Factors to Consider When Talking to Car Dealers in NJ about a Car for Your Teenager

One of the most exciting things for our New Jersey Toyota dealership is when we see parents walking around our lots with their teenager looking for a starter car. It’s not only a thrill to have the opportunity to lock in a customer for life through our superior service, but it’s also awesome to see parents who are helping their children with such an important decision. We understand how concerned parents are with the safety of their loved ones. Today, we will take a look at the factors you should be considering to ensure you get a vehicle you can feel comfortable with your teenager driving.

Safety – Obviously, the most important feature in a car for a teen driver is safety. It’s the main reason people turn to New Jersey Toyota dealers. There are plenty of options from Toyota that offer superior safety in their class. Be sure to ask your dealer about the safety of both new and used cars. The nice thing is you don’t have to sacrifice style for safety. Some of our mid-sized offerings have five star safety ratings and modern designs.

Color – To keep with the safety theme, be sure to consider the color of the vehicle. Yellow cars provide more safety than any other color simply because they are the easiest to see. It’s why school buses are yellow. You certainly don’t have to choose yellow as the color of the vehicle for your teenager, but know that the brighter the shade of the color, the less likely an accident is to occur. Red offers a great alternative to yellow and just about the same safety features.

Fuel Efficiency – It’s natural for teenagers to want the largest SUV on the lot. They are awesome cars and they certainly offered the desired safety. The only problem is some SUVs won’t provide the fuel economy parents are looking for.  There are plenty of ways to compromise on an issue like this and our Toyota dealers are more than happy to discuss all options. Definitely consider the Rav-4 as it provides the look of an SUV with the fuel economy of a mid-sized vehicle.

Bluetooth Technology – One of the biggest causes for accidents amongst teen drivers is cellphone usage. Talk to your dealer about vehicles that come with Bluetooth technology. As much as parents want their children to stay off the phone entirely and focus on the road, Bluetooth technology provides a way for teenagers to focus on driving and still talk to their friends.

Once you have the vehicle or even before, set some ground rules with your teenagers. It’s important that they understand how many people are permitted by NJ law to ride along with them. It’s also important for them to understand that texting and driving is a great way to lose driving privileges.  When you take all of these factors into account, you can be sure of a happy experience with your Toyota before and after you visit our Rt. 22 Toyota dealer.

8 Things that You Should Regularly Check on Your Car

A vehicle is a big investment. In fact, next to a home, a vehicle is the second biggest purchase most people make. That being said, it's important to maintain your vehicle so that it stays in good, functional condition for as long as possible. As your leading car dealer in NJ, we examined eight things that you should check frequently. These tips from Autoland will not only keep your vehicle running, but help you to avoid unnecessary and costly fixes.

1. Listen to Your Brakes

You'll know if something's up with your brakes when you hear any high-pitched or screeching sounds. These noises often mean that your brake pads are getting old. Since your brakes are probably the most important safety feature in your car, it's important to check on them regularly.

2. Get Your Oil Changed

You should have your oil changed every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. And the more driving you do on a regular basis, the more often you should check the oil.

3. Clean Your Air Filter

Your air filter stops particles and contaminants from reaching your engine. A clogged filter can damage your system and drive up your fuel consumption. The good news is that it costs very little to have this checked and cleaned, and it is usually done during an oil change anyway.

4. Replace Your Windshield Wipers

You may underestimate or ignore the importance of your windshield wipers – that is, until it's raining and the blades are not clearing the glass very well, making it hard to see. Your visibility while driving is crucial, especially when the weather isn't so pleasant. Replace your wipers as necessary and give your windshield a detailed, regular cleaning inside and out.

5. Check Your Alignment

It's easy to test whether your alignment is off: simply see if your steering wheel isn't in center position when you're driving straight. Your alignment affects how your car handles on the road, so make sure to check it on a regular basis.

6. Get Your Tires Rotated

Check your driver's manual to find out how often you should have your tires rotated. This is important so that your tires wear evenly and your car drives smoothly. Remember, tires are expensive, so rotating them will help you avoid paying for them as often. Also, check your inflation pressure to ensure your tires are at a safe level – this will help to prevent unnecessary blowouts. Look at your treads to see how worn your tires are and assess if and when you need new ones.

7. Check Your Battery

Although your battery doesn't require much maintenance, it doesn't hurt to ensure that it's not leaking and there is no buildup on it. You can use a battery cleaning brush to remove any buildup.

8. Check Engine Coolant

Antifreeze keeps your car running smoothly in any and all weather conditions, so make sure you have the necessary levels in your car. Ideally, you should check once every six months, preferably before summer and again before winter.

Check out our Autoland blog for more tips on vehicle care!

Saving Gas on the Road This Summer

Are you planning on taking a road trip this summer? If so, you understand the importance of having a car with great gas mileage. If you're looking for car dealers in NJ, 1800 Auto in Springfield, NJ has a number of fuel-efficient models to choose from. Just stop by the lot or check out our inventory on our website to see what's available today. However, if you need to hold on to your car for a little while longer and are trying to think of ways to keep your gas mileage up, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Keep Your Foot off the Brake: A steady foot is an easy way to make sure your gas bill doesn't get too high. That's because braking and rapid acceleration wastes gas. Try your best to keep a steady speed and brake slowly at stops.

Get the Bricks out of the Trunk: We don't mean that literally, but if you do actually have bricks in your trunk, it might be a good idea to get them out. Any added weight will make your car use more gas to achieve a certain speed. If you treat your car like a storage space, you should plan a clean-out.

