Blog

When the summer temperatures start heating up, you may be looking for fun activities you can do in the Tri-Cities area with your family. Instead of staying home all summer long, check out these spots that offer family-friendly indoor fun. Escape Room Kingsport Escape rooms are all the rage right now, offering an exciting adventure for participants of all ages. At Escape Room Kingsport, book your experience in advance and decide which room is most appealing. Options include Houdini, in which you can challenge the mind of the great magician; Virus X, which involves an experience in the year 2037 as you try to overcome terrorists using a deadly pathogen as a bioweapon; and Taken, where you've been taken captive on a hiking adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains. No matter which experience you choose, you'll have an adventurous time as you use your logic and brainstorming skills to break free. After you finish the 60-minute experience, be sure to take a photo to remember your attempt to escape. Hands On! Located in Johnson City, Hands On! is a regional museum designed for kids. This spot has been located on Main Street for years, drawing visitors from throughout the Tri-Cities area. Hands On! will move to its new location at the Gray Fossil Site in June, offering a larger play space for children of all ages. It's open daily during select months in the spring and summer seasons, and Tuesday through Sunday throughout the year. Exhibits include Imagination Playground, The Ark, Kindermart, Waterplay, Down on the Farm, Kids Bank and Credit Union, and Discovery Lab. With younger kids, be sure to hit the Totally Tots spot. This hands-on educational museum is the perfect place to escape the summer heat. Just Jump Trampoline Park Just Jump Trampoline Park has several locations in the Tri-Cities area, including Bristol and Johnson City. For active, adventurous kids, it's a great place to visit, especially when it's warm outside. You can relax and watch as your children go flying on the massive trampolines, or you can ditch your shoes and jump on in with them. It's open daily and everyone jumping must wear trampoline grip socks, which are available for purchase at both facilities. In Bristol, the 22,000-square-foot facility includes an open jump space, gladiator pit, two basketball hoops for dunking, a three-lane air bag jump, and a place to play dodgeball. The Johnson City location is even larger, boasting two dodgeball courts, a ninja course, a high jump into the air bag, and a bigger kiddie zone. Along with the jumping areas, this Just Jump facility offers access to a laser maze and a 21-foot climbing structure for a few additional dollars per person. Enjoy an exciting day of activities in the Tri-Cities area without having to spend too much time in the heat when you make a plan to take advantage of these indoor attractions. Your kids will love getting their energy out, while you'll enjoy the comfortable atmosphere, out of the heat. Image by Helga from Pixabay

4Runner The Toyota 4Runner is a traditional SUV with a solid rear axle that's similar to what you'd find on a pickup truck, along with frame-on-body construction. It's one of the only SUVs available that's built more like a truck, so it's meant for off roading. This SUV comes in six trim levels, although the TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and TRD Pro are the best options when you're planning to head to the mountains. The TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium come equipped with a crawl control function, a locking rear differential, and wider tires. With the TRD Pro, features include revised front springs, all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, and Bilstein dampers with rear reservoirs. Beneath the hood, you'll find a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that puts out 278 pound-feet of torque and 270 horsepower. When properly equipped, the 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Tundra If you're in the market for a full-size pickup, the Toyota Tundra is a great option. It is available with four-wheel drive, making it a top choice for those who spend a lot of time away from the asphalt. The Tundra is available in four trim levels, although you'll want to add the TRD Off-Road package. This package tacks on skid plates, off-road tires, 18-inch wheels, tow hooks, LED headlights, and trail-tuned shock absorbers. You can also choose from two engine options. The base engine is a powerful 4.6-liter V-8 that makes 327 pound-feet of torque and 310 horsepower, while the upgraded option is a 5.7-liter V-8, rating at 401 pound-feet of torque and 381 horsepower. Land Cruiser For drivers wanting to combine luxury with off-road capabilities, the Toyota Land Cruiser is the best option. The 2018 model is designed to go anywhere, thanks to its body-on-frame chassis, strong engine, and full-time four-wheel drive system. This luxury SUV comes in only a single, well-equipped trim level, which comes with exterior features like LED lighting, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, an integrated tow hitch receiver with wiring harness, and roof rails. It also comes standard with four-wheel drive that makes it easy to tackle any type of terrain. The engine is a powerful 5.7-liter V-8, pumping out 401 pound-feet of torque and 381 horsepower. When you're cruising on mountain roads, you'll love the comfort features in the cabin. Four-zone automatic climate control, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, and a 9-inch touch screen all come standard. Safety equipment includes lane departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Take one of these top Toyota vehicles for a test drive at Toyota of Kingsport to see how it stacks up against other options. It's easy to explore uncharted territory when you have a truck or SUV that can handle all types of terrain. Image Via DealerOn

