Hybrids have become such a popular choice among drivers due to low-emissions, high efficiency, and an enjoyable driving experience that used hybrids are becoming one of the most sought-after cars on the market. Continue reading to learn more about what you should consider when buying a used hybrid.
Shopping Guide for Buying a Used Hybrid
Buying Used Saves You Money
Just like buying any used car, buying a used hybrid will help you bypass the steepest slope of depreciation. Studies show that in just 4 years, the value of a new car can plummet up to 40% leaving you with a heavy loss on a big investment.
Look for a used hybrid that has low mileage, an outstanding vehicle history report, and a few years under its belt. Not only will this help you bypass the initial loss in value, it will also make the hybrid more affordable and will save you additional money on insurance.
Additional Homework Is Required
Some of the mechanical features you’ll want to check before buying a used hybrid are the same components you would look for in any used car such as fluids, leaks, brake wear, paint, body condition, tires, and upholstery.
Unlike traditional, however, you’ll need to do some additional homework and research when it comes to checking things like the electric drive system, battery packs, electric motors, and computerized electronic controls. These systems are unique to hybrid vehicles and can vary widely from one hybrid model to the next.
Invest in an Inspection
Invest in an independent inspection with a mechanic who specializes in hybrids to ensure everything is in working order. This is especially important if you are unfamiliar with how a hybrid drives or sounds since you won’t be able to rely on experience to tell you something seems off during the test drive.
Find a Trusted Model
Currently the leaders of the hybrid market are Toyota and Honda with the most popular hybrid model to date being the Toyota Prius. Nearly half of all hybrids on the road are currently Prius which means drivers love and trust the Prius over all other models. If you’re looking for a safe bet, choose a used model that has proven itself since the inception of hybrid technology.
Find a Used Hybrid in Philadelphia, PA
If you’re searching for used hybrid cars for sale in Philadelphia, PA, come to Central City Toyota. We’ll help you navigate our used and Certified Pre-Owned inventory so you can drive home in the used hybrid that suits your lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.
A certified pre-owned (CPO) Toyota is not just another used car. In order to obtain this certification, a vehicle must meet certain criteria to ensure it is well-equipped to hit the road again. Below is a look at the criteria that every CPO Toyota must meet before it joins our inventory.
How a Used Toyota Becomes Certified
Toyota’s 160-Point Inspection
The hallmark of CPO certification is Toyota’s rigorous 160-point inspection that each vehicle must pass in order to earn this coveted distinction. The inspection includes mechanical, detailing, and appearance standards and covers:
- Audio and alarm systems
- Braking system
- Engine compartment
- Exterior condition and appearance
- Hybrid components
- Fuel cell components
- Interior condition and appearance
- Steering system
- Transmission
- Vehicle history
- Battery system
- Emissions and state inspection
- Engine coolant and HVAC system
- Frame, structure, and underbody
- Instrument panel and electronic systems
- Lighting systems
- Tires and suspension system
- Trunk compartment and spare tire
- Additional items when applicable
The inspection also requires that any repairs or reconditioning be performed by a Toyota-certified technician.
Vehicle History Report
Every certified pre-owned Toyota comes with a detailed vehicle history report that outlines every accident, repair, routine maintenance like oil changes, liens, registrations, and more. With a CPO Toyota, nothing is kept secret from the customer.
Age and Mileage Restrictions
A Toyota CPO may not be more than 6 years old or have more than 85,000 miles under its belt, ensuring you’re getting a vehicle with plenty of life left in it.
Warranties
In order for a Toyota to be sold as a CPO, it must be accompanied by Toyota’s CPO warranty that includes:
- 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection
- 1-year/12,000-mile additional CPO bumper-to-bumper warranty
- 7-year/100,000-mile CPO powertrain warranty
- Roadside assistance
Find Your Toyota CPO in Philadelphia, PA
Start your journey by browsing the inventory of Toyota CPO vehicles for sale at Central City Toyota in Philadelphia, PA. And while you’re at it, be sure to check out our selection of other used cars, trucks, and SUVs for sale as well.
When you find one you like, go ahead and schedule your test drive online so we can have the engine warm when you arrive. A Toyota CPO is not just another used car, and Central City Toyota is anything but another used car dealership.
January is the time to celebrate a fresh start. As you pause to examine what changes to your lifestyle and routine you see for 2021, consider what resolutions you could create for your car as well.
A smooth running car requires regular maintenance. Continue reading to learn how to integrate a car maintenance checklist into your New Year’s routine.
