Blog

30 years can fly by in this industry. Just ask Pete Taylor. In January 1987, Pete was fresh out of college, having just graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He knew he wanted to be in sales, but he didn’t know his path would lead him to Markquart. After seeing a job post looking for a product specialist, Pete decided to apply, and the rest, as they say, is history. The past 30 years certainly haven’t been dull for Pete. He moved from the Chevy store to the Toyota one, and became the Inventory Manager. Pete has stayed at Markquart for the past 30 years for three reasons. The first is the Markquart family, who he says have been a great family to work for. The second is his coworkers, who have become more like friends. And finally, the customers. According to Pete, there is nothing better than seeing a customer satisfied with a purchase and the experience. There are even some customers who have been coming back to him since he first started. These three things have been the best part of Pete’s 30 years here. When he’s not at Markquart, you can find Pete outside. Like any quintessential outdoorsman, hunting and fishing are among his favorite activities. Thank you for the past 30 years, Pete. We look forward to even more anniversaries!

The updated Toyota Highlander has arrived at Markquart Toyota near Eau Claire! The vehicle features the bold exterior you’ve come to know from the Highlander, and a premium interior that’s more connected than ever before. The Highlander makes an eye-catching first impression with its redesigned front grille and headlights. Look inside the vehicle and you’ll find seating for up to eight, a panoramic moonroof, and rear-seat entertainment. And waste no space with the redesigned rear suspension, which creates more cargo space for all of your gear. There are also a total of five USB ports, making it easier than ever before to power up on those family road trips. Along with the USB ports, the Highlander has a host of premium tech features, including a bird’s eye view camera, a multimedia bundle, and three-zone automatic climate control. Drive more confidently in the Highlander, which is full of safety features. The vehicle features the Star Safety System, a suite of six active safety features, including traction control, smart stop technology, and more. The vehicle also has an advanced airbag system, keeping your whole family safe. The 2017 Highlander makes going there just as fun as getting there. Stop into Markquart Toyota to check it out! We’re located between Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, just off of business 53.

Bonus Cash, 0% APR, leases oh my! We have plenty of deals for you all month long. Get up to $2,000 cash back on select vehicles, like the 2017 Camry. Or get 0% APR for 72 months on the 2017 Corolla and other select vehicles. If you are looking to lease, consider the 2017 RAV4! 0% APR for 72 Months 2017 Corolla 2017 Camry 2016 Prius 0% APR for 60 Months 2017 RAV4 2017 Highlander 2017 Sienna Whether you’re leasing or buying, now is the perfect time to get the Toyota you’ve been wanting. But don’t wait long, these deals will be gone before you know it! Stop into Markquart Toyota today to see how much you can save. We’re located just off Business 53 between Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. View Specials >> *0% for 72 months on approved credit on a new 2017 Camry or 2017 Corolla on approved credit. Monthly payment of $13.89 for each $1000 borrowed.  Offer ends 1/3/2017. **$2,000 cash back on a new 2017 Camry from Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. Does not include College Grad or Military Rebate.  Offer ends 1/3/2017.

Markquart Toyota’s Black Friday Sales Event, going on now through the end of the month, is offering the best prices of the year. Find unbeatable savings on some of this year’s hottest models. And receive an additional $500 bonus cash on certain models. Qualifying vehicles include new 2016 or 2017 Camry Camry Hybrid RAV4 RAV4 Hybrid Stop into Markquart Toyota now through November 30 to take advantage of these deals, and see what other great deals we have! We’re located between Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, just off of Business 53. Bonus Cash offer valid from 11/22/16-11/30/16 only.  Offer valid on top of current incentives for qualified buyers or finance or lease a new 2016/2017 RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Camry, or Camry Hybrid through Toyota financial services.  Cannot be combined with other cash offers.

Rescuing food before it is wasted and distributing it to people in our community who struggle to put food on the table. Markquart Gives Back is supporting local organizations who are servings those who need it most.  One of those amazing organizations is the Feed My People Food Bank.  Every day people in the Chippewa Valley go hungry. In fact, one in nine people in west-central Wisconsin are food insecure, including one in five children. And nearly 70,000 people in west-central Wisconsin rely on food from programs supplied by Feed My People. Feed My People bridges the gap between food manufacturers and hunger-relief organizations (food pantries, community meal sites, & shelter). They are equipped with a large warehouse and six refrigerated trucks, which help them distribute food to more than 120 hunger-relief organizations. They also provide weekend kids’ meals to about 2,100 local students who may struggle with hunger when school meals are not available, and assist Meals on Wheels with distributing food boxes to individuals who are homebound. Feed My People is so successful due to the kindness of the surrounding communities. Local farmers, retailers, and companies donate food and products every year, and individuals in the community help by donating their time and money. “Every $1 donated equals $10 worth of food,” according to Assistant Director Suzanne Becker. Many of the day-to-day operations are run by volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering or donating please visit their website.