Bristol, Tennessee, might not be top on the list of many people's must-visit Tennessee destinations, but there's a surprising amount of amazing things to do in the city that make it well worth making the effort to gather the family and make a day trip. In fact, here's a helpful list of some of the best attractions and activities that are available in Bristol that we're hoping you'll agree will help catapult the destination up that list of places to go. Bristol Caverns From two iconic things synonymous with America to, perhaps, something different, far below the Earth's surface Bristol Caverns offers an interesting and exciting view of one of the most untouched, lesser-known and seen parts of the world, underground!   These are more than just rocks with paved, well-lit walkways winding through the underground pathways offering visitors a stunning view of the natural stone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites that are millions of years old. With tours daily, you'll also learn about how the caverns were formed, when they were formed, and who might have used them in the past. The Birthplace of Country Music Museum Bristol, Tennessee, has a rich musical history. They don't call it the birthplace of country music for nothing. In fact the Birthplace of Country Music Museum helps visitors experience and learn all about the city's pivotal role in launching the genre of music in the United States. The museum, in association with the Smithsonian Institute, uses a diverse and exciting number of ways to bring the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings to life. There are also special exhibits there for a limited time; events, including the opportunity to see live country music; and a shop, where you can pick up a musical souvenir. Bristol Motor Speedway Speedway motor sports are every bit as truly American as country music, and in Bristol, Tennessee, you can actually view the exciting and exhilarating motor sport take place at Bristol Motor Speedway, a world famous half-mile track known around the world as The Last Great Coliseum.  The Speedway track is Tennessee's second most-visited attraction, with people flocking from all over the country to see Nascar Sprint Cup, Xfinity, Camping World Trucks, and modified events in one of the finest venues available. Real racing fans even have the opportunity to tour the track, which includes a lap around the high banks. The Speedway track also hosts other events, such as the hugely popular Speedway in Lights during the holiday season, where the track is transformed into a winter wonderland with more than 2 million lights Whether you fancy taking a trip underground, experiencing the adrenaline race of a Speedway race, or laying back and listening to some country music, you'll discover that Bristol, Tennessee, does have a lot to offer after all! This list doesn't even include the nightlife, restaurants, and heritage that also make Bristol a great place to visit. If you'd like to know more about Bristol, Tennessee, and what there is to see, do there, or to plan your trip, you can visit Discover Bristol. Image by adoborepublic from Pixabay

Buying a car is expensive as it is, especially if you splurge for the optional extras and pricier trims that come with all of the safety features and technological advances that are supposed to prevent the worst from happening, such as a collision or breakdown. That makes shelling out even more hard-earned money for an extended warranty a tough decision, with it possibly not seeming worth the extra cost. However, we're here to help weigh the pros and cons of buying an extended warranty for your new car. Pros With recent studies suggesting that reliability and durability are important factors many of us consider when buying a car and car owners are now keeping their cars for longer than ever, it seems that extended warranties might be more popular. However, they very rarely feature in a list of many car buyer's top priorities. But what are the pros of purchasing an extended warranty? Even though many car dealerships offer warranties as standard, there may be more to a customer's needs than those warranties offer. Third-party extended warranties can be significantly more flexible in terms of what they offer. This means that if you want longer coverage, tailored coverage on specific things such as bumper-to-bumper, or handy extras like roadside assistance, these things can be tailored to fit specific needs. Modern vehicles are also getting more and more complex, jam-packed with the latest in technological advancements and advanced safety features. Even if the car is running fine, if one of these many computer systems fail, it can be very costly to fix them. An extended warranty can take the worry of paying to diagnose, isolate, and repair these complicated problems completely away. Cons So, extended warranties can be extremely useful to fit your specific needs and protect all of the expensive and complicated electronic systems in your car, as well as protecting against any unwanted breakdowns. But what are some of the reasons against opting to purchase one for your vehicle? Like most insurances, there's always a risk that the cost of paying for an extended warranty will never be balanced out by using it to fix something, as there's a chance that nothing bad will ever happen and there will be no need to use it. Sometimes the only thing that will be gained is the peace of mind that if something terrible were to happen, you could save plenty of money and not be left stranded. Most extended warranties are also expensive. For many car buyers, the luxury of opting to pay for an extended warranty will be nothing more than a pipe dream, as often the cost of purchasing a car alone takes a hefty toll on their bank balance. This is especially the case when you factor in the above point that spending all that money on an extended warranty could ultimately turn out to be nothing but a lost bet. Extended warranties are definitely not for everyone, but they do help to give peace of mind. In many cases, it's better to have them and not need them, instead of needing them but not have them. For more advice on extended warranties, check out this helpful guide or head to your local dealership. Image by Martha Maria from Pixabay

