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On a day-to-day basis, the thing that most impacts drivers is... how often do they have to refill the gas tank?  This makes the issue of “fuel economy” so critical to the pocketbook.  While the mere act of daily driving will impact how much gas your vehicle uses, there are some smart practices that will allow you to get as much from each gallon as possible.  The experts at Peruzzi Toyota offer these smart tips to help drivers maximize every precious drop of fuel. MAINTENANCE When your vehicle isn’t running at peak performance, the engine will necessarily work harder – and burn more fuel.  That’s why it’s a smart investment to get regular engine tune-ups, oil changes, and routine maintenance tasks.  Peruzzi Toyota can handle all of them, and in a way that’s quick, convenient and affordable.  Believe us, it will pay off in the long (and short) run. BETTER DRIVING HABITS Sure, you may be in a hurry (who isn’t these days?).  But aggressive driving habits eat up a ton of fuel.  Speeding, as well as “stop and go” practices, really eat into your gas gauge.  Learn to take it down a notch, pace yourself and ease up on the brake and gas pedals.  Your wallet will thank you. KEEP YOUR TIRES UP TO SPEC Tires that are under or over-inflated create "issues" for your vehicle.  Keep a check on their correct pressure.  Not only will you ride safer, but you'll also see a "bonus" in your gas mileage. CHECK THE GAS CAP Believe it or not, not every driver is hip to the state of their gas cap.  One that’s not fully-closed can leak gas fumes, and it may cause other wonky issues (like a car that won’t always start).  Also, keep an eye on the rubber seal around that cap; it can degrade over time and allow oxygen to seep into the tank – which means you’ll burn more fuel. SKIP THE IDLING You pull over to grab a quick bite.  It seems smarter to let the vehicle stay “idling” while you run in, but that’s not the case.  Experts note that an engine that’s idling sucks up anywhere from a half-gallon to a gallon of fuel per hour.  And that’s not to mention the carbon dioxide it pumps into the atmosphere.  Those who think letting an engine run to “warm it up” in the morning are also mistaken: modern engines don’t need more than about 20 seconds to be good to go. Beyond that, you’re burning fuel and wasting money. PICK YOUR TIME FOR A FILL-UP Filling your tank in the morning, versus the end of the day, can result in savings. This is because underground gas station tanks are cooler in the morning and (not getting into the physics of it) you simply get “more” passing through the system – and into your tank.   Peruzzi Toyota is proud to offer some of the most economical vehicles on the road.  But if you want to know more about how to get more money per mile, get in touch and let our experts share their knowledge.

The annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Philly is an event that everyone looks forward to. The first parade was held way back in 1771 and has continued for 245 years. It always takes place on the Sunday before St. Patrick's Day and is the largest Philadelphia parade with 20,000 participants. When Is It? This year, since St. Patrick's Day is on Sunday, March 17, the annual parade will take place the week before on Sunday, March 10. The day will begin with the Commemorative Parade Mass in St. Patrick's Church, and then the parade starts at 11 a.m. at 16th & JFK Boulevard. Everyone should keep in mind that this is daylight savings so make sure to change your clocks the night before so you get there on time. Parking It is always a good idea to find your spot for the parade early, and there are many parking garages throughout the city where you can park. Keep in mind that there will be parking restrictions on certain streets. These will have signs designating them as "Temporary No Parking." The Parade The parade goes on rain or shine. There is a lot to take in throughout the whole event, and if you want a chance to see the performances, make sure to get a spot near the stage and dance floor on Market Street in between South Sixth Street and North Independence. Keep all this information in mind as you plan for the 2019 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Philly. Image via Flickr by chrisinphilly5448

Pennsylvania is a wonderful state filled with unique sites and attractions. Many of these are within a short drive from Hatfield. Check out these unusual Pennsylvania hidden gems. Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site Edgar Allan Poe lived in a small house in Philadelphia for only a year, but it was an important time in his writing career. While living on North Seventh Street with his wife and mother, he wrote "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Gold Bug." The home is now a museum with tours that bring visitors not only through the main areas of the house but also to the basement. Some people think that the basement might have even inspired the story "The Black Cat." Wagner Free Institute of Science The Wagner Free Institute of Science is a strange and wonderful place that not many people know about. The museum sits in an old Victorian home and features the natural history collections of William Wagner, a gentleman naturalist who lived in Philadelphia in the 1800s. The exhibits include cabinets filled taxidermy, skeletons, fossils, and many other oddities. Bowman's Hill Tower Bowman's Hill Tower is a stone tower in that sits on top of Bowman's Hill. There are many stories surrounding the tower and its purpose, but it is worth a visit. It stands 125 feet tall and is made completely from local stones. An elevator goes about three-quarters of the way up, along with 23 spiral stairs to let you get to the top. Go off the beaten path and visit these unusual sites near Hatfield. Image via Flickr by gbrunnett

