Blog / Car Buying Tips

Blog

All Car Buying Tips New Toyota Cars Kingsport Toyota Dealer Around Town Activities and Excursions Kingsport Toyota Service Car Maintenance Car Tips SUVs Driving Safety Toyota Trucks Car Features Tennessee Toyota of Kingsport Service About Toyota Toyota of Kingsport Toyota Performance Vehicles Hybrid Vehicles Fun Facts Kingsport Used Cars Toyota Tundra Travel Destinations Used Toyota Cars Car Warranty Information Fuel Efficient Toyota All-Wheel Drive Vehicles Electrified Vehicles Toyota History Toyota RAV4 Toyota Tacoma
2025 Toyota Highlander and 2025 Toyota 4Runner for Sale in Kingsport, TN - Toyota of Kingsport

The 2025 Toyota Highlander vs. 2025 Toyota 4Runner: Which SUV Is Built for Adventure?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander and the 2025 Toyota 4Runner are two sporty SUVs ready for family adventures. While both models offer impressive capability and room for growing families, the Highlander is a better choice for city driving and road trips, whereas the 4Runner suits those who want to conquer the great outdoors. more Engine and Performance The 2025 Highlander is a powerful three-row SUV with a 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine under the hood. It outputs 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, which is more than enough for on-road adventures and casual off-roading. Front-wheel drive is standard, but you can opt for dynamic torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. A hybrid engine is also available, allowing you to optimize this ride for enhanced fuel economy. The 2025 4Runner is ready to conquer the less beaten paths and comes with an i-FORCE 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo engine paired with rear-wheel drive. This system generates 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Four-wheel drive is available, and you can also opt for a plug-in hybrid i-FORCE MAX turbocharged inline-4 engine that makes 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Interior and Cargo Space Perfect for big groups and families, the Highlander comes standard with seats for eight riders. The two rear benches have a 60/40 split-folding design, which means you can easily create a pass-through to the cargo area to accommodate long items or fold all the seats to expand the cargo capacity up to 84.3 cubic feet behind the front seats. This SUV also has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner has a standard two-row interior with seats for five riders, but a seven-seat layout is available on select trim levels. The standard configuration offers 48.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats and up to 90.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. In the available seven-seat layout, the rear cargo area has a capacity of 12.1 cubic feet. More capable than the Highlander, this rugged SUV can tow 6,000 pounds. Comfort and Tech Features Designed with families in mind, the Highlander boasts a wealth of comfort and convenience features, such as power-adjustable front seats, 14 cup and bottle holders, a storage compartment in the center console, and tri-zone automatic climate control. Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging is standard on all trims except for the base, and the modern infotainment system includes smartphone integration and SiriusXM. The rugged 4Runner has manually adjustable front seats as standard, while power-adjustable front seats are available. Single-zone manual climate control with an air filter makes it easy to maintain a uniform temperature and clean air inside the cabin. This SUV boasts the same advanced infotainment system as the Highlander, and it has a wireless phone charger standard on most trim levels. Ready to explore each of these models? Visit us today at Toyota of Kingsport in Kingsport, TN.

