New or Used? Which Toyota Fits Your Lifestyle
When people start considering buying a Toyota, one of the first things they usually ask themselves is whether they should purchase a new vehicle or a used one. If you can relate to that, keep reading. The insight below will help you determine whether a used or new car is more appropriate for your situation.
Desire for Custom Features
Perhaps you’ve had your sights set on a particular Toyota for a long time, to the point where you can quickly recite your list of must-have features to anyone who cares to hear them. Maybe you want the vehicle to have a moonroof so you can feel the wind in your hair as you drive, or would like the interior or exterior in a specific color. It’s usually much easier for a dealership to meet those needs if you’re willing to buy new.
4 Things to Know About Warranties
When buying a new car, many people pay especially close attention to the terms of the vehicle’s warranty. They often provide the kind of peace of mind that reduces buyer’s remorse and makes people more excited about their car purchases. Keep reading to learn some basic principles about vehicle warranties that could help you understand whether one that’s associated with a car you’re considering is worthwhile.
Most Last for a Specific Number of Years or Miles
When looking at details for a warranty, you’ll often see descriptions such as “three years/36,000 miles.” That means that generally, the warranty lasts for either a three-year period or until whenever your odometer says you’ve driven 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The length of the warranty is a good guideline, but it’s not a hard and fast rule to depend on, due to the next point on this list.
4 Reasons The Toyota Prius Offers Best Fuel Economy
According to estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2016 Prius gets 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the world. This spectacular fuel economy didn’t happen by accident. Toyota spent years developing technology that would improve the popular hybrid vehicle’s efficiency.
If you’re interested in buying a car with remarkable hybrid technology, you’ll want to know these four reasons the Toyota Prius offers the best fuel economy.
An Aerodynamic Shape That Reduces Drag
When you compare the 2015 Prius to the 2016 version, you’ll immediately notice that Toyota changed the exterior slightly. While the company probably wanted to maintain the Prius’s iconic shape, it also wanted to make some tweaks that would reduce drag. Those subtle changes help improve fuel efficiency by letting the car slip easily through the air. The design works so well that the 2016 Prius gets about two miles per gallon more than the 2015 model.
The increasing popularity of electric vehicles suggests that the future of the car industry lies in alternative energy sources. Car manufacturers have taken note, and they’re spending a lot of time and money developing new technologies that will power vehicles without harming the environment.
Toyota stands out as the most successful company in the race to discover alternative fuel sources. In 2015, the company received 4,214 patents for new technologies. That’s nearly 2,000 more patents than any other car manufacturer. While no one knows when these new technologies will reach dealerships, you can expect to find these three alternative energy innovations in the near future.
Magnesium Batteries
Magnesium battery technology is one of the most promising breakthroughs for Toyota. Researchers working at Toyota’s Research Institute of North America have found that they can build batteries that use magnesium instead of lithium, which currently dominates rechargeable battery technology.
4 Reasons to Consider Buying a Used Vehicle
When it’s time to go car shopping, the big sticker prices, major commitments, and performance unknowns of a new vehicle can make the whole prospect less appealing. Perhaps it’s time to consider a used car instead. There are a lot of benefits to buying used, from lower cost to more information about the car through reviews in publications and on Internet forums. If you’re in the market for a vehicle and aren’t sure if buying used is right for you, consider the following.
1. Lower Cost
The most obvious reason to opt for a used car is the considerably lower price compared to new vehicles. All cars lose market value over time, but did you know that a car doesn’t have to be old or well-worn in order to depreciate? Technically, the moment a new car drives off the lot, it depreciates by a considerable percentage. If you shop smart, you can find a car that’s quite close to new, but at a fraction of the price. Just make sure to investigate the car’s condition thoroughly before you buy, as unexpected maintenance can wipe out that price difference overnight.
5 Tips for Trading in Your Car
A lot of people feel anxious about trading in their cars because they worry they won’t receive a good value at the dealership. Follow these five tips to make sure you receive a fair price and positive experience.
Keep Detailed Maintenance and Repair Records
A dealership will want to know you have taken good care of your car. Giving them detailed maintenance and repair records proves that the vehicle is in top condition for its age, which could result with the dealership offering more money for it.
Ideally, you should keep your oil change receipts as well as invoices for major repairs to provide proof of consistent maintenance to the dealership.
5 Ways to Prepare Your Toyota for a Road Trip
A summer road trip is a perfect way to enjoy the warm weather and vacation at your own pace. Before you set off on a long road trip, make sure your Toyota is ready. By taking the time to prepare your vehicle, you can prevent breakdowns, and keep your road trip smooth from start to finish.
Schedule Any Necessary Service
If your vehicle is due for an engine tune-up or an oil change, be sure to schedule it before you leave on a long road trip. By keeping up with your vehicle’s regular maintenance, it will be at its most reliable during your road trip. If possible, schedule any major servicing at least a month before you leave. This gives your mechanic time to address any problems that they might discover during servicing.
Toyota introduced its first version of the 4Runner in 1984. The manufacturer certainly thought it had built an SUV that would appeal to drivers throughout North America. The company’s designers, however, couldn’t have possibly imagined that they had created a vehicle that people would still love 30 years later.
The 4Runner has undergone plenty of changes since its first generation. Once you understand the vehicle’s history, you’ll have an even deeper appreciation for its most recent incarnation.
First Generation 4Runner (1984-1989)
The first generation 4Runner was intended to give drivers a way to explore off-road environments. The earliest version featured a four-cylinder engine and plentiful cargo room for camping equipment. Over the next several years, Toyota updated the SUV’s suspension, engine, and interior giving it a smoother ride and more luxurious interior features.
Performance Upgrades Debut in 2017 Highlander
For the 2017 model year, Toyota has made several upgrades to the Highlander, its mid-size, three-row crossover SUV that has become one of the most popular family vehicles in its class. Among the many changes is the addition of an all-new SE trim package that offers upgrades to the exterior appearance and the suspension.
Exterior Upgrades
Although the 2017 Highlander maintains most of the 2016 model’s good looks, the front end does sport an all-new grille with three slats and shiny chrome trim. The entire front seems to be larger and offers an aggressive look that gives the vehicle a more SUV-like appearance. The Highlander also sports a new set of headlights that come with more LED lights for accent, all of which are built into a completely new headlight housing design.
How to Fix a Flat
To the average motorist, there is nothing worse than sitting on the side of the road with a flat tire. Although you might prefer to call a professional to come out and remedy the situation for you, this might not always be possible. For times like this, know how to fix a flat for yourself so you can get back on your way in the least amount of time. As long as you have the right tools and knowledge, changing a flat tire is a fairly simple task. Follow this step-by-step process to help you get the job done quickly and safely.
Pull Over in a Safe Spot
If you find yourself with a flat tire, the first thing you need to do is find a safe and preferably flat place to park. Try to avoid grass or dirt, as these surfaces are typically not very stable and the jack might sink into the ground, causing the vehicle to fall. Turn off the engine and apply the parking brake, or put the car in gear to prevent it from rolling. If you have them, use a pair of wheel chocks to block the wheel opposite the flat tire.
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