Toyota TRD Pro Series vs. Toyota TRD
If you enjoy driving off the beaten path, Toyota has an off-road-ready option for you on several models. The highly capable TRD Pro series helps you carry on to find new adventures when the road ends. These Toyota offerings know no limits, taking you places you’ve only dreamed of before. Here’s an overview of the Toyota TRD Pro Series to help you better understand what this series offers:
Read the rest of this entry »Toyota Family Cars With the Best MPG
The Toyota lineup has several options if you’re looking for a fuel-efficient family vehicle. Toyota offers a large selection of hybrid vehicles that keep your fuel costs low and provide ample versatility when it comes to powering your adventures. With over 26,000 charging stations across the United States, powering a hybrid vehicle is easier than ever. Here are our top picks for family-friendly vehicles with excellent gas mileage.
Read the rest of this entry »Shop in Prosper, TX This Small Business Saturday
As you may be aware, small businesses account for more than 99% of all businesses here in Texas. So much so that every November 28th, we celebrate these businesses and their impact on our economy.
Read the rest of this entry »Holiday Events to Visit in Prosper, TX
The holiday events in and around Prosper, Texas, are fun and memorable. Kids and adults can enjoy various fun activities, spend time with family members and friends, and meet other members of the community. Here are some of the best holiday events for you to enjoy this season in the Prosper, Texas, area.
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Being torn between buying a used or new vehicle is something we’ve all experienced at some point in our lives. But it doesn’t have to be like that, especially if you decide to purchase your vehicle with us at Longo Toyota of Prosper.
Read the rest of this entry »Running Trails in Prosper, TX
Do you love to run but have a difficult time finding the right running trail? At Longo Toyota of Prosper, we’ve found some great trails that feature various landscapes and environments. Depending on your preferred running experience, you can enjoy breathtaking views of flowing rivers and flowering trees or simply enjoy the hustle and bustle of a neighborhood park. Let’s take a look at some of the running trails in the Prosper area.
Read the rest of this entry »Fun Halloween Events in Prosper, TX
Halloween is a special time of year, and the Prosper, TX area offers tons of events that are guaranteed to be fun for couples, families, and groups of friends who want to dress up and have a good time. From skating sessions and costume competitions to pub crawls and Halloween goat yoga (yes, it’s definitely a thing!), come to join your Prosper community this Halloween season for some incredible activities.
Read the rest of this entry »What Is Toyota Care?
Purchasing a new Toyota is an exciting experience. While there are many things to focus on during this time, you want to be aware of your maintenance plan and your new responsibilities as a vehicle owner. Taking advantage of your coverage and taking the steps and time to maintain your vehicle properly can extend its life and save you money in routine maintenance and costly repairs due to neglect. You’ll want to protect your investment, and one of the best ways to do so is to be proactive in caring for your vehicle.
Learn what the Toyota Care Plus plan is, what it covers, and the benefits of having a maintenance plan for your Toyota.
What is the Toyota Care Plus plan?
Toyota Care
When you purchase a new Toyota, you receive a complimentary maintenance plan that covers the vehicle for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Once this standard maintenance plan, called Toyota Care, expires, drivers can upgrade to the optional Toyota Care Plus maintenance plan for longer-lasting coverage at an additional one-time cost. The service plan includes regular maintenance based on your specific model’s maintenance guide and roadside assistance.
To qualify for the Toyota Care Plus program, your vehicle must have at least 31,000 miles and be within 37 months of the date of first use. Date of first use means when your vehicle was new with less than 799 miles. The program covers your vehicle for up to four years or 45,000 miles, whichever comes first. This program helps Toyota owners stay on schedule with providing their vehicle with the necessary care to ensure it is running properly. Qualified Toyota technicians perform routine maintenance and help ensure your vehicle performs at its best to keep you as safe as possible while on the road. They also use Toyota certified parts, ensuring you have the best for your vehicle.
What the Toyota Care Plus Plan Does and Doesn’t Cover
At its core, the Toyota Care Plus program is a prepaid maintenance plan. That means that the typical Toyota driver can avoid the rising cost of maintenance services by paying a one-time agreed upon amount. With this plan, you’ll get coverage for factory-recommended maintenance for your 30,000, 35,000, 40,000, and 45,000 miles services. These typically include:
- Tire rotations.
- Engine oil changes.
- Engine filter changes.
- Cabin air filter.
- Multi-point inspection.
- Inspect and adjust fluid levels.
- Toyota genuine parts.
- Toyota trained technicians.