Though fishing is available at many local rivers and lakes, fishing at state parks has its benefits, like comfort, appropriate equipment and facilities, and options for other activities. For fishing options in Kingsport, check out one of these locales. Warriors' Path State Park Located at 490 Hemlock Road, and named after the Great Cherokee War and Trading Path, the Warriors' Path State Park gathers travelers and outdoorsy people from all over the country. The park features 950 acres of land, covering the shores of the Patrick Henry Reservoir on the Holston River. The park is a popular spot for boating, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. It features an award-winning educational nature program and a golf course of national significance. This is the only state park in Tennessee with a Boundless Playground that gathers children of all physical and mental abilities. Fishing is allowed at Fort Patrick Henry Lake, a man-made reservoir on the South Fork of the Holston River. Common fish species are bass, crappie, catfish, trout, and Hybrid Striped Bass. Anyone over the age of 13 must have a fishing license. Licenses can be obtained at local sporting goods stores, online at www.tnwildlife.org, or by calling 888-814-8972. The park also offers many fun and unusual activities for children and adults alike. Learn about the story of Aslan of the Chronicles of Narnia when you hike the Lions Narnia Braille Trail, a quarter-mile trail featuring eight sensory stations. Other unique characteristics of the park include the fully-accessible Anderson Treehouse and the Palmer Center Foundation Amphitheater that has the capacity to host up to 1,000 people. Boatyard Riverfront Park The park's 19 acres are located at 2201 Netherland Inn Road, next to the South Fork of the Holston River. Boatyard Riverfront Park is open to the public from sunrise to sunset and is available for hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. The park has two fishing piers, one of which is handicap accessible. Fishing is permitted until 10:30 p.m. A fishing license is required. Equipped with barbecue grills, picnic tables, and shelters, the park is a great place for barbecues and picnics with friends and family. There is a playground for children. Boatyard Riverfront includes a swinging bridge that connects to Long Island, water fountains, two boat ramps, and bicycle racks. From the park, you can access the Kingsport Greenbelt fitness trail. Allandale Mansion Located at 4444 W. Stone Drive, this Georgian mansion was built in 1950 on 500 acres of land that once belonged to Mr. Brooks. The grounds around the mansion used to be his farm for championship Black Angus cows and blue-ribbon Tennessee Walking horses. The mansion was given to the City of Kingsport in 1969 along with its original exquisite furniture, which is still there for visitors to see. From sunrise to sunset, the property is now open to the public for touring, walking, picnicking, and fishing. Fishing is allowed from its two stocked ponds and requires a fishing license. This beautiful property also features a gazebo, an amphitheater, park benches, a pavilion, two rental barns, and picnic tables. While you will have a good time dropping a line, these places offer more than fishing. Each offers its own amenities, so everyone in your family will have something fun to do. Image by Lorri Lang from Pixabay