Discover the Advantages of Toyota's Certified Pre-Owned Program

Choosing a pre-owned Toyota for your next vehicle is a smart decision for more reasons than one. A used Toyota offers many of the great performance, tech, and advanced safety features that new Toyota vehicles have, but at a fraction of the cost. Toyota vehicles also have a strong reputation for reliability, and when you purchase from your local Toyota dealer, you'll have the added peace of mind that comes with a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle. The Best Way to Buy a Pre-Owned Toyota Buying a used car can be risky if you don't know the vehicle's history and mechanical condition. It takes a trained eye to spot potential problems, and that's exactly what Toyota technicians do when they're examining a used Toyota for the Toyota Certified program. Each vehicle is subject to a thorough inspection and reconditioning to like-new condition before it is accepted as a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle. more Once a vehicle passes inspection, it is sold with added benefits like extended warranty coverage and roadside assistance. Toyota Certified warranties are accepted at over 1,400 Toyota locations throughout the US and Canada with a $0 deductible. Warranty coverage can even be transferred to the next owner at no additional cost, giving you an advantage if you decide to sell your vehicle later. Toyota Gold Certified Toyota Certified Used Vehicles are separated into two programs: Toyota Gold Certified or Toyota Silver Certified. If a vehicle is less than 6 model years old with fewer than 85,000 miles, it can qualify for the Toyota Gold Certified program after passing a 160-point inspection. Toyota Gold Certified vehicles qualify for standard new-car financing rates, and they're protected with a limited comprehensive warranty for 12 months or 12,000 miles from the date of purchase, whichever comes first. A limited powertrain warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance protects owners for 7 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date. Toyota Silver Certified Vehicles that are up to 10 model years old with up to 125,000 miles must pass a 136-point inspection to qualify for the Toyota Silver Certified program. Owners of a Toyota Silver Certified vehicle receive a limited powertrain warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance for 12 months or 12,000 miles from the date of purchase. Toyota Certified: Only at Your Toyota Dealer The trained technicians at a Toyota service center work with Toyota vehicles every day, so they can easily find and fix problems that other technicians may not be able to. At an official Toyota store, you can find Toyota Certified vehicles, warranty protection, and special finance rates that you can't get anywhere else. To learn more about the Toyota Certified program, call or visit us at Toyota of Kingsport in Kingsport, TN. We have a large selection of Toyota Certified vehicles to choose from, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans, and a helpful team ready to assist you from test drive to financing and beyond.

Auto Financing in Kingsport, TN - Toyota of Kingsport

7 Benefits of Getting Auto Financing at Our Local Toyota Dealer in Kingsport, TN

Auto financing can sometimes seem like a daunting task. However, when you know the facts, it's not as bad as it looks. There are benefits to getting financing from our local Toyota dealer, and this post covers them: more Lower Interest Rates Financing from a dealer will award you the best interest rate. Since your car dealership usually has close ties with lenders, when you go to them for financing, they will often be able to find you a lender who is willing to give you a lower interest rate than a bank. Better Terms Dealerships can often negotiate better terms with the lender on your behalf. If you have poor credit, your dealership can help keep your interest rates low. Additionally, if you're looking to borrow a larger amount of money than the maximum given by your lender, your dealer can help negotiate the amount. Flexibility With Repayment When you obtain financing from your dealer, they may work with a lender who offers flexible repayment options. This is ideal for those who have fluctuating incomes. You can pay for your loan over a more extended period or make small payments throughout the year, giving you more time to repay the full amount. Positive Influence on Your Credit Financing at your dealership can help you build a strong credit history. The best way to do this is to pay the loan in full. This will help you improve your credit score and give you a better chance of getting financing for other things in the future. Your credit history will also be enhanced by paying your monthly payments on time. You Have a Variety of Options Many different types of loans are available, each of which has its benefits. You can go with a longer loan term, so you don't have to worry about making monthly payments, or you can opt for a smaller loan with smaller monthly payments. Your dealer will guide you through each available option and see which is best for your situation. An Extended Warranty You may be eligible for an extended warranty when you finance a car from a dealer. This warranty can help cover repairs, replacements, and more if your car breaks down. Your dealer can tell you if the extended warranty is proper for you. Value-added Services Many dealerships offer value-added services when you finance your vehicle through them. You may be eligible for free car washes or maintenance for a certain amount of time or at a certain mileage. Additionally, you may have the option to have an alarm, anti-theft device, or other extras installed as soon as you purchase your vehicle. Overall, when you get your vehicle financing from a dealer, you're guaranteed to receive the best deal and the best terms. Reach out to Toyota of Kingsport in Kingsport, TN today for assistance in financing your next new or used vehicle! Image via DealerOn

blog 6

Have You Considered Leasing Your Next Toyota in Kingsport, TN?

How Does the Leasing Process Work? When leasing a vehicle, you'll be committing to a period of time during which you make payments while also keeping the vehicle's mileage under a predefined limit each year. During this time you will be paying interest on the payments just as you would with a traditional car loan, except the interest will be accruing on the estimated amount of depreciation your vehicle will go through during the lease period. At the end of the lease term you will either return the vehicle to the dealership or purchase it at its current depreciated value. At the conclusion of your lease, the dealership will check the vehicle for damage and excessive wear and tear, as well as mileage overages. You'll then be assessed any overages you may owe before completing your lease. more Why Choose Leasing? There are a lot of factors that can go into determining whether leasing is the best option for your next vehicle. Your Monthly Payment If you are limited on what you can afford for your monthly payment, leasing may be a better option. Since you are only paying interest on the portion of the car that will depreciate, you will have a much smaller monthly payment. You will still be responsible for paying sales tax and fees associated with a vehicle purchase but the sales tax will be charged on the amount of the payment, and you will not be responsible for paying sales tax on the whole vehicle unless you end up purchasing it at the end of the lease term. You Have Less to Put Down on Your Vehicle When purchasing a new car, you will often be expected to put money down and will be responsible for paying sales tax on the full amount of the vehicle as well as the title and registration fees. While you may have the option of rolling these costs into the loan, it will often cause you to be upside down on the loan in proportion to the current value of the car. You Like Staying Up-to-Date on the Latest Technology Sometimes people choose to lease a car because they prefer the latest in new vehicle technology and want to reap the benefits of changes to automotive design on a regular basis. If you plan on changing out your vehicle every three to five years, it may be best to lease instead of buying outright. You will get to stay up-to-date with the latest vehicle trends and enjoy cheaper monthly payments. Avoiding the hassle of selling or trading in a used car every few years may also make leasing a more attractive option. Check out how leasing may help you get into the Toyota of your dreams by visiting your local Toyota dealer today. Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

blog 9

Quick Guide and Tips to Auto Financing in Kingsport

Buying Buying and leasing are two financing options for very different needs. With a loan, you finance the entire cost of the car. You then pay off the loan, which can have a term period of up to seven years. The interest rate will depend on the length of the loan, whether you buy a new or used vehicle, and your credit rating. One of the benefits of buying over leasing is the equity that you have in the car once you pay it off. You can use this as a down payment on a new vehicle when you're ready to upgrade. more Leasing Leasing is another option. Keep in mind that this is better for drivers who don't plan on keeping the same car for a long time and for those who don't drive a lot of miles each year. Most leases last for just two years, and since you will not own the car at the end, you don't get the benefit of a trade-in value. Payments for a lease are usually lower than a loan, but you need to stay within a certain number of miles. If you go over this limit, you have to pay a fee based on the total mileage. The Term of a Car Loan The term of a loan refers to the amount of time it will take you to pay the lender. It is important to remember that although a longer term often means lower monthly payments, in the end, you will pay more for the car because you are paying many months of interest. You might even owe more than the car is worth if you spread the payments out for too long. If you can handle a slightly higher payment, shortening the length of the loan is a better way to go. Credit Scores No matter what type of financing you choose, your credit score has a significant impact on the interest rate you will pay. Your credit score comes from several different credit bureaus who assign a number based on several factors, including the amount of debt you have, how many open accounts you have, and if you pay your bills on time. When you apply for a loan, the lender will look at your credit score and the information on your report to determine the interest rate that they will charge. These are a few of the factors to consider when deciding how to finance a vehicle. Each situation is different, so continue to research so you can go in with all the necessary information. Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