While these are the basics, each Toyota has a specialized plan outlined in the owner’s manual. Your maintenance schedule will align with those detailed specifications. Along with maintenance coverage, drivers with the Toyota Care Plus coverage have 24 hours a day, seven days per week roadside assistance. The services for roadside assistance include:
- Jumpstart for battery.
- Lock-out protection.
- Emergency fuel delivery.
- Tire service using your inflated spare tire.
- Towing to the nearest Toyota dealership or one within 25 miles.
- Winching to get you out of a ditch, mud, or snow.
As with any type of coverage plan, there are limitations. For example, the winching service is available if your vehicle is next to a regularly traveled road and capable of being serviced with standard servicing equipment. However, if your vehicle is off-roading and stuck in a ravine in the middle of nowhere, this service doesn’t apply. It is for use in regular driving circumstances when you find yourself in an unfortunate predicament.
One of the major benefits of the roadside service is that no matter who is driving the vehicle, it is covered. So if your teenager has an unexpected blowout or your relative runs out of gas, they’ll be able to call one convenient number for help, even if you aren’t the one driving.
Different Plan Options
While a two-year service package comes standard with the purchase of your new Toyota, the extended coverage plan comes in a variety of options to fit your needs and budget. The possibilities are:
- Three years for 35,000 miles.
- Three years for 45,000 miles.
- Four years for 45,000 miles.
- Four years for 60,000 miles.
- Five years for 55,000 miles.
- Five years for 75,000 miles.
The price point varies for each individual plan. Contact our service center for up-to-date prices and to learn about all of your options. We can work with you to decide which plan would benefit you the most.
Benefits of a Toyota Care Plus Plan
While the Toyota Care Plus Plan can initially seem unnecessary, the benefits you’ll receive from the coverage far outweigh any risks. The plan entails a minimal investment on the part of a Toyota owner and provides long-term care. You’ll have peace of mind as a Toyota owner and driver knowing that your investment is covered and your safety is a top priority. Here are some of the many benefits of enrolling in a Toyota Care Plus Plan:
- Extended maintenance coverage.
- Milestone services for large and small repairs.
- Roadside assistance with no mileage limit.
- Service reminders to keep our vehicle in proper working order.
- Coverage can be purchased at any participating Toyota dealership.
- Cancel anytime with a few simple steps.
- Coverage can transfer one time to another private owner.
- Different options to fit your needs.
- Service history list.
- Protection from rising maintenance costs.
- Easily fulfill maintenance obligations on a leased vehicle.
- Minimal investment for long-term coverage.
So there you have it. Longo Toyota of Prosper has just shared with you a breakdown and overview of the Toyota Care Plus program. This agreement can help you maintain your vehicle in proper working order and decrease the amount you will pay over the life of the vehicle. While vehicle ownership can be complicated, the Toyota Care Plus program makes the responsibility of routine maintenance a little easier for Toyota owners and features additional support and roadside assistance to give you peace of mind in case you get stranded on the road.
Consider the benefits to decide whether this program is right for your needs and lifestyle. Contact us with any questions or to find out if your vehicle qualifies for this or other maintenance programs and extended warranties.
Where To Find EV Charging Stations Near Prosper, TX
If you’re cruising around near Prosper, Texas, in an electric vehicle, it’s important you know exactly where to find EV charging stations. Since electric vehicle technology is still relatively new, you can’t drive your car too far without a charge, so being aware of where you can stop to recharge your battery is even more essential than it is for drivers of gas-fueled vehicles.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any electric vehicle charging stations in Prosper itself, but here’s our list of places to charge near Prosper, plus a handy guide to understanding the specifics of charging stations.
Celina Light Farms Charging Station
Image by CityofStPete is licensed with CC BY-ND 2.0
Located in the nearby town of Celina at 1234 Homestead Court, this ChargePoint station offers a Level 2 J1772 (AC) 6.6-kW 27-amp port. This little station is open all day, every day, and there’s no need to pay for the electricity. It’s hidden away in the parking lot of The Nook, a local cocktail and market cafe. So if you’re out and about, you can charge your car and grab a bite to eat at the same time.
Cinemark Frisco Charging Station
About 4 miles from Prosper at 6969 U.S. Highway 380, you’ll find the Volta-serviced Cinemark Frisco EV charging station. This station offers six Level 2 ports at no charge (pun intended) that charge at a rate of 6.7 kW. You’ll find this station near the Cinemark Dine-In Theater, Kitchen, and Bar, so you can watch a movie or have dinner while charging up your vehicle.