There has been big buzz circulating about the upcoming Toyota Supra. The latest generation of the Supra made an appearance at the Detroit Auto Show, and it far exceeds expectations. Here are some reasons to look out for the upcoming 2020 Supra. The Power The new Supra will get its power from a version of a BMW engine. The direct-injected 3.0-liter six-cylinder will get 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The Models Toyota will offer the Supra in three different models. The Launch Edition will make up the first 1500 cars available in the U.S., and it will come in black, red, or white, have 19-inch wheels, and a red leather interior. The Launch Edition will also come with a commemorative plaque on the dashboard with the number in the series. The base model will come standard with faux-suede seats, automatic high beams, and keyless entry with push-button start. The Supra Premium adds to the base with an 8.8-inch touch screen, a 12-speaker JBL stereo, and heated leather seats. When Will We See It? The very first Supra arrived at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Arizona on January 19 with proceeds going to charity. The rest of the 1499 models will arrive in the U.S. over the summer, and the other models will follow the Launch Edition a few months later. Drivers have been waiting for a new Supra to make an appearance for a long time, and the upcoming 2020 model is sure to exceed their expectations.

Minivans have come a long way since they first hit the market, and the Toyota Sienna takes the driving experience a step further than other minivans by offering all-wheel-drive. Here are some of the reasons that the 2019 Sienna is your top choice. The Power Along with being the only minivan to offer an all-wheel-drive system, the Sienna also has a strong V-6 engine. All the models come with the 3.5-liter V-6 that generates 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, and Toyota pairs this with a smooth shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. The result is a vehicle that can handle all types of road conditions. The Cabin Depending on the configuration, the Sienna will fit either seven or eight passengers. The top-level Limited model comes only with extra plush second-row captain's chairs and room for seven. This van also has tons of storage space behind the third row, and if you push the second row up as far as it will go and fold down the third row, the cargo area has over 117 cubic feet of space. The Technology A 6.1-inch touch screen comes standard with the option for a 7-inch touch screen depending on the trim. Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa both come standard, and you can add an upgraded JBL stereo system, a rear seat entertainment system, and navigation. The 2019 Toyota Sienna offers all-wheel-drive and many other family-friendly features to make it the perfect minivan for any road conditions and any family.

When buying a used car, the most important thing you can ask for is the Vehicle History Report.  You’ve seen the ads for CarFax or AutoCheck (the two top reports.) These reports give you the backstory on a vehicle’s history.  Was there an accident?  Were oil changes and maintenance kept up?  Before you make a decision on buying a quality used car, have a look at the Vehicle History Report.  Next, let the trusted experts at Peruzzi Toyota guide you to the perfect used car for you and your family.  They offer a wide range of quality pre-owned vehicles, all of which meet their exceptionally-rigorous standards.  And they’ll be happy to walk you through the details of a Vehicle History Report. WHAT DOES A VHR COVER? A vehicle history report will show you how many people have owned the car before you.  If a lot of folks have had the car, but for short periods of time, that may indicate a problem or expensive repairs that they didn't want to deal with.  On a similar note, there are some owners who may try to roll back the odometer; a quality VHR will show the accurate number.   Accident history is another critical element that will show up. A major accident can be a big red flag.   The previous location(s) of the car is another thing to check.  If it's spent a lot of time in harsh climates, that will impact its life going forward.  Think of a vehicle that's been exposed to harsh winters and tons of road salt.  You get the picture. ARE VHRs FREE? You can get a simple “VIN” (Vehicle Identification Number) lookup on some websites.  That will provide some general information.  However, a more detailed backstory will involve a fee (it’s worth it).   The good news is, many dealerships will provide an in-depth Vehicle History Report for free if you’re seriously interested in one of their cars.  Go ahead and ask. GET A VEHICLE HISTORY REPORT ON YOUR OWN CAR It’s always smart to see how your present vehicle stacks up.  This is especially true if you’re anticipating selling it in the near future.  It’s even more critical if you bought your car “used” in the first place.  For example, if, after a decade of solid service, you weren’t aware that it had been in an accident before you bought it, you might be in for a nasty surprise when you go to trade it in.  So be prepared.   These days, “information” is king.  Knowing the history of a car you’re about to buy - or sell - will help you make the smartest decision possible.  The honest, trustworthy sales staff at Peruzzi Toyota are your partners in purchasing the best, most reliable used vehicle for your needs.  And making the process super-easy!

