Old rusted out car sitting in a fieldOwning 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?

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Shopping around for a fuel-efficient vehicle is a smart choice. With gas prices in a constant state of flux, you never know when they’re going to shoot through the roof and make it difficult to afford filling up at the pump. Thanks to Toyota’s innovative technologies, the automaker is offering an impressive lineup of fuel-efficient cars that make life a little easier on your wallet.

1. 2016 Toyota Corolla

America’s favorite car, the Corolla has a longstanding tradition of quality and value. Thanks to recent updates, the 2016 incarnation of this sporty sedan boasts a max estimate of 42 miles to the gallon on the highway. That’s an impressive feat for a car of this size and style! Even the city estimate is great at 30 miles per gallon, making the Corolla the perfect car for the daily commute. The Corolla starts at just $17,230 and features user-friendly controls, generous legroom, and an impressive list of standard equipment that make it a worthwhile investment.

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There’s a lot to love about East Tennessee, including our off-beat attractions. While there may not seem like much to do in the immediate Kingsport area, locals generally know where to head to find the best, most unusual attractions that would surprise any tourist. If you’re ready to visit some of these sites, you’ll want to add the following to your itinerary:A pair of collectible white salt and pepper shakers with black script and designs

1. Titanic Museum

Located in Pigeon Forge, the quintessential Tennessean’s vacation spot, the RMS Titanic Museum boasts a half-scale model of the Titanic itself, just hanging out on the side of the road with the iceberg. It’s an unusual site when you first drive into Pigeon Forge, but the museum holds the claim to fame as being the world’s largest Titanic museum attraction. View the Titanic’s exclusive jewelry collection, have your photo taken on the ornate staircase, and see haunting special displays like the $1.7 million violin owned by the Titanic’s bandmaster.

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East Tennessee is a beautiful area to call home. Thanks to our prime location between the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, Kingsport boasts several nearby scenic drives that are best experienced in the cooler months when the air is crisp and the leaves are changing. If you’re looking for a great drive to take this weekend, here are a few you may consider:Waterfall pouring into a pond in Cades Cove

1. Cades Cove

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park less than three hours from Kingsport, Cades Cove is an isolated valley that was once home to numerous settlers. The loop through the cove is 11 miles long and circles back to the beginning, so drivers have the opportunity to experience Cades Cove at their own pace. Scattered along the loop are a variety of historical buildings as well – a testament to the area’s early settler days. Expect to see barns, log cabins, a working grist mill, churches, and other restored 18- and 19th-century structures.

The loop is open daily except for Christmas, and year-round campgrounds serve as the perfect place to pitch a tent and enjoy an entire weekend here. Simply take I-81 South and go through Townsend via TN-1 East. Continue straight on TN-73 into Cades Cove.

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It’s no secret that the Toyota Corolla is the bestselling car in the world. With the debut of the 2016 model, Toyota has once again proved that the Corolla will be a mainstay in the American car-buying tradition for years to come. The latest incarnation of this beloved car offers several features that make it a must-own for buyers currently comparing their options.Close-up of a Toyota insignia on the front of a 2016 Toyota Corrola

1. Sportiness

The Corolla may be sleek, but it’s also sporty. The Sport Mode button adds an invigorating feel to the ride, making it incredibly fun to drive. And the Corolla’s sportiness doesn’t stop with Sport Mode. The 2016 model also features race car-like front seats, a sport gauge cluster, paddle shifters, and a sportier driving position, all of which enhance the overall experience. If you’ve always had to sacrifice buying your favorite sports car in favor of a more family-friendly or economical sedan, the Corolla may just embody everything you’re looking for. This also makes the Corolla a great choice for students.

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