New Lexus GS Hybrid - 120 Heartbeats

Come see our experiment: Can a hybrid get a passenger as excited about them as we are?

Our customers love telling us how we're doing!

"Buying my used truck from Dan at Lexus of Maplewood war a hassle-free experience. After locating the vehicle I wanted, Dan made the whole process quick and easy."

- Mary

We're Hiring!

Think you or somebody you know would be a good fit working for our family of businesses? There is no time like the present to start your career in the Automotive Industry!
 
Village Automotive Group is currently hiring! We currently have job openings at 4 different locations ranging from part-time work to full-time employment!
 
If you have great people skills, and a fondness for technology (with the ability to explain it), these are opportunities you will want to explore.
 
Sales Associate: Proven automotive sales performer who seeks opportunity for a rewarding career with the potential to be highly compensated.
 

Product Specialist: Responsible to understand and communicate to customers product availability; services and technology. Must be knowledgeable of the products/services offered with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and retention versus negotiation/price.

Village Automotive Group is an organization that rewards achievement, enthusiasm and team spirit. We offer each person superior opportunities for development and growth. Our philosophy is one of open communications between employees and management which we believe is conducive to a positive work environment.

 

For more information visit www.villageautomotivegroup.com and click on the careers tab.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Service Scheduling

Check Monthly
Check Engine Light On
Cleaning
Lights
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid

Check every 3 months/3,000 miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Check Engine Light On
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil and Filter
Exhaust
Fuel Filter
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid

Check every 6 months/6,000 miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Chassis Lubrication
Check Engine Light On
Polish
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil and Filter
Exhaust
Fuel Filter
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Wiper Blades

Check every 9 months/9,000 miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Check Engine Light On
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil and Filter
Exhaust
Fuel Filter
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid

Check every 12 months/12,000 miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Brakes
Cabin Air Filter
Chassis Lubrication
Check Engine Light On
Polish
Coolant (Antifreeze)
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil and Filter
Exhaust
Fuel Filter
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Spark Plugs
Steering and Suspension
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Wiper Blades

Vehicle System/Component Service Notes

Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check fluid level with engine running and
transmission in park. If low, add the type
of automatic transmission fluid specified
in the owner's manual and/or on dipstick.
For maximum performance, change every
two years or 24,000 miles, or as directed
in owner's manual.

Battery and Cables
Battery should be securely mounted.
Battery connection should be clean, tight
and corrosion free. If the battery is three
years old or more, it should be tested and
replaced if necessary.

Belts
Check V-belts and serpentine belts for
looseness and condition. Replace when
cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs
of excessive wear. Replace timing belt per
interval specified in owner's manual.
Typically this is 60,000 to 90,000 miles.
Not replacing the belt as required could
cause a breakdown or serious engine
damage.

Brakes
Check the entire brake system every year,
including brake linings, rotors and drums.

Cabin Air Filter
Replace annually, or more often in areas
with heavy airborne contaminants or
whenever heating or cooling efficiency is
reduced.

Chassis Lubrication
Many newer cars are lubed-for-life; some
still require this service. Check owner's
manual. Replacement steering and
suspension components may require
periodic lubrication.

Check Engine Light On
If light comes on while driving or remains
on, your vehicle may have an emissions or
sensor problem and should be analyzed. If
light flashes, the condition is more severe
and must be checked immediately to
prevent catalytic converter damage.

Cleaning & Polishing
To prevent stripping the vehicle's wax
finish, use only automotive car wash
products, not dishwashing liquids. Polish

at least twice a year to maintain and protect the finish.

Coolant (Antifreeze)
Check level at reservoir. Never open a hot
radiator cap. If low, add 50/50 mix of
approved antifreeze and distilled water.
Change coolant annually on most vehicles.

Engine Air Filter
Inspect filter at each oil change. Replace
annually or when leaking, torn, water or
oil soaked, dirty or showing other signs of
wear.

Engine Oil and Filter
Check level with engine off at every fill
up. For maximum engine life, change oil
and filter every three months or 3,000
miles or as directed in your owner's
manual. Use specified oil grade and weight.

Exhaust
Inspect for leaks, damage and broken
supports or hangers if there is an unusual
noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous
and must be corrected without delay.

Fuel Filter
Inspect filter at each oil change. Replace
if restricted or water contaminated or
once a year on cars with carburetors. On
cars with fuel injection, replace filter
every two years or 24,000 miles.

Hoses
Inspect hoses at each oil change and
replace when leaking, brittle, cracked,
rusted, swollen or restricted.

Lights
Replace bulb immediately if light is out.
Check fuses first.

Oxygen Sensor
Replace at interval as recommended in
owner's manual or when other conditions
dictate, such as failing an emissions test.
Some cars have an oxygen sensor
replacement light that appears when
oxygen sensor replacement is needed.
1996 and newer cars have more than
one oxygen sensor.

Power Steering Fluid
Check the fluid with the car warmed up.
Add correct type of fluid if low. If
frequent topping off is required, inspect
for leaks and replace if contaminated.