Check Your Tire Pressure: It's not only safe to keep your tires pumped at an adequate level; it is also good for your gas mileage. If you have an older car, you can do it manually, but make sure the tires are cold for an accurate reading. Most new models will have an automatic monitor.

Fuel Up at Morning or Night: Here's a tip that is especially important in the sweltering summer heat. Did you know that fuel that is filled in the early morning and nighttime is denser because of the cooler temperatures? Therefore, you will get more fuel for the same price when you go to the pump before your morning commute or later in the evening.

By paying attention to fuel-efficiency, you'll be able to save money at the pump and spend it on more important things like that summer vacation. Enjoy your time on the road from 1800 Autoland!

Save Big this Month on Cars in New Jersey

If you're a teacher, you understand the importance of doing your research. This is especially the case when it comes to shopping for cars. A car is an investment that can impact your finances for years, so it is extremely important to come up with a good decision when shopping for your car. If you live in the state of New Jersey, this is especially crucial as the costs of owning an automobile can add up, especially with the highest insurance premiums in the country. Here are several things to consider to save big this month on cars in New Jersey:

Research the Type of Car You Want to Purchase: Before you go on the dealer's lot, you should have done plenty of research. By knowing what type of car you want in advance, you can easily save money. The first step is checking out Kelley Blue Book to know how much the car you desire is worth. From there, search various car dealers in NJ to find cars that match your needs. This includes year, mileage and any extra perks. By knowing exactly what you're looking for and the numbers that correspond with it, you'll have more bargaining power. Remember to focus on the price tag rather than the monthly payment.

Make Sure There Are No Issues with Your Credit:  If you're looking to finance, the amount you pay each month will largely be determined by your credit score. Therefore, it might be a good idea to look over your credit report to see if there are any mistakes. In addition, if you have high credit utilization, you might want to look at ways to pay that down before you start looking at cars. You should also avoid opening new lines of credit as hard credit inquiries will affect your score as well.

Look for Promotions: Especially at the end of the year, car dealers in NJ will try to unload on the previous year's inventory and may offer some great deals. For example, this month, 1800 Auto Land is offering a special deal for teachers where they can buy or lease a new Toyota and their first payment will be picked up. In addition to that, they will receive a $250 gift card that can be used for classroom supplies.

As you can see, there are opportunities to save big this month at 1800 Auto Land. Visit our dealership today and start driving a new vehicle.

What to Look for in a Car Dealer

New Jersey has a lot of car dealerships. But not all car dealerships in NJ are the same. Some will give you more selection and better prices, while others will offer you very little but grief. It can be hard to tell what to expect before you walk into a car dealership, but there is an art to choosing the right one. So how do you do it? Here are our top tips from the experts at Autoland:

• For new cars, choose dealers with multiple manufacturers – Some car dealers carry only a single manufacturer and don't sell new cars from other brands. Others will sell a variety of brands, such as a Toyota dealer who also sells Chryslers. Generally speaking, you're going to do better at a dealership with multiple companies for a few reasons: they don't have such strict brand loyalty, so they'll give you a more honest assessment of different cars; and it's easier for you to find out about special deals or rebates from a variety of manufacturers. Even if you think you already know exactly what car maker you want to go with, it never hurts to shop around—and you may find a parallel vehicle for a better price.

• Bigger selection means bigger savings – Larger car lots have a lot going for them—and for you. Since they deal on a larger scale, they can often afford to offer lower sticker prices. And since they have a wide variety of both wares and customers, they may have more wiggle room on the final sale price as well. Smaller lots tend to play their cards closer to their chest.

• Look for a robust used car section – If you're buying used, then obviously you want to see a lot that has a huge number of used cars available. Again, it gives you more choices and may indicate better prices. But even if you're buying new, check out the used car section. You may find something that's only a couple years old that fits your needs, and you also send a message to salesmen that you're not going to dive straight for the highest sticker price on the lot.

• Respectful salespeople – You'll be able to tell within a few minutes whether the salespeople at a given dealership are going to listen to you, answer your questions, and respect your wishes or if they're going to be pushy. Follow your gut and avoid pushy salesmen.

What other tips do you have for choosing the best car dealer in NJ? 

5 Things to Look for in Car Dealers

There are a lot of car dealers in NJ, and it can be hard to find one you can trust. A car is a huge investment in terms of both time and money, so it's important to find a dealer who will help you get exactly what you want, in the shape that you want it in, the first time around. Here are our top five suggestions for finding the best car dealers New Jersey has to offer:

1.  A mix of foreign and U.S. cars – Many people have strong feelings about buying American versus foreign cars. From a practical perspective, both have their benefits—and either one might be a money saver depending on the company, the year, and the model in question. It's often best to look for a dealer who sells both foreign and U.S. cars, so you can see a side by side comparison and have plenty of options.

2.  A great used car selection – Even if you think you're going to buy a new vehicle, it's really worth your time to look at a robust selection of used cars. Single-owner vehicles that are less than four years old can present substantial savings, while delivering everything you want in a new car. Looking at the recent used cars also gives you a better idea of the market overall—which cars are popular and how do the different models look after a few years on the road?

3.  A dealer that does lively trade in used vehicles – This is similar, but different from the point above. Do they focus a lot of their attention and marketing on used cars? If so, it means they are getting a substantial portion of their business from selling used vehicles, which means your trade in will have more value to them.

4.  Low pressure salesmen – There's no denying that a salesperson wants to close the deal. But where some seem like they've had too many cups of coffee, others are easygoing and focus on answering your questions. There are two different philosophies in the world of sales: close the deal quick and make sure the customer gets something they're happy with