Aubrey Walgreens EVgo Charging Station
The Walgreens located at 26731 U.S. Highway 380 in the nearby town of Aubrey features a lovely EVgo charging station in its parking lot. It’s open 24 hours and has a single Level 3 125-amp 50-kW port and a single Level 2 7.2-kW port. If you use the pay-as-you-go option, you’ll pay 30 cents a minute for the faster Level 3 charger, while EVgo memberships lower your rate to between 25 and 27 cents a minute, with the option to reserve ports. If you want to subscribe to EVgo for membership benefits, that option is available on the EVgo website.
Electrify America Charging Station
Going to Walmart? Then you can charge your car while you’re shopping. The Walmart in Denton has a charging station serviced by Electrify America featuring six Level 3 ports. If you want to use these super-fast plugins, you’ll have to pay a fee, which varies between 16 and 32 cents a minute depending on the speed you choose. If you go there often, you could opt for a membership, which comes at a reasonable price and lowers your charging fee to between 12 and 24 cents a minute.
The station is open 24 hours a day, and you can find it at 2750 W. University.
North Lakes Park Charging Station
Also located in Denton, the North Lakes Park charging station is serviced by ChargePoint. It’s in the parking lot of North Lakes Park, making it convenient to charge your car while you play tennis or golf. The charging station is simple but reliable, offering two Level 2 J1772 27-amp 6.5-kW ports at a cost of $2.40 per hour. It’s a great place to walk the dog or let the kids run free while you fill up your vehicle. You can find North Lakes Park at 2001 W. Windsor Drive.
YMCA Frisco Charging Station
At the local Frisco YMCA, you’ll find a small EV charging station maintained by the Blink network. This station has three Level 2 80-amp 19.2-kW ports, which you can use for a fee of 49 cents per kilowatt. The station is open for use 24 hours a day and located at 3415 Main St. So if you have a YMCA membership, you can go take a class or workout, all while your car’s battery fills up again.
North Branch Library Charging Station
A library is one of those places where it’s easy to go in and spend hours looking at books and doing research. Take advantage of the time you spend at the library to charge your car. Denton’s North Branch Library offers a ChargePoint charging station in its parking lot, which you can find at 3020 N. Locust St. The station sports two Level 2 27-amp 6.5-kW ports, which are offered at $2.40 per hour. It’s available all day, every day, including when the library isn’t open.
Understanding the Charging Station
With all this talk about kilowatts and levels and amps, you might be in need of some clarification. So, what do the kilowatts and amps of a charging station mean when it comes to charging your car? Charging station levels are assigned based on charging speed. There are three levels of charging stations:
- Level 1: Uses 120-volt AC power.
- Level 2: Uses 240-volt AC power.
- Level 3: Uses 480-volt DC power.
If you want to determine how fast the station will charge your car, simply look at the level and the amps. Multiply the voltage of the level by the amps of the charging station, then divide by 1,000. That will tell you how many kilowatts of charge you’ll get per hour. So if the port is Level 2 with 25 amps, your vehicle will charge at a rate of 6 kW an hour. If your battery is 42 kW, it’ll take seven hours to get it fully charged.
There are lots of places to charge your electric vehicle around Prosper, Texas. Many of these stations are free, while a few offer faster charges at a price. Most are right next to restaurants, parks, or grocery stores, so you can run your errands or enjoy yourself while your car recharges. There’s no need to sit around just because you need to recharge your EV. Now you can take advantage of these stations and explore the area around Prosper at the same time.
Are you looking for a new vehicle to explore in? Then come visit us today at Longo Toyota of Prosper to see the amazing and efficient vehicles we have lined up. You can also send us a message or give us a call — we’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
Best BBQ Restaurants Around Prosper, TX
Texas is a state known for its barbecue, and there’s no shortage of barbecue restaurants competing for your attention in the area around Prosper. At Longo Toyota of Prosper, we decided to check out the barbecue restaurants in the area and come up with a list of five top places that offer something for everyone.
The following list of restaurants represents everything from stop-and-go barbecue meals from a favorite local chain to gourmet barbecue and everything in between. Take the time to check each one out as you drive around the area in your new Toyota from Longo Toyota of Prosper and enjoy the variety of barbecue that the region has to offer.
Lockhart Smokehouse
Image by Dennis Hill is licensed with CC BY 2.0
You’ll have to drive to Plano to visit Lockhart Smokehouse, but you’ll be glad you did. This highly rated barbecue joint serves up smoked meats by the half-pound, and your order is served fresh from the smoker, then wrapped up in butcher paper. Pick up your order from the counter along with your beverage of choice and settle in with your meal at a table or at the bar.
