Blog

One of the best features of the Toyota Corolla is its ability to provide consumers with a lot of car for very little cash.  Whatever your budget is, there is a Toyota Corolla to accommodate your needs.  If you are ready for a new car, be one of the first to get behind the wheel of the brand new 2015 sedans. Bethlehem area Toyota is anxious for you to meet the 2015 Toyota Corolla collection. Toyota Corolla Trim Overview The dealership has plenty of Toyota Corolla trim levels from which you can choose: L, LE styles, and S trims.  The Toyota Corolla L, LE, and S trim levels are powered by the 1.8-liter inline-4 that creates 132 hp at 6000 RPM and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4400 RPM.  The sedans with the 6-speed manual transmission average 28/37 mpg; the 4-speed automatic averages 27/36 mpg; the LE with CVTi-S averages 29/38 mpg; the S with CVTi-S averages 29/37 mpg. If you select the Corolla LE Eco, the sedan will feature a 140-hp 1.8-liter inline-4.  The fuel economy rating for the Toyota Corolla LE Eco is 30/42 mpg, and the Eco Plus and Eco Premium average 30/40 mpg. Safety Ratings and Features in the 2015 Toyota Corolla According to the NHTSA, the 2015 Toyota Corolla earned a perfect 5-star safety rating after it completed the agency’s crash tests.  Every Toyota Corolla is equipped with Toyota’s comprehensive STAR Safety System™, which consists of five different safety technologies: ABS, brake assist, stability control, traction control, and brakeforce distribution.  Additional standard safety features include head-impact protection, energy-absorbing steering column, child seat anchors, engine immobilizer, and eight airbags.

Fall is usually the time when many drivers replace their tires or install snow tires on their vehicles. There are many deals to be made, but make sure you are making the best deal for you and your bottom line.  When you buy tires this season, pay close attention to the tire warranty. Allentown area Toyota service has a list of questions to ask about tire warranties. 1. Is there a mileage warranty on the tires? You will need to know how far you can travel with a warranty to back you up.  You do not want to be taken by surprise if you have a problem and realize your warranty has already expired.  A warranty may also be based on the tread life of the tires, because drivers are often exposed to a variety of driving conditions. 2. Is there warranty coverage for the service? Are parts and labor are warrantied as well?  Typical warranty coverage for labor and parts is thirty days. 3. Do I have flat tire repair, rotations, and rebalancing services? Talk to the service professional about the free services you may be entitled to once you leave the shop. 4. What happens if the tire is defective? Ask about factory coverage for the tires.  Now that the tire has left the factory, what does the manufacturer offer to protect you from poor design and factory defects? 5. What voids the warranty? Discuss exclusions and instances that may void your warranty.  Normally, a warranty only applies if you maintain proper air pressure, avoid extreme driving conditions, and comply with service and maintenance schedules.

When was the last time you went searching in the owner’s manual for information about your ball joints?  Every little component on your car serves a purpose, and the more you know about the operations, the better you can be when diagnosing the problem. Ardmore area Toyota service professionals are discussing ball joints. What is a Ball Joint? Your ball joint serves the same purpose as your hip does in the socket.  The smooth swivel in your hip is the same as the smooth movement of the ball joint.  The purpose of the ball joint is to allow the car to move up and down, side to side, and to steer.  Typically, there are four ball joints in a vehicle: two on each side of the front suspension, an upper and a lower ball joint for each wheel. How Long Does a Ball Joint Last? Ball joints are designed to last quite a while, but excessive wear and harsh driving conditions can induce premature aging.  When the joints wear out, the joint will become loose in its socket and cause damage to the car if it goes unrepaired.  Always consult your owner’s manual for ball joint specifications and requirements. Signs and Consequences of Bad Ball Joints When your ball joints start to go bad, you will notice a few driving changes.  The first thing you may notice is a banging sound in the front of the vehicle when you are turning a corner or going over a bump.  Additional symptoms include abnormal tire wear and sloppy or stiff steering.  If you fail to replace the ball joints, the car’s alignment will be affected; lubrication on the ball joint can dry out; the steering can collapse if the ball joint fails completely.