Car Maintenance Checklist
Inspect and Rotate Your Tires
There are few things worse than finding yourself stuck on the side of the road, flipping through your owner’s manual to learn how to change a tire on the fly. While a flat or blown tire is often unavoidable, there are steps you can take to extend the life of your tires, and those will help save you money and keep your passengers safe.
Monitor the tread of your tires. The thickness of the tread will likely indicate how much longer you’ll be able to drive with these tires before they become unsafe. If the tread begins to wear thin, it’s time to start shopping for new tires.
You should also check the pressure of your tires once a month by using a tire gauge, and schedule an appointment to rotate your tires every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. During these service appointments, your service technician will do a quick inspection for damage so you can rest assured your tires are still safe to use.
Change Fluids and Filters
Clean and adequate oil, washer fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and other fluids are vital to the key functions of your car. Neglecting to monitor the levels and quality of these fluids could have disastrous effects on the performance or even safety of your car.
Replacing your filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions will help preserve the life and quality of your car. If you are unsure of how to find, clean, or replace these filters, our team at Central City Toyota has these parts available and can take care of this step for you.
Wash and Wax
Exposure to the elements can wear down the protective clear coat of your car over time. Salt from winter roads, rain, and even sunlight can have disastrous effects on your paint job, which could lead to rust or other unsightly blemishes. A simple wash and wax once a month can create a protective barrier to slow the wear and tear of the exterior of your car.
Schedule Service in Philadelphia, PA
Book an appointment today at Central City Toyota to get your new year started off right. Our service center provides car maintenance services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Be sure to check out our available service coupons when you come.
Your Toyota Tire Questions Answered
Want to know how to properly care for your tires in 2021 and beyond? Continue reading to learn the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
How often should I rotate my tires?
Rotating your tires is important for a number of reasons. First of all, it helps your tires to wear down evenly over time. Rotating and balancing your tires also provides a much smoother driving experience. If your wheels are misaligned or if the tires wear unevenly, you’ll notice a distinct shaking of the steering wheel, which can be less than pleasant.
It’s recommended that you rotate and balance your tires every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or at least as often as you get your oil changed.
How much tread should my tires have?
There are a number of factors to consider when deciding whether you have adequate tread on your tires, but in general, it’s time to start shopping for new tires once the tread depth reaches 3/32”. If you consistently drive on snowy roads or if rain is common where you live, then you’ll want to replace your tires a bit sooner.
The way to measure the depth of your tire tread is by using a tread depth gauge, which can be found at your local auto parts store. Another trick is to place a penny upside down in the grooves of your tire. If Lincoln’s head can be seen, then that’s a good indicator you’re close to needing new tires.
What should the air pressure be in my tires?
Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). The recommended PSI for your tires is specific to the make and model of your car. You can find the recommended PSI in your owner’s manual or on a sticker just inside the driver-side door.
It’s vital that you monitor the air pressure in your tires, especially when the seasons change, since the tire pressure will fluctuate depending on the temperature outside. Try to check your tire pressure at least once a month to avoid driving on under- or overinflated tires.
How can I make my tires last longer?
Routine tire maintenance and inspections are the best ways to help your tires last as long as possible. Driving with underinflated tires, misaligned wheels, worn vehicle parts, or consistently driving on harsh terrain can take a toll on your tires. Take proactive measures to stretch the life of your tires.
Schedule a Tire Inspection in Philadelphia, PA
The tire center at Central City Toyota offers tire repair and replacement services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Schedule service today, and be sure to the advantage of our available service specials when you come.
See How the Toyota Financing Process Works
Our goal at Central City Toyota is to provide every individual with the opportunity to own a safe and reliable car, even if you have less-than-stellar credit. Continue reading to learn more about our financing process.
How the Financing Process Works
See If You Prequalify
The first step in the financing process is to get pre-qualified for any of our available loans. The application process is quick and easy which essentially provides us with an overview of your current financial situation. Based on a few factors including your income, employer, and housing costs, we will compile a list of available loan options for you to consider.
Compare Your Loan Options
Once you know which loans you qualify for, you can examine them in more detail to decide which option would best fit within your monthly budget. Using our available online payment calculator, you can get a better idea of what your monthly payments will be by adjusting the down payment, interest rate, and loan term.
Other Financing Tools
Trade-In Your Vehicle
If you’re planning to upgrade your current vehicle, request an automatic trade-in appraisal for an almost instant quote based on Kelley Blue Book values that can be applied to your next car purchase. We pay top dollar for quality vehicles and the appraisal takes less than ten seconds to complete. Skip the headache of trying to sell your car independently and let us upgrade your vehicle in a single step.