Markquart has been blessed by the support of a great community, and now we want to give back by helping organizations that serve those who need it most. So, from November 14 until Christmas, Markquart Motors and Markquart Toyota are donating $100 for every new and used vehicle we sell. We have a goal of $50,000, and the money will support the following organizations: The Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley Providing a safe, positive and productive place for youth to go after school and during school breaks. Feed My People Food Bank Rescuing food before it is wasted & distributing it to people in our community who struggle with hunger. Chippewa Valley Free Clinic & Open Door Clinic Providing basic health services to members in our community with no reasonable health care alternative. With your help we hope to raise over $50,000!

Earn that extra hour of sleep with the Fall Back Blast! Markquart Toyota will be sponsoring the third annual Fall Back Blast Trail Run, where we will be giving away a Fitbit Blaze, Fitbit’s new fitness watch that is as stylish as it is smart. The Fall Back Blast Trail Run is a fun and challenging race that’s complete with roots, rocks, and plenty of pine trees. Runners will also find a good mix of single track and ski trails, and even some short, punchy climbs. Distance options include a 12.5K, 25K, and 50K. Runners can also opt for the brand-new relay option, and join a team of two or four for the 50K. Enjoy some post-race refreshments and snacks, including bacon. And be sure to check us out and enter to win the Fitbit Blaze. We’ll be located near the Drop Bag Zone, where we’ll be cheering on all of the runners. Register now for the Fall Back Blast Trail Run, and don’t forget to visit Markquart Toyota once you complete the race for your chance to win a brand new Fitbit Blaze! Register for the Fall Back Blast

With over 43 million cars sold globally, Corolla is the “best-selling nameplate in the world.” 1 To celebrate this sporty sedan’s 50 th Anniversary, Toyota has refreshed the design inside and out for the 2017 model year. On the exterior, you will notice the familiar Corolla design, but with a more aggressively sporty front end. Energy-saving Bi-LED headlights are standard, delivering both style and performance. Available 17-inch alloy wheels and rear spoiler add to the unique profile of Corolla. As soon as you get inside, you’ll notice that the dashboard has been redesigned to enhance Corolla’s upscale feel. Flowing lines, piano-black accents, and available heated front seats make car rides more enjoyable. With room for five and 60/40 split rear seats, you can ensure a spacious and comfortable drive. Stay connected with standard steering wheel mounted controls for music, phone, and Bluetooth technology. Plus, you’ll never miss a beat with the available Entune™ Audio Plus system, 7-inch touch-screen display, USB port, and auxiliary audio jack. We believe every journey should be a safe one, so Corolla comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P) – an active safety package that combines the Pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, as well as standard backup camera. Experience the new 2017 Toyota Corolla for yourself at Markquart Toyota. We’re located just off Highway 53 between Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. 1. Based on cumulative estimates through CY15.

Scion may be discontinuing at the end of the 2016 model year, but the Scion spirit is living on. Markquart Toyota will be welcoming the new 2017 Yaris iA, Corolla iM, and Toyota 86, three previous Scion models that are now joining the Toyota lineup. Toyota Yaris iA With an eye-catching exterior and mesmerizing interior, the Yaris iA is like no other vehicle on the road. The sporty nature of the Yaris iA is obvious on every part of the vehicle, from its striking hexagonal grille to its chrome-tipped exhaust. The interior is equipped with soft-touch surfaces, and the latest technology. The Yaris iA is everything you could ever want in a subcompact sedan. Yaris iA Toyota Corolla iM The Corolla iM is a hatchback homerun. The vehicle is agile and ready for adventure with its capable suspension and interior connectivity. Like the Yaris iA, the Corolla iM has a noticeably sporty look. Look inside the vehicle and you'll see flowing lines, premium materials, and an upscale dashboard complete with a 7-in. touch screen. Corolla iM Toyota 86 With a performance that delivers a truly thrilling driving experience, the Toyota 86 is the sports car of your dreams. The vehicle was designed for ultimate aerodynamics and style. The front and rear are completely restyled, and the chromed-tipped dual exhaust shows off the vehicle's serious performance cred. The interior is accentuated with suede-like material, giving the 86 an unexpectedly sophisticated feel. 86 Stop into Markquart Toyota near Eau Claire today to see these new models! We're located just off Business 53 between Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls.

