Top Ten Reasons to Buy a Hybrid

New Jersey is no different than any other state in that it's pushing initiatives to go green. If you shop at Autoland, you can join the movement to save the environment by buying a hybrid car. Below are ten reasons for buying a hybrid vehicle today:

1. Save money – Don’t worry about the soaring gas prices because hybrids are extremely gas efficient. You will be saving tons not having to stop at the gas station so frequently.

2. Environment – Driving a hybrid car puts fewer emissions into the air and is better for our planet. It also reduces are dependence on foreign oil.

3. Reliability - Hybrids are very dependable and do not require as much maintenance as gas powered cars.

4. Tax Breaks - You will get considerable tax breaks from the government for being earth conscious and driving a hybrid car, a fact that many people don’t realize.

5. Battery Charge - The gas motor will charge the batteries while the car runs, so no worrying about stopping and re-charging.

6. Driving in Rush Hour - The stop and go of rush hour won’t affect your gas mileage since the electric motor will be switched on during these times.  

7. Brake Pads Last Longer – Since hybrids have regenerative breaking, you will not have to change your brake pads as often.

8. Special Benefits - Hybrid cars can use carpool lanes, no matter how many passengers are in the car, as well as other designated traffic lanes, potentially making your trip shorter.

9. Free Parking and Free Tolls – Depending on the region you are driving in, many states allow for this extra perk for driving a hybrid or electric car.

10. High Resale Value – In the case you are trying to sell your car, hybrid cars are in high demand and have a higher resale value on average.

It’s easy to see why so many people are choosing to drive hybrids, particularly the Camry. The environmental factor seems to be the number one reason people decide to purchase a hybrid car. It’s easy to see why our NJ Toyota dealers have such a high demand for this type of vehicle. By driving an environmentally friendly car, you are choosing to be a part of an important social change. While this is certainly one of the most important reasons, remember all these incentives next time you are choosing your next car.

Spotting Used – but not Abused – Cars

The phrase “Let the buyer beware” is seldom more applicable than when buying a used car. Almost everyone has a friend or relative with a horror story of how they were done wrong by a crooked craigslist ad or swindled by a fast-talking salesman and wound up driving a glorified lawnmower, only with worse handling. The “Shady Used Car Salesman” is one of the oldest clichés in the country, a shyster in a plaid sport coat waiting to rob the unwitting consumer blind.       

                                                

Basically, this guy.

The reality, though, is that buying a used car can be a pain-free and easy process. By keeping a few points in mind, you can save yourself a lot of time, money, and stress.

Private Seller or Dealer?

The main decision you have to make is whether to buy from a dealership or from an individual seller. Though you may be able to save some money by buying a car directly from its owner, the risks involved are typically far greater. Once the money has changed hands, a private seller is under no obligation to address issues that may arise with the car. The increased legwork involved can also be a drain on your time and resources. Cars bought from an owner usually carry no certification and all of the title transfer and registrations fall to the buyer. A typically smarter bet is to visit a local new car dealership. Most places that sell new cars also have an inventory of pre-owned vehicles, allowing you to knock out a day’s worth of browsing in a matter of minutes.

Your Best Friend: The Trustworthy Mechanic

Of all the pre-planning steps you take, none are more important that getting the actual car you are thinking of buying checked out by a mechanic you trust. Any seller who refuses to let you do so should be dismissed without further thought. Most garages will take a quick look at a vehicle for a nominal fee and can usually have the car checked out within an hour.

This is another area where buying from a dealership has the edge. The dealer’s on-site garage has typically certified any car on their lot, and most will offer a warranty that will cover any significant issues. You also have the added benefit of having the licensing and registration done in-house. Any car dealer, from New Jersey to New Mexico, will have some variation on a standard pre-owned warranty. Most dealerships have a section on their website that will break down what kind of coverage is offered.

Though it can be riskier (and a little less glamorous, buying a used car doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By doing a little bit of research and making sure any car you plan to buy has been checked out by a reputable garage, you can shop with confidence and roll away stress-free! Check out Autoland's inventory of quality used and new vehicles online or stop by today! 

Numbers in Safety: Save Money on Car Insurance with or Without a Gecko

One of the most irksome aspects of driving is the cost it takes to insure your car. Depending on where you live and what kind of car you drive, your insurance premium could very likely be higher than your monthly car payment. However, there are a few extra features that, while maybe adding some money to the purchase price, will ultimately save you hundreds, if not thousands, down the road.

