiana customers as satisfied as possible when it comes to selection and competitive prices. We welcome you to stop by one of our convenient locations, call us at 317-534-2256, chat online (Indianapolis location Chrysler Brands – Greenwood location Chrysler Brands * FIAT Brand  / Toyota & Scion Brands), or submit a request make an appointment to test drive your next vehicle today.

“Our family works for you.
Since 1933.”

Your leading Greenwood, Franklin, Indianapolis, Carmel, Plainfield, Avon, Lawrence, Anderson, and Noblesville Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT Toyota and Scion Dealers!

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O’Brien Automotive Family: Holiday Celebration Reflects Company’s Core Values

  The last couple of years have been a struggle for not only the “Big Three”, but the events touched everyone who works close with the industry. Our family of dealerships located in central Indiana, which represent the Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT Toyota and Scion product lines have approximately 100 people working at each location (5). This staff includes Sales, Service, Parts, Body Shop, General Office and Support Staff; and ,the O’Brien family leadership team – the list of employees goes on and on; people that were touched by the events of the “melt-down”.

This was the third time that I had the opportunity to celebrate the Christmas holiday season with my co-worker’s and the O’Brien family leadership team. For whatever reason, this year’s celebration was an “a-ha” event for me. The moment was subtle; I see the company’s logo daily “Our family works for you. Since 1933.” This year’s celebration was about “family”; our automotive family. The main theme of the celebration was centered on the basic principle of how, and why, it has grown into the business that it is today. Now I understand.

With the principles laid down by the O’Brien leadership, a family has been built to serve not only our customers but the employees as well. Collectively, we are not just a team. Our GM’s – Pat O’Brien, Kevin O’Brien, Brian Miller, and Tim Miller – serves those he leads by removing obstacles and enabling his direct department leaders to succeed. The best decisions and ideas are made from the bottom up. As a team member; each Manager takes initiative when he notices issues, he then collaborates with his team to address them. Beyond that, we watch out for each other and care for each other. We work together and play together because our bonds go beyond the typical co-worker relationship.

 Over the past couple of weeks we have collectively celebrated our 2012 successes and the tenure of some of our employee’s. Tenure unheard of in the dealership world. The most recent celebration was to recognize the Parts / Service Department personnel at the Indianapolis location – 5 of the employee’s have tenure ranging from 25-48 years. As an O’Brien Automotive Family member, I now understand their philosophy “I want you to work here forever. Job-hopping may be a fact of business life, but as an owner it’s a fact I hate. I don’t see you as a disposable part. When you leave, it hurts. A part of me feels like I’ve failed.”

Quietly, without fanfare, the O’Brien family has built a positive team and family spirit. Each of us watch out for each other. Based on my short tenure, and my “a-ha” moment; I came to understand that they realize that there will always be challenges in our industry. But,  no matter what, the O’Brien family will be respectful of everyone. They love to celebrate both individual and team successes, but not in an arrogant way. I think their quiet confidence is a strength that speaks for itself.

From our automotive family to yours….”Happy Holidays”!
“Our family works for you.
Since 1933.”

Your leading Greenwood, Franklin, Indianapolis, Carmel, Plainfield, Avon, Lawrence, and Noblesville Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT Toyota and Scion Dealer!

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The Task: Space Shuttle Endeavor + the California Science Center + Toyota, what do the three have in common?

The retired Endeavor shuttle arrived in the City of Angels last month atop a NASA Boeing 747 , taking a grand tour of Southern California before setting down at the international airport. Now, it has to be towed through the streets of Los Angeles to get to its permanent home at the California Science Center south of downtown. That’s where Toyota comes in.

Toyota, with its U.S. headquarters nearby in Torrance, Calif., has contributed more than $8 million to the science center since the early 1990s. With that in mind, when they were looking for a way to move the Endeavor to the Science Center, it made sense to approach Toyota with the task. The retired space shuttle Endeavor has been moved by many things, such as rockets, its own engines and thrusters, tank-like transporters, and now…a Toyota Tundra pickup truck! Toyota Motor Sales announced this past Wednesday that the full-size Tundra will tow the Endeavor  the last quarter mile to the California Science Center, where both the space shuttle and truck are to be displayed.

Tested extensively prior to the announcement, the 2012 Tundra is slated to safely tow the 300,000 pound historic artifact down Bill Robertson Lane in Exposition Park, near downtown Los Angeles, on the final leg of its journey. Endeavour will be towed using a stock 2012 Tundra CrewMax 1/2–ton pickup, identical to models currently found in Toyota dealerships, with no additional modifications made to increase towing capacity or generate more power. The Tundra CrewMax is equipped with Toyota’s powerful 5.7L V8 engine, producing a maximum tow capacity of 10,000 pounds. TMS has done extensive testing and worked with The Sarens Group, a heavy lifting and engineered transport company, to develop a dolly specifically for hauling the Endeavour. The mission, check out this video!