The dealership has a comprehensive collection of pre-owned vehicles that accommodate your driving needs and budget.  If you have a busy family, a minivan is probably what you need to fit all of your passengers and their cargo.  Check out the pre-owned CARFAX 1-owner minivans at Bethlehem area Toyota. 2011 Toyota Sienna SE The 2011 Toyota Sienna SE has fewer than 30,000 miles on it.  According to US News, the 8-passenger minivan is the #1 2011 minivan and #3 Used Minivan $20K and Up. In 2011, the van earned a 2011 IIHS Top Safety Pick Award. The internet price for the loaded Sienna is $29,000.  Under the hood is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 266 hp and 245 lb.-ft. of torque.  The EPA fuel economy rating is 18/24 mpg.  Fun features in the Sienna include iPod and USB connectivity, Bluetooth®, a 6-speaker stereo system, third-row seating, and roof rails. The minivan is Toyota Certified. 2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L Currently, the 2012 Honda Odyssey minivans on the lot are priced at $28,000 and below.  One of the Odyssey minivans has fewer than 30,000, and the other Odyssey has fewer than 50,000 miles on the transmission.  A 3.5-liter V6 is under the hood; it produces 248 hp and 18/27 mpg.  In 2012, the Odyssey earned a 2012 KBB Best Resale Value Award and an IIHS Top Safety Pick Award.  US News ranked the Honda Odyssey #2 in 2012 Minivans.  Standard features in the EX-L trim include a 7-speaker audio system, 3-zone ventilation, third-row seating, leather upholstery, and an electrical sunroof.

The presence of technology in the driver’s seat has improved the ride, but it can also be a pain when you have an electrical problem.  Fortunately, with a little time, you can identify the issue. Allentown area Toyota helps you troubleshoot electrical problems. Signs of Electrical Issues Electrical malfunctions can present themselves in a number of ways: Weak battery or it goes dead Weak or dim lights Flickering lights Warning light on the dash The car clicks but won’t start, or it flat won’t start Problems with additional accessories: windows, stereo, heated seats, etc. How to Identify the Problem Five steps can assist you with identifying the faulty culprit.  Remember that your battery must be disconnected when you are replacing or repairing electrical components. 1. Inspect the battery Look for signs of corrosion or damage. If the battery is old, it may need to be replaced.  You can take the battery to a parts store and have the voltage output checked. 2. Test the alternator If the battery is not the problem, move on to the alternator.  Check the voltage output and look for and visible signs of damage. 3. Check the voltage and grounding Tests the voltage levels at the load points.  The load point is what should be powered, such as window motors, wiper motor, light bulbs, blower motor.  Use a voltmeter to ensure power is being delivered to the component.  Replace the fuse for the inoperable part. 4. Look for obvious wire damage Evaluate the condition of the wiring.  Look for disconnections, damage and corrosion. 5. Seek professional assistance If you are unable to determine the cause of the electrical problem, take your vehicle to the dealership right away for an inspection.

Navigation is a nice piece of technological wonderment that has transformed our travels. We used to have to rely on abnormally large maps, a co-pilot with a poor sense of direction, or landmark guides to get us from point A to point B, but not any longer. Flemington, NJ area Toyota vehicles are equipped with navigation and other driving amenities. 2015 Toyota Highlander XLE The 2015 Toyota Highlander XLE is a road trip and commuting machine.  Toyota loaded the SUV with all of the amenities you will need for a comfortable, safe and convenient ride.  The 8-passenger all-wheel drive SUV is equipped with heated seats, leather interior, 3 rd -row seating, a universal garage door opener, security system and a backup camera.  Travel entertainment and convenience features include navigation, a 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/Satellite radio, real time traffic, USB connectivity, Bluetooth®, and auxiliary audio input. 2014 Toyota Avalon XLE Touring If you prefer a sedan, the 2014 Toyota Avalon is a great choice.  The 5-passenger sedan is beautiful and loaded with all of the travel and convenience features you need.  The cabin is infused with leather seating, a sun/moon roof, heated mirrors and seats, and memory seating.  The audio and entertainment system includes navigation, a set of nine premium speakers, a color touchscreen monitor, AM/FM and HD radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth®, and USB connectivity. All of the features can be accessed on the steering wheel.  It is no wonder why KBB awarded the premium sedan with a 2014 Best Resale Value Award in its class.