Spark Plugs
Typical replacement intervals range
between 30,000 and 100,000 miles,
depending on the vehicle and type of
spark plug. Always consult your owner's
manual for your specific vehicle.

Steering and Suspension
Inspect system annually, including shock
absorbers, struts and chassis parts, such
as ball joints, tie rod ends and other
related components. Replace if leaks,
damage and loose mounting hardware
are found. Symptoms of worn suspension
include uneven tire wear and excessive
bouncing after bumps.

Tire Inflation and Condition
Check the pressure of all tires, including
the spare, at every oil change. Check the
tread for uneven or irregular wear and
cuts or bruises along the sidewalls.
Inflate tires and maintain at
recommended pressure. Replace tires if
worn or damaged.

Windshield Washer Fluid
Check fluid level monthly. Some vehicles
have two reservoirs. Do not use water.
Use washer fluid only.

Wiper Blades
Replace every six months or when
cracked, cut, torn, streaking or
chattering.

 

Courtesy of CarCare.org

More kind words. Check out these glowing customer reviews!

"I have great service at Lexus in maplewood everybody very nice and professional. I forgot the name (service consultant). He's very helful and get every thing done perfectly . I am very happy every time I have service there"

"The team was great at Lexus of Maplewood. This is our second car that we have bought from Eric and will keep coming back. We also were so satisfied that we referred 2 more of our friends to Lexus of Maplewood and they bought cars. Keep up the great work"

 - Ryan

"I had an overall good experience and everyone seemed friendly. We were lucky to have Spencer who was hospitable and made the whole pr"ocess easier. I liked the fact that they had refreshments for its clients."

- Rita

 

 

 

Employee Spotlight - Greg Carlini

This month, the Lexus of Maplewood Pre-Owned Department is proud to highlight Greg Carlini. Greg Carlini has been with Lexus of Maplewood for 7 years and will be celebrating his anniversary here this Novem

ber. He started out in the Pre-Owned Department and has been very successful as a Sales Associate.

One of the reason’s Greg has so much success with our customers is his positive attitude. He comes to Lexus of Maplewood every day ready to help our customers and gives every person the best customer service he can provide. I asked Greg what his favorite part about his job is and he commented, “I really love meeting and getting to know people from all walks of life. And of course I love selling! Lexus of Maplewood is a fantastic place to work because of the supportive culture. I am really honored to have the opportunity to be a Sales Associate at Lexus of Maplewood.”

When Greg started at the dealership he had 10 years of experience in Sales, but before his dealership career there was his career in television. Greg followed in his father’s footsteps as director of TV shows and producingTV commercials for a local NBC station in Nebraska. His father, Ulysses Carlini, is a pioneer in TV and was inducted into the Nebraska Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame in 2005. Greg’s dad is recognized for helping TV become a respected and trusted source of entertainment for more than 50 years. As former KNOP-TV operations manager, Greg enjoyed producing, directing and creating award-winning TV shows and commercials while in Nebraska.

Greg met his wife, Jodi, an anchor/reporter at the TV station and now they have been married for 29 years. Greg and Jodi moved to the Twin Cities when Jodi took a position with KSTP-TV where she worked for 10 years before taking the senior public relations and video producer position with HealthEast Care System, where she also hosts and produces the Emmy-award winning TV show, “Inside Health Care.”

Greg enjoys spending his time outside of work with his family. His son Joe is following in his own father’s footsteps by producing, but Film vs.Television. Joe is recognized as an up and coming, award-winning filmmaker, who recently held his first film premiere, a documentary called “Second Chance U” at the St. Anthony Main Theatre to a packed house. Joe is currently producing and directing his first full-length movie, “My Senior Year,” which he also wrote.

Greg’s daughter Christina, a Chicago resident, is in marketing for the Chicago Cubs and a former Twin Cities model. The family recently celebrated her wedding day at the Varsity Theatre in DinkeyTown.

All the employees in the Pre-Owned Department enjoy working with Greg and we look forward to many more exciting years of vehicle sales ahead.

More Details on the Lexus LF-CC Coupe Concept

Motor Trend had an opportunity to talk with the Lexus Design group manager Takeshi Tanabe about the new LF-CC concept that debuted yesterday, and it’s definitely worth reading — here a couple quotes:

 

Unlike other Lexus hybrids, the body design doesn’t aim to make explicit the hybrid powertrain or fuel-economy potential. “We used to show the cars were hybrid, but now this is more emotional and sporty,” says Lexus Design group manager Takeshi Tanabe. The long nose will also house gasoline engines, which at present consist of a version of the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four (IS 250), 3.5-liter V-6 (IS 350), and the 5.0-liter V-8 in the IS F in the U.S. This would be the first IS hybrid.

Tanabe explains, “In the past, Lexus was about reliability, quality, comfort, and silence. We still have that, but we are adding emotion through the design to attract younger buyers. From now, from the new GS and this CC Concept, we’re adding excitement.”

“Maybe some will like this car; maybe some won’t,” says Tanabe. “I don’t want to say we’ll offend people who don’t like it, but I do want to be distinctive.”

 

Courtesy of Lexus Enthusiast