Anti-Lock Brakes

This is a feature that many consumers believe comes standard (and on some models it does), but a car with anti-lock brakes may qualify you for a discount. Simply put, an anti-lock brake system helps you slow down and control your car on a slippery road surface. If the wheel begins to lose traction (or “lock up”), the ABS system will engage and give you increased control and stopping power. Some insurance providers require that the ABS system be factory installed by the car manufacturer to be eligible for a discount.

Airbags

This feature is now an industry standard, but the presence of airbags can also get you a discount. Opting for side airbags, in particular, can lower your insurance rate. Some cars now also feature airbags that can sense the position and weight of each passenger, which can also be a factor in determining a discount.

Anti-theft system

Though perhaps not seen as a safety feature per se, a theft deterrent system can not only protect you from thieves, but it can take a bite out of your insurance payment as well. After all, lower risk means lower payment. If living in a less-than-desirable neighborhood is negatively impacting your insurance rates, the discount offered for having an anti-theft system might balance that out.

Automatic Seatbelts

Whether or not you are wearing a seatbelt is the single biggest factor in determining if you will survive a crash. Cars with automatic seatbelts guarantee that everyone is buckled up, and that can translate into savings on your premium.

Daytime Running Lights

Increasing your visibility to other drivers and also improving your ability to see more of the road means safer driving, and possibly a smaller insurance bill.

Of course, the kind of car you drive will affect your insurance rates. Driving a Toyota down the streets of New Jersey will be significantly cheaper than driving a Ford Mustang, even if that Mustang is in the wide open spaces of, say, Utah. But no matter what you drive, opting for a few features at the time of purchase can pay off multiple times over throughout the life of your car.

Used Cars are Great for Going Green in New Jersey

A great many of those traveling to New Jersey for business or new living arrangements will likely need to buy a used car a car. The question that commonly arises here will be ''What is the best car to rent?'' Of all the selections for car rentals in Jersey, the Nissan Leaf just might be the very best vehicle to select.

The Nissan Leaf definitely would be the perfect car for environmentally conscious travelers. As close followers of the consumer auto market will point out, this Nissan model is the best-selling of all the electric cars on the market. 50,000 models have been sold throughout the world, making it a hugely popular success for its manufacturer. Of course, it is not just the manufacturer that benefits from the sale of the vehicle. There are scores of positives for the consumer or, in this case, the person visiting NJ who rents one.

For short distance drivers, this is a perfect vehicle because it can travel fifty miles on pure battery power. A common complaint about electric powered vehicles is that the electric battery might be seriously drained when the air conditioner or heater is turned on. And yes, it can get hot in the state of New Jersey during the summer months. Used car buyers need not worry. The loss of power from running the AC or the heater is minimal with this model.

This is also a very sleek looking and aerodynamic vehicle. Those renting the Leaf will definitely feel confident driving such an impressively stylish car. The interior matches the exterior in terms of look. It has been said that the interior is highly modern, but not obtusely futuristic looking. The modern look will not scare off potential renters in the way that a strangely futuristic look might.

The manufacturers have also put a great deal of effort and energy into improving on earlier versions of the Leaf. For example, the car's ability to recharge itself has been greatly enhanced. Such a unique improvement certainly adds to the convenience factor. The computer system of the vehicle has also been improved and those sitting behind the wheel of the Leaf will appreciate such innovations.

There are quite a number of used car dealers in NJ travelers can select. Fuel efficiency will definitely factor into the decision a customer makes when selecting a this as their vehicle of choice. An electric vehicle is definitely fuel efficiency if not outright fuel neutral. For those wishing to go green and save money on fuel, the Nissan Leaf just might be the perfect car to buy.

New Wheel Nightmares: How to Keep Stress out of the Car Buying Process

The process of buying a new car (especially for the first time) is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have. It can also be one of the most nerve-wracking, and sleepless-night-inducing experiences you’ll ever have. However, by keeping a few simple guidelines in mind, you can take almost all of the stress out of the new car buying process, and roll out on your new wheels confident that you got the best deal you could. 

1. Hit the information superhighway before you hit the real one.

These days, it is possible to find out almost anything after a few diligent minutes of searching online. Checking out a few websites can reveal all of the information you need to know about a new car. The manufacturer’s site will have most of the basic details about their cars, as well as optional packages and an idea of you’ll be likely to spend. Also, groups like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have websites where you can browse all of their findings, and even search safety reports by make and model. Most dealerships have an online listing of their stock as well, so you can do most (if not all) of the browsing legwork from the comfort of home!