Most proteins are market priced, which means the price for meat changes daily. Protein choices include beef brisket and shoulder clod, half or whole chicken, turkey, pork chops and ribs, and Kreuz Market sausage. You can choose from sides that include smoked baked beans, Lockhart slaw, blue cheese slaw, brisket deviled eggs, potato salad, and mac and cheese. A variety of beers are available to wash down your meat.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is a local success story that began in 1941 when the founder, Travis Dickey, opened his first restaurant in Dallas, Texas. The location closest to Prosper is in Frisco, Texas, and offers you the opportunity to get a barbecue fix on the go or sit down for a spell. Dickey’s is open seven days a week and serves lunch and dinner throughout the day.
The menu focuses on traditional Texas barbecue offerings that include combo and meat plates with one or more meats of your choosing. You can select from menu items that include the brisket plate, the marinated chicken breast plate, the brisket mac stack, the competition plate, the pork out platter, and the Polish kielbasa sausage plate among others.
Hutchins Barbeque
Hutchins Barbeque is in Frisco, Texas, and features meats smoked by Pitmaster John Mueller, a generational pitmaster who learned how to barbecue meat at his grandfather’s knee. Hutchins’ signature dish is something known as a Texas Twinkie that consists of a large jalapeno stuffed with Hutchins’ brisket and cream cheese, wrapped in bacon, then smoked and grilled. Hutchins is one of the most highly recommended and lauded barbecue joints in the area.
The menu consists primarily of smoked meats sold by the pound and a few sandwiches. You can purchase prime brisket sliced and chopped or marinated in the house sauce. Pork ribs, pulled pork, and smoked turkey breast is available, as are house-made smoked sausages in original, jalapeno cheddar and spicy brisket flavors. If you’d like a sandwich, you can pick from a variety of meat fillings, including brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey, chopped brisket in sauce, and house-made sausages. Choose from mac and cheese, potato salad, fried okra, coleslaw, and more for your sides.
Tender Smokehouse
Tender Smokehouse is located 6 miles north of Prosper in Celina, making it an easy trip in your new Toyota from Longo Toyota. Tender Smokehouse also has restaurants in Frisco and Aubrey if you feel like going in a different direction for your barbecue. Tender Smokehouse prides itself on its hand-crafted Texas-style barbecue and making its sides from scratch for fresh flavor and texture. Its core concept is cooking simple foods that taste great and using prime meats along with the best ingredients for sauces and sides that satisfy your craving for good barbecue.
The Celina location offers breakfast and dinner menus Tuesday through Saturday every week. You’ll find breakfast selections that include a toaster sandwich made with a choice of meats, fried egg and cheese on Texas toast, and breakfast tacos also with a choice of meats.
The dinner menu is where it’s at with meat choices that include prime brisket, pulled pork, sausage, turkey breast, spare ribs, beef rib, and more. You could try one of the specialties, which include El Jefe, Frito pie, and a number called the Sledgehammer. All of this is accompanied by barbecue beans, mac and cheese, potato salad, and pineapple slaw. Local craft beers and wine are on tap, along with Dublin sodas by the bottle.
Burnt BBQ and Tacos
Burnt BBQ and Tacos, located in Plano, focuses on creating smoked meat plates that refine the art of barbecue while also offering traditional cuts and sauces. The owners of the restaurant let their imagination go wild by combining flavors and sauces that aren’t usually seen together on the plate. The end result is a delicious meal of smoked meats, side dishes with a twist, and sauces that are guaranteed to change what you think of barbecue.
You can purchase barbecue meats by quarter, half, and whole pounds. Meat selections include coffee grind smoked brisket, pork belly burnt ends, roasted garlic pulled pork, smoked turkey breast, smoked and roasted poblano sausage, and barbecue citrus St. Louis style ribs. You can also opt to have any of these put into a taco or get a Burnt Sampler Platter of all the meats.
Sides include jalapeno citrus slaw, Nana’s potato salad, Mexican street corn, hand-cut fries, mac and cheese, and Burnt pinto beans. Deserts include homemade peach cobbler, Indian fry bread, and banana pudding. Burnt BBQ and Tacos doesn’t serve alcohol, but it does have a nice selection of sweet and unsweetened beverages.
This wraps up our five favorite barbecue restaurants in and around the Prosper, Texas, area. We did our best to include a variety of barbecue restaurant types that will meet your needs, from fast casual to a sit-down meal that challenges your taste buds. Did we overlook a restaurant that you feel should be on our list? Let us know, and drop us a line at Longo Toyota of Prosper so we can make sure to include it next time.
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