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Showing posts from June, 2015

The Negotiator

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When you think about going out to buy a new or used car, one of the concerns you may have probably revolves around the process of negotiations.  There are some tips you can follow to learn how to become a professional negotiator so you can keep your focus on the goal of car ownership. According to NADA there are four rules of negotiating you should learn in order to stream-line this process.  The first step in negotiating is to do your homework.  Doing your homework involves many different steps.  Some important things to consider include; determining what you need, what you can afford, how you want to purchase (buy or lease), and read the reviews on the car make and model of your choice.  Step two is to get a quote.  You can submit price quote requests online or you can contact a dealer via phone, or in person.  Many experts suggest contacting through email first so you can get a good feel for the communication style of your sales representative.  Step three is to know the lingo.  V

Creative Savings

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It is no surprise that buying a car can be one of the most expensive purchases you make. Unfortunately the expenses and costs don’t end when you leave the dealership. In fact, according to a survey conducted by AAA called Your Driving Costs, the average person spent more than $8, 500 on driving costs. This excluded the cost of the loan payment. Ina time when people are spending so much on driving there are others who are saving money on driving. Believe it or not there are some companies who are willing to pay you money for advertising their business. You simply adhere their emblem or logo onto your vehicle, typically the window, and drive. Some owners have reported earning as much as $300- $400 per month on advertising. Other drivers are being creative in other ways. Some are offsetting their ownership costs by enrolling their vehicle in a rental program. Allowing their car or truck to be rented out for short periods of time can earn you anywhere from $200 – $300 per month. You can al

No Need for Special Incentives

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One of the most important parts of the car buying process is financing. It is the financing which will drive your car buying venture. The current market is currently geared towards benefiting the buyer. Dealers are still trying to recoup their used car inventory since the economic downfall. And because used cars are in high demand they are willing to pay top dollar for trade in cars and trucks. It is a time when a potential buyer could easily get a large amount of money to use as a down payment for their next vehicle purchase. Due to the fact that dealers are rebuilding their used car inventory and are paying top dollar for trade ins, they are less likely to be offering special deals and incentives on their vehicles. If you come across a particular incentive which will benefit your purchase be sure to look at all aspects of the loan. A great auto loan will offer a low interest rate as well as a short payoff term. These factors will be directly dependent on your credit score and other p

Becoming Fuel Efficient

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The need to become more fuel efficient is plastered everywhere these days.  It is closely connected to the issues surrounding the environment.  Changing our behaviors in order to positively affect these issues is not an easy task.  First and foremost, many people do not believe their small changes will really make a difference in the grand scheme of things.  Secondly, these changes don’t come naturally.  People must begin to train themselves in behaviors they can begin displaying that will make a difference.  It may not seem like this you can make a difference alone but if everyone chose to make a few minor changes to their lifestyle, it would create a global effect. One easy way that people can make a change on the environment is by evaluating the car they drive.  Not everyone is in a position to go out a buy a new hybrid or fuel efficient car.  According to AAA, the average person drives a vehicle that produces a fuel efficiency of 24.4 miles per gallon and they spend an average of 5

Are You Wasting Gas?

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As fuel prices rise, we as consumers must begin to educate ourselves on ways to save money.  For some of us who drive older model cars, purchasing a new, more fuel-efficient car may not be an option.  There are ways that you can save on gas in your vehicle, regardless of the year it was made. According to edmunds.com there are ten ways you can increase fuel-efficiency.  We have chosen to highlight the top five.  The first tip is to keep your speed between 40 and 60mph.  This can fluctuate with large SUV’s or pick-up trucks (should drop by 10mph or more).  The second tip is to avoid E85 ethanol.  Ethanol drastically affects fuel efficiency because gasoline contains more energy than alcohol.  “The EPA says you’ll get about 7mpg less with E85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline) than with 100 percent gas.”  The third tip is to shut your vehicle off when you are not driving.  Did you know that a hybrid uses this concept to reduce fuel consumption?  This is accomplished by the hybrids

Used, Pre-owned, Certified…What Does it all Mean?

