Closing Time: The Toyota Avalon “Nightshade Edition”
The Avalon has always been a favorite in the Toyota line. Now it’s about to get even more popular with a stunning new “Nightshade Edition,” available for its final model year. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is excited to share the details on this vehicle that packs a particular “wow” factor.
The Avalon XSE Hybrid Edition is the only model in the line to receive this exclusive upgrade. What does it involve? On the exterior, the Nightshade version sports a sleek black finish on the grille, exterior trim, door handles, window trim, and mirror caps. Even the 19-inch wheels include a stunning black finish.
You can choose a dramatic Midnight Black paint job, but those elegant dark touches on the trim really “pop” against the available color palette. Choose from Wind Chill Pearl, Supersonic Red, Chill Pearl, Ruby Flare Pearl, Harbor Gray Metallic, or Celestial Silver Metallic. Black upholstery comes standard, but you can also opt for a graphite, cognac, or harvest beige interior color. All told, it makes for one stylin’ vehicle.
The roomy Toyota Avalon Nightshade Edition (available from Peruzzi Toyota) comes standard with a moonroof, a nine-inch touchscreen with navigation, and an eight-speaker system that brings your music to life. The vehicle has been redesigned to cut down on wind noise, creating a delightfully quiet experience. And while you’re cruising along, expect a fuel-efficient 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway.
Like all Toyotas, this Avalon also features the acclaimed Toyota Safety Sense package as standard. You’ll have more peace of mind behind the wheel with its pre-collision warning system, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control.
The year 2022 is to be the final model year for the Toyota Avalon, but with this elegant Night Shade edition, it’s really going out with a bang! Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA invites you to come on in and get a closer look at this very special vehicle.
Do You Need A New Car? Here’s How To Tell
We rely on our car without even thinking about it. From work, to school, to soccer practice or grocery runs, our vehicle is like a member of the family. Toyota makes some of the longest-lasting vehicles on the road, but even we recognize that nothing lasts forever. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA has these helpful signs to gauge when it’s time to start shopping for a new car (and not for nothing, we have a great selection of new and pre-owned vehicles, plus financing plans to make getting in pain-free).
SIGN 1: TOO MANY TRIPS TO FILL UP THE TANK
As prices at the pump go up, you may want to consider a new ride if you find yourself filling up two times a week (or more). Your engine is losing efficiency, and at a certain point, there aren’t enough tune-ups in the world to reverse the trend. The good news is that Toyota offers some exceptional hybrids that will save you big money on fuel. For example, the Toyota Prius – available at Peruzzi Toyota – gets up to 58 mpg in the city. Those kinds of savings can make trading up well-worth it.
SIGN 2: YOUR LIFESTYLE IS CHANGING
There may have been a time when you were carting kids (and their friends) around every five minutes. But now? Not so much. At the other end of the spectrum, maybe you’re growing your family and need more room. Perhaps you’re mostly working “remotely” and not commuting as much. No matter what the scenario, have a look at how you’re actually living (and driving) today.
SIGN 3: YOUR CAR IS COSTING YOU TOO MUCH
If you find yourself at the repair shop more than you were a few years ago, your car is telling you that it may want to be retired. The costs of keeping it on the road are adding up. At some point, it just doesn’t make sense, especially with depreciation. If your repair costs are rivalling the actual value of the car, make the smart move and get a newer one.
Sticking to the cold facts of cost-of-ownership can help you clearly see when it’s time to get a new vehicle. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is here to make that transition as simple – and affordable – as possible.
All About The Prius Battery
Since its introduction in 1997, Toyota’s Prius model has been beloved for its value, fuel-efficiency, and role in helping the environment. The Prius (available at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA) is one of the best-selling hybrid vehicles on the market. Because it relies more on an electric battery than gas, you might have questions about battery power. Peruzzi Toyota is here to break it down for you.
There are two kinds of Prius, the standard hybrid and the plug-in (PHEV) model aka the Prius Prime. The regular Toyota Prius is powered by a combination of gas and electricity charged through its regenerative braking. The plug-in model can store more energy in the battery, further reducing the need for gas. The question for both types of Prius is… how long does the battery last, and what impacts it?