The changing of leaves and crisp autumn air are quickly approaching, which means fall and winter sport seasons are just around the corner. As a way to give back to our community and support college athletics, over the next few months, Markquart Toyota will be giving away tickets for various Minnesota Gopher sporting events. Get a chance to attend women’s basketball, hockey, and volleyball games, or cheer on the men’s football, basketball, and hockey teams.* Ticket giveaways will be in pairs or fours, so you can be sure your friends, family, or teammates can attend. If you need a donation for a benefit event or would like to take a local sports team to a game, please let us know! We would be happy to donate a select number of tickets to certain causes. Contact Amy, Marketing Manager, at 715.833.0444 with inquiries. Keep an eye out on our Facebook for giveaways for a chance to win. Go Gophers! *Games against the Wisconsin Badgers are excluded.

Shuttling kids around doesn’t have to be a chore. With the Toyota Highlander, you can make going there just as much fun as getting there. With seating for up to eight people, a large amount of cargo space, and countless unique features, the Highlander proves to be the perfect vehicle for moms everywhere. The Toyota Highlander may look small on the outside, but it certainly packs a punch. The Highlander gives you and your family plenty of legroom while also leaving space for all of your gear, whether it’s a soccer bag, a diaper bag, or a stroller. Toyota also knows that every journey is different. Sometimes you have a lot of people, sometimes you have a lot of gear, and sometimes you have a lot of both. The fold flat 60/40 split third-row seat can accommodate and adapt to all of your needs. The Highlander delivers with safety as well. The vehicle has been widely recognized for its unparalleled safety features, including its advanced airbag system, lane departure alert, and backup camera with projected path. And with the blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert you can say goodbye to blind spots. The technologies work together to optimize your awareness of what’s around your vehicle, whether you’re switching lanes on a busy road or backing out of your driveway. And don’t let communicating with the backseat compromise safety. You can keep the conversation going without letting your eyes leave the road. The conversation mirror, located above the rearview mirror, allows you to see back into the rear seats effortlessly. Whether you’re engaged in conversation or blasting Radio Disney on your SiriusXM satellite radio, the Highlander has special insulation materials in the floor and acoustic-style glass in the windshield to keep outside noises out. Finally, the Highlander will keep everyone entertained, whether you’re on a road trip or simply driving to the grocery store. The Blu-ray Disc rear seat entertainment system will keep everyone entertained when you can’t. And if you forget the Blu-ray? Open the panoramic moonroof and let the entire sky be the entertainment. Think the Toyota Highlander might be the perfect vehicle for you? Stop by Markquart Toyota, located between Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls just off Highway 53, and check it out!

The stylish interior of the Toyota Tundra is unlike any other truck on the road. It’s sophisticated, spacious, and driver-focused. The first thing you’ll notice is the attention to detail. Toyota offers three luxury interior trims to choose from, and none of them pull any punches. With the Limited CrewMax, Toyota combines capability with comfort. The interior offers leather-trimmed heated front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and the advanced Entune Premium Audio system. Get ready to slide into the lap of luxury with the Platinum CrewMax interior. The Platinum interior takes it up a notch with soft-touch materials and meticulous stitching throughout. Finally, the luxurious 1794 Edition CrewMax interior has refined every detail in the premium truck, including the buttons, instrument panel, stitching, and more. No matter which interior you choose, you and your passengers will ride in comfort. Even if you opt out of a luxury package, Tundra offers some awesome tech features in a stylish and sporty interior. For example, Tundra comes standard with a backup camera and audio display. The available Integrated Navigation on the 7-inch touch-screen makes finding your way a breeze, and the customizable multi-information display allows the driver to easily access important information. With three cab sizes and six trim levels to choose from, you can find the perfect Toyota Tundra for your lifestyle. Come see one for yourself at Markquart Toyota. We’re located just off Highway 53 between Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls.