FOUR STEPS TO GETTING YOUR CAR LOAN
Most people shopping for a car – whether it’s new or used – opt to finance their purchase. While you certainly can just walk into a dealership, find a car you like then sit down with the finance department, it’s wise to do a few things beforehand so that you’re not unpleasantly surprised – or disappointed. For years, Peruzzi Toyota has helped car buyers make smart buying decisions. Here are four steps to getting your best car loan.
CHECK YOUR CREDIT
Just like any loan, getting your best deal on a car loan will be impacted by your credit history and credit rating. Those “numbers” can affect pre-approval and any payment plan that will be arranged. These days, checking your credit score is easier than ever. If it’s a little on the weak side, consider making some changes to improve it before you go car-shopping. It will definitely pay off.
GET LOAN QUOTES
How much can you afford to pay each month? Depending on the kind of vehicle you’re looking for, quotes will vary. Take your time and do a little homework. The financial representatives at Peruzzi Toyota are happy to outline the details.
GET PRE-APPROVAL
Getting a car loan will require pre-approval. Our reps can handle this for you quickly and simply.
FIND YOUR BEST CAR
Now comes the fun part! Once you know how much you can afford and have your loan secured, it’s time to start shopping for a vehicle. Peruzzi Toyota has a huge selection of cars, trucks, and SUVs to choose from. You’re guaranteed to find the one that suits your lifestyle – not to mention your budget.
Getting a car loan doesn’t have to be overwhelming or intimidating. Taking some time to get your credit score in shape, shopping for the best quote, then working with an experienced pro will make the process easy and painless. Got questions? Peruzzi Toyota is here to help!
If you’re taking a trip to Allentown and want to make the best of the short time you have there, you can’t spend time driving around looking for something to pop up. If you want some cool day trip ideas, check out these three spots:
- Dorney Park
For some great family fun, head straight to Dorney Park. Thrilling roller coasters, wet and wild fun, great food — there’s something for everyone. You can spend the entire day here and never run out of things to do. There are rides for all ages and all styles at Dorney Park, so you can be sure the whole family will have fun here.
- Malcolm Gross Rose Garden
If you’re looking for a more scenic and relaxing time, visit the Malcolm Gross Rose Garden. Beautifully maintained gardens wrap around the 1.3-mile walking loop at the gardens to offer you and your loved ones fantastic views to go with a calming stroll.
- America On Wheels Museum
Car fans, rejoice — America On Wheels Museum in Allentown is one of the coolest places you’ll find. Take the opportunity to see a large selection of rare vehicles that you don’t often get the chance to see. Plan your trip to coincide with one of the great events the museum holds. It’s easy to spend hours at this museum.
Have fun in Allentown as you explore everything it has to offer. Let us know about your favorite things to do here. We’re always looking for something new and exciting to visit.
Image via Flickr by Discover Lehigh Valley, PA
GET YOUR CAR READY FOR SUMMER DRIVING
The summer driving season is almost here, which means conditions take a different toll on your car from the winter months. It’s smart to take some time to give your vehicle a good “once over” before those vacations and trips to the beach. Peruzzi Toyota offers these helpful tips for getting your car ready for summer driving.
-Check your tires. Look for wear on the treads or any “bubbles” on the sidewall (which can indicate something broken inside). Ensure that tire pressure is correct; underinflated or overinflated tires negatively impact fuel economy and performance and can lead to dangerous blowouts.
-Check your brakes. The cold temperatures of winter, combined with the “heat” generated from braking, puts extra strain on the system. Have your brakes inspected, including the brake fluid.
-Inspect belts and hoses. Summer heat can punish those critical components. See that they’re in good shape. The same goes for your windshield wipers: winter driving is tough on rubber blades.
-Check the A/C system. It’s no fun when you’re sitting in beach traffic and the air-conditioning goes out. And speaking of “cool,” inspect radiator and other coolant levels.
-Get an oil change if needed. Regular oil typically stays “good” for 4,000-5,000 miles; if you use synthetic oil, expect a lifespan of 6,000 – 7,000 miles.
-Now’s a great time to give your car a thorough cleaning, inside and out. Hose the winter “gunk” out from under tires and from floor mats. Ditch the stuff rolling around under the seats, clean out sticky cupholders and vacuum the carpet. Finish up with a good wash and wax on the exterior to protect your car from punishing summer sunlight.
-Update your Emergency Kit. Check that you have working road flares, fresh batteries in the flashlight, a charger for your phone, medical kit and tire-inflation kit.
The expert service department at Peruzzi Toyota is happy to get your vehicle ready for summer driving. Make an appointment today and let us give your vehicle a good “once over.” Your upcoming road trips will be that much more fun when you’re packing “peace of mind” along with your sunscreen and beach towels.
7 GREAT REASONS TO CHOOSE A TOYOTA
With all the choices out there for a vehicle, it can be tough to know which one is best for you and your family. But there are some very solid reasons why a Toyota should top your list. Here are seven to start with, but with its huge selection of cars, trucks, and SUV’s, Peruzzi Toyota offers even more.
QUALITY
Toyota makes “quality” a priority in every one of their vehicles. That’s one reason that experts like Kelley Blue Book and J.D. Power regularly give Toyota vehicles consistently high ratings in this department.
SAFETY
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety checks to see how well a vehicle protects passengers in a crash, and in the area of crash avoidance itself. IIHS has regularly awarded many of its “top safety pick” ratings to Toyota cars and trucks.
DURABILITY
Toyotas are built to last. In fact, 80 percent of Toyota vehicles that were sold 20 years ago (yes, 20!) are still on the road. And Kelley Blue Book notes that Toyotas hold their value above almost all other brands. If you want a car or truck with longevity, Toyota is for you.
RELIABILITY
Whether their Toyota is new or used, owners have tremendous peace of mind; they know that they’re behind the wheel of one of the most reliable brands on the road. This is backed by J.D. Power, which gives Toyota top marks.
RESALE VALUE
On that same note, the Kelley Blue Book regularly honors Toyota as one of its “best brands.” This extends to resale: Toyota vehicles consistently get top dollar.
AMERICAN QUALITY
Even compared with many American brands, Toyota is known for sourcing an exceptionally large number of its parts from U.S. manufacturers.
INNOVATION
Toyota has long been at the forefront of the newest automotive technology. This especially applies to “green” vehicles, like the popular Prius. You’ll always know that you’re enjoying the very latest in design, safety and more.
These seven great reasons make it easier than ever to choose Toyota. If you need more convincing, talk to one of the friendly experts at Peruzzi Toyota. Bring your questions, take a test drive and discover for yourself why so many smart consumers choose the Toyota brand.
For drivers looking for a vehicle that’s both nimble, reliable and fuel-efficient – yet doesn’t skimp on the little things that make the drive a pleasure – the Toyota Yaris is worth a look. U.S. News has ranked it within its top subcompact models and as an excellent, affordable “entry-level” vehicle. For a long time, the Toyota Yaris has primarily been available as a sedan. Now, there’s another reason to visit Peruzzi Toyota: the redesigned 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback.
The upgraded 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback includes all the best bits of the Yaris model. That means exceptional fuel-efficiency (32 mpg city/40 mpg on the highway). The hatchback also features a peppy 1.5L 4-cylinder 106 HP engine that’s fairly impressive for a smaller car.
The 2020 Yaris Hatchback has a new sportier exterior that’s sure to turn heads as you zip by. On the inside, you’ll access a 7” display audio screen, AppleCarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, six powerful speakers and two USB ports (all standard). And let’s not forget the surprising amount of interior space that it offers.
As with all Toyota models, the 2020 Yaris Hatchback features exceptional safety technology including the Active Safety System and Low-Speed Pre-Collision Safety System.
Of course, the fact that it’s a “hatchback” means that efficient cargo storage is crucial. In this area, the 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback won’t disappoint. The smart design will allow you to stash a surprising amount of stuff without breaking a sweat.