2. Pay attention to the road

The test drive is where you get your first (and likely only) hands-on experience with a potential new car, so be sure to make it count. This is where doing your homework really pays off. If you’re not pre-occupied with the upcoming negotiations, you’ll be able to really focus on the car itself and get a feel for how it will perform. Be wary of test drives that are too brief or that don’t feature a variety of driving situations (city vs. highway, for example). 

3. Check out different states

If you live in a part of the country that enables you to do so, you can even comparison-shop by state. Different states have varying rates for documentation fees and the “closing costs” of the purchase price. Car dealers in, say, New Jersey have documentation fees below the national average, and some states even cap the amount that dealers are allowed to charge. It may be a haul, but buying in a neighboring state could save you a significant amount of money.

The bottom line is that buying a new car should be fun! With a little prep work, you can walk into a dealership knowing what to expect and be able to focus purely on the task at hand: falling in love with your new ride!

Take Care of Your Toyota This Summer: 5 Hot Summer Car Care Tips

With the approaching warm season, NJ residents no longer have to worry about waking up early to clean the snow off their car and crank up the defrost to let the ice melt away before heading into work. Although this may be a huge sigh of relief for many, keep in mind that your car does need protection from the approaching hot weather as well.

As your experienced Toyota NJ dealer, we're here to help you keep your car functioning properly. That's why we've provided these 5 tips to follow in the summer to keep your car running efficiently.

1. Take care of your battery - While hot days can take a lot out on us, they can also suck the energy right out of your car's battery. The rising hot temperatures can cause the battery fluid to evaporate, damaging the internal structure of the battery. And without a battery, you're left without a functioning car. If your battery is three years old or older, you should consider replacing it as soon as possible so your car doesn't die down on a scorching hot summer day.

2. Ensure your cooling system is functioning - Your cooling system affects your car's overall dependability and engine longevity. It's what works hard to prevent overheating to your engine and keep your engine and radiator at the right temperature. To keep your car operating at optimum levels, regular radiator flushing is important.

3. Confirm proper tire pressure - You've probably heard that in the winter, the air pressure in your tires decreases. As the temperature increases in the summer, the air in your tires expands. Be sure to check each tire carefully, taking note of the condition and inflation pressure. You want to make sure that your tires air pressure isn't maximized. Also, make sure that you rotate them every 6,000 miles.

4. Make sure your air conditioner is working - It's hot outside! Make sure you keep cool with a well-functioning air conditioner and be sure to fill it regularly with antifreeze. Additionally, to help your car stay cool when it's not in use, keep it parked in the shade, in your garage or under trees.

5. Keep up with periodic oil and filter changes - Since summer usually means more long distance road trips, it's important to keep up with oil and filter changes. Not only are these crucial to the functionality of your engine, but neglecting them can cause poor fuel economy.

The service staff at Autoland is here to ensure that your car is in top notch performance for when summer arrives.Contact us today for a checkup, maintenance or repairs!

Why Do So Many Drivers Love Their Toyotas?

Everyone has different priorities with regards to what they value most in a car, from luxury to high performance to family-friendly safety features. Toyotas have earned a huge fan base that spans many different demographics by providing quality and reliability across their entire line of vehicles. If you’re considering buying a Toyota in NJ, you should expect to be not just satisfied with, but delighted by your new car or truck. Most people appreciate a vehicle that provides good gas mileage.

In addition to saving money, a fuel-efficient car also saves time by allowing you to avoid multiple trips to the pump each week, and lets you minimize the environmental impact of driving. Toyota manufactures some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market, including their increasingly popular hybrid and electric models. As gas prices continue to rise, fuel efficiency will ensure that your new vehicle offers ongoing savings.

Toyotas are known for being highly reliable vehicles, and are prized for their extreme longevity and the massive amount of mileage they get. Once you’ve invested in a Toyota, you’ll have a car you can count on for many years, and when the time comes to sell it, chances are you’ll benefit from the Toyota brand’s tremendous resale value. Thanks to their stellar reputation, these cars tend to sell for higher prices than cars made by many other manufacturers. Consumers know that Toyotas are built to last.

Another advantage of Toyota vehicles is their warranty program. If you buy your car new, you will have access to the ToyotaCare program. This warranty allows those who have purchased a new vehicle to enjoy two years of scheduled factory maintenance obligation at no additional cost. The warranty also includes 24-hour roadside assistance, for help with battery jumps, flat tires, and even delivering emergency fuels.

