New Research Finds Toyotas Are Avoiding Problems Big and Small

WARWICK, R.I. (09/07/2012)(readMedia)-- Toyota continues to prove that it is back to its winning ways when it comes to quality and reliability, recently having the fewest reported problems of any automaker in the Strategic Vision 2012 Total Quality Index (TQI) study. That conclusion was reached after more than 45,000 new owners of 2012-model-year vehicles were surveyed following their purchase between September and December 2011.

While other automotive quality studies evaluate models strictly in terms of how many problems are experienced per 100 vehicles, Strategic Vision takes a deeper look with the Problem Impact Measure (PIM) in its TQI. The consumer-research firm not only factors in the report of the problem, but also how serious it is, and the extent to which the issue has been resolved by the automaker. By earning the lowest PIM score this year, Toyota also showed that it has excelled in limiting the impact of any problems that do occur with its vehicles.

"Some models may only have one problem for every 100 vehicles, but if that problem is a failed transmission, for example, then it can be a huge deal," said Bill Camastro, general manager of Balise Toyota of Warwick, a Rhode Island Toyota dealer. "That's why Strategic Vision takes a more nuanced approach, and this year's TQI has proven that Toyota's issues are not only few and far between, but smaller in scope compared to the rest of the industry."

Superior reliability is an appealing thought for parents looking to buy their son or daughter a new vehicle for high school or college, a reason why the 2012 Toyota Yaris was recently listed among the 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2012 from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. The vehicle-information site required that each car on its list be available for less than $16,000 according to Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price, making them well suited for students on a budget or tuition-tormented parents.

Beyond its strength as a dependable vehicle for getting to class, the Toyota Yaris was recognized by kbb.com for quirky styling that is likely to appeal to adults-in-training, as well as nine standard air bags that can ease the minds of worrisome parents. Editors also noted the subcompact's versatile hatch, which can accommodate larger items for the dorm room thanks to the car's fold-down rear seat.

The 2012 Toyota Yaris returns up to 38 mpg on the highway, a cost-saving figure that both parents and their offspring can get behind. Meanwhile, tech-savvy students will enjoy the car's communication and entertainment features, including a standard aux input and USB port for iPod connectivity, as well as available Bluetooth technology for hands-free phone calls and music streaming.

"The Yaris appeals to young drivers with its unique looks and music hookups, but because the car is also safe and reliable, parents still feel that they are looking out for the well-being of their child," added Camastro. "Plus, the Yaris' low price can leave a lot more money for paying off college bills, whether it is down the road or in the present."

About Balise Toyota of Warwick:

A member of the Balise Auto Group, Balise Toyota of Warwick's dedicated staff has earned the trust of discerning Rhode Island drivers. Offering a broad inventory of new and used Toyota vehicles, the Warwick, R.I. Toyota dealer is home to an expert sales team that takes great pride in finding each customer's ideal vehicle at the right price. Existing Toyota owners have also come to rely on Balise Toyota's expert service technicians to keep their car running like new. Browse their inventory online at www.balisetoyotaofwarwick.com or call 401-352-5911 to set up a test-drive at their dealership, which is located at 1400 Post Rd. in Warwick. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BaliseToyotaScionWarwick.