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All good things must end, and such is the case with Cleone and her time at Markquart Toyota. On May 30, 2014, we will say “goodbye” to Cleone, who has been a product specialist with us for 12 years, as she is retiring. Before joining the Markquart Toyota team, Cleone, an Eau Claire native, owned and operated a women’s clothing store in Vail, Colorado. She appropriately named it “Cleone’s” and ran it for 13 years. Her love for her family brought her back to the Chippewa Valley in 2002, which is also when she began working at Markquart. Throughout her time at Markquart, Cleone says she has met many new people and made new friends. She has thoroughly enjoyed her time here at Markquart; and will miss her customers the most. “It’s been a wonderful experience, filled with wonderful people,” said Cleone. “I really appreciate that.” While there will be lots of maxin’ and relaxin’ happening during Cleone’s retirement, she will still be the busy body that she has been all these years. Aside from keeping active through playing tennis, rollerblading and working out, Cleone plans to take care of her 90-year-old mother, volunteer at a local charity and tend to her garden. Thank you for all that you’ve done for Markquart Toyota over the years, Cleone. We wish you the best in your retirement! You will be missed!

Now that summer is almost here, it’s the perfect time to get yourself behind the wheel of a 2014 Toyota Corolla LE from Markquart Toyota, near Eau Claire, WI. The Corolla LE is a fun car to go road tripping in, and now through June 2, 2014, you can lease it for only $159 a month for 24 months. Kick off your summer the right way by getting your hands on a new Corolla LE with $1,499 down on a 12,000-mile per year lease. With remote keyless entry, integrated backup camera with projected path, and cruise control, the Corolla LE comes equipped with everything you need to make that road trip complete. It also doesn’t hurt that the 2014 Corolla gets an EPA-estimated 28 city/37 highway mpg. Come in to Markquart Toyota, serving Wausau and Lacrosse, to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales people or check out our great selection of 2014 Toyota Corolla LE’s online today! *New 2014 Toyota Corolla LE Lease, for $159 per month for 24 months, $1,499 due at signing on approved credit from Toyota Financial Services. 24 MONTH LEASE-FOR-12,000 MILES A YEAR. Security deposit waived on this lease offer. Does not include taxes, license, title fees, insurance, and $129.50 dealer fee. Offer expires 6/2/2014. Stock # T4683.

It’s been three years since the Toyota Camry has had a makeover. The 2015 Toyota Camry, available this fall at Markquart Toyota located off Highway 53 between Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, will cause you to do a double-take. Sporty on the outside and luxury on the inside the new 2015 Camry is anything but ordinary. The first thing you’ll notice about the 2015 Camry is its wider front grille. Combine that with its sharp hood lines and front bumper, and you get an all-new Camry that is aggressive and athletic. It may be aggressive but the Camry is still smooth as ever. The turn signals are integrated with the LED daytime running lamps, the headlights sweep into the new front fenders and from the back, you’ll see that the taillights are tapered. Under the hood, the 2015 Camry remains the same with the 2.5L I4 engine or the 3.5L V6. Both are 6-speed automatics, and will get you the great gas mileage that Camry’s are known for with an EPA-estimated 25/35 mpg city/highway for the I4 and 21/30 mpg city/highway for the V6. Plus, changes to Camry’s body structure give it more rigidity on the road, making for a better response rate and more enjoyable drive. While the exterior of the all-new Camry screams sporty, the interior has an air of luxury to it. High quality, soft-touch materials can be found throughout the cabin. The center stack has a more technology-inspired look to it and even has available a new storage bin that is a wireless charging pad for smartphones. With the 2015 Camry comes a new trim level, XSE. This edition comes with 18-inch wheels, firmer suspension and a unique electric power steering system to make it the sportiest Camry to date. No matter the trim level, the 2015 Camry has new available safety features, such as Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and more. The 2015 Toyota Camry may not get here until this fall but that doesn’t mean we can’t get stoked for its arrival! Sporty on the outside, luxury on the inside and new available safety features make this new Camry anything but ordinary. Stop by Markquart Toyota or call us today to find out more about the 2015 Camry.

Alex is just one of those people who always has a smile on his face. As the newest product specialist to Markquart Toyota, Alex is finding himself right at home. He is easily approachable and is always ready with a joke on hand. After graduating from UW - Eau Claire with a degree in kinesiology, Alex got into sales and eventually found his way to Markquart. Having been raised in Eau Claire, Alex knew the Markquart name was synonymous with integrity and that is what attracted him to Markquart Toyota. Even before joining the Markquart team, Alex was a proud Toyota owner and believed in the products that Toyota sells. At work, he enjoys learning and teaching customers about the latest technology that Toyotas come with. When he’s not busy working, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife, Kristin, at their cabin in Hayward, WI. Send Alex an email saying “hi” or stop by Markquart Toyota to chat with him in person! email: astrom@markquart.com