Everything You Need to Know About Special Ordering a New Car

Where Is the Car I Want? Dealers stock their lots by poring over the numbers. The most popular colors, trims, and models comprise a majority of their inventory, as these cars have the highest sales rates. So when you want a bright pink truck with plaid leather seating, don't be surprised if it's not on the lot when you arrive. While this is a drastic case, the reason your car isn't on the lot could just be the result of a successful marketing or sales campaign, or just that it's that popular with consumers. No matter what the reason, your idea for your dream car doesn't have to die here. more Benefits of Special Orders When you order a vehicle from the factory, you get the car exactly as you want it. Perhaps you need a color to match your company's logo or you want a specific interior trim or option that's relatively rare. Special ordering solves your woes. Instead of installing after-market parts and accessories of questionable quality or getting a new paint job from a third party, you get the vehicle just how you wanted it. Although it may cost a bit more up front, it's a more frugal decision than relying on businesses other than the manufacturer to make the vehicle to your liking. Negotiating a Deal Negotiating is a key element of any vehicle purchase, and the same goes for special orders. The important facet of negotiating is when you do it. Trying to trim the price down after the car has already been ordered will prove difficult, especially since the car's been tailor-made for you. Doing the negotiations beforehand forces the dealer's hand, showing them that you're all business and that you could easily go somewhere else. How Long Will It Take? Once you place your order, you might feel a bit antsy as to when you'll get behind the wheel of your new vehicle, and that's typical. However, figuring out when you'll actually see the car is anything but typical. Back orders, schedules, time of year, shipping, and pick-up location all factor into how long it takes. This generally ranges from three weeks to three months, with some taking as long as six months. When you're spending tens of thousands of dollars on a brand new vehicle, you want everything absolutely perfect. The next time you're searching for a new car, don't settle for something you don't want. Armed with these facts, you can special order the perfect car through your local dealership that you're guaranteed to love.

Four Tips to Finance Your First Car in Kingsport, TN

Buying your first car is a major accomplishment, but it's a milestone that can cause understandable stress if you're trying to figure out how to finance the vehicle. Keep reading to get some tips to help you manage the financial side of things without getting too anxious. Understand the Applicable Payments A car is usually associated with a down payment and monthly payments. The down payment is something you have to pay on the day of sale, whereas the monthly payments are recurring amounts that you pay while working towards paying off the total cost of the vehicle. Once you understand the difference between those two types of payments, it's a good idea to use an online loan calculator that will allow you to input different figures and determine how much you can afford to pay per month and offer as a down payment. more Get a Relative to Act as a Cosigner One of the issues that people typically run into when attempting to buy their first cars is difficulty proving that they'll be able to pay a car loan back in time. That's often because they don't have a long-term credit history yet. If that's the case for you, see if a parent or other family member is willing to act as a cosigner on your loan. The cosigner is a person who agrees to take over the loan payments if something happens that makes you unable to handle the responsibility. Tell the Salesperson About Your Budget and Other Financial Limitations Car dealerships have financial departments staffed by professionals dedicated to helping customers find reliable cars they can truly afford. That's why it's smart to have a figure in mind that represents the maximum amount you're willing or able to pay for a car. When you're honest with a dealership's salesperson right away about your budget, there's no need to worry that the individual might have the wrong impression and attempt to sell you a car that you definitely could not afford. Also, if you are in a situation where you have bad credit, no credit, or are recovering from financial hardships, mention those specifics to the salesperson too. Usually, those factors don't make it impossible for people to get their first vehicles, and when you provide those details from the start, it'll be easier for a salesperson to discuss feasible options. Try Not to Get a Loan Term of More Than 48 Months Many car loans have terms that enable people to pay for the full cost of the vehicles in about three years. However, there are also options that span across more time, such as 48 months. Some people caution against getting a loan for more than 48 months because you'll increase the risk of something potentially happening to the car before you can pay for the cost in full or even having to deal with interest rates that are too high. These tips should help you feel more equipped when it's time to buy your first car. What you're about to do is a major achievement, and it's one you can feel even better about when you know how to finance the purchase. Image by Raten-Kauf from Pixabay

Contact Us

Fill out this form below and we'll contact you shortly
*Required Fields