If you’re in the market for a super-affordable, eye-catching vehicle that still includes lots of flashy technology, the 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback is a terrific choice. It hits the market shortly; in the meantime, let the sales team at Peruzzi Toyota give you a preview and fill you in on all the details!
4 KEY AUTO REPAIRS FOR YOUR TOYOTA
Toyota vehicles are engineered to be super-reliable. But even with their reputation for efficiency, the truth is that any car or truck requires certain maintenance. After all, it’s still a machine. No matter how well-built a vehicle is (and Toyotas are among the best), they require a regular exam of key things like brakes, timing belts, and other critical items. Peruzzi Toyota’s expert service department will give you a fair look at the status of your own vehicle. If repairs or replacements are needed, they’ll handle them efficiently. Let Peruzzi Toyota’s service professionals assess the key repairs your vehicle might need. You’ll have true peace of mind on the road, and your Toyota will keep running (problem-free) for years to come.
BRAKES
The last thing you need in a critical car incident is to have your brakes go “squishy” at the very moment you need them to bring you to a solid, quick stop. When you hit your brakes, a “squealing” sound or a shuddering feeling are indicators that your brakes are worn down – and need looking at (and possibly a replacement) by a professional.
BATTERY
When your remote goes wonky, you “smack” it to temporarily adjust the battery. Unfortunately, you can’t do that with a failing car battery. A dead battery will stop you in your tracks, requiring a jump or a tow to your nearest service center. Signs of a failing car battery can be heard if your engine is slow to start. You might also see a warning light on the dashboard. Either way, get to Peruzzi Toyota ASAP for a check on your battery’s status.
TIMING BELTS
As they say, “timing is everything.” Your timing belt is critical to engine performance. If you hear ticking noises when you start your vehicle, or the engine has trouble turning over, bring it into Peruzzi Toyota for a look.
ENGINE ISSUES
If your engine overheats, that’s a sign that something more serious could be happening. Peruzzi Toyota’s service department will have a look and let you know exactly what’s going on. Delaying could cost you a lot more money down the road.
Keeping your Toyota vehicle running efficiently doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Trust the experts at Peruzzi Toyota to handle the issues your car or truck requires to stay in peak operation.
THE 2019 TOYOTA PRIUS: IT’S EVEN BETTER NOW
The Toyota Prius made its debut 15 years ago as one of the most cutting-edge vehicles on the market. It was a breakthrough hybrid that made the most of its electric/gas engine to provide the ultimate in fuel economy. Since its initial introduction, Toyota has worked to improve this popular vehicle and make it even more appealing. You can see the latest upgrades at Peruzzi Toyota, but in the meantime…
Fuel economy is – and always has been – the main attraction of the Toyota Prius. The 2019 model doesn’t disappoint. This latest iteration features an EPA-estimate of 54 mpg city and 50 mpg on the highway. For pretty much any driver, that’ll take ‘em a long way without sucking up a lot of fuel.
While fuel economy is the main attraction of the Prius, there’s so much more to this vehicle. Toyota has worked diligently to make the interior features as much a draw as the economic appeal. For starters, they’ve increased the interior capacity. Now you can easily bring passengers and cargo along without breaking a sweat. They (and it) all fit in nicely in the 2019 Toyota Prius’ interior space.
Once you’ve settled behind the wheel, you’ll enjoy a host of technological features. For starters, there’s an available 11.6-inch multimedia display screen. This makes accessing features like your apps, phone and music super-intuitive and easier than ever. Add in the 10 enhanced JBL speakers, and you have a music experience that will make any drive a true pleasure.
So yes, the 2019 Toyota Prius will save you plenty of money when it comes to fuel economy. But more importantly, it’s a comfortable, technologically-advanced vehicle that will make getting around town – or getting out of the city – easy and fun. It’s worth coming by Peruzzi Toyota to have a look around (and a no-pressure test drive). See for yourself how the 2019 Toyota Prius can make your driving life a lot better.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TEST DRIVE
The “Test Drive.” It’s not just a fun way to get behind the wheel of a new car and give it a spin; it’s a way to see if your new vehicle from Peruzzi Toyota perfectly fits your lifestyle, family style and more. The friendly sales experts at Peruzzi Toyota will never pressure you, but before you slide behind the wheel of any new car, SUV, or truck, consider these aspects of a new vehicle.
THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT
What is your lifestyle? Do you need a vehicle that has a lot of power (for towing things like a boat)? Or one that has plenty of cargo space for the many items your family requires? Or maybe you want a vehicle that is fuel-efficient and runs more “green”? That can make the difference between choosing a Toyota truck, SUV or a more eco-friendly Prius.
BRING A FRIEND
Getting behind the wheel of a sleek new vehicle can be seductive. So it’s not a bad idea to bring someone along who knows your lifestyle and can remind you of what you REALLY need in a new vehicle. A trusted friend or family member can pull you back from the brink of a rash decision.
DRIVE A ROUTE THAT YOU KNOW
Take your test drive along a route that you regularly take: from your kid’s school to the grocery store, your mother-in-law’s house, you get the idea. Get a sense of how the vehicle performs in “real life” conditions for you.
HOW DOES IT PERFORM IN A COMMUTE?
For drivers who make a regular commute, a test drive to and from the daily destination will provide real-world experience of vehicle comfort and reliability.
Put some thought into your test-drive experience. Take it through some daily runs to get the best sense of how a vehicle will perform in your real life. That’s the best way to get a sense of how a new car, SUV or truck will fit your everyday experience. The experts at Peruzzi Toyota are happy to help you find the perfect vehicle to match the needs of your lifestyle. Come on in to see the best options for you!
How to Drive Safely Around Motorcycles
Driving around motorcycles can be tricky for most drivers and could result in an accident if you’re not careful. Here are a few tips to help you drive safely around motorcycles so you can protect yourself and motorists on two wheels.
Keep Your Distance
Avoiding following too closely is one of the most important things to do if you want to drive safely around motorcycles. Although motorcycles are smaller, they need just as much space as a regular-size car to maneuver and brake. This will also give you ample time to brake since motorcycles can stop much more quickly than other vehicles.
Turn Left Cautiously
You also need to be very careful when turning left while driving around motorcycles. Many accidents between cars and motorcycles result when the car is trying to turn left and the motorcycle is going straight, usually because the driver of the car didn’t see the smaller vehicle. Double-check for motorcycles at intersections before turning left so that you can avoid a collision.
Watch Out While Changing Lanes
Because of their smaller size, it can be very easy to miss when a motorcycle is in your blind spot. If you don’t see a motorcycle beside you and try to change lanes, it can end in a major accident. Before changing lanes, make sure to take the time to check your blind spots so that you won’t accidentally steer your car into a motorcycle.
Follow these simple rules when you’re driving around motorcycles and you should be able to stay safe while protecting other motorists.
Image via Flickr by Yoshikazu TAKADA
3 Smart Driving Rules for Your Teen
When your teen first gets behind the wheel, it’s important for you to lay down some ground rules so your child will be safe and you’ll have peace of mind. Here are a few smart driving rules for teens that every family should keep in mind.
- Restrict Nighttime Driving
Teen drivers generally aren’t used to the difficulties of driving at night, which is why close to half of fatal car accidents involving teens take place after the sun goes down. If you want to keep your teen driver safe, restricting them from driving at night is a good idea. Let your teen know they have a driving curfew, and if they’re out past this time, they lose their driving privileges for a while.
- Limit Their Passengers
Limiting the number of passengers your teen driver can have in their car is another smart driving rule. Studies have shown that the more teens are in a car, the likelier an accident if the driver is also a teen. Ideally, there will be no teen passengers riding with your child, but realistically, you should limit them to one or two friends so they can better keep their focus on the road.
- Emphasize Road Rules
Another useful driving rule for your teen is that they be familiar with driving laws. Quiz your teen occasionally to make sure they understand the most important road rules, such as no texting while driving, never drive while inebriated, and always buckle your seat belt.
Establish these smart driving rules for your teen driver and they’ll be a lot safer when they go for a spin.
Image via Flickr by ShenandoahNPS
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