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:
At Central City Toyota, we pride ourselves on being more than a car dealership — we’re an active member of our local community in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. That’s why we have formed a philanthropic partnership with the Ronald McDonald House.
The Ronald McDonald House and How Central City Gives Back
The Ronald McDonald House is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support families of critically ill children. The Philadelphia location provides everything from lodging to transportation and meals to families whose kids are being treated at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.
In addition to this program, the nonprofit hosts the Ronald McDonald camp for children with cancer and their siblings. It also provides oral health care services to children in the North Philadelphia area via the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile unit. This service is part of a partnership with St. Christopher’s Foundation for Children.
Every three years, Central City Toyota gives back to this great cause with the donation of two Toyota Sienna minivans. This tradition began in 1985, initiated by Central City Toyota owner Max Paul. Since taxicabs are often expensive, the Ronald McDonald House needed a more affordable mode of transportation so they could transport families to and from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
In addition to this donation, Central City Toyota ensures technology experts train volunteers on how to operate the Sienna minivans and take advantage of its cutting-edge technologies.
If you’re in the market for a reliable vehicle, don’t just choose any car dealership — choose a local business that truly cares about the community. Contact us for more information.
Central City Toyota is proud to be recognized as one of the 2019 winners of the Family-Owned Business Award. This award is given out by the Philadelphia Inquirer to companies which have displayed impressive business success and accomplishments over the past year, as well as community and civic engagement.
Central City Toyota’s Story
There are two dealerships that comprise the Central City Toyota company: Central City Toyota and Ardmore Toyota. Central City Toyota has been with Toyota since 1969, and 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of bringing Toyota to West Philadelphia.
Over this time period, Central City Toyota and now Ardmore Toyota have contributed to the local community in many very meaningful ways. We employ many local residents, helping the local economy overall. We have also been a part of several philanthropic efforts in the Philadelphia community, including Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House and the Enterprise Center.
Every three years, Ardmore Toyota and Central City Toyota donate two Toyota Sienna minivans to the Ronald McDonald House. The tradition started in 1985 when owner Max Paul and his wife Sandi decided to donate Toyota minivans to the Ronald McDonald House so families could be transported to and from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Following the donations, volunteers are trained by technology experts on how to use the vans and the new and evolving technologies in the Siennas.
How Central City Toyota Values Its Employees and Community
At Central City Toyota, we face challenges by following the Japanese concept of “Kaizen,” meaning “continuous improvement.” We’re always looking to improve for our employees, our customers, and our neighbors in the community.
Most importantly, Central City Toyota looks to build long-lasting relationships with our customers. Our proudest moment comes when a customer tells us that they’re a third or fourth generation family member who purchased or serviced their vehicle at one of our dealerships.
Central City Toyota will be officially honored with the Family-Owned Business Award at a luncheon on May 16, 2019. Be on the lookout for our profile in the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Sunday edition in late May. You can also visit or contact Central City Toyota here.
ToyotaCare Is There for You When You Need It Most
Taking on the payments and fees associated with your new car is already a big responsibility, so maintenance and roadside mishaps are the last things you want to worry about. Luckily, with ToyotaCare, you don’t have to. When you opt into this zero-cost warranty plan, you’ll enjoy factory-recommended Toyota service in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and more — all on Toyota.
Let’s review some of the perks below.
Peace of Mind Comes Standard With ToyotaCare
No Cost Maintenance
Under ToyotaCare, select vehicles qualify for routine maintenance for the first 2 years or 2,500 miles from the date of first use — whichever comes first.* That means fluid level adjustments and engine oil and filter changes are completely covered at their manufacturer-suggested intervals. So are multi-point inspections. And when you need parts replaced? We’ll switch them out with Genuine Toyota parts.
Roadside Assistance
You can’t foresee everything the road’s going to throw at you. That’s why ToyotaCare makes roadside assistance available for the first 2 years of ownership.** The best part? Mileage restrictions don’t apply.
Who hasn’t experienced one of those days when they’ve left their keys in the ignition or their car won’t start? It’s a good thing that battery jump-starts, lockout protection, and emergency fuel delivery are all included in the plan. And if you find yourself in a rut, ToyotaCare’s roadside assistance also offers towing, winching, and tire services.