Special Offers
Throughout the year, we highlight some of our favorite models in the dealership by offering used Toyota specials. Check out which specials are available today and be sure to check back to see which financing specials we may offer next.
Find Your Next Vehicle Philadelphia, PA
Now that you understand how our financing process works, visit Central City Toyota to take advantage of these loans, specials, and tools so you can drive home in the car of your dreams. We have an impressive inventory of used Toyota cars for sale in Philadelphia, PA. Our finance center is ready to help you explore which financing options are right for you and your budget. Give us a call today or drop by our dealership to schedule a test drive.
Car Service Tips to Help Prep Your Car for Fall
Don’t wait until cold, dark weather sets in to find out that the heat or lights in your car are malfunctioning. Continue reading to learn more.
How to Prep Your Car for Fall
Replace Dimming Bulbs
Fall comes with a number of risk factors that require your headlights, brake lights, fog lights, and turn indicators to be working properly. Shorter days mean that you might find yourself driving in the dark more than you did during the summer. You’ll also be sharing the roads with more students as they wait at bus stops or in some locations you may have to look out for increased animal activity on the roads. Another common companion on your morning drive could be fog. Confirming that these lights are all in working order will not only ensure you have clear visibility of the road ahead, it will help other drivers see you clearly as well.
Crank the Heat
Chances are you haven’t had to use the heat in your car in quite some time. Now that colder weather is settling in, you’ll want to make sure everything in your HVAC system is in working order. Doing so now will make sure you won’t have to bundle up with a jacket, gloves, and hat just to make it through your morning commute.
Inspect the Tires
Often the last thing on our minds, tire health is an important thing to monitor and check in the fall months since bald tires will do little to help you navigate frosted or icy roads.
If you can’t remember the last time you had your tires inspected, rotated, and aligned, now is the perfect time to do so. Your technician will be able to assess whether your tires can safely survive another cold season or if they should be retired and replaced. He will also be able to look for and patch any minor damages before further wear and tear set in.
Finally, you should check to ensure each tire is adequately inflated. The cold air outside the tires causes the air within the tire to compress, therefore lowering the tire pressure well below recommended levels. Keep a tire pressure gauge handy to check that your tires are properly inflated.
Schedule Fall Service in Philadelphia, PA
Don’t wait another day to schedule service at Central City Toyota. Our service center will ensure everything is in working order before the colder weather arrives. Don’t forget to ask about our available service specials when you come in.
Become a First-Time Car Owner in Philadelphia, PA
Now that you’ve decided to buy your first car, it’s important to complete these three vital steps. Continue reading to learn more.
First-Time Buyer Checklist
Schedule Your First Inspection
The first step after buying a car is to find a local mechanic and schedule service for a thorough inspection. This will help you determine if this is a mechanic you can trust for future services and will also expose any surprises that might be lying under the hood of your car.
By taking this step as soon as you purchase your car, you can request any crucial repairs that need to be taken care of before your car warranty expires. It will also be a great opportunity for you to ask your mechanic for a general maintenance schedule so you can prepare accordingly.
Familiarize Yourself With Your Owners Manual
An owners manual is more than just something that should sit in the glove compartment. It provides valuable information to help you care for, maintain, and repair your car if the need arises.
If you’re in a crisis situation in need of guidance, it is important that you know where to find the necessary information in your owners manual. This could include anything from indicator lights to the location of your spare tire. Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the contents now so that you’ll be able to react accordingly if necessary
Create a Maintenance Schedule
The longevity and quality of your car largely depends on how well you maintain your car. Routine maintenance such as an oil change, tire rotation, brake inspection, and filter replacement are non negotiable if you want to keep your car running safely.
In addition to these mechanical maintenance tasks, you’ll also want to ensure you maintain the cleanliness of your car, inside and out. Dirt, grime, and salt can build up on the undercarriage of your car which will develop rust. Without properly washing and waxing the paint on your car, it will become dull, lifeless, and may even begin to peel off.
Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for the specific make and model of your car. When in doubt, consult with your owners manual or with a trusted mechanic.
Become a First-Time Car Owner in Philadelphia, PA
If you’re still on the lookout for your first car, visit Central City Toyota. We have an impressive inventory of used cars for sale in Philadelphia, PA. Our team will help you narrow down your options until you find the perfect set of wheels to match your lifestyle. Give us a call or drop by our dealership today to get started.