So…SAVE the Date – Saturday, October 13! By the way, Social media users are encouraged to share their Endeavour sightings using the hashtags #spottheshuttle and #OV105, Endeavour’s orbiter vehicle designation. Better yet, tweet this phrase and share in Toyota’s quest to raise money for Endeavor’s new home at the California Science Center:  For every tweet (#TundraEndeavor) sent using the “Share with Twitter” button on this page, Toyota will donate $50 to the California Science Center.

Check out more information regarding  Endeavour’s permanent home, a new addition to the Science Center called the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. Please visit this post after the event and post your comments and thoughts regarding joint effort by Toyota. Better yet, how about posting to our Facebook page? We would LOVE to know what you think!

 
Your friends at O’Brien Automotive Family!
“Our family works for you. Since 1933”

 
P.S. By the way, check out our current inventory of the 2012 Toyota Tundra CrewMax!

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Tuesday Tidbit: Dealership or the Corner Garage?

It’s a hassle, but you really do have to maintain your car properly if you want it to run well. So where to go? Below I’ve outlined some of the pros and cons of the dealers versus the corner garage. Bear in mind that when I say “corner garage”, I mean smaller, independent repair shops; not the chains like Midas, Jiffy Lube, Meineke or Pep Boys. Those chains, which often specialize in one “area” of the car, fall in a middle ground between the dealerships and the mom-and-pop repair shops.

Why consider the dealership?

• Technicians at the dealer level are specialists; they are manufacturer-trained and typically work only on your make of vehicle. Also, dealers have an ongoing training program for the service staff.
• Dealer service departments most generally provide a shuttle back to your office or home, provided it’s no farther than five miles or so.
• What about warranties? There, the advantage definitely goes to the dealer. First, a dealer will perform repairs for free if your car is still under warranty. Even if you have to pay for repairs outside the warranty period, dealers back up their repairs with a warranty that is good nationwide. Thus, if the repair doesn’t hold, it can be fixed free of charge at any other dealer.
• The dealer also offers manufacturer-backed extended warranties for both new and used vehicle purchases. The manufacturer-backed extended warranties makes service easier because there is a large network of dealers; this is especially important if you plan on moving or do a lot of traveling in your vehicle.
• Because the dealership represents the manufacturer, service departments are required to measure up to corporate standards of customer satisfaction.
• Dealer service departments have a distinct advantage when it comes to manufacturer recalls and technical service bulletins.
• Manufacturers and their dealers offer only OE (Original Equipment) parts, which represent a standard of quality and engineering that only the manufacturer can authorize. A 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on parts and labor for repairs and/or service is not uncommon at the dealer level.
• Dealer facilities are often cleaner, more organized and better maintained than smaller shops. At a dealer facility, you will usually find a waiting room, clean bathrooms, a place to buy car accessories, even the availability of drinks, snacks and television.
• Online appointment scheduling; making the service department available 24 / 7!!

Why the independent shop?

• Many technicians at independent shops are both manufacturer- and A.S.E.-certified, don’t be afraid to ask about their certifications.  Although A.S.E. training is less “make” specific than the manufacturer’s training, the technicians at these facilities can be just as expert in their knowledge, depending on their experience.
• If the repair or service that you need isn’t major, it may be more convenient to drive a short way to your neighborhood repair shop than it is to go to the dealer, especially if you need to leave your car for servicing.
• Small shops can offer warranties on service or repairs, but may not offer the same length of coverage or may cover only the parts or the labor, but not both. If you travel with your vehicle, your warranty may be worthless wherever it is your car decides to give you trouble.
• Local repair shops report to no one but you.
• Automotive service software such as Alldata and Mitchell OnDemand5 allows independent garages to get manufacturer information on recalls and TSBs, updated on a monthly basis. But keep in mind that these are paid memberships and not every corner garage has the software at their disposal.
• The advantage of aftermarket parts is that, like generic prescription drugs, they are supposed to perform the same function for a lot less money. There are times, though, when aftermarket parts are inferior to OE parts.
• So how can small repair shops compete with dealers on facilities? The short answer is: They can’t. .

With all this said … what is my opinion? Obviously, from my perspective, I prefer and have always used the services at a dealership that represents the brand of auto that I drive. That is my comfort zone — and at 60+ years of age, I still have my “Dad in my ear” with his advice —  “Why would you want to put your second most expensive lifetime purchase in the hands of just anyone?”. However, the decision has to be one that you are comfortable with. Bottom line, find a facility (either a dealership service department or an independent) that you are comfortable with and one that suites your individual needs. Make sure they are highly qualified to do the work. Develop an ongoing relationship with them (don’t hop from shop to shop looking for the next “deal”).

This topic ALWAYS generates differing opinions, we would love to hear yours! Feedback always welcome:)

Schedule your appointment today….
CJDR Greenwood location / CJDR Indianapolis location / Toyota Scion location.

Your friends at O’Brien Automotive Family!
“Our family works for you. Since 1933”

Your leading Greenwood, Franklin, Indianapolis, Carmel, Plainfield, Avon, Lawrence, and Noblesville Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram FIAT Toyota and Scion Dealer!

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