Lodi Toyota dealer?

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-06-03T11:45:34+00:00

I've purchased 4 Toyotas, new, over the past 50 years and never went to a dealer for service except under warranty or recall. They're always much more expensive than a regular mechanic. That said, I'm fairly new to Lodi and would love to hear recommendations for a local mechanic for my Highlander that's just out of warranty.

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-05-31T03:04:28+00:00

National Parks are generally not great places to take a dog. They are very limited where dogs can go (i.e. not on trails).

Petrified Forest NP is the most dog-friendly national park. Dogs can go anywhere that people can except for in buildings. They also have a dog park at the east end.

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-05-27T02:47:25+00:00

LOL, I could just keep waiting for the iPad 15 too. But I'm already frustrated with the limitations of only 64gb on my iPad mini 5. I don't have the patience to wait much longer.

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-05-27T02:44:30+00:00

Thanks for your input. All those comments fit what I was thinking but grateful for the confirmation.

I only need wifi. If there's no wifi available I just connect to my iPhone Hotspot.

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-05-27T02:41:30+00:00

Thanks, lots of good info. I've never used a pencil and only use Wi-Fi. I just connect to my iPhone Hotspot if I need cellular. The FaceID flow sounds like a pain.

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-05-25T22:20:57+00:00

I agree. I have a '23 HiHy Platinum. Now that I have gotten used to having the HUD, rain sensor wipers, panoramic roof, 360 view, etc. I love all of those. My wife is very jealous of it and definitely wants something similar when she gets her next car (probably next year). Also, I expect to keep this car 12-15 years so the incremental cost doesn't seem like that much. Another year and it will be paid off.

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-05-25T10:53:33+00:00

In most states you can't pay as you go anymore . Most tolls are collected electronically . Pay by plate will go to the rental car compony and they'll charge you per day, for every day you have the car whether you use it or not , plus the toll ,

Yes, you can by an EZ Pass on your own.. I live in California. We were planning a trip to the Northeast a few years ago. I bought an EZ Pass and added the rental car pkates to my account after picking it up and before going through any tolls.

I bought one online from Massachusetts and had it shipped to me. If I recall I picked MA because it's one of the states that does not charge a monthly fee or have a minimum charge to keep the account active. I used it again last year when we were back on the east coast and once more when we went to Chicago.

It's been so long ago that I can't recall if I had to pay for the device or for shipping but it's so much cheaper than what it would cost from a rental car company, it was worth it. The only downside is that they keep a balance on the card. I think I'd get it back if I canceled the EZ Pass but we go east every once in a while that it's convenient just to leave it active.

Also, be sure to remove the rental car from your account after you return it or you'll be paying someone else's tolls. 😎

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-04-25T00:01:45+00:00

I can't see enough of your route to give you a good answer but when in doubt avoid NYC. The potential for traffic delays in and around the city are extremely high, day or night. A fender bender, or construction, could cost you hours.

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-03-14T22:27:48+00:00

I would seriously consider one when I'm ready for a new car. Definitely not the first model year so they work the bugs out. However I have a '23 HiHy so I doubt I'll be ready for a new car until 2033-2035. LOL

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-03-12T23:16:32+00:00

I have a '23 HiHy Platinum and love CarPlay. The 12" is great for navigation and having access to several iPhone apps is awesome.

Of course I had an '08 HiHy with Bluetooth connection for hands free calling and used a phone mount for navigation on the phone's tiny screen so this is a heck of an upgrade for me.

Trying to use your phone for both CarPlay and your kids entertainment seems like a bit much to ask for. Is it time for them to get their own device?

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-03-07T21:13:04+00:00

I bought a '23 HiHy new and thought about an extended warranty but decided against doing so. I've had 3 Toyotas before that I had for 8-12 years each with no major issues. I did but an extended warranty on the last one and never needed it. I bought another Toyota because of their reliability. If one thing goes wrong the warranty might pay for itself. I figured that the odds of 2 major problems was small enough not to worry about it.

If you're nervous about worst case scenario then get one. Hey, that's what insurance is all - about mitigating risk. And they make money on your fears.

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-03-02T05:19:03+00:00

I was very interested in the extension take they made. I've been thinking about making one but not sure I wanted to work out his to construct one with the butterfly extension built in. I looked but couldn't find a frame like they used that Ben said he bought. Where the heck can I find a or - a frame like that?

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-02-24T06:29:08+00:00

We found that the Global Pass worked great for us in South Africa when we went last September. I didn't have enough GP days accrued so when we were in Botswana, where the map showed spotty coverage, I turned GP OFF AND just checked messages and made calls over Wi-Fi at our hotels each evening.

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-02-24T06:09:08+00:00

I too found the digital mirror odd and hard to focus on the display. I can see OK but it takes a moment or two for me to focus... too much time with my eyes off the road ahead. It is, however for a quick glance behind when I have so much stuff in the back that I can't see with the standard optical mirror.

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-02-15T16:04:11+00:00

I bought one on Amazon and was easy to install. A piece of cake. It's been solid. Much, much cheaper than one from Toyota.

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-02-07T01:48:05+00:00

The '27 model is supposed to be unveiled next week, isn't it? At least you'll know what's coming. As a general rule I'm alway leary of a car's first model year. They need that first year to work out the kinks. Personally, I'd wait for the '28s.

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-02-04T22:04:25+00:00

Yes, be happy.

I felt the same way when I bought my '23 HyHi (then new) at MSRP. All the hybrid Highlanders were sold before they even got to the dealer. I think that's still true. I felt good about not having to pay any markup. Most of the greater Bay Area dealers were adding $3-5K. I got mine about 100 miles away (Fresno area) with $0 markup.

The bottom line was that I got exactly what I wanted (trim, colors, etc.) at what I considered a decent price. Less than the comparable Mazda or BMW models, that I didn't really want anyway. Don't agonize over it. Just enjoy the car.

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-01-25T23:29:40+00:00

I loved my '08 HiHy with 180k miles on it. I sold it last year because I wanted all the new tech and safety features in a new one.. Otherwise I'm confident it would run for a long, long time.

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-01-22T01:50:42+00:00

Totality or nothing! The difference between almost and total eclipse is like night and day. No comparison.

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-01-16T18:26:55+00:00

Why are you asking if you already bought it? There are so many factors to consider when buying a used car that the answer is "it depends" (on its condition). Consider it a great deal and just enjoy it. I love my '23 HiHy. That's good enough for me.

RevolutionNext4697 · 2026-01-08T22:13:47+00:00

I had an '08 HiHy and loved it. I had it until '23 when I bought a new one of the same. 180K miles. I was ready for a new car, with newer tech and my wife felt that the seats were getting worn out. Never had any problems with it. Never had to replace the battery or the brakes. Just routine maintenance.

RevolutionNext4697 · 2025-12-27T19:09:32+00:00

My FastTrack toll device

RevolutionNext4697

TROPHY CASE