News Release
Philadelphia, PA
Central City Toyota is tapping into a familiar partnership. From now until the end of August, our dealership will assist another fixture of Philadelphia, the Enterprise Center, in donating 2,000 meals to members of the local community.
A nonprofit organization, the Enterprise Center has been offering support to minority entrepreneurs and investing in under-resourced communities for more than 30 years. Their diverse team hosts workshops and events, launches neighborhood revitalization initiatives, and provides a wealth of other resident services.
We hope this partnership will enrich the lives of our fellow community members and continue to inspire positive growth through these challenging times.
Central City Toyota: A Proud Force for Good in the Community
At Central City Toyota, we’ve been providing goods and services to the greater Philadelphia area for decades. This community means a lot to us, which is why we actively support dozens of causes and organizations like the Enterprise Center meal giveaway. For more details, contact our dealership.
Toyota Financial Services gives more than just loans. The company is just as generous at giving back to the community.
The longtime leader of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was recently named — yet again — as one of the most community-minded companies in the U.S. by Points of Light Foundation.
This marks the sixth consecutive year that Toyota Financial Services has been included on the Points of Light Foundation’s Civic 50 list and was ranked as the number-one company in the Financial Services sector for the second straight year.
The Civic 50 measures the level and impact of community engagement among corporations and is based on Integration, Investment, Impact and Institutionalization.
Where Toyota Financial Services Shines
Toyota Financial Services is the arm of the Toyota brand that offers financing and leasing services, payment and protection programs and insurance and maintenance plans to drivers everywhere.
Toyota Financial Services was recognized on the list for its commitment to youth development, volunteer programs and both national and local partnerships like those with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Girl Scouts of the USA. The company’s community efforts have helped these youths become more on track to attend college and become more self-reliant and financially informed.
It Starts From Within
Toyota Financial Services’ outreach begins at the top. The company develops team members using community involvement programs such as the Community Ambassador program, which promotes the building of strategic partnerships with nonprofits and community activities.
The company even offers paid-time volunteering and includes employee community involvement targets on the corporate scoreboard. In fact, 63% of all Toyota Financial Services employees volunteer in their communities.
Central City Toyota Stands With Philadelphia
Community outreach is a passion for local members of the Toyota family, too. Central City Toyota has been involved with a number of organizations in our neighborhood that include:
- Ronald McDonald House Philadelphia
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Anti-Defamation League
- DMAX Foundation
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer
- Special Olympics Pennsylvania
- Families Forward Philadelphia
- CARing for Kids Foundation
All told, Central City Toyota proudly supports well over 100 organizations.
If you need help financing a new or used Toyota vehicle, pay a visit to the finance department at Central City Toyota where our customers and community come first.
Car Shopping Tips for the College-Bound Teen
Now that you’ve graduated, it’s time to plan what life will look like in the fall. Continue reading for some helpful car shopping tips so you can drive to college with the perfect set of wheels.
Car Shopping Tips for Undergrads
Choose a Lifestyle, Not a Car
Rather than investing in a car with the most dazzling features, make an investment in your new lifestyle. Consider what you want your new life to look like and then seek out specific features which will equip you to do so.
If you plan to travel or commute on a regular basis, then consider a car with low mileage and a high efficiency rating. Generally speaking, sedans and small or compact SUVs offer higher gas mileage than larger models. If adventure is in your future, then look for a car that can handle tough terrain and is equipped to haul your bike, kayak, or skis. If storage or cargo space is a necessity, consider a pickup or a car with collapsible rear seats.
Framing your mindset in this manner will help you find the car that will adapt to your lifestyle rather than having to adapt your college experience to the limitations of your car.
Invest Wisely
Your college years are the perfect time to learn how to save and prioritize your resources. While driving a brand new car right off the lot may sound like an amazing investment in the next chapter of your life, there are other options to consider which may prove to be a wiser investment.
The greatest amount of depreciation occurs in the first three years of a car’s life. Buying a used or certified pre-owned (CPO) car instead will protect your investment more than buying new. Resources like CARFAX and other vehicle history report sites can provide a detailed look into how a used car was handled and maintained by its previous owners. CPO cars are hand-picked by licenced technicians who have inspected and refurbished the car, and who can vouch for the quality of the car.
Find Your Next Car in Philadelphia, PA
The best way to compare cars is to experience them in person at Central City Toyota. We have a variety of used Toyota cars for sale in Philadelphia, PA. We also have CPO Toyota models for added peace of mind. Give us a call today to learn more and be sure to see what Toyota finance options we have available.
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