Toyota Celebrates 2,000,000th Toyota Certified Used Vehicle Sale
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SEE ALSO: 2006-2008 Toyota Specs and Prices - Toyota Buyers Guide
BELLEVUE, Wash., Oct. 4, 2007 -- When Bellevue's Brian Kabat purchased his fourth certified used Toyota from Michael's Toyota of Bellevue in May, 2007 -- in this case, a 2004 Sienna van -- he was a bit apprehensive about the cost of the vehicle's luxury appointments.
But it didn't take long for his grandkids to express their joy with, among other features, the Sienna's DVD player and he conceded that "This was the right car for us."
As it turned out, this was indeed more than the "right car" -- it was the two millionth Toyota Certified Used Vehicle (TCUV) sold in the U.S. since 1996.
To celebrate the division's landmark sale, Toyota Certified Used Vehicles will reimburse Kabat $36,648 for the total purchase price of the vehicle and donate a similar amount to Bellevue's Youth Eastside Services (YES) agency -- as well as contribute $5000 to Bellevue's Newport High School Band, all at ceremonies taking place today at the Bellevue dealership.
The dealership is located at 3080 148th Ave. SE, Bellevue, WA 98007. The telephone number is (425) 455-9500.
Norm Olson, sales operation manager, Toyota Certified Used Vehicles, will present all three checks, handing the $36,648 amount to Patti Skelton-McGougan, executive director for Bellevue's Youth Eastside Services (YES). The community agency is the elected charity of Toyota of Bellevue dealer principal Bruce Broadus and provides a lifeline for kids and families coping with challenges ranging from drug abuse to domestic violence.
Newport High School principal Patty Siegwarth and band directors Matt Eisenhauer and Ed George will be present to receive the $5000 donation. Many Bellevue Toyota employees are Newport High graduates.
"This is a landmark event," says Olson. "No other manufacturer of a single line make has reached this sales milestone. Toyota was the first manufacturer to stipulate a vehicle history report as a part of its extensive certified used program, which includes a seven-year, 100,000 mile limited power-train warranty, roadside assistance and a 160-point inspection procedure."
Toyota sold 207,923 certified used vehicles in the first nine months of 2007, a 5.5 percent increase over the same period in 2006.
"We have always had great experiences with Toyotas," says Kabat, 64, a plans examiner for King County Environmental Services. "The dealer's commitment to service always brought us back."
Kabat and his wife, Susan, who is a King County librarian, have been residents of Bellevue since 1979, when they moved from their native Wisconsin.
Portions of Kabat's award include a three year Toyota Care Car program from Toyota Financial Services, a Toyota Certified Platinum vehicle service agreement and a $500 American Express gas card from Toyota's Customer Service Division.