If you are looking to buy a new or used car, and are considering trading in your current vehicle, stop by Markquart Toyota, located off Highway 53 near Eau Claire. We understand that the trade appraisal is a very important step when it comes to buying a new or used car, which is why we want to help you understand our process for evaluating your trade. With the advent of the internet, automotive information is readily accessible and customers are better informed than ever before. We appreciate this, and at Markquart, believe it’s in everyone’s best interest for you to receive a fair value on your trade. When it comes to types of vehicles we accept on trade, know that we never discriminate against a good used vehicle. We may be the Toyota experts, but are open to any make and model, provided they meet our standards of quality and dependability. When we inspect your vehicle for trade, you are welcome, encouraged even, to come along and watch. Feel free to ask any questions, that’s what we’re here for! Our trade evaluation process is quick and easy. After collecting necessary information about your vehicle, we assess its condition and research its market value. Using online resources, such as Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds and NADA, we are able to research the market value of your vehicle, getting you the best value for your trade. We also use several auction reports to help determine the value of your vehicle. This data is gathered through a software program called FirstLook, which also gives us access to information about similar vehicles available in the marketplace. Our research-focused trade evaluation process helps us to meet or exceed our customers’ expectations on the value of their trade, thus resulting in a better sales experience for everyone. If you are in the market for a new or used vehicle, and are interested in trading in your current vehicle, stop by our car dealership located near Eau Claire or call us today to speak with one of our friendly product specialists about the trade in value of your trade.

You could be the next star of our digital billboard! When you buy a new or used car at Markquart, we want to congratulate you by taking a few photos of you next to your new ride for our billboard. And because it’s a digital billboard, we are able to put your photo in the rotation of images that same day. Your family and friends will then be able to see a larger-than-life picture of you standing proudly in front of your new vehicle. The billboard is located in front of the Markquart Toyota store and can be seen on Highway 53 going South heading towards Eau Claire. So remember, when you choose Markquart to purchase your next vehicle, ask your salesperson about becoming the star of our billboard.

You’ve put in many years of late-night studying, eating balanced meals of Ramen and pizza, and it has finally paid off. You’re a college graduate! Now is the perfect time to take advantage of Toyota’s College Graduate Finance Program and put yourself behind the wheel of a Toyota from Markquart Toyota. All the hard work you put in to become a college graduate has not gone unnoticed. Toyota Financial wants to reward you with a $750 rebate good towards eligible new Toyota models. When you finance or lease a qualifying untitled Toyota with Markquart Toyota, you’ll receive a competitive APR, no monthly payments for the first 90 days on select finance programs and a $750 rebate (rebate price subject to change). Eligible Toyotas include the Corolla and Camry for those who like something a tad more traditional, the Tacoma and RAV4 for the movers and shakers, and the Yaris and Matrix for those who like a fun car to zip around the city in. Also, Toyota has recently included the environmentally friendly Prius c as an eligible vehicle for the Toyota College Graduate Finance Program. To qualify for the college graduate program, you must be able to show proof that one of the following categories applies to you: Have graduated from an accredited two- or four-year college, university or registered nursing program; OR are going to graduate from said programs in the next six months Are enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program or have received a degree from said program in the last two years Have graduated from the two-year Toyota Technical Education Network Program or any other accredited two-year post-secondary automotive program in the last two years Have completed an NJATC/IBEW-accredited electrician apprenticeship or certification program in the last two years In addition to the above qualifications, you must show proof of current employment or future employment that will start within 120 days of vehicle purchase contract date. The income from your employment must be deemed sufficient to cover living expenses and vehicle payments by Toyota Financial Services. If you are a recent UWEC, CVTC & UW-Stout college grad or plan on graduating soon, take advantage of Toyota’s College Graduate Finance Program. You’ll receive a rebate of $750 that can be put towards the purchase or lease of a Toyota from Markquart Toyota. If you’re in need of a new car and feel like rewarding yourself for all your hard work, call us or stop by Markquart Toyota near Eau Claire today to check out our great selection of qualifying Toyotas.

If you are in the market for a new vehicle but don’t know whether to buy or lease, let the experts at Markquart Toyota help you. Both options are good, but one may fit you better than the other. When deciding whether to lease or buy a car, there are a few things to consider. How many miles do you drive per year on average? People who drive 20,000 miles or less per year are a better fit for leasing. Leases are given based on the amount of miles a customer drives in a year, which also affects your monthly lease payment. If you tend to drive more than 20,000 miles per year, purchasing a car would be a better option for you. What kind of budget are you on? If you are on a tight budget, leasing might be best for you. When leasing a new vehicle, your monthly payments are lower as you are not paying outright for the whole vehicle. Your monthly payments are configured by taking the original cost of the vehicle and deducting what the residual value of the vehicle would be at the end of your lease. That number is then divided by however many months long your lease is. Do you want to get more vehicle for your money? If you were to purchase a new car with a budget of $300/month, your choices of model and trim level would be limited because you are paying for the total cost of the vehicle. Whereas, with leasing with the same budget, you would have a wider range of options to choose from as you are not paying outright for the vehicle. Leasing is also a great option if you want a new car every couple of years. When your lease ends, instead of buying the car you are currently driving, you can lease a new vehicle. So, when in the market for a new car, remember that leasing is an option, and it may be the best option for you. Stop in to Markquart Toyota near Eau Claire, WI to check out our great selection of Toyotas, and speak with one of our friendly sales members about buying or leasing a new Toyota today!

