As gaming, movie and comic enthusiasts, we are sometimes labeled as geeks by people that don't share the same compassion and loyalty for our favorite video games or heroes, but within our shared community is an ability to find plenty of other individuals that share similar interests at events such as Comic-Con. When I was contacted by the 22squared agency, on behalf of Southeast Toyota, with an opportunity to test drive a new 2014 Toyota Corolla, it seemed too good to be true, but obviously, the first place I would want take the car on a test drive to would be to the upcoming Nashville Comic-Con in Tennessee. The kind and courteous staff of Sand Mountain Toyota (where I picked up the vehicle) made sure I was comfortable and ready to attend the event at hand, and I would definitely return to the dealership when I was ready to purchase my next vehicle.
The folks at Sand Mountain Toyota were some of the friendliest staff I've seen not only at a dealership, but possibly at any event or business I've ever entered. The team was very helpful and listened to any opinions or questions I had about the vehicle that showed they really cared about their customers, while the lot itself was built with customers and the community in mind first. Many dealerships offer a few small offices and a lot full of cars, but Sand Mountain Toyota goes far beyond that and features a room where customers and the staff can bring their children to have fun while conducting business. The building also includes a special room designated for community events and special meetings set up by customers or other individuals to serve those living around the area. Of course, I would be remiss if I failed to mention the delicious ice cream the team offered me during the visit to help heal my ailing sweet tooth! The ice cream, alongside free cappuccinos, is just a couple of the many perks that are offered to interested Toyota buyers and owners at no cost.
The ride to the event wasn't very far, and the smooth conditions the 2014 Toyota Corolla provided made the trip seem even shorter. The vehicle was powerful and stable to the point it was nearly impossible to tell when the vehicle was shifting gears or that there was any strain on the vehicle to get up to the speed limit on the highway. The Corolla is very comfortable and offers users a very smooth ride while packing many features into its standard packaging. The vehicle has an Entune audio and navigation system complete with touch screen controls and Bluetooth connectivity. I especially enjoyed that I could easily connect my phone to the device and listen to my favorite tracks or talk hands-free while riding to and from the event.
When we arrived in Nashville, the event was packed and the great safety features of the vehicle definitely made navigating the parking area for the event a lot easier. Some of the guests I was able to see at the event included the legendary comic creator Stan Lee, Kevin Sorbo from the
Hercules television series, Lou Ferrigno of
The Incredible Hulk fame and Bruce Campbell from the
Evil Dead and
Army of Darkness film franchise. The event was an exciting one that included plenty of autograph signings, panels and Q&A sessions, guest appearances and I was even among the lucky guests to receive an exclusive set of
The Walking Dead comics with special covers created by artist Mico Suayan. The event was a blast, and I wish I could've stayed longer than the weekend allowed. Make sure to check out some of the event photos on
Facebook or
Twitter for our experience around the con!
On the ride back, some of the excitement for attending the event had worn off, and I was able to really check out all of the advanced features contained within the 2014 Toyota Corolla. I had obviously seen the car on display in commercials and heard about it online and through friends, but it wasn't until I drove it that I actually fell in love with it. Between the Star Safety System that includes more advanced safety features than I dare to describe here and the amazing backup camera, I've never felt safer in a vehicle on the road or when parking. Steering wheel controls make adjusting audio settings or changing music simple while driving, while voice control and call features are also included for an added touch of luxury. One other feature that made the car a must buy for those looking for a new vehicle was the Corolla's fuel economy. The design of the car allows it to go further than other vehicles in its class with a smaller amount of fuel consumption, and the round trip required I only stop for gas one time through its duration.
Nashville Comic-Con was a blast this year, and I would strongly urge fans to check out the upcoming Wizard World schedule for events in other locations that include Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon. Perhaps even more memorable than the event though, was the trip it took to get there. The 2014 Toyota Corolla offered the most comfortable ride I've had to any event, and the technology and features packed into the car were more than enough to keep the family happy for the duration of the trip. For fans looking for a new vehicle purchase, I would strongly suggest heading to the nearest Toyota dealer while urging fans living near Albertville and the surrounding area to take a trip to Sand Mountain Toyota for a great deal with incredibly friendly service. My adventure to Nashville Comic-Con may be over but the memory of the trip there and back will undoubtedly stay with me a long time.
For more information on the all new 2014 Toyota Corolla, check it out on the official
Toyota Corolla website and
Unexpect Everything Tumblr page or tell them BioGamer Girl sent you at
Sand Mountain Toyota in Albertville, Alabama.
To learn more about the event, check out the official
Nashville Comic-Con website and learn about upcoming events by visiting the official
Wizard World website.
Note: “Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (“Toyota”) provided me with use of a 2014 Corolla for a short period of time, event tickets and a gas card. I am receiving no other compensation from Toyota. The opinions I have shared about this vehicle are my own.”