Toyota states that the average battery life for a Prius is 100,000-150,000 miles or between 8 and 10 years. However, just like anything, the way you treat your vehicle will have an effect. If you’re in an accident, for example, the battery cell may become damaged.
A few things will indicate if your battery is heading south.
- Running rough. The hybrid battery transfers power to the wheels; if they “feel” awkward on the road, it could be a sign of a failing battery.
- Doesn’t hold a charge. Like any kind of battery, as your hybrid battery ages, you may find yourself needing to charge it up more frequently than before.
- Decreasing fuel-efficiency. The whole point of a hybrid is to reduce the need for gas. If you notice your fuel usage creeping back up, the battery may be responsible.
Cold weather can also impact your Prius battery, draining it a bit faster than in temperate weather. And letting your vehicle “sit” for too long doesn’t do it any favors, although a warm climate will allow the Prius battery to hold a charge for anywhere from 3-6 months. If temperatures are colder, halve that number.
If you determine that you need a new battery, expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000. That’s still a lot less than the battery required for high-end hybrids made by Porsche and Ferrari. Once again, Toyota delivers value for their customers.
Got more questions about the Toyota Prius or Prius Prime? Peruzzi Toyota is always here to answer them for you.
The Toyota brand is known for exceptional reliability and longevity. Of course, drivers need to do their bit to keep things running smoothly with regular maintenance and service. There are many “quickie” options out there, which may seem convenient. But Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield is here to remind you that you can care for your Toyota vehicle and save time and money. Here are smart reasons to use Toyota service experts.
WE’RE FACTORY-TRAINED: Vehicles of all makes have gotten more complex – and the pace of change is only increasing. Local mechanics may have a general idea of things, but they can’t possibly be well-versed in every detail of every brand. The service experts at Peruzzi are up to date on everything Toyota. They can diagnose problems quickly and repair them faster. Plus, we know the service schedule your vehicle should be on and can recommend essential maintenance tasks, so you don’t miss a beat in your daily life.
WE USE GENUINE TOYOTA PARTS: These days, one size definitely does not fit all. There are so many subtle differences in even the most basic of components. Trying to wedge the wrong one in your vehicle can have serious repercussions. The experts at Peruzzi Toyota use ONLY the right parts for your vehicle. The even better news is that these quality parts will last as long as the originals.
WE ALWAYS HAVE “SPECIALS”: We take giving our customers the absolute best service and deals seriously. That’s why we can always offer you little extras, from discounts to free car washes and more.
So there you have it: three solid reasons to let Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA handle your entire Toyota journey. Letting us take charge of your service and repair needs alone is the ticket to keeping it on the road and trouble-free for years to come!
Uploading Your Most Current Toyota
It’s a fact that cars are continually evolving. It’s another fact that many car owners aren’t up for trading in their perfectly good Toyota for the latest bells and whistles. Well, Toyota is addressing that with an ambitious new plan. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is excited to share the breaking news!
In Japan, it’s being called “The Kinto Factory,” and the idea is to create upgrades that customers can easily install themselves. Drivers will be able to upload software updates for things including safety and driver-assist features like parking and lane-change. They can stay up to date – without having to buy a whole new vehicle. It’s a little like having a phone that updates to the latest version of itself.
Of course, bigger items that need replacing are also on the Kinto Factory menu. They’re working on creating seats, steering wheels and other hardware items that can be swapped out by the owner.
Toyotas are widely known as among the most reliable vehicles on the road, a quality treasured by practical drivers worldwide. But the automaker also recognizes that the pace of upgrades among competitors puts pressure on drivers to seek out new cars, possibly from other brands. The Kinto Factory is an ingenious way to have the best of both worlds.
Owners wanting to take part are charged about $87 to access the program. That number may change as Kinto progresses. Currently, it’s in “test mode” in a few Japanese dealerships and limited to Prius and the Lexus; the idea is to eventually expand to the states and more Toyota models.
As with many of their practices, Toyota is making a smart business move for the future. It’s designed to ensure that loyal customers can keep their favorite vehicle and keep it up to date without a lot of fuss as cars continually evolve. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield is proud to be part of a company that keeps their customer needs top of mind and does something to address them.