Schedule Toyota Service in Philadelphia
We’re proud to honor ToyotaCare for applicable vehicles at Central City Toyota. Contact our dealership today and speak with one of our friendly customer service representatives for more details.
* Applies to normal factory scheduled service for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Refer to Toyota dealer for details and exclusions.
** Excludes parts and fluids, except emergency fuel delivery. Refer to Toyota dealer for details and exclusions.
Toyota Continues to Be a Beacon of Longevity
Making sure your car gets regular maintenance is an easy way to help ensure that it stays on the road for years. However, some makes and models are just designed to last longer than others. Iseecars.com examined this principle in an extensive 2017 study and came up with some staggering results.
So, if you’re looking for a reliable car, truck, or SUV, which should you choose?
Toyota Dominates List of Cars People Keep for 15 Years
Explaining the Parameters
This study was designed to help give us an idea of which makes and models were still on the road after 15 years of use. The study examined over 650,000 cars, trucks, and SUVs, including foreign and domestic options. Aside from looking at different models and styles, they even took vehicles from different years, including those from 1981 to 2002. So what models came out on top?
Looking at the Rankings
The top 15 vehicles on the list provide immediate insight into which automaker seems to view dependability as a critical factor. Toyota has nine different models in the top 12, including the Toyota Highlander, which tops the list.
After the Highlander, four more Toyotas claim spots 2 through 5, including the Toyota Sienna, the Toyota Tundra, the Toyota Prius, and the RAV4. The list also includes the Sequoia, the Tacoma, the Avalon, and the Camry.
Another interesting aspect of the results is that Toyota doesn’t just have one type of vehicle on the list. With a hybrid and several sedans, trucks, SUVs to choose from, it’s clear that reliability is a focus on all Toyota vehicles.
Examining the Statistics
When we look closer at the study, we can see that, on the whole, these Toyotas are about two times as likely to stay on the road for 15 or more years than the average car is. While only 6.8% of owners keep the average vehicle after that period, each of the top nine Toyotas on the list is kept by at least 11.5% of its owners.
After 15 years, the Highlander is still being driven by over 18% of its owners. Upon evaluating the data, it becomes clear that even used Toyotas have plenty of years left in them.
Find a Companion for Years to Come Near Philadelphia
If you’re in the market for a quality used vehicle, visit Central City Toyota. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at our Toyota dealership near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will help you drive off in a dependable Toyota today.
In the market for a new vehicle? While new Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs fresh off the lot are appealing, you might want to consider buying a pre-owned model. From value to performance, cars such as a like-new Toyota Camry can deliver. Here are four reasons why.
4 Reasons to Get the Used-Car Advantage
Affordability
The most obvious reason to buy used over new is affordability. When the sticker price is lower, you’ll be financing for less, and enjoying more money in your pocket each month. Make no mistake, a lower price tag does not mean lower value. Depending on the year of the model you’re interested in, you may be able to enjoy some of the same innovations a newer vehicle has to offer.
Selection
Today’s cars are built to last and are packed with modern features from driver assistance and safety to smartphone compatibility. If you shop pre-owned, you’re likely to be able to find an affordable vehicle with many of the same gadgets and gizmos you’d look for in a new vehicle. Plus, you can shop higher-end models that might otherwise be out of your price range at a new-car rate.
Lasting Value
As soon as it’s driven off the lot, a new vehicle loses a good chunk of its value within the first couple years of ownership due to depreciation. If you buy a new car and decide to sell it 2 years down the road, you’ll get approximately 30% less than what you paid for it — and that’s if you’re lucky. Conversely, if you by a like-new Toyota Camry or like-new Toyota RAV4, you may be able to sell it for closer to the same amount you paid for it later on, minimizing your loss overall.
Toyota Used Car Certification
Worried about purchasing a car that constantly needs work? While browsing used cars, CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) vehicles provide that extra peace of mind. Toyota’s used car certification program ensures cars, trucks, and SUVs undergo a rigorous 160-point inspection. It also offers other benefits like lower mileage, roadside assistance, warranties for future repairs, and more.