The ride from Hatfield to Philly is less than an hour which leaves you plenty of time to make some stops along the way. There are many attractions and sights to see on the ride down, and once you hit Philadelphia, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the city. Elmwood Park Zoo Make a stop in Norristown at the Elmwood Park Zoo to see the animals and more with several interactive exhibits where guests can feed the animals, take a ride on a zip line, and play challenge games. The zoo stays open all year round and is just a few minutes off the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The Three Stooges Museum Whether you are a fan of the Three Stooges or not, The Stoogeum: Three Stooges Museum is an entertaining stop on the way to Philadelphia. This is the only museum with Three Stooges memorabilia and has almost 100,000 pieces to see. The three-story building features artifacts from 1918 up to the present, and it includes several interactive displays. There is an 85-seat theater for screenings and a research library along with a 16 mm film storage vault. Reading Terminal Market Once you get to Philadelphia, the Reading Terminal Market is a must for anyone who loves food or shopping. This is a one-stop shop for everything a foodie could ever want from fresh local produce, artisan bread and cheeses, and delectable desserts. Stop by one of these attractions on a trip from Hatfield to Philly and make the most of your trip. Image via Flickr by rhonogle

There’s nothing like the feeling of getting a brand new vehicle.  Everything is clean, shiny, and fresh.  No wonder everyone loves that “new car smell”!  Now how can you keep your new Toyota in peak condition?  Peruzzi Toyota recommends five key accessories that will help you maintain the look (and value) of your vehicle. KEEP THAT COLOR LOOKING NEW Things like sunlight and harsh road salt can really punish a paint job.  Having a paint protectant film installed will go a long way toward maintaining the color against fading and looking dull over time. It’s also helpful against chips and dings. GIVE YOUR VEHICLE A "BODY" GUARD Every day, your car or truck is up against runaway shopping carts, careless drivers who whack your door with theirs and a host of other dent-makers.  Installing body side moldings adds an extra layer of protection against these frustrating hazards.  Toyota’s moldings are stylish and perfectly matched to your paint color. SHOW ‘EM THE DOOR Considering how often you open your car doors, odds are that they’re going to wham up against something or other.  Installing door edge guards is an easy way to protect them from random damage. KEEP CARGO TIDY From muddy sports equipment to bags of groceries, you carry so many things in your vehicle. Toyota’s sturdy cargo tray is great for keeping everything in place. The molded lip line will keep any spills and dirt from messing up the carpet beneath. ALL-WEATHER FLOOR LINERS Avoid tracking the grit and grime of the outdoors into your vehicle with our custom-made all-weather floor liners.  These rubberized mats replace the standard carpet mats in your Toyota and feature a lip around the edge to keep dirt and mess from spilling over to the floor beneath.  Plus, they’re easy to clean:  just hose them down.   These five accessories are merely a few ways to customize your new Toyota vehicle.  Ask the experts at Peruzzi Toyota about the other stylish additions that will make your car totally one-of-a-kind.

The Toyota Avalon is a large sedan that appeals to drivers both young and old. The 2019 model received some significant changes including updates to the technology and added standard safety features. These updates are just a few of the reasons parents will love the 2019 Avalon. The Standard Safety Features All the Avalon models come standard with Toyota's Safety Sense suite of safety technology. This includes systems such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. All trims also come standard with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology The convenience features in the Avalon make any parents ride easier whether they have young kids or teenagers. Bluetooth comes standard along with a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 9-inch touch screen display, and the Entune infotainment system complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Additional technology that Toyota makes available include wireless charging, navigation, and an upgraded 14-speaker JBL stereo system. The Space The Avalon is longer than the Camry, and Toyota designed the cabin to get an extra 2.3 inches of legroom for the rear seat passengers. Up to five passengers can comfortably sit in this sedan, and there is plenty of headroom both up front and in the back. In the trunk, there are 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and these fold down to accommodate larger items. The 2019 Avalon gives parents a lot to like. They can keep their kids safe and entertained during any ride.

Among car aficionados, the rumors have been around for months.  Now, Toyota answers them with the new 2020 Toyota Supra, recently unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show.  This redesigned favorite features a sporty exterior and an interior that echoes the feel of a cockpit. Oh, and don’t forget the engine that can reach 60 mph in a little over 4 seconds.  Drivers looking to make a statement on the streets will want to check it out at Peruzzi Toyota. The Toyota Supra is a longtime favorite.  Originally designed as a variation on the classic Celica, it soon captured the imagination of drivers wanting more power in a sleek yet accessible package.  The fact that the Supra was front and center in the hit movie, The Fast and the Furious, didn’t hurt. This next generation of the Toyota Supra improves on the engineering and technology, as well as exterior design features.  To start, the engine features an impressive 335 horsepower and 365 lb-ft. of torque.  The eight-speed automatic transmission easily switches between “Normal” and “Sport” modes. Inside, the Supra’s new cabin design encompasses the driver in both performance and comfort.  The center console is elevated and includes an available full-color Heads-Up Display to help drivers keep their eyes on the road.  Available heated leather seats add a high-end sporty note.  Adding to the experience are other available features like wireless phone charging, 12-speaker audio system and iPod capability, and Bluetooth. The new Toyota Supra features advanced safety features including collision warning, emergency braking with pedestrian detection and automatic high beams.  Power folding mirrors, rear camera, daytime running lights, and keyless Smart Entry are just a few other elements that come standard. And if it’s eye-popping, road-hugging design isn’t enough, up the ante with exterior colors like “Renaissance Red,” “Downshift Blue,” and “Phantom Matte Gray.” The newly-designed Toyota Supra is coming to dealerships like Peruzzi Toyota in Summer of 2019.  But you can get the advance lowdown about this much-anticipated car by checking in with their sales experts right now.

The moment that your teen gets their drivers license is an anxious one for parents (because they remember their own first days behind the wheel!) The issue of safety on the road is critical for a new driver – and that extends to the best vehicle for a teen.  Peruzzi Toyota has some helpful tips on choosing the best cars for teen drivers.   The first and most important tip is to avoid letting your teen drive a car with a lot of horsepower; that big engine will just prove too tempting to a young driver.  A larger, heavier car is a better choice for teens; insurance data shows that they’re less likely to crash them.  In the chance that they do, a more substantial vehicle offers increased protection. Over 80 percent of parents purchase a used vehicle for their kids.  Used or new, the car should offer the best safety ratings possible.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) includes several Toyota models on their list of recommended vehicles for teens.  Among them, the Toyota Prius, RAV4, Camry and Avalon. These get high marks, especially when it comes to finding a reliable, affordable used car. There’s more good news for parents of teen drivers: Toyota offers a wide range of advanced safety features as standard.  For example, Vehicle Stability Control helps the car stay steady during unexpected skids, sharp turns, on wet roads and more.  Pedestrian and collision warning systems will also help your young driver stay more alert behind the wheel. A few other safety tips for teen drivers:   -Limit the number of passengers.  Too many friends along for the ride equals too many chances to become distracted. -Put a limit on how far they can drive.  And when. -Have teens skip the night driving until they are thoroughly comfortable in the driver’s seat.   Let the experts at Peruzzi Toyota make this “rite of passage” a lot easier.  Come on in and look at our inventory of top car choices for your teen driver!

Ever wonder about the Land Cruiser's suitability for your off-road excursion? You aren't the first, but don't fret. There were many before you who have tested the Land Cruiser's mettle over the most rugged terrain in the world. Here is one trip that proves the Land Cruiser is the vehicle to take. From Texas To Alaska John Montesi and his dog Hank drove the Land Cruiser with a destination in mind, Alaska, and a vision to explore along the way. John often took gravel roads that looked like they headed nowhere, just to see where they went. The Land Cruiser Multi-Terrain Select renders the road surface irrelevant. In the grasslands of Texas, his Land Cruiser cavorted with the wild pronghorn antelope and prairie dog. With the 5.7-liter V-8, the Land Cruiser keeps pace with just about anything. Entering the Rockies, John spent a weekend exploring the Roaring Fork River Valley, often turning off the road to find the end of off-camber double track roads that led to jagged peaks with spectacular views — views that told him which peak to explore next. The Land Cruiser's Crawl Control can navigate the most difficult terrain, getting you to that peak. In the Moab region, John took the infamous Shaffer Trail to the rim of the Canyonlands National Park. Cooling, leather-trimmed seats and multizone temperature controls in the Land Cruiser make the desert just another place to explore. So stop wondering if the Land Cruiser can do it. Take John's lead and find your spectacular view. Buy a Land Cruiser today and see for yourself what the off-road has in store. Image via Flickr by Ian D. Keating