The 2022 Toyota Prius: Impressive On Every Front
Fans of Toyota’s beloved Prius model would say that there’s already so much to love about the Hybrid, who needs anything more? Well, Toyota isn’t resting on that high praise: the 2022 Prius, available at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA, is impressing drivers all over again with many new features for the new model year.
Let’s start with the outside. The 2022 Toyota Prius sports a sleek, bold exterior look that mirrors the amazingly fuel-efficient (yet powerful) hybrid engine under the hood. Slide in, and you’ll be enjoying a whole host of features designed to make your ride super-comfortable. Start with the SofTex® front seats – which are also heated – and automatic climate control. Power windows and locks, keyless entry and push-button start make things simpler, while the moonroof lets you bring some of the outdoors along for the ride. Whether you’re commuting solo or bringing friends along on a road trip, you’ll be enjoying the most comfortable Hybrid on the market.
Of course, these days, drivers need to be fully connected and the 2022 Prius has you covered end-to-end, with touchscreen display, available Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, SiriusXM®, and Bluetooth®. You’ll find USB ports and a handy wireless phone charger, plus a heads-up driving display that keeps you both connected and safer on the road. These exceptional features are just for starters (Peruzzi Toyota is happy to show you what else the 2022 Prius has to offer – because there’s plenty).
Toyota has long prided itself in delivering the best technology and comfort for their customers, all wrapped in one of the most affordable vehicles on the road. Peruzzi Toyota is proud to offer this outstanding Hybrid and invites you to come by our Hatfield showroom and experience the 2022 Toyota Prius for yourself.
KID-PROOFING YOUR CAR
Let’s face it: your Toyota is like a second home, part of your daily routine. Driving to school, activities, Grandma’s house…it’s no wonder that the vehicle can get trashed pretty easily. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA has seen it all (trust us) and compiled these helpful tips for making your ride kid-proof (more or less).
WIPES, WIPES, AND MORE WIPES: Whether it’s baby wipes or antibacterial ones, they’re indispensable. They can clean up sticky hands, or sudden messes in the back seat. Keep a supply in your glove box and periodically check that they haven’t dried out.
ADD A TRASH CAN: A large-ish plastic container (with a lid) is essential for your car. Get little ones in the habit of handing over their candy wrappers and unfinished snacks. It will go a very long way in keeping control of the crumb situation (and there’s ALWAYS a crumb situation). Remember to empty it out and clean it on the regular, especially if food items are inside.
A PORTABLE VACUUM CLEANER: This small, handheld device can do wonders when it comes to tidying up after messy kids. Keep it under the seat and give the back seat a regular going-over.
ORGANIZE TOYS (AND STUFF): Kids always insist on bringing something with them. Hang a shoe organizer on the back of the seat for them to stash things or utilize seatback pockets for books and tablets. Alternately, keep a Tupperware bin (with a lid) to store their stuff. Remember, if you’re ever in an accident, loose toys can become dangerous.
ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS: When they’re climbing in with muddy shoes from soccer practice, or – well, from doing kid things – rubber floor mats with deep grooves will save your interior upholstery. They’ll catch spills, dirt, mud and more. The best part? You just shake them out or hose ‘em down and you’re good to go.
Kids and your Peruzzi Toyota don’t have to be “incompatible.” Keep these simple tips in mind and keep your ride looking fresh!
Get Your Toyota Ready For Winter
You know how it goes: the first big snow of the season happens, and you realize you’re out of salt for the driveway. Life goes by fast, and Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA wants to help you prepare your vehicle for winter weather. Take some time now to review these helpful tips, many of which can be performed by our expert service technicians.
- Check your tire tread. In snowy or icy road conditions, you want to ensure that your tires are sound. The old-fashioned “penny test” can tell you: stick a penny in the tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, you need new tires.
- Fill your tires. Proper inflation of your Toyota’s tires will help give you more control any time of the year, but especially in winter.
- Change your oil and antifreeze. These essential fluids ensure your vehicle operates at peak efficiency during dicey weather conditions.
- Inspect your battery. Battery power lessens in cold weather, and you don’t want it dying on you.
- Check your heater. If you were to get stuck somewhere on a cold night, a good working heater could make all the difference. Ensure that it’s working properly.