Browse the Pre-Owned Inventory at Central City Toyota
Still curious about pre-owned vehicles? Contact us at Central City Toyota, your used Toyota dealership with a wide pre-owned selection. Let us put you in the driver’s seat of a like-new Toyota Camry for sale in Philadelphia, PA, or another model you’ve set your sights on.
Learn 5 Helpful Tips for Winter Weather Driving
When the snow starts to fly around Philadelphia, it’s important to know how to handle the adverse driving conditions. We’ve got a few things in mind. Keep reading to learn some helpful tips for traversing through the winter weather.
Winter Weather Driving Tips
Give yourself time
Whether the roads are covered in snow, ice, or some mixture of the two, it’s incredibly important to give yourself extra time to get anywhere in winter weather. Traffic could be slow going, and snow plows will be making the rounds, so you want to make sure your driving matches the conditions.
Know your vehicle
Whether you’ve been driving in the snow for decades or it’s your first winter behind the wheel, it’s important to know how your car handles in the tricky conditions. What type of drivetrain do you have? Having the equipment to traverse the terrain is one thing, but knowing how to harness the power is another.
It’s a good idea to take your car in for service to get any regular maintenance performed or vehicle recalls taken care of. Getting your battery inspected and serviced will help ensure reliable startups on bitterly cold mornings.
Practice a light touch
Regardless if you’re pulling away from a stop sign or coming to a stop, you want to accelerate and decelerate slowly. Suddenly pressing on the brakes can cause your vehicle to skid on slick surfaces. By gently pressing the gas pedal, you’ll allow the tires to grip the road surface to safely move forward.
If you’re traveling along a busy highway and need to slow down, removing your foot from the accelerator will reduce your speed naturally and safely before you press on the brake pedal, if necessary.
Keep your distance
Many accidents during the winter are fender-benders caused by drivers following too close to the car ahead of them. By maintaining your distance, you’ll give yourself additional time to slow your vehicle down or make steering adjustments if the car starts to slide on the slick roads.
Be proactive
Driving is an active and engaged exercise, which is put on full display during the winter weather. By sitting up straight and in a ready position, you’ll be preparing yourself to encounter almost anything. Keeping your head up and eyes on the road ahead will help you get where you want to end up.
Get Your Vehicle Ready for Winter in Philadelphia, PA
Ensure your car, truck, or SUV is ready for winter driving by bringing it to Central City Toyota. Our Toyota Service Center in Philadelphia won’t let a little winter weather get in the way of your big plans this season.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — On October 30, 2018, Central City Toyota (CCT) attended the West Philadelphia High School Career Fair, where they met with over 60 high school students to discuss career goals and opportunities. They were eager to forge connections with Philadelphia’s future workforce and to select one bright, motivated student to become a part-time member of the dealership’s staff.
The career fair took place inside the West Philadelphia High School Auxiliary Gym, located at 4901 Chestnut St. Local employers from all throughout the city gathered and set up tables, where students could stop by to introduce themselves and learn more about the attending businesses. Representing Central City Toyota were Jamie Haberle, CCT General Manager, and Donna Leonard, Human Resources Manager for Ardmore and CCT.
Every student who stopped by the CCT table could fill out a registration form and take a healthy breakfast bar while chatting with Harberle and Leonard. Later, they reviewed every form and picked the top 10 students they felt would make a great addition to the CCT team. Those 10 would be invited in for a group interview, and from there, one student would be offered part-time employment.
During the event, Haberle and Leonard coordinated with Desiree Easter. Easter is the University-Assisted Community School (UACS) Post-Secondary Readiness Program Manager and is associated with West Philadelphia High School, the Netter Center for Community Partnerships, and the University of Pennsylvania.
About Central City Toyota
Central City Toyota is a used car dealership located at 4800 Chestnut St. that serves drivers in the greater Philadelphia area. In addition to providing excellent auto service, we’re also committed to strengthening and supporting our local community and have been since our dealership was first established.
Our staff consists of sales specialists, finance experts, service technicians, parts associates, and more. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their resume and apply online. Questions? Contact our dealership online today.
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