J.D. Power has released its 2020 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, and the Toyota Motor Corporation was honored to rank in the top 5 of overall vehicle brands. In addition, they won the most segment awards in the study, a total of six — two for the luxury brand Lexus vehicles and four for Toyota. Awards were given to these four Toyota vehicles, in their respective segments: the Toyota 4Runner, the Toyota Avalon, the Toyota Tundra, and the Toyota Sienna.
These four award-winning Toyota vehicles offer even more than their exceptional dependability. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Featured 4 Award-Winning Toyota Vehicles
Toyota 4Runner
This full-size SUV is known for its versatility, adventure-ready capabilities, and power. Over the years, the 4Runner’s quality has been recognized with multiple awards. The 2019 model was in Kelley Blue Book’s Top 10 for Best Resale Value. Consumer ratings from Kelley Blue Book scored the Toyota 4Runner 4.6 out of 5, and a 4.8 out of 5 for Reliability in particular. These ratings applied to 2010-current Toyota 4Runner models.
Shop the used Toyota 4Runner for sale in Philadelphia, PA.
Toyota Avalon
This full-size sedan is known for its spacious interior, luxury trimmings and agility. The Toyota Avalon won multiple awards over the last few years, including:
- IIHS Top Safety Pick When Equipped with HID Headlights – 2019
- Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value: Full Size Car – 2018
- NHTSA 5-star Safety Rating – 2018
Shop the used Toyota Avalon for sale in Philadelphia, PA.
Toyota Tundra
This full-size pickup truck is known for its sturdy construction, impressive capabilities, and multiple configuration It’s no surprise that the Toyota Tundra has won multiple awards before this one, including the following:
- Edmunds Best Retained Value Winner for Large Trucks – 2019
- Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Award – 2019
- Kelley Blue Book Top 10 Best Resale Value – 2019
- Kelley Blue Book Consumer Ratings 4.8 / 5
Shop the used Toyota Tundra for sale in Philadelphia, PA.
Toyota Sienna
This family-friendly minivan is known for its reliability, convenience features, and versatility. In addition, safety is paramount for the Sienna. You can enjoy peace of mind driving your kids, thanks to this minivan’s multiple active and passive safety features. In fact, the 2020 Toyota Sienna received a 5-star Safety Rating from the NHTSA.
Shop the used Toyota Sienna for sale in Philadelphia, PA.
Shop Central City Toyota in Philadelphia, PA
Central City Toyota is your go-to used Toyota dealership. With stress-free shopping and exceptional customer service, you’ll want to explore our large inventory of used cars for sale in Philadelphia, PA.
If you’re looking for a car that’s equipped to help you navigate rush-hour traffic safely, consider a Toyota. Packed with Driver-Assistance features, Toyota models can help you monitor and respond to potential threats around you. Continue reading to explore some of the highlights of the Toyota Safety Sense™ safety suite.
Toyota Safety Sense™ (TSS) Highlights
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) helps to maintain a safe distance between you and the car ahead while traveling on the highway. With traditional cruise control, you are responsible for adjusting your speed to match the car ahead. With DRCC, you can set your speed and relax knowing that the radar in your front grille will adjust your speed to maintain a preset distance from the vehicles ahead. If braking is required, your Toyota will notify you audibly and visually before brakes are engaged.
In models with automatic transmission, available Full-Speed Range DRCC can operate from 0-110 mph. This means that your Toyota can automatically adjust its speed all the way to a complete stop to avoid collision.
Pre-Collision System With Pedestrian Detection
By utilizing a camera, radar sensors, and laser sensors, Pre-Collision System With Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/ PD) can help you avoid or mitigate collisions by detecting pedestrians or other vehicles ahead of you and alerting you to take evasive measures when necessary. If a potential collision is detected, you will be alerted audibly and visually to hit the brakes. Brake Assist (BA) will heighten the responsiveness of your braking or will even brake automatically to help you avoid a collision.
Certain models can also detect cyclists during daylight hours using Bicyclist Detection. Like Pedestrian Detection, Bicyclist Detection will audibly alert you if a collision seems possible so you can brake or steer accordingly.
Lane Departure Alert
When traveling at speeds over 32 mph on roads with visible lane markings, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) can detect if you begin to drift into another lane. If drifting is detected, an audio and visual notice will alert you to safely recenter your car in the lane. Certain models also offer Steering Assist which can make subtle adjustments to your steering to help you stay in your lane.
With available Road Edge Detection, your Toyota will also be able to detect if your car is drifting off the road, even if a visible lane marker is not present.
Which Used Toyota Car Is Right for You?