SR The SR is the entry-level trim of the 2018 Toyota Tundra. At a price of just $31,120, it's also a bargain, considering how many standard features it provides. Choose from either a 310-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 or the 381-horsepower, 5.7-liter V-8 for exceptional speed, performance, and power to tow up to 6,800 pounds. You'll also have three bed lengths to suit your needs: 5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, or 8.1 feet. Other standout amenities of the SR include the Entune infotainment system with 6.1-inch touch-screen display, Bluetooth, six-passenger seating, an integrated backup camera, and power windows and locks. Toyota Safety Sense P makes its first appearance on the Tundra, providing an array of driver-assist features and giving the Tundra a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. SR5 The SR5 takes everything you love about the SR and adds a more comprehensive mix of specs. Halogen fog lights, a 7-inch touch-screen display, and steering wheel-mounted controls. It's also the most modestly priced trim that offers the available TRD Sport Package. Equipped with this package, the SR5 is specifically designed to tackle the off road and anything else that's thrown in its path. Limited While the SR and SR5 are excellent choices, the Limited is where the extra amenities really start to shine. Twenty-inch alloy wheels add some serious bling to the pickup, while LED headlights and LED fog lights add form with function. Inside, the Limited trim boasts features such as dual-zone climate control, leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. If you like the nicer things in life, the Limited is a fantastic choice. When properly equipped, the Limited can also tow up to 10,100 pounds, making it one of the most powerful in its class. Platinum The Platinum adds even more style to the Tundra, proudly displaying the Toyota badge over a chrome and gunmetal gray front grille for an aggressive aesthetic, especially with the addition of unique, 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The interior comes laden with spectacular tech and convenience features you're sure to enjoy. 1794 Edition The 1794 Edition builds on the Platinum's offerings with more luxury than ever. With 1794 Edition badging and unique interior stitching and decor, this trim sets itself apart from the rest with pure opulence. Heated and ventilated seats keep you comfortable regardless of temperatures outside, and the JBL premium audio system pumps out your favorite songs in crystal-clear quality. From the bargain SR trim to the fully loaded 1794 Edition, the Tundra has a trim with your name written all over it. Choose the right one to find a grin on your face every time you open the garage door. Image by Island Born from Pixabay

Whether you love a dry-rubbed, fall-off-the-bone rack of ribs or a pulled pork sandwich smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce, Tennessee barbecue is in a class all its own. While Nashville gets the lion's share of attention for its meaty delicacies, Kingsport is a sleeper for the most delicious barbecue in the Volunteer State. If you're in the mood for perfectly smoked meats and delectable sides that bring the meal full-circle, make sure to check out these lip-smacking, finger-licking barbecue joints in Kingsport. Pratt's BBQ Located off E. Stone Drive, Pratt's BBQ is easy to find thanks to a 20-foot-tall Native American statue greeting you from the road. It stands in front of the iconic red barn that functions as both a restaurant and a catering hall, while also giving you a country-style atmosphere unlike any other. A Kingsport institution since 1971, Pratt's is most famous for their glazed hams and ribs, although almost everything on the menu is a home run. The St. Louis-cut ribs get a dry rub of secret ingredients and then hit the smoker for four hours over a bed of Tennessee hickory wood chips. Pratt's legendary honey-glazed ham is also a popular menu item. If neither of those strike your fancy, grab a brisket sandwich, pulled pork, barbecue chicken, or catfish. Make sure to pair them with one of Pratt's "sidekicks" like smokehouse beans, bacon-laced mac n' cheese, or fried okra. Braeden's BBQ For great service and barbecue that's made with love, head to Braeden's BBQ at 823 N. Eastman Rd. At Braeden's you have plenty of options to quell your hunger, from traditional barbecue staples to 100 percent black angus burgers. The best way to proceed is with one of their combos, which offers one sandwich or entree, one side, and a 32-ounce drink starting at $8. If a burger sounds good, grab the one-third-pound Braeden burger that has smoked cheddar and a house sauce on top of Texas toast. For the indecisive diner, Braeden's offers a sampler platter with pork, turkey, a quarter-rack of ribs, and two sides. Choose from coleslaw, baked beans, seasoned fries, or another delicious side for a full meal. Phil's Dream Pit Phil's Dream Pit starts every day with its quest to create the perfect barbecue. High-quality meats are just one part of the equation, and only with the tastiest sauces and best sides can barbecue reach its apex. That's just what you'll get every time you hop into one of the three area locations of Phil's Dream Pit. Pork, beef, turkey, and chicken are all smoked to perfection around the clock, ensuring your entree is always fresh and cooked to perfection. The sweet baby back ribs are always in high demand, the fatty, delicious pork belly is overindulgence at its finest, and the brisket is flavorful and tender. Slather each up with Phil's famous barbecue sauce, and you have a recipe for the ultimate meal. After you stuff your face full of barbecue, you might feel a slight tinge of drowsiness, but don't worry. A food coma is a surefire sign that you've chosen the right entree and sides. It's just your body's way of saying thanks for the feast. Plus, the gym will still be there tomorrow. Image by Greg Reese from Pixabay

Good Looks on the Outside The 2018 Toyota Yaris iA has all the style you're looking for on the outside. The standard built-in turn signal indicators on the side mirrors not only look good, they also add an extra layer of safety when you're driving. Plus, the power-adjustment feature makes it easy to get your mirrors in that perfect position. The standard daytime running lights make your Yaris iA more visible no matter what the weather is like, and the halogen headlights offer clear and crisp light. You'll also enjoy a chrome-tipped exhaust and 16-inch split-spoke alloy wheels. Plenty of Convenience on the Inside When you climb inside the Yaris iA, you'll sit down on sport-contoured seats that offer support and grip for a comfortable drive. Plus, even though the Yaris iA is a compact car, you'll find it has plenty of room to carry whatever you need. If you're driving friends or family around, you'll enjoy seating for up to five people. If you need to carry around large cargo, the standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat gives you the versatility to expand your trunk space while still leaving a spot for a rear passenger. All the Technology You Need The Toyota Yaris iA also comes with all the technology you need to stay connected when you're on the road. You can control the standard 7-inch display of the infotainment system by touching the screen, using the control knob located between the front seats, or using the standard steering wheel-mounted audio control buttons. The system comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity, so you can stream your favorite music or make a phone call without having to touch your phone. Great Power and Performance When you drive around in your 2018 Yaris iA, you'll enjoy a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. You also have your choice of two transmissions. If you love control when you're driving, the Yaris iA comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. If you want ease and convenience, go for the available six-speed automatic transmission. When you select the automatic transmission, you'll also get a sport mode button that gives a sportier feel to your drive. Excellent Safety Features If safety is a top concern, you'll be happy to know the Toyota Yaris iA comes with some top safety features. The standard low-speed pre-collision system uses sonar to scan the road ahead for potential collisions. If it detects an obstacle, it sends out an audio and visual alert. If you don't make any moves to slow down in time, the system will also automatically apply the brakes. These top features and more show why the 2018 Toyota Yaris iA has everything you need to become your next new vehicle. Image by Hermann Traub from Pixabay

Traffic can not only be a nuisance, but it can make you miss out on certain events or make you late to appointments that you need to be on time for. Even simple accidents can cause a significant delay, and during construction season, those delays can even be worse. To avoid the complications that traffic can cause and help keep yourself on time, check out the three traffic apps below. Google Maps Probably one of the best-known maps and navigation systems for drivers is Google Maps. Google Maps helps you map your route and lets you choose the best course to take based on travel time and mileage. The app also takes into account the time of day and average traffic to provide you with an accurate estimate of how long it will take to get to your destination. Additionally, when the route is mapped, the app will also indicate areas where there are traffic delays, what is causing them, and how much time it will take to get through them. The great thing about Google Maps is it is most likely already on your smart device. Waze Another popular traffic app is Waze, which takes traffic monitoring into a new direction. It works by monitoring the time and travel speed of drivers taking the particular route and sharing that information with other Waze users who may be planning to travel that route and want an up-to-date traffic report. Waze utilizes user interaction to help create the most up-to-date reporting on things like road kill, construction, traffic accidents, and even the presence of police officers. The app gathers its data from users by assigning points that can be earned for each of the users which can be redeemed at a later time. The app also integrates with your calendars to help you plan routes for appointments you can anticipate in advance. Beat the Traffic The Beat the Traffic app is free for both iOS and Android users and provides drivers with detailed traffic reports letting them know what they will encounter along certain routes as well as how long traffic delays will be. The interface is extremely user-friendly and will allow you to log and save your favorite traveled routes. It also provides you a detailed account of events and incidents that will affect travel such as where construction areas are located, how much traffic is expected, and how long of a delay you can expect. On the app, you can also view traffic cameras, avoid tolls along the way, and receive notifications about traffic problems along with your route. One of the unique aspects of the Beat the Traffic app is that it will factor weather into the time delays and route times to give you the most accurate arrival times. Help get the best of traffic by using one or more of the three apps above to avoid traffic delays along your trip and help get you where you are going and get there on time. Image by Dariusz Sankowski from Pixabay

