Why do we never see N Charlotte Toyota convertibles anymore?

 

When was the last time you saw a NEW Toyota convertible - we're talking this decade - out on the road?  

Probably never, right? There's a good reason for it, too. The last year a Toyota convertible was ever produced was way back in 2008, the year that the Toyota Solara convertible was retired from the lineup. Since then, no new Toyotas of this particular submodel have been produced or sold. But why? Toyota of N Charlotte is here with answers. 

Why are Toyota convertibles no longer on the market? 

Convertibles used to be very popular drive time options, and not just Toyota convertibles, either. In fact, the Mazda Miata was the most popular convertible car of all time, selling over a million units after its introduction in 1989. Other makes hopped on board immediately, making convertible submodels like the Toyota Solara. So what happened? Here are the two main reasons you haven't seen and likely won't see a N Charlotte Toyota convertible anytime soon. 

Fuel efficiency

When convertibles were designed, aerodynamics were definitely not factored into the equation (especially not like they are today). Cars like the N Charlotte Toyota Prius were designed around the principles of aerodynamics; their shape is sleek and smooth so they can easily cut through the wind and maintain a constant speed without having to use extra power (or fuel) to do so. Convertibles, on the other hand, actually trap air and create large amounts of drag. This slows them down as they move through the air and in turn you have to use extra fuel to maintain a constant speed. 

Additionally, Toyota convertibles are heavier on the bottom to counteract the fact that they don't have any sort of roof, and this extra weight also burns more fuel, dragging down your fuel efficiency. 

Safety 

Convertible cars are also just inherently unsafe. All makes, even Toyota convertibles, typically had either a soft-top or retractable top. This takes away from the structural integrity of the vehicle, which makes you a lot more likely to be injured in an accident. Additionally, because of the lack of protection on the top of the car, you're extremely vulnerable to injury or worse should debris hit you in an accident or your car were to roll over. If Toyota wanted to put another convertible on the market, they'd basically have to go back to the drawing board to ensure that the car was structurally sound and also incorporated all of the safety features found in today's models. 

Shop our N Charlotte Toyota inventory today 

We may not have a N Charlotte Toyota convertible waiting on the lot, but we've got plenty of cars that are perfect for cruising! See them all now at Toyota of N Charlotte. We're open seven days a week at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville. You can call us to schedule an appointment at (704) 875-9199. 

The indestructible Toyota Hilux

When it comes to our Toyota trucks, cars, SUVs, and minivans, we know that they're durable and long-lasting. There's no finer example of how durable they are, however than the Indestructible Toyota Hilux. This fan-favorited truck was famously featured on Top Gear where Jeremy purchased it from a farm in order to test Toyota's claims that it deserved the title of "indestructible". Jeremy put it through the wringer and believe it or not, it survived - check it out! 

Before they started the experiment, the Top Gear team decided that if the Toyota truck was deemed unable to run or drive after they attempted to "kill" it, then it was not actually indestructible. Over the course of the next several episodes, they could put it through whatever tests they wanted and could make small and simple repairs with minimal tools, but couldn't replace or add any parts to the truck. 

Here are the tests the Top Gear team put this incredible Toyota truck through: 

• They drove it down a flight of stairs
• They crashed it into a tree (yes, on purpose) 
• They drove it into the Bristol Channel (not only is it water, but it's also saltwater) 

You'd think this would be enough to kill it, especially driving it into seawater. However, after each "test" the Toyota truck was able to start up and hit the road again - in the third test, all they had to do was remove the silt from the engine and it started right back up again. 

The Top Gear team decided to ratchet things up after that. They then put the Toyota Hilux through a series of more trying tests, including: 

• Hitting it with a wrecking ball 
• Dropping it from a crane 
• Driving it THROUGH a building 

And finally, setting it on fire. Yup, you heard right. Jeremy Clarkson literally set the Toyota Hilux on fire and even after all of that, while it looked pretty horrible on the outside, it was STILL able to start up and hit the road without any new parts and only small, minor repairs. 

So as it turns out, this Toyota truck was absolutely indestructible. It faced brute force, the elements, and more and still was able to hit the road. 

Unfortunately, the Toyota Hilux isn't for sale at Toyota of N Charlotte - in fact, you won't find it for sale anywhere in America unless it's a private seller! Luckily for you, we do have the N Charlotte Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra for sale at our dealership and you can test drive it today. Just give us a call at (704) 875-9199, or visit Toyota of N Charlotte at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville, 

10 Car maintenance terms you should know before scheduling service

 

Does the thought of scheduling car maintenance make you uneasy? If so, you're not alone - most people have a pretty general knowledge of what goes on under the hood, but the thought of leaving their car in someone else's hands makes them nervous. Will the repair bill be high? Will the car have to stay in the shop, leaving them stuck with a rental? We get it - the uncertainty can be uncomfortable. 

Common car maintenance terms to know

At Toyota of N Charlotte, we think the best way to handle this uncertainty is to educate yourself about what goes on during routine car maintenance... and the best way to start that process is to learn some of the most common car maintenance terms used at our Charlotte Toyota service center. Here's a list of 10 of them to get the ball rolling. 

1. Catalytic converter: Your catalytic converter is an essential part of your exhaust system. It converts toxic gases inside the system into less harmful emissions before they're released out into the air. 

2. Fuel pump: Your fuel pump is tasked with moving your fuel from the gas tank to the engine, where it's then ignited and used to get your car up and running. 

3. Oil filter: Your oil filter plays an important role in keeping your engine free of debris. It ensures that no dirt or debris makes it into your engine via the oil, where it can be abrasive and cause damage.

4. Alternator: Your alternator is responsible for giving you the get-up-and-go you need to get your car started - not only does it keep your car's battery charged, but it also runs the ignition and electrical systems in your N Charlotte Toyota. 

5. Air filter: Your air filter plays a role similar to that of your oil filter. It's part of your air intake system and prevents dirt and debris from being pulled into the engine. That's why it's so important to keep clean and replace when necessary. 

6. Dipstick: Your dipstick is the slender metal rod you use to check your engine oil level and quality. It reaches into the engine and when you pull it out, shows you how much oil you have in the reservoir as well as the quality of it and if it needs to be changed. 

7. OEM: OEM typically refers to car parts and it means Original Equipment Manufacturer. Basically, when you buy an OEM part you're buying a part that's been manufactured by the same automaker as your car - like Toyota parts for a Toyota car. 

8. Coolant: Coolant is the fluid that circulates through your engine and absorbs heat to keep it at a comfortable working level. 

9. Spark plug: The spark plugs in your car are used to ignite the fuel and air mixture - this ensures that your car starts and is ready to hit the road. 

10. Radiator: Your radiator is responsible for taking the aforementioned coolant and cooling it down. As the coolant circulates through the engine, it absorbs heat and can no longer effectively cool the engine. It's sent to the radiator, which absorbs the heat from the coolant and sends it back to the engine so it's ready to make another round. 

Schedule car maintenance for your car at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Have questions or want to get car maintenance on the calendar? Call Toyota of N Charlotte today! Our car maintenance center is open seven days a week at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.