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When you are in the market to purchase a car and you want to choose a used / pre-owned option, it is important to understand exactly what you are purchasing.  The last thing you want to do is buy a car from a slick cars salesman who only cares about your money and then get home and find out it lacks everything you were promised in the car when you signed on the dotted line.  When you are buying a pre-owned vehicle, it is very important to do your research. Obviously, pre-owned or used is exactly what it says it is…it has been owned by someone else and either traded in for a new vehicle or purchased at an auction by the dealer.  When buying a used car you are taking a risk with having no knowledge of how the vehicle was maintained, if it was wrecked, or what the overall condition is.  Even with the best efforts of a great dealership and salesman, it can be a gamble that you would want to be cautious about taking. Toyota offers certified vehicles and whenever possible you should shop for

Everyone Wants a Car With Value

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When you are in the market to buy a new car there are many factors you look for to help you make this important purchase.  Some of these factors may be about safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency.  Another very important factor that is probably at the top of your list is re-sale value.  We’ve all heard that a car’s value depreciates as soon as you drive it off the lot, but there are choices you can make in car selection that can minimize this effect. During the 2014 Best Resale Value Awards, Kelley Blue Book awarded two vehicle manufacturers the title of “Best Brand.  It is no surprise that Toyota took home one of these awards.  With the “Best Brand” award being one of the most highly regarded at this ceremony, it was a huge achievement for Toyota.  This is actually the second time in three years that Toyota has received this award. What does this award mean?  There are a lot of qualities that go into a making a great car.  This award specifically sets out to recognized brands that hold

American Buying More New Cars

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An increase in auto sales is a welcomed event, especially since the fall of the economy in 2008. However, right now it seems Americans are being drawn more to new car buying rather than used car buying. Used cars have been in high demand since the recession and as a result have had a great increase in value. Some used cars are valued higher than other new cars. This may be the reason for the push from used to new by buyers. To put it into perspective, prior to the fall of the economy annual new car sales peaked at 17 million. In 2009 they accounted for just 10.4 million. It was clear that whether or not a vehicle was new made little difference in the eyes of the budget-conscious buyer. Many would- be buyers were also holding onto their vehicles longer. Now they are returning to dealerships with used vehicles, high in value, and a large amount of savings. This puts them in a much better position to purchase a new car rather than a used car. The new cars you will find at your local

True Cost To Own

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When you are purchasing a new car sometimes you can get too caught up in the sticker price and fail to consider how much your new or used car is really going to cost you over the long haul.  It is important to consider all of the fees associated with car ownership so that you will truly find yourself happy with the future of your new car ownership.  The last thing you want to have happen is to get in your new car and then realize in a year down the road that you couldn’t realistically afford it and have to trade it in for something cheaper. Kelley Blue Book provides a clear explanation of the total 5-year cost of ownership and we have summarized it.  The out of pocket costs that you should consider when making your new or used car purchase include; fuel, insurance, financing, state fees, maintenance, and repairs.  You have to also factor in depreciation in your vehicle.  Depreciation is basically the difference between what you paid for the car and what it is worth after the 5 year l

Fatal Car Accidents Decline

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It is always such a tragic occurrence when a traffic accident ends in a fatality.  You see it on the roads or on the news every day.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 32,000 people died in traffic accidents last year.  This is still more than anyone would like to see in a statistic, but the good news surrounding this number is that it is down 1.7 percent from the previous year.  Even better news is that this is the sixth consecutive year the nation has seen a decline in numbers. Autonews.com reports this number to be down 26 percent since 2005. There are many reasons that may account for this decline.  The first could be contributed to the public service announcements flooding local network television regarding the use of cell phones and electronics while driving.  As people become more aware of how their actions could affect their lives and the lives of others on the road, their driving habits tend to become safer all around.  Also, the current genera

Trade-in Values May Reach Record Breaking Highs

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In a recent article from autonews.com it has been predicted that trade-in values may reach a record breaking high over the next four or five months.  This spike in value is associated with a “shortage in the used-vehicle industry, rising gasoline prices, and a higher demand for fuel-efficient vehicles.”  This change in the industry will mean a lot for people in the market right now to buy a new car.  The trade-in values are expected to peak through the end of May but will start to decrease again beginning June so now is the time if you are in the market for a new car.  There is one caveat to this though.  Dealerships are not going to pay top dollar for a used car that has been driven hard.  According to autonews.com dealers are specifically looking for “clean, late-model used vehicles under six years old with reasonable mileage.” With this increase in trade-in values, consumers hope to find an increase in incentives for purchasing a new car.  As gas prices rise, it has become more di