How the Toyota Corolla and the Toyota Corolla iM Compare Both vehicles get the same great fuel mileage that you can expect from any Corolla, with an EPA estimated 28 miles per gallon in the city and 35 mpg and 36 mpg for the highway respectively.  Both of the vehicles are front wheel drive and both offer a 7-speed CVT transmission. The Corolla IM does offer the option for a 6-speed manual transmission. Engine Each of the vehicles is powered by a gasoline, 4-cylinder engine. The Toyota Corolla produces 132 horsepower at 6,000 RPMs with 128 lb-ft of torque, and the Corolla iM produces 137 horsepower at 6,100 RPMs and 126 lb-ft of torque. Safety When it comes to safety both the Corolla and Corolla iM have a host of standard safety features including ABS brakes, curtain airbags, and front side and passenger airbags. Both vehicles also offer the standard Toyota Safety Sense which includes many of the new advances in safety technology such as a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High beams and even daytime running lights. Technology Both cars provide technology to help keep you connected in your car while providing for a more convenient drive. Both vehicles come equipped with a Display Audio which also has navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, voice, and steering column controls to help you stay hands-free while driving, and a standard back up camera. The Corolla also comes standard with smart key and touch start as well as Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite. Interior The Corolla and Corolla iM both have a more sporty interior with the iM including a sports gauge cluster with MID screen, Sport mode options, and Sports Bucket front seats. The Corolla's interior includes 60/40 Split rear seats, available auto climate control, SofTex leather-like seats, and a fluid dashboard with piano black accents and contrast stitching. Exterior The exterior of both vehicles has been given a sporty upgrade with 17" Alloy tires and a new more aerodynamic design. The Corolla iM sports LED daytime running lights while the Corolla has standard Bi-LED Headlights. The IM also has folding heated side mirrors, a sportier suspension, and is a hatchback to help drivers make the most of their cargo space. The Corolla is designed with a sporty front fascia and a rear spoiler, to give the vehicle a more sports-like appearance. So, whether you prefer the 2018 Toyota Corolla iM hatchback or the classic Corolla, you will find the safety, styling, technology, and convenience that you have come to love from Toyota. Not sure which of the Corollas will best suit your needs and tastes? Stop by your local dealer and take one out for a test drive today. Image via DealerOn

Highlander The Highlander is the perfect SUV choice for those who need a lot of space in their vehicle. The passenger area can seat up to eight people comfortably, and the cargo space is an impressive 83 cubic feet. The third-row seating has a 60/40 split and also reclines allowing you to adjust the seats to help you get the passenger or cargo space that you will need. 4Runner The 4Runner is the perfect option for those who like to spend their time on and off the road. The 4Runner can take a beating and get you to and from any off-road destination. The cargo area can support up to 440 lbs, and the TRD pro floor mats can weather any kind of foot traffic you will bring in or out of your vehicle. The car also comes equipped with Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control to help you navigate even the most treacherous trails. Sequoia The Toyota Sequoia brings the luxury you want to the powerful SUV you need. The Sequoia is designed for comfort with heated and ventilated front seats providing comfort no matter the temperature outside. Multiple power outlets allow both passengers and drivers to stay plugged in and charge their devices whenever they need to. The third-row seating offers power reclining technology to maximize comfort even when the vehicle is full. Land Cruiser If you are looking for power and the technical features to provide you and your passengers with the comfort and convenience you need, the Toyota Land Cruiser is the SUV you are looking for. The powerful engine is a 5.7-liter, V8 that outputs 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed transmission and rigid body design, the Land Cruiser performs great and creates a smooth ride both on and off the road. The Land Cruiser provides buyers with the latest technology features to help them keep in control of the vehicle as well as provide convenience no matter if they are driving long distances or simply handling everyday traffic. The car comes equipped with integrated navigation, Entune App Suite, and a multi-information display. You can stay safe on any terrain with the multi-terrain monitor which will help guide you through off-road tracks and trails. When using your Land Cruiser for travel, you can adjust settings to accommodate the passenger and cargo space you will need as well as utilize the dual monitor DVD screens to help keep your passengers entertained. Find out which Toyota SUV will best fit your wants and needs by visiting your local Toyota dealer today. Image by F. Muhammad from Pixabay

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. 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