Whatever you’re looking for in a car, truck, or SUV, Toyota offers a wide variety of different models to suit divergent lifestyles. Each style provides terrific value, and offers a variety of different features ranging from practical to luxurious. Whatever your needs are as a driver, you can count on Toyota to help, whether you’re looking for a truck to haul logs or a mini-van to haul children.

If you’ve decided to invest in a Toyota in NJ, rest assured that you’re making a great decision. When you choose a trusted and reliable brand name, you can’t go wrong.

The Best Teachers' Discounts Out There

Teaching is one of the noblest professions to which people can devote their lives. While it’s true that you’ll never get rich doing it, a large number of companies offer perks or discounts to teachers. While some of these require you to sign up or register on their website, there are many that you can get by simply presenting your teacher ID.

Supplies

Staples, Office Max, and Office Depot all offer teacher rewards programs. Most of them require enrollment, which is free, and which entitles teachers to a variety of discounts and cash-back offers. And, as any teacher will tell you, a staggering amount of their personal salary goes towards supplying the classroom.

Books

The quintessential teaching accessory! Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, and Book Warehouse all offer educator’s discounts. Many local and independent bookstores also have educator reward programs.

Clothing

Loft, The Limited, J-Crew, and New York and Company are among the clothing retailers that offer a 15% discount on in-store purchases to teachers. Loft requires teachers to sign up for a rewards program, though it comes with additional discounts for new members. A valid school ID will nab you the discount at the others!

Electronics

This is where being a teacher can really pay off! Apple has an entire online store for teachers where educators (including librarians and home schoolers) can enjoy big discounts. Bose, Dell, HP, and Sony all offer discounts on many products, though some stipulate that they must be used in the classroom.

Museums and Zoos

Unsurprisingly, museums are very generous toward their educator brethren. The Art Institute of Chicago, Boston Children’s Museum, Carnegie Science Center, and many other prestigious institutions offer discounts to teachers. Some museums require teachers to be employed in the same state, but most have some manner of discount in place. The Smithsonian Institute also conducts an annual educational expo called “teacher’s night.” The program is free, but registration is required.

Cars

Many car dealerships offer occasional promotions for teachers. For instance, Autoland, your Toyota dealer in New Jersey, has offered deals where they waive the first month’s payment, or donate money for school supplies for teachers who buy or lease a car with them.

While it’s unlikely that anyone will go into teaching for the myriad retail perks they will be able to take advantage of, the sheer number of companies that offer some kind of reward or discount program for teachers is a testament to the importance of the men and women who spend their lives enriching those of others.

Toyota is Still on Top . . . and Other Manufacturers are Taking Notice

Despite gains made by General Motors and Volkswagen, Toyota remained in the lead in worldwide auto sales in 2013. In addition, Toyota has claimed that 2014 will be the year that it sees sales top 10 million. Should this come to pass, Toyota would be the first car manufacturer to achieve the feat. And they don’t have far to go. Sales last year came in at 9.8 million worldwide, up 2% from 2012. The company also predicts that they will rely less on sales in Japan and more on overseas markets, particularly China, which is poised to see sales of well over twenty million passenger vehicles this year.'

In the United States, the expectation is for overall car sales to reach 16 million for the first time since 2006. Though Ford and General Motors still have an edge in the U.S., Toyota remains the best selling Japanese import and is gaining ground on its two biggest American rivals. In particular, Toyota remains the favorite in the hybrid market, with the Prius outselling all other models combined, and sales of the flagship hybrid model account for 11% of Toyota’s sales in the States. A complete redesign of the model in 2015 also promises to keep the Prius at the head of the hybrid pack. 

Tapping the Chinese Connection

Sales in China are also expected to rise in 2014. In the first two months of this year, sales in the country are already up 41% from 2013. Other Asian brands (particularly Nissan) saw their sales slip over the same period. Though General Motors and Volkswagen have edged out Toyota in recent years, the company is gaining significant ground and expects to sell 1.1 million cars in China this year. 

There was a slight dip in sales figures in America at the beginning of the year, particularly in states that were pummeled with severe winter weather. However, now that the temperatures are beginning to rise, buyers are expected to return to the lots and the overall impact of the slow winter should be negligible. In the northeast, from Maine to New Jersey, Toyota sales are expected to be strong as the buying public warms along with the weather and a solid March is projected to make up for snow-dampened sales in January and February.

With their solid position as the worldwide leader in automotive sales, Toyota has a lot to live up to. 

Considering the market trends, however, 2014 is likely to see Toyota retain the designation of world’s largest car manufacturer.