Certified Toyota Cars in High Demand

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Many new and used car buyers do most of their vehicle research online. There are several online to tools which greatly aid in your search to find, not only the perfect car, but also the perfect financing for that vehicle. However, there are just some things you simply cannot do online and need to do in person. Test driving a car is the obvious point. This can only be done in person and should always be done before buying any vehicle, whether it’s new or used. You can begin your vehicle search by visiting www.weisstoyota.com . It is there where you will find the highest end cars on the market. Their new and used Toyota cars St. Louis are some of the most affordable and most efficient out there. Right now used vehicle sales are on the rise, especially used Toyota cars. This is namely due to their efficiency. At a time when fuel prices are so high it is difficult to find a used vehicle capable of saving you money. However, a certified pre owned or a used Toyota vehicle will save you money

Taking a Test Drive

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When you are setting out to purchase a new car, you want the process to be as exciting as it should be.  The last thing you want to happen is to drive off the lot feeling like you have just had the life sucked out of you.  Whether you are in the market for a new or used Toyota St. Louis dealers have just the right tools to get you on the road and happy about every decision you make along the way. Here are some tips to help you on your journey to purchase a new or used car.  It is important to understand what you need in a car and how much fulfilling those needs can cost you.  Knowing exactly how much you can afford will save you a lot of time when it comes to negotiating prices.  You should also have already researched a few specific models of cars that interest you.  This will help you articulate to your salesman exactly what you are looking for and he or she can best serve you while on your hunt for the perfect car.  Lastly, you of course need to take a test drive!  Get acquainted w

Corolla Stacked with Noted Safety Features

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The Toyota Motor Corporation has been well known to offer vehicles which have incredible safety features as well as the ability to achieve incredible fuel economy. The Toyota Corolla falls well within these standards and has been doing so for decades. The Corolla car has been a customer favorite for its efficiency and affordability for several years before fuel efficiency was a main priority for buyers. You can find a new or used Toyota Corolla St. Louis at your local MO Toyota dealership. A brand new Toyota Corolla will be priced at a low and affordable $16,950. When you pay this price you get a vehicle capable of achieving an estimated fuel economy average of 27 miles per gallon during city travel and 36 miles per gallon during highway travel. The Toyota Corolla has also been noted for its safety features. Each new Toyota Corolla car comes standard with the unique Toyota Star Safety System. Because of this the Corolla was named as the 2015 NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Admini

Toyota Avalon Named a Best Family Car by KBB.com

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According to the Toyota USA Newsroom at Toyota.com dated May 16, 2013, “The editors of Kelley Blue Book (www.Kbb.com) selected the 2013 Prius v and the 2013 Avalon for their list of 10 Best Family Cars. The list is compiled annually by KBB.com editors to highlight vehicles that address unique family specifications and situations, and offer innovation.”  Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com said, “Our annual list is aimed at helping families find the right ride and always include something for everyone, with a special nod to what is new.” Enthusiasm for the family friendly 2013 Avalon continued over at KBB.com where they had this to say about the car, “Renowned for its spacious interior quarters, abundance of luxury features and sofa-soft ride, the fully redesigned Toyota Avalon can now add “high style” to its list of highlights. In addition, laudable fuel economy coupled with an exemplary reputation for reliability and

Technology is Evolving in New Cars

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Over the years technology has evolved in drastic ways in vehicles.  Most vehicles today are hard-pressed to come equipped with a tape player but typically all come standard with a CD player.  If you are really fortunate, your vehicle has a multi-disc player! Over the last 5 years cars have started to come standard with ports for plugging in Ipods and mp3 players.  It is not a stretch to say that technology in vehicles has moved quicker than most people ever could have imagined. As that trend is analyzed by professionals in the business it is not too hard to figure out that more will happen as the years continue to pass by.  In fact, as recently reported by http://autonews.com , the research firm Strategy Analytics says the number of vehicles manufactured without a CD player will raise from 300,000 this year to 12.1 million by 2018.  Just 15 years ago CD players were becoming standard in cars and now we are already looking at a future without them.  It is no surprise as most consumers

Outsourcing to the USA?