Lee Markquart knows what it takes to run a successful business and it is reflected in the 44 years that Markquart has been in the Chippewa Valley. “The basic principles of a successful business have not changed in many years and probably won’t change for a long time,” said Lee, who is retiring this year after being in the automotive business for 70 years. According to Lee, these principles are based on people, character, endeavor and communication. These principles were instilled into Lee since he was a child. A Jackson, Minnesota native, Lee grew up in the automobile business and knew what hard work meant. At the age of 12, Lee went to work at his dad’s gas station pumping gas. At that time, gas was five gallons for a dollar. The station pumped gas, repaired tires and cars, and eventually started selling Hudson cars in 1946. Over the years, Lee graduated from Macalester College, joined the South Dakota Air National Guard, flew as a Radar Observer, and worked at the family business. In the mid-1950s, Lee attended the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, and brought back the knowledge he had gained to help improve his dad’s then-Oldsmobile franchise. Lee wasn’t all business though. After graduating from GMI, Lee met Mary Hagberg on a blind date and four months later, they were married! It didn’t take long for Mary to learn about the realities of business. Soon she was helping support her father-in-law’s car dealership by teaching at Sherburn High School and using her paychecks to pay off loans at the bank. The Jackson dealership prospered during the 60s and Lee began to look for bigger opportunities. In 1970, Lee bought the Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Cadillac dealership on Clairemont Avenue and moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. At that time, Markquart Motors had 10 employees. Forty-four years later, Markquart Motors and Markquart Toyota are the largest new-vehicle dealerships in the Chippewa Valley. We’d like to congratulate Lee on all that he has accomplished and thank him for all that he has done for us. We wish him the very best in his retirement, and will uphold the Markquart name with pride.

One of the great things about Markquart is that people who are hired here tend to stay awhile. Because of this, you may see a lot of familiar faces when you buy a car with us or bring your car in for service. One of those familiar faces is Jeff Webber, the Service Manager at Markquart Toyota. This month Jeff is celebrating his 30-year anniversary with Markquart. Jeff, an Eau Claire, WI native, first got his start with cars by working at his dad’s gas station from ages 14 to 19. His next job was at an automotive warehouse, delivering auto parts around the state. In 1984, Jeff found his way to Markquart. Jeff began as a shuttle driver and later became one of our first Lanes Crew members—the person who greets you at your vehicle when you pull in for service. Jeff served in several other service and auto body positions before becoming Service Manager for Markquart Toyota in 1995. Jeff has done a great job and has earned the confidence of customers and his co-workers alike. When asked what his favorite part of the job was, Jeff said it was the customers. It must be true because Jeff has gone to great lengths over the years to help customers who found themselves in difficult situations. Jeff, we appreciate everything you have done and continue to do for Markquart. You are a valued member of the Markquart family and we hope you will continue on for many years to come!

Finally, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the 2014 Toyota Highlander has arrived at Markquart Toyota near Eau Claire! The 2014 Highlander has been completely redesigned from the inside out. Its striking new exterior gives it a prominent stance, while the interior is nothing but luxury. The new Toyota Highlander includes a power-opening rear lift-gate, a panoramic moonroof (available on Limited models only), seating for eight and enhanced safety features, which is important when you have precious cargo. With three new colors to choose from, Alumina Jade Metallic, Moulin Rouge Mica and Crème Brulee Mica, the all-new Toyota Highlander was about as much fun to design as it is to drive! So, if you’re in the market for a new car or SUV, come to Markquart Toyota, located off Highway 53 between Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, to test drive the exciting new 2014 Toyota Highlander. It is ready and waiting for you!

From the first night the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic opened its doors in 1997 at its location in Eau Claire, WI and treated eight patients, to the roughly 60 patients it sees per week today, it is easy to see how important the clinic is to the Chippewa Valley. Offering free, adult-based, basic health services such as vaccines, mental health care, medications and more, the clinic has garnered attention from all corners of the Chippewa Valley. For the free clinic in Eau Claire, WI to keep its doors open, it relies on donations from community members, businesses, services and churches, as well as the 200-plus people that volunteer their time at the clinic. Each week, a business or two from the Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire area that supports the clinic is named “Sponsor of the Week,” and Markquart’s is the week of December 23 through the 27. In our third year of sponsoring the free clinic, we are proud to support such a great organization that gives back so much to the community and encourage those that feel the way we do to give back as well. Visit the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic’s website to sign up for volunteering or donate, and find out more about how the free clinic has helped to make the Chippewa Valley a better place for everyone.