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Passport Auto explains why oil changes are important and how often you should have the service done to your vehicle

One of the most important things you can do to keep your vehicle healthy and running smoothly is to change its oil. Changing a vehicle’s oil is simple enough to do at home, but if you simply do not have the time to do it yourself, fear not, your friends here at Passport Auto Group are here to help you out. Our trained specialists use parts from each manufacturer and have the experience and knowledge to get your oil change done in a timely fashion so you can get on with your busy day. Many people who bring their vehicles in when they need to change their oil do not think about bringing it to a dealership because they think we charge more than other places. In fact, our prices are very competitive, and we use genuine parts while other service shops may not. We also include many other service features to go along with your oil change to make your vehicle drive like the day you drove it off of our lot. more HOW OFTEN DO I NEED AN OIL CHANGE? You may be under the impression that every car needs an oil change at exactly three months or 3,000 miles. Or maybe you're on the other end of the spectrum and you won't bother until your engine actually stops running. (Spoiler alert: if that has happened, it's too late.) The first example is just a little off. The second is scary! MY, HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED. The standard 3,000 mile rule comes from an earlier age of vehicle production. With advances in both engine and oil technology, you don't need to stick to such a frequent schedule. Some classic and specialty cars will still want to be on this tighter timetable, but if you're driving a vehicle built in the last decade or so, it probably isn't necessary. It won't hurt the car, but you might just be wasting some good oil if you change it too often. BUT WHY SHOULD I BOTHER TO CHANGE THE OIL IN MY CAR? Oil lubricates your engine and all of its little components. When the oil breaks down, it can't do its job effectively anymore. With all that friction, your engine will overheat, which can cause parts to quickly wear down and warp. If you just never change your oil, your engine is likely to eventually seize up and turn into a big useless pile of scrap metal. SO WHAT SHOULD I DO? Unfortunately, there isn't really an easy rule to remember across the board. Each car is different, and each driver is different. The first thing to do is check your owner's manual. For example, some manufacturers recommend a maximum interval of 12 months or 7,500 miles between oil changes for many of their models. Your next guideline is to make sure you always pay attention to your vehicle's notifications and warning lights- most new vehicles include some very cool technology and it would be a shame to ignore it! You'll want to adjust your own oil change schedule depending on your driving habits and conditions. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can cause your oil to work a little harder. Here are some other factors to consider: • Stop-and-go vs. highway mileage • Mountains and hills vs. flat terrain • Frequency of heavy loads or towing • Frequency of engine idling Don't forget to check our service specials page for any applicable money-savers, and then schedule a service if your car is ready for an oil change. Please feel free to call or stop by to discuss your own vehicle and driving habits - our experienced technicians are here to help you get the most out of your car, and we can help you come up with an oil change schedule you're comfortable with. We know our environment and our brand, so be honest about how aggressive you drive and we'll make sure your car gets the best possible care! CHOOSE YOUR OIL TYPE WITH THE HELP OF OUR EXPERTS Considering the type of oil that you need for your vehicle to continue a successful streak of commuting? There are a number of options that your vehicle may or may not be right for, and it can sometimes be confusing differentiating between the choices that are available. We are here to help! We have a preview of standard motor oil, synthetic blend and full synthetic ready for you to review, and we look forward to your next scheduled oil change here at our service center! STANDARD OIL This is the most common brand of oil that you will discover for your vehicle, and one that most leading brands carry. Usually distinguished by a 5W-20 or 5W-30 branding, this oil is recommended to be changed every couple months or thousands of miles, with a routine maintenance appointment easy to schedule with our factory-trained technicians. FULL SYNTHETIC OIL A full synthetic blend proves to be a more expensive type of oil, but for good reason. This oil type is superior to that of standard oil, and designed to thrive in both colder and hotter climates. Tested for maximum performance and held to stringent standards, this oil is typically required for more technologically advanced engine types. SYNTHETIC BLEND Mixed with an organic blend and full synthetic, this type of motor oil typically is relegated to pickup trucks and specific SUVs. Designed to support heavy transportation loads and extreme climates, you will be confident in the strength and durability of this oil type.