When you think of your steering wheel pulling to either side, you might automatically think that you need an alignment.  There are other issues as well that may contribute to the tendency to drift. Willow Grove area Toyota is discussing why your steering wheel is pulling. Possible Reasons for the Pull Before you show up at the shop and request an alignment, consider a few other options to discuss with your service technician.  Remember that alignment issues are one-directional, meaning your car will only always pull to the same side, not multiple directions at different times. Pull occurs after rotating the tires You will notice pulling after the tires are rotated if the tires have different tread patterns. Vehicle pulls when you apply the brakes If the car pulls only after you engage the brakes, you could have a brake or suspension issue. Car pulls when you hit the gas If the car pulls when the vehicle accelerates, the problem is torque steering. Can’t make up its mind If your car pulls to the right during one drive and to the left on another, it is called memory steer.  The culprit may be ball joints, tie rods or strut bearings, not an alignment problem. Pulls when you get new tires If the car pulls after you get new tires, the problem might be the tire itself.  Consider poor installation or a tire defect. Pulling to the right or left If you have bad tires, tire separation can cause the car to pull.  You might also experience shaking when you are driving at low speeds. Vehicle leans If the car is leaning, the drifting is more than likely caused by low tire pressure.

If you want to buy a brand new car, you can find one for less than you might expect.  Toyota models are known for their reliability and durability, despite the model you choose.  The comprehensive warranty ensures that you will find a car that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.  Check out the reasons why the 2014 Toyota Yaris all Allentown area Toyota may be the best fit for you. Price and Affordability The price of a car is more than the price tag at the lot; it involves fuel costs, service and maintenance.  The 2014 Toyota Yaris is priced below $18K, and it is backed by Toyota’s 2/year/24,000-mile free maintenance plan.  According to the EPA, the fuel economy rating is 30/36 mpg, which results in an annual fuel cost of $1,600.  The agency reports the potential to save $3,250 in fuel costs over five years compared to the cost of the typical new car. Safety is Standard Toyota equipped the compact Toyota Yaris with a plethora of safety features.  The lift-back compact features traction control, stability control, engine immobilizer, airbags, tire pressure monitoring, passenger airbag sensor, ABS, height-adjustable headrests, and two ventilated disc brakes. Abundant Audio System The 6-speaker stereo system has AM/FM radio, a CD player, MP3 capabilities, digital HD radio, satellite radio, a roof antennae, and Bluetooth® hands-free technology.  The steering wheel features audio controls to operate the system without taking your eyes off the road.

Many people carpool to work and school.  Carpooling saves money on gas and reduces emissions.  When it is your turn to play carpool captain, make sure you are prepared for the task.  Carpooling may not sound difficult, but the driver has many responsibilities. Allentown Toyota has carpool safety tips. Tips for a Safe Carpool Commute If you are carpooling with children or coworkers, keep these safety tips in mind: 1. Review car insurance limits Talk to your insurance agent about your car insurance limits and increased exposure when driving with other passengers in the vehicle. 2. Avoid distractions Avoid cell phone use, distracting conversations, playing with the radio and other distractions that take your eyes and focus off the road, 3. Everyone must wear a seatbelt Do not transport more people than your vehicle can safely accommodate.  Everyone must be in a seatbelt, and children under the age of 13 must remain in the back seat. 4. Pull over if crowd gets rowdy If the children get too rowdy and loud, pull over and wait for the passengers to calm down. 5. Keep checking for seatbelts After each stop, check to make sure everyone is still buckled up, 6. Curbside drop-off If you are traveling with kids, arrange your stops so that you are picking up and dropping off curbside. 7. No not allow others to substitute If you are the designated carpool driver, do not send a substitute in your place, especially a teen driver.  If you plan to send a replacement, call your carpool passengers first. 8. Do not drive impaired If you have consumed alcohol, prescriptions drugs or recreational substances, do not get behind the wheel.  You are responsible for the lives of everyone in the vehicle.