- Make a Winter Emergency Kit. Include road flares, jumper cables, a flashlight (and extra batteries), and a windshield scraper. A small shovel, with a bag of rock salt to melt ice and snow, and a bag of kitty litter for traction is also a good idea. A set of reflectors and a neon flag to attach to your door is a smart safety addition. Stash a sturdy chain or rope for any needed towing help. In case you’re unable to access a digital map, an old-school paper roadmap is a good idea.
Outside of the mechanical things, add a warm blanket, hat and gloves, a cell phone charger, and bottles of water/non-perishable snacks.
Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield knows that a little planning ahead will go a long way in preventing a lot of winter-driving aggravation!
Charging While Driving
We’re moving farther away from combustion engine vehicles and more to alternatives like hybrids, electric, and ultimately, hydrogen-powered ones. Electric vehicles are currently “charging” ahead in popularity (pun intended), but one drawback is the fear of running out of power before you reach the next place to juice up. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is excited to give a sneak-peek of an exciting development that Toyota is working on: a way to wirelessly charge your electric vehicle on the go.
While many details are still (understandably) under wraps, here’s one scenario. Let’s say your electric Toyota truck gets a notice that the juice is running low. You would wirelessly send an “energy transfer request” to another vehicle. The second vehicle accepts your request, and the requested amount of energy is transmitted to your truck. A variation on this is having electric vehicles automatically placing these transfer requests with each other through some kind of computer-readable medium.
One of the cool things about this technology is that it’s being designed to read traffic flow so that transfers can be made without missing a beat. Also, these electric Toyota vehicles would communicate with each other and match speed/route to make for the most efficient transfer of energy.
Details on how this will specifically transact within vehicles are still being worked out, but likely, it will be a supersized version of other kinds of wireless chargers that are already in play.
Peruzzi Toyota knows that this exciting development still has a way to go before it becomes mainstream – but we’re proud to be part of an automaker with such a vision for wireless technology. Just goes to show you that for the kinds of technology specifically designed to make your driving life ever-better, Toyota is the smart choice!
Some Myths About Hybrid Cars
Over the last couple of decades, cars have been moving away from the standard internal combustion engine that’s been around forever. Electric cars are getting plenty of buzz, but in the middle is the “hybrid,” which combines both gas and electric power. Even though Toyota introduced their beloved Prius in the late 90s – and they’ve gotten even better since then — many consumers still harbor misconceptions about hybrid vehicles. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is here to clear up some of those myths.
HYBRIDS HAVE TO BE PLUGGED IN
Not necessarily. While there are some plug-in hybrids that offer a longer driving range, many hybrids typically utilize another power method. Regular hybrids combine gasoline and tools like “regenerative braking” to capture electrical energy and keep the engine juiced up.
HYBRIDS ARE SUPER-EXPENSIVE
When hybrids first arrived on the scene, they were in fact more costly than “normal” cars (aren’t all “new” things?). But that was then. Now, hybrids are priced along the lines of many internal combustion vehicles.
HYBRIDS COST A TON TO REPAIR
Actually, hybrids utilize many of the same parts as a regular vehicle and have compatibility with typical auto parts. The only part that may be more costly versus “normal” cars is replacing the battery.
HYBRIDS ARE TRICKY TO DRIVE
Driving a hybrid is really no different than driving an internal combustion engine (ICE) car. They’re built on the same kinds of frames and suspension, so the “feel” behind the wheel is the same. The one thing that might take a little getting used to is that they’re so much quieter than gas-powered vehicles. Like, a lot quieter.
HYBRIDS HAVE NO “GET UP AND GO”
Some assume that a hybrid doesn’t have the “oomph” of a gas-powered engine. In truth, the electric drivetrain in a hybrid adds a pretty impressive kick to the gas side. For example, Toyota’s RAV4 Prime (available at Peruzzi Toyota) is among one of the brand’s fastest vehicles.
HYBRIDS DON’T REALLY HELP THE ENVIRONMENT
Sure, hybrids still burn some fossil fuels – and that’s not optimal for Mother Earth. But they burn far less than ICE’s. Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good: until we’re fully into electric or hydrogen-cell vehicles, hybrids can still support the environment in an important way (and save you money on gas!).
Got more questions about hybrids? We’re always happy to give you the lowdown at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA!