Toyota Shifts Production Plans at Its Alabama Joint Venture Plant

Toyota is shifting future production plans at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S.A. (MTMUS) joint venture assembly plant as an opportunity to build a new, yet-to-be announced SUV. This shift is in response to changing market demands and a growing consumer appetite for light trucks and SUVs which are achieving record sales, including Toyota’s best-selling RAV4. More details related to the future SUV will be released at a later date. Corolla production continues at Toyota’s Blue Springs, Mississippi, plant. Construction of MTMUS in Huntsville, Alabama, remains on schedule, with the start of production expected to begin in 2021. Up to 4,000 new jobs will be created and hiring is underway. In August 2017, Toyota and Mazda announced a collaboration to establish MTMUS, a $1.6 billion joint venture that will assemble up to 300,000 vehicles annually.

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Happy 4th of July from Passport Auto Group

We are the land of the free, we are the home of the brave. Let's pay tribute to our brave American Heroes on this special day and forever. Happy Independence Day!

Get your Toyota ready for the road with our 4th of July Travel Service Specials at Passport Toyota

4th of July Travel Service Specials OIL CHANGE $39.99 BRAKES $99.95 4-WHEEL BRAKE ALIGNMENT $99.95 BATTERY $109.95 Click here to view more of our service specials.

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Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Passport Auto Group

We Hope Father’s Day brings you some time to relax and to celebrate in your favorite ways.

Need Help With A Repair Or Maintenance? Take advantage of 0% Financing At Passport Toyota

0% FINANCING AVAILABLE FOR 60 DAYS Need help with a repair or maintenance? Passport is here to help! CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE SERVICE All loans are issued by WebBank, Member FDIC. All applications are processed through CFS and funded by WebBank, member FDIC. WebBank funds the repair amount once repairs are completed and documents are executed. All applications are subject to approval pursuant to standard underwriting criteria. Maryland residents only. The DigniFi Interest Waived Program applies to all approved customers. As part of the program, interest will be waived if you make all of your scheduled payments on time and pay off your loan in full within 60 days. The maximum approved amount, terms and the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) will be based on an evaluation of credit history. The Average Loan Amount is the average of all loans taken out in the first quarter of 2018 and is based on an average loan term length of 28 months. Interest will be charged to your account from account opening at 9.99%-36.00% APR if the full loan amount is not paid within 60 days. Minimum monthly payment is required. Additional principal payments will be required to pay off the loan amount before the promotion expires. Example on a service repair costing $5,000.00: 36 monthly payments of $211.00 with no initial payment. The estimated payment and interest rates are being provided to you only as a guide to potential financing options that may be available. This estimated payment is based upon a 27.99% interest rate, with an APR range from 9.99% to 36.00%, with a maximum 4% origination fee. This is not a loan application, an offer, guarantee of financing, or a loan approval. See Passport Toyota for complete details.

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Update to the 2020 BMW X1 Sports Activity vehicle

BMW announces the updated 2020 X1 Sports Activity Vehicle. Since its introduction in 2015, the X1 has gone on to become BMW’s best-selling X vehicle worldwide. In the U.S., the X1 is the third most popular X model, behind the X3 and X5. The updated X1, available in front-wheel drive X1 sDr28i and all-wheel drive X1 xDr28i versions offers one of the roomiest cabins in its class combined with the technology, performance, comfort and agility attributes which make up the heart of all the models in BMW’s Sports Activity Vehicle line. more New exterior features The latest version of the BMW X1 SAV receives more modern, updated exterior styling to reflect the design details found in its newer, larger siblings, such as the X3, X5 and X7. New, optional, LED headlights with hexagonal iconography are complemented by new LED fog lights. The BMW kidney grills feature a new, sculptured design with larger openings. Changes to the front and rear bumper design are highlighted by sharper lines and larger openings with integrated LED fog lights and give the 2020 BMW X1 its more modern look. Towards the rear of the vehicle, new tinted LED taillights with L-shaped light bars accentuate the wider appearance of the exterior. The tailpipes have grown by 20mm, now 90mm in diameter. The M Sport Package features a new, redesigned and more aggressive aerodynamics package including a new front bumper, side skirts, wheel arch trim, and rear diffuser in body color. New interior features When opening the front door, the driver is greeted by a new two-tone LED “X1” welcome projection. Inside the cabin, the driver and passengers are able to interface with the 2020 BMW X1 via the standard 8.8 inch central control display screen with iDrive 6, Navigation and Apple CarPlay Compatibility. The instrument panel and floor mats features new, decorative contrast stitching while choosing the optional Dakota leather interior adds color-matched lower dashboard and door handles surfaces. A new electronic gear selector switch connects to an updated version of the 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. New colors Three new metallic colors have been added to the options list: Storm Bay metallic, Jucaro Beige and Misano Blue metallic. Estoril Blue has been removed. Standard, non-metallic carryover colors include Alpine White and Jet Black. Carryover optional metallic paints include Black Sapphire Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Mineral Grey Metallic, 3 Sparkling Brown Metallic, Dark Olive Metallic, Mediterranean Blue Metallic and Sunset Orange Metallic. Power and performance The 2020 BMW X1 is powered by the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine (SULEV rated) from BMW’s family of modular engines. Power output is 228 hp @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450 - 4,500 rpm. Full torque is available in the low and mid-range, where the majority of daily driving takes place, allowing for quick and immediate acceleration when needed. Acceleration from 0 – 60 mph is accomplished in 6.3 seconds for the all-wheel drive X1 xDrive28i and 6.6 seconds for the X1 sDrive28i. The 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission in the 2020 BMW X1 features revised gear ratios for improved performance and offers fast and almost imperceptible shifts, improving comfort for the driver and passengers. A Sport Automatic transmission and steering wheel mounted shift paddles are included when the optional M Sport Package is selected. The BMW xDrive system, available on the X1 xDrive28i, works with the DSC Dynamic Stability Control system to transfer power to the rear wheels when it is needed, to reduce understeer in turns, improve traction when going uphill, on slippery surfaces and during more spirited driving. Wheels and Tires New design 18 inch Y-spoke bi-color and black wheels replace the previous Y-spoke wheel design. A new 19 inch M Double-spoke wheel replaces an outgoing 19 inch Y-spoke wheel design. Standard equipment on the 2020 BMW X1 includes 18 inch Y-Spoke bi-color wheels with 225/50R18 all-season run-flat tires. 18 inch Double-Spoke Jet Black wheels are available as a no-cost option. 19 inch Y-Spoke wheels with 225/45R19 performance run-flat tires are a stand-alone option. 18 inch M Double-spoke bi-color wheels with either all-season run flat or non-run-flat tires are standard when selecting the M Sport package. Additionally, M Sport vehicles can be upgraded with 19 inch M Double-spoke bi-color wheels with 225/45R19 performance run-flat tires. Standard and optional equipment • Standard equipment includes: • 18 inch wheels with 225/50R18 all-season run-flat tires • 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission • Power tailgate • Rear view camera • Park Distance Control • SensaTec interior upholstery • Sport leather steering wheel • Power Front Seats • Active Driving Assistant including Lane Departure Warning, Pedestrian Warning with braking, Frontal Collision Warning, City Collision Mitigation with braking. Speed Limit Information and Automatic High Beams. • Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information • ConnectedDrive and Remote Services • iDrive 6 with 8.8 inch screen and Navigation • Apple Car-Play Compatibility Selected stand-alone options include: • Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go • Metallic Paint • Dakota Leather upholstery • Space saver spare • Sport seats • Sliding and Reclining rear seat adjustment • LED Headlights with Cornering Lights • Parking Assistant • Harman-Kardon Premium Sound System • Wireless Charging • Heated Front Seats and Steering Wheel Optional Packages include: • Convenience Package – Power-Folding Mirrors, Universal garage-door opener, Comfort Access keyless entry, Panoramic moonroof, Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, Lumbar support, Ambient Lighting, LED Fog Lights and SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 1 year All Access subscription. • Premium Package – Convenience Package plus Heated Steering Wheel, Heated front seats, LED Headlights with Cornering lights, Head-up Display and upgraded Navigation. • M Sport Package – choice of 18” wheels with run-flat or non-runflat all-season tires or 19” wheels with performance run-flat tires. Sport Automatic transmission, new M Sport exterior styling, Shadowline exterior trim, Sport seats, choice of Aluminum Hexagon Trim with Estoril Blue matt highlights or Fine Wood Fineline Trim with Pearl Chrome Accent, M Steering wheel, choice of standard or M sport suspension. • Luxury Package – Dakota Leather, choice of Fine-wood Oak Grain Trim with Pearl Chrome Accent or Fine Wood Fineline Trim with Pearl Chrome Accent or Brushed Aluminum Trim with Pearl Chrome Accent. Click here for Specifications