If you’re hoping to start 2020 off with a new car but don’t know where to start, continue reading to find out which used Toyota car is right for you.
5 Used Toyota Cars to Consider in the New Year
Corolla
First introduced in 1966, the Toyota Corolla is now entering its twelfth generation and has proven to be one of the most popular sedans for several decades. This compact car is safe, reliable, and best of all, simple. Rather than investing in bells and whistles, with the Corolla you’ll be investing in quality performance which will retain its value, keep your family safe, and run well for years to come.
Camry
If you like the reliability of the Corolla but prefer a bit more cabin and trunk space, the Toyota Camry may be the way to go. This midsize sedan is a family favorite and offers a slightly edgier exterior design. A bit more kick in the engine delivers the get-up-and-go you need to keep up with your family’s busy lifestyle.
RAV4
If a small SUV is in your future, then you have to consider the Toyota RAV4. Designed for adventure, this popular SUV is packed with features which allow the RAV4 to perform just as well in the great outdoors as it does in the city. Compact and highly efficient, the RAV4 is perfect for your daily commute and your next weekend getaway.
Highlander
Designed for the growing family, the Toyota Highlander offers space, versatility, and performance features that can take you and up to 7 of your favorite passengers wherever you need to go this year. Spacious seats collapse to reveal more than enough cargo space for any adventure. If you’re in the market for a family-size SUV, then the Highlander is the way to go.
Prius
The Toyota Prius set the standard for raising efficiency and lowering emissions. Not only can the Prius extend every drop of gas and help lower carbon emissions, it comes in a stylish and spacious design. Unlike many other hybrids, the Prius offers ample legroom for passengers and can compete with the performance of many gas-powered sedans.
Test Drive a Toyota in Philadelphia, PA
If one of these cars sounds like the right choice for you, visit Central City Toyota. We have a diverse inventory of used Toyota cars for sale in Philadelphia, PA. Contact our sales team to schedule your test drive today.
How the Car Financing Process Works
Shopping for a new car is always exciting — until you realize you have to figure out a way to pay for it. At Central City Toyota, our financing process makes getting behind the wheel easy and worry-free. Learn about how our financing process works and how we help customers just like you drive away in a new set of wheels.
The Financing Process Explained
Financing a new or used car at Central City Toyota essentially involves just two easy steps.
Get prequalified
Begin the financing process by filling out some basic information online in order to get pre-approved for a loan. Just tell us what kind of car you’re interested in and a little about your employer, income and housing costs. The application process takes only a few minutes to complete.
See your loan options
Once you’ve submitted your application, we’ll contact you with some financing options that will work with your budget. We even work with customers who have less-than-perfect credit.
Additional Financing Tools
Below you’ll find some additional tools to help you throughout the financing process.
Monthly payment calculator
Use our online payment calculator to estimate your monthly payment based on your loan amount, down payment, term length, and interest rate. Or, you can use the same information to determine your buying power and find out how much car you can comfortably afford.
Trade-in appraisal
If you have a car to trade in, use our online tool to calculate your Kelley Blue Book instant cash offer. It takes just 10 seconds to see the same data that we look at in determining the value of your car. We even have a vehicle exchange program that offers above market value, similar or lower monthly payments, better financing terms, and a reduced cost of ownership.
Special offers
Before settling on a financing plan, check out our vehicle finance specials to see if you can get a great deal before our generous financing even begins. Take advantage of a special offer on a certified pre-owned vehicle, and take the fast lane toward financing your next ride.
Visit Us Today in Philadelphia, PA
Visit us today on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to see the type of cars you can drive away in with the help of our financing process. You’ll even find luxury brands on our lot.
At Central City Toyota, your commute begins with the right kind of financing.
When It’s Time for a Toyota Battery Change
In order for the electrical systems in your car to function, you need to have a healthy battery in place. Over time, even the most robust battery will succumb to everyday use and regular wear. Your battery is especially susceptible to those harsh Philadelphia winters.
When your battery goes, you could find yourself stalled. To avoid this, stay on top of battery maintenance, and have your car battery replaced before it expires. Here are a few signs that it’s about to happen.
4 Signs It’s Time for a Battery Change
Your engine is noticeably slower to start
If the engine in your car is taking longer than normal to turn over, it could spell trouble for your battery. If you hear a clicking sound, and your engine is completely dead, there’s a good chance your battery is responsible.
You notice electrical issues
Are your headlights dimmer than usual? Are your windshield wipers relaying properly? What about your power windows? If you run into problems with your car’s electrical systems — even if it’s on a come-and-go basis — a bad battery could be the culprit.
