The Benefits of Buying a Car With Limited Ownership

If you're looking to get a new vehicle, quality and affordability are likely to be high on your wish list. A Toyota Certified Pre-Owned vehicle ticks all of those boxes and more, delivering exceptional quality at a low price. Find out more about the certified pre-owned program at your local Toyota dealership. more Comprehensive Inspection Every car included in the Gold Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV) program must undergo a rigorous 160-point inspection by professional Toyota-trained technicians. This includes the engine and mechanical components, the interior, exterior, tires, suspension, and electrical system. Every part of the vehicle is meticulously checked to ensure it meets the high standards of Toyota before it's approved for inclusion. Transferable Warranties Although every car undergoes a comprehensive inspection, you'll have the added benefit of warranty coverage. Depending on whether your vehicle is Gold or Silver Certified, you'll receive: Limited Comprehensive Warranty: 12 months or 12,000 miles (Gold Certified only) Limited Powertrain Warranty: 7 years or 100,000 miles/12-month or 12,000 miles 24-hour roadside assistance: 7 years or 100,000 miles/12-month or 12,000 miles All of these warranties are honored at authorized Toyota dealerships across North America, so you'll enjoy full coverage, even when you're traveling. If your plans change and you decide to sell your vehicle before the warranties expire, the coverage can be transferred to the new owners on the same terms. Low-Mileage Vehicles Although Toyota has an outstanding reputation for reliability, you won't need to test this, as every vehicle included in the program has low mileage. To qualify for gold certification, the vehicle must be no older than six years and have 85,000 miles or less on the clock. For silver certification, the vehicle must be less than 10 years old and have between 60,000 and 125,000 miles. Full History Report Every certified vehicle comes with a free CARFAX report. This is a comprehensive review of the vehicle's service history and also looks at any accidents recorded. Other information usually contained in the report includes a mileage record, details of owners, and whether the vehicle was ever registered as either a rental or fleet car. The inclusion of the CARFAX report provides transparency, allowing you to make your purchase with confidence. Competitive Financing Unlike other used cars, vehicles in the TCUV program typically qualify for financing at the same rate as brand-new cars. This exclusive benefit reflects the high quality of Toyota used cars and is arranged via their network of trusted lenders. All financing plans can be tailored to meet your priorities, giving you a flexible, affordable solution. If you'd like to find out more about the TCUV program, we would be delighted to help. Contact our friendly team here at Toyota of Kingsport in Kingsport, TN for more information.

Shopping for a used car requires a lot of homework. You want to ensure that you're buying from a reputable dealer and that the model you choose has been properly cared for while it's been in someone else's ownership. Pre-owned Toyota cars are among some of the most popular, dependable options available. If you're in the market for a new-to-you Toyota, here are some things to keep in mind. Understand the Type of Pre-Owned Certification It's always best to buy a certified pre-owned vehicle rather than just any used car because you can be confident that it's been thoroughly inspected, but did you know that there are multiple types of certification processes? A manufacturer-certified vehicle is the best possible option because it undergoes the most rigorous testing. This type of certification is good beyond the dealership, meaning that it will be honored at any Toyota dealership regardless of where you made the purchase. A dealer-certified vehicle is the second-best option, but your protection is limited to the dealership. If you move away from the area where you purchased the vehicle, you're out of luck. more Review the Certification Coverage Pre-owned certification will mean little if you aren't familiar with the terms and what it actually means. Every certified pre-owned Toyota is subject to a 160-point inspection process (174 for hybrids) which includes appearance, mechanical, and detailing standards. This process is, of course, carried out by highly skilled and factory-trained technicians. Even the audio and alarm systems are thoroughly tested to ensure they're in optimal working order. Certified pre-owned vehicles also come with other perks. Every certified pre-owned Toyota comes with a CARFAX Vehicle History Report, a 12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive Warranty, a 7-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty, and a full year of Roadside Assistance. Know What the Vehicle Is Worth Knowledge is power when it comes to purchasing a pre-owned car. Before signing on the dotted line, research the vehicle you're most interested in buying in order to determine its true market value. It may already be priced fairly, but having this knowledge puts you in a better position to negotiate price, if necessary. Kelley Blue Book is considered the standard for vehicle market values, so keep the website or app handy on your phone when shopping for your next vehicle. Take a Test Drive Test driving a car before you buy it is a must. Don't feel pressured to make a decision. Before and after the test drive, you want to inspect the vehicle from top to bottom and inside and outside the vehicle. During the test drive, consider how comfortable the seat is, how smooth the vehicle drives, where any blind spots are, and how handy the console controls and gauges are placed. Ask the salesperson any questions you think of including what features are included in the car. If you enjoy driving the car during the test drive, you'll continue to enjoy it for years to come. A little homework and mindful observation can go a long way in purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. Shop certified pre-owned Toyota vehicles to ensure you're getting the highest quality car possible.

Owning a car is a necessity for most Americans, but the daily commute can really do a number on the best-kept vehicle. If you've been putting off trading in your old car for a new one, you may just be holding off the inevitable. Here are some signs that it's time to upgrade: Repairs are Costing More Than the Car is Worth Maintenance and repair costs are part of the responsibility of owning a vehicle, but when those costs exceed the car's value, you've got a real problem on your hands. Older cars will get to a point where they require costlier repair jobs, so you end up sinking your money into an endless pit. Instead of wasting your money, why not invest some of it into the down payment on a new vehicle? more Your Car is No Longer Safe Older cars are more susceptible to breakdowns and malfunctions. Even the best cars on the market today will one day pose issues as they age – it's just the nature of automobiles. If your old car is no longer reliable or it poses a safety hazard to you or your family, it's time to buy a new one. You'll know if its safety is compromised when it inexplicably slows down on the highway, has trouble starting, or the engine has a tendency to shut off when you come to a stop. It No Longer Suits Your Lifestyle Cars that once suited us a decade ago may not fit our current lifestyle. Families grow, needs change, gas prices go up, and that once-favorite vehicle now seems more of a burden. Ask yourself what type of vehicle would best suit your daily commute, lifestyle, and family size. If your current car doesn't cut it, it's time to trade it in. You're Paying Too Much for Gas This one is a common complaint of drivers who own older vehicles. Modern cars boast fuel-efficient designs that optimize the amount of gas you put into them, so you get more for your money. If you've got a gas guzzler on your hands and want to take advantage of new engine advancements, now's the time. Your Car No Longer Qualifies for Safety-Related Insurance Discounts Older vehicles do come with the perks of requiring less insurance. On the other hand, outdated cars don't qualify for safety-related discounts. Thanks to their state-of-the-art safety features, new cars do, so you have to ask yourself which trade-off you'd prefer to make. Most people would rather be in a safer vehicle. You're Craving a Change Sometimes the best reason to buy a new car is simply that you're ready for something different. There's no need to hang on to an outdated vehicle if you'd rather be in something more updated with the latest design aesthetics and safety features. A new car can signify a new start, so why put it off when you can make the switch today? It can be difficult to part with a beloved old car, but when you find one that suits your current lifestyle, you'll wonder why it took you so long to make the switch. Image via Pixabay