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Happy Memorial Day Weekend From everyone at Passport Auto Group

We would like to honor the active duty and Veteran Military by saying Thank You for Serving on this Memorial Day holiday.

Mazda3 Earns CarGurus Best Used Car Award

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced that the 2014-2018 Mazda3 has been awarded CarGurus first place award for “Best Used Car” in the Compact Sedan/Hatchback category. CarGurus Used Car Award nominees were selected from late-model cars originally available in the United States. Vehicle generations that include the 2015 model year were considered in their entirety when evaluating nominees. Nominees were evaluated on criteria including CarGurus user reviews, professional test drive reviews, popularity, availability, and projected 12-year retention value. The Mazda3 was the overall winner in the Sedan/Hatchback category receiving top marks in a competitive field. more “Shoppers who love to drive owe it to themselves to test-drive a pre-owned Mazda3” said Matt Smith, CarGurus senior editor. “Few vehicles deliver the same level of driving enjoyment, and even fewer do so while offering shoppers the choice between sedan and hatchback body styles. Add in the Mazda3’s impressive value retention, and this sporty compact is a great choice for many shoppers.” Since its debut in 2004, the Mazda3 has become the best-selling Mazda in the world, with more than 5 million sold. The Mazda3 is sought after for its engaging driving dynamics, award-winning design and unparalleled quality. With four decades of predecessors, Mazda’s driving philosophy of “Jinba Ittai,” representing the harmony between car and driver, has remained the same. “Our cars are designed to enhance people’s lives and be an extension of their person,” said Jeff Guyton, President of Mazda North American Operations. “We are thrilled to be honored with this award which recognizes Mazda’s dedication to craftsmanship and ensures that our vehicles will delight for years after purchase.” At Mazda, everything we do is designed, engineered, tested and retested to make driving better. And our Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are no exception. Setting this standard of Certified Pre-Owned quality means only the most well maintained, late-model Mazda vehicles make the cut. Major and minor components are studied, scrutinized and tested to make sure they meet the highest expectations. And for utmost peace of mind, every Certified Pre-Owned Mazda is covered with warranty protection and 24-hour emergency roadside assistance.

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Happy Mother's Day From all of us at Passport Auto Group

This Mother’s Day we would like to thank the women, who have loved, mentored and mothered all of us. Happy Mother’s Day to all the great Moms out there.

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Happy Cinco De Mayo from all of us at Passport Auto Group

May your Cinco de Mayo holiday be filled with color, music, magic and celebration.

Why your neighbors are car shopping at Passport Toyota

PASSPORT LOYALTY PROGRAM Earn points to be used towards the purchase of a new or used vehicle or use them towards service, maintenance, parts or accessories. CONVENIENT LOCATION 10 minutes from D.C. and Alexandria, 20 minutes from Bowie and right off of 495. EXPRESS PURCHASE We strive for a 60-minute purchase experience from the time a vehicle has been chosen (applies if customer is pre-approved and car has been test driven). FREE TOYOTA COURTESY VEHICLES We offer free Toyota loaner vehicles when available for select services. DELIVERY PROVIDED We may be able to deliver your vehicle to you at your home or office (depending on location). OVER 350 VEHICLES IN STOCK Used Toyota specialists. Complimentary vehicle deliver available. EXCELLENT ONLINE RATINGS Google, Cars.com, Facebook and more!

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