Warning lights have been activated
If your dashboard battery light is illuminated, you’re obviously going to suspect something is amiss with the battery. But did you know that other lights, including the check engine light, can indicate a weak battery, too?
Your battery is close to its warranty date
It’s not unheard of for a quality car battery to hold up for a good five or six years. That doesn’t mean that you should forget about it, though. Do you remember the date of your last battery replacement or the warranty expiration date? Finding out will give you an idea of what you can expect.
Schedule Service in Philadelphia, PA
Stay on top of battery maintenance for your car, and make sure you don’t get stuck somewhere. To make an appointment in our service center, contact Central City Toyota at your next opportunity.
The service team at Central City Toyota is here to assist you in battery diagnostics, repair, replacement, and more.
How Often Should I Get an Oil Change?
Most car owners are well aware that in order to keep their car functioning at peak condition, they need to invest in some basic, routine maintenance. One example of this is an oil change. Getting an oil change at regular intervals extends your car’s lifespan, enhances its performance, and prevents engine failure.
The big question is, how often do you actually need to get your oil changed? It’s a question without a simple or straightforward answer. It really depends on the kind of car you’re driving, and the conditions in which you drive it.
Determining How Often You Need an Oil Change
There are a few steps you can take to determine the regularity with which your engine oil should be changed. The easiest way is to simply consult your owner’s manual. This manual was written by the engineers who designed your car, so they know better than anybody what its service needs are.
If you can’t locate your owner’s manual, try a Google search. Many automotive manufacturers make manuals available online.
Alternatively, a service technician can advise you on how regularly you should have your oil changed. Simply contact our service center for an estimate.
Signs You’re Due for an Oil Change
In addition, be alert to the following red flags, any one of which is a clear indicator that your car is due for a service visit.
- Your Check Oil light is illuminated on the dashboard.
- You hear a grinding or clunking sound coming from your engine.
- Your oil level is lower than recommended (check this using the dipstick).
- Your engine oil is dark or dirty (again, check with the dipstick).
- You notice blue smoke coming from your exhaust pipe (this means your car is burning oil, and it points to an urgent maintenance issue).
Schedule an Oil Change Today in Philadelphia, PA
Having a routine oil change is critical for ensuring your car runs as intended — and it can save you from costly repair needs down the road. If you have any questions about your vehicle’s service needs, or you’re ready to schedule an oil and filter change, reach out to Central City Toyota today.
We’re pleased to announce that our General Manager, Jamie Haberle, has accepted a community service award from the Philadelphia Police Department on behalf of our dealership. Returning customers and followers are familiar with how much emphasis we place on serving our community at Central City Toyota, so you know how proud we are of this recognition.
As part of the Bigger Than Me Bookbag Giveaway on Friday, August 23, the Philadelphia 18th Police District distributed more than 400 bags to students on their way back to school. As part of the event, kids were also offered free school supplies, haircuts, and eye exams.
The bigger Than me bookbag Giveaway with Nv my eyewear! A special Thank you to all the sponsors. A little under 400 bags was given to the community. @NBCPhiladelphia @FOX29philly @6abc @Dj_Neeeknyce @PPDMGillespie @PPDDerrickWood @PhillyPolice @ppu215 @phillypolice @StaplesStores pic.twitter.com/OILe7ZnWxs
— PPD 18th District (@PPD18Dist) August 24, 2019
Central City Toyota and our sister dealership Ardmore Toyota are proud to sponsor a life-changing event like this one.
Central City Toyota Continues a Tradition of Outreach
Our dealership is part of a family business dating back to the early 1900s, and community involvement has always been at the heart of what we do. The Paul Family has previously been recognized in People Magazine for its community service, and we follow Max and Brad’s belief that even the smallest accomplishments are born from humility and grow through charity.
We’re partnered with organizations throughout our community, including the DMAX Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Philadelphia, and Children’s Hospital Philadelphia. For a full list of organizations, events, and groups we sponsor, visit our Community Involvement page.
If you would like to discuss getting involved with an event, we encourage you to reach out to us by phone or via our website.
When purchasing a new car for yourself, you’re looking for something that is both reliable and affordable. Many brand new cars may be a bit out of your budget. Fortunately, there is another option: pre-owned. Nowadays, you can find used cars that are dependable and that won’t break the bank. Before you start shopping, make sure you’re fully informed about the differences between used cars and certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles, as well as the benefits of shopping for one over the other.
Buyer’s Guide: Used vs. CPO Cars
Certified Pre-Owned Cars
Certified pre-owned cars come with a manufacturer-backed warranty that can extend the typical warranty for up to several years. This means that you can rest assured knowing that your car will be serviced for most issues without you having to pay an exorbitant amount of money out of pocket.