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According to a recent news report from http://autonews.com , Toyota and other Japanese companies are turning to North America to manufacture and produce products and vehicles.  They report part of the reason for this shift is to “reduce the effects of the strong Yen.”  The reality is that the amount of sales of Japanese vehicles is expanding so greatly that it is becoming more profitable to build them right here in the USA.  Toyota specifically has shown a dedication and a strong commitment to American causes and while Japan and the economy there are still very important to Toyota, they see the importance of a global mindset in an industry where they are supported by a vast amount of sales in America.  This outsourcing has caused quite the uproar in Japan and it is unclear what the future will hold for these types of decisions. Some of the major Toyota plants in the Unites States include plants in Huntsville, Alabama; Georgetown, Kentucky; Princeton, Indiana; San Antonio, Texas; Buff

The Toyota Family Learning Initiative

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Toyota USA Newsroom at Toyota.com reported Toyota’s launch of a six-year initiative collaboration with the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL). According to the press release, “This new initiative will engage families in learning together both online and offline, incorporating digital elements launching later this year, including a website, mobile app, social media and more. Today, the first phase of Toyota Family Learning goes live: a grant program for communities to fund new family mentor and service learning programs targeting vulnerable families.” “The vision for Toyota Family Learning is to become a modern-day movement for families learning together and this grant program launch is the first of many steps we’ll be taking in the coming months and years to make that vision a reality,” said Sharon Darling, president and founder, NCFL. “The components of this initiative are all rooted in increasing Parent and Child Together (PACT) Time® that is so critical to improving family l

Toyota & Teen Vogue Announce “Arrive In Style” Program

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Weiss certified Toyota dealer near Hazelwood presents the latest news dated April 4, 2013 from the Toyota USA Newsroom at Toyota.com: “In conjunction with Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April, Teen Vogue and Toyota announced today “Arrive in Style,” a safe driving campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving among teenage girls and inspire them to make a mutual commitment with their mothers to drive safely. While cars today are safer than ever, automobile crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers. In 2010 seven teens between the ages of 16 and 19 died every day on average from motor vehicle injuries. “We are thrilled to partner with Toyota on this important initiative. When we saw the scary statistics around distracted driving, we knew this was a cause worth taking on,” said Jason Wagenheim, Teen Vogue Vice President and Publisher. “Teen Vogue’s influential young readers are the perfect ambassadors not only to participate in this initiative, but a

Toyota Earns 10th Consecutive Energy Star Partner of the Year Award

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Toyota USA Newsroom announced Toyota’s 10th consecutive Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award. Let’s take a look at the news release courtesy of the Toyota.com USA Newsroom: “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA) with its ninth consecutive ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award for its continued leadership in protecting our environment through superior energy efficiency. Toyota’s ninth Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award is the most among any automaker that assembles vehicles in the United States and represents all of Toyota’s 13 manufacturing facilities in the region. During the past decade, cumulative cost savings at these 13 North American vehicle, engine and parts plants totaled more than $370 million and energy use has been reduced by 15 percent per vehicle produced, enough energy to power 27,000 average households for 10 years. “Toyota is hon

Dealers Improve on Customer Service Standards

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Many dealerships and manufacturers were forced to spend a little more time and energy on customer service following the fall of the economy. Buyers were much more selective about where they chose to do their shopping and investing. Since sales fell dramatically during that time, dealers had to learn the art of good customer service all over again, some seemingly for the first time. The Toyota Motor Corporation has been known for their exceptional customer service efforts as well as their ability to produce safe and reliable vehicles which are affordably priced for the budget of any buyer. The Toyota Motor Corporation offers a number of services and features to their buyers. For instance, each time you buy a brand new Toyota car you will get ample warranty coverage including the Toyota Care plan. These are enough to give any buyer great peace of mind with their choice. Used Toyota cars MO also offer exceptional benefits to buyers. Whether you buy a new, used, or certified pre-owned Toyo

New Car Window Labels

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Since the economic crisis there have been a number of government changes to our standard s of living. Naturally our environment has also had a great impact on this as well. We have become significantly more aware of our impact on our environment as a result; many Americans are trying to lead a cleaner way of life. One of the ways we are achieving this is by driving cleaner cars. These cars give fewer emissions and require less fuel to run. Many of these cars are best known as hybrid models. You can step onto any dealership and see a hybrid car these days. For instance, your local St. Louis new and used Toyota dealer will have numerous hybrid cars to choose from. Toyota was the first to offer a hybrid car over a decade ago. They now offer a Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and a number of Toyota Prius cars . In the upcoming months you will notice a change in the window labels of cars for sale at your local dealership. These labels are responsible for giving a potential buy