Hybrids do not cost and arm and a leg, and they save consumers hundreds of dollars at the pump.  There are many new and pre-owned hybrids on the lot, and each one is designed to match your driving needs and budget. Bethlehem area Toyota encourages drivers to save cash on gas in a hybrid. 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE You can own a hybrid for less than $24,000.  The CARFAX 1-owner 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE is a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle.  In 2012, the IIHS awarded the Toyota sedan with a Top Safety Pick Award.   The 2.5-liter, inline-4 cylinder hybrid engine generates 200 hp at 5700 RPM and averages an estimated 40/38 mpg.  Installed extras in the hybrid include a 7-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, satellite radio, Bluetooth and voice recognition. 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid The 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid earned five stars for overall safety from the NHTSA and good ratings in IIHS crashworthiness tests.  The 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is powered by Toyota’s 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid engine that nets 200 hp.  The fuel economy rating averages 40/30 mpg, according to EPA data.  Kelley Blue Book recognized the 2014 Toyota Avalon for its high resale value, awarding the sedan with a 2014 Highest Resale Value Award. 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid The 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE Touring and Limited models feature the 200-hp 2.5-liter inline-4 cylinder hybrid engine.  The 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid earned a perfect overall safety score from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.  US News Rankings and Reviews ranked the hybrid #2 in Affordable Midsize Cars and #1 in Hybrid Cars.

When is it time to remove a driver off your insurance policy?  Do you wonder if your older children should remain on your car insurance policy or branch off onto their own? Toyota near Willow Grove talks about removing drivers in their twenties off your policy. What to Consider Before You Remove a Driver Whether or not to remove an older driver depends on the driver, and the situations may be different from family to family.  Consider a few points before you decide. 1. Does the driver still live in your household? As long as your grown child is still living in your home, he or she will affect your car insurance rates.  Household drivers have access to the vehicle, and the insurance company will require you to rate the child on a household vehicle. 2. Is the driver away at college? If your teen driver is away at college, you can leave him or her on your insurance policy. 3. Is the driver married or expecting a child? The driver can expect to pay higher premiums once he or she breaks off your policy.  If the driver is not yet 25, married or a parent, he or she will be rated as a youthful driver.  The rates will be twice as bad if he or she loses the discounts your policy provides. 4. Who is the registered owner of the vehicle? If you are the registered owner of the vehicle, the vehicle will need to be insured in your name.  If you keep the driver as a named driver on the policy, the driver will get better rates in the future because he or she can prove continuous coverage. 5. Is your grown child a responsible driver? If your grown driver is a responsible driver, there is no need to remove him or her from the policy just yet.  If the driver has a bad record, and still lives in the home, you may be able to exclude the driver from your policy.  Once the driver is excluded, he or she will NOT be covered if an accident occurs in a household vehicle listed on the policy.

Purchasing a vehicle is a large investment, and one that is never taken lightly.  Consumers dread depreciation and high cost-to-own figures, but Toyota can help ease your anxieties.  Get the most out of your hard-earned cash by choosing a vehicle with a high resale value. Allentown Toyota vehicles have the highest resale values in the industry. Top 2014 Winners Toyota earned the elite Best Brand title from KBB for the third year in a row.  KBB praised the company for its quality products, affordable prices, comfort, reliability and enjoyment.  Toyota is honored to receive the award and offer the best vehicles for consumers.  On the top ten list, Toyota earned four spots; one SUV received the #1 title. #1: Toyota FJ Cruiser The 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser has been named #1 two years in a row.  The SUV earned the title as the #1 vehicle with the highest resale value in the industry.  The Toyota FJ Cruiser has impressive values that challenge your ideas about depreciation.  The estimated resale value after three years of ownership is 81.0%, and the 5-year resale value is 70.0%. #2: Toyota Tacoma The compact pickup came in at #2 with a 36-month resale value of 73.7% and a 61.9% 5-year resale value. #4: Toyota 4Runner The 2014 Toyota 4Runner is valued to resell at 66.6% after three years of ownership and for 56.2% after five years of ownership. #6: Toyota Tundra The 2014 Toyota Tundra is the final Toyota vehicle on the top 10 list with a high resale value.  After three years, consumers will benefit from a 63.7% resale and a 52.3% five-year resale value.