In addition to the warranty, certified pre-owned cars are typically those in the best condition out of a dealership’s inventory. Purchasing certified pre-owned is the closest you will get to buying a new vehicle while shopping at used car values.
Used Cars
Used cars have one major benefit over their certified counterparts: lower cost. Since these often don’t come with a warranty, you may not have to pay as much out of pocket. The money you save can instead go into an emergency savings account that you can use in case of an issue down the road.
Another benefit for some used cars is that they may not even require an extra warranty. Depending on how new the car is, it might have some remaining factory warranty when you make the purchase. However, it is wise to consult with the seller to ensure that the warranty can be transferred to a new owner.
Purchase Pre-Owned Cars Near Philadelphia, PA
Once you’ve decided on purchasing a certified or non-certified pre-owned car, you need to find a reputable dealer. If you’re in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area, come by Central City Toyota and check out our large inventory of used cars for sale. You can also schedule a free test drive so you can get a feel for the car before you purchase.
Celebrating Central City Toyota’s 50th Anniversary
Central City Toyota is excited to celebrate its 50th Anniversary this year. But it actually started much earlier than that — it began in 1905 with a bicycle repair shop. Read on below to see how our award-winning dealership became what it is today.
The Story of Central City Toyota
In 1905, Max Paul started a small bicycle repair shop in the Philadelphia area, and there he honed his mechanic skills. This set him up for success running the family business: the Paul Brothers Auto Body.
Max and his son Harry were then approached with the opportunity to become a Toyota dealership. Central City Toyota was the first convenient location to be opened in Philadelphia, followed later by the equally renowned Ardmore Toyota, located nearby in Ardmore, PA. Success soon followed, and it hasn’t slowed down since.
Throughout the years, our car dealership has made a name for itself in the community, both for its service and its philanthropic endeavors. When it comes to customer service, Central City Toyota is unparalleled. In fact, our store won The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Family-Owned Business Award this year.
The best part of success? Sharing it with the community. We have been involved with many worthy causes and non-profit organizations. Here are just a few:
- DMAX Foundation
- Anti-defamation League
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer
- CARing for Kids Foundation
We’re especially proud of our partnership with the Ronald McDonald House. Since 1985, we have donated two Toyota Sienna minivans to the nonprofit every three years. This allows people to easily travel from the house to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
And the partnership doesn’t end there. Last year, we helped sponsor the 2018 Hit ‘em for the House Opening, a golf event that raised over $150,000 for the Ronald McDonald House.
Shop Central City Toyota in Philadelphia, PA
Our reputation for excellence extends to our service center, financing department, and inventory. Our wide selection of used vehicles includes all the popular Toyota models you know and love: the RAV4, Corolla, Camry, Tacoma, and more. Learn the benefits of buying used Toyota vehicles here.
How Often You Should Replace Your Car Brakes
One of the basic necessities of a car is its ability to stop. That’s why you never want to take a risk when it comes to brake performance.
The best way to ensure your brakes are working properly is to replace the brake pads when they’ve worn down. The time it takes for brake pads to wear down depends on a variety of factors, including the vehicle model, driving habits, and driving frequency. In general, though, brake pads will need to be replaced every 50,000 miles — the overarching range being 25,000 to 70,000 miles.
Usually, a mechanic will check the brake pads when they’re performing other car maintenance services. However, it’s best to be safe and request a brake pad check during your next oil change, tire rotation, or other regular auto service appointment.
Signs Your Car May Need the Brake Pads Replaced
Even before you reach 25,000 or 50,000 miles, you’ll want to watch out for signs that your brake pads need to be replaced.
Here are some common signals that you should have your brakes checked:
- You hear an unusual, persistent sound when you press on the brakes, such as a squeaking noise, squealing noise, or a deep grinding metal sound.
- The brake warning light turns on. This light is located on the dashboard and sometimes reads “BRAKE” with an exclamation point in a circle.
- The brake pedal vibrates when you drive.
- The brakes look to measure less than 1/4” thick.
Don’t Hesitate to Schedule a Car Brake Inspection in Philadelphia, PA
While Toyota vehicles are known for their reliability, you’ll still want to make sure your brake performance is what it should be. Ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers by bringing your car to a high-quality auto service center at an award-winning dealership.
At Central City Toyota in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, our expert technicians can evaluate your car brakes accurately and quickly. Schedule your service appointment today.
Here are other auto service resources to help ensure your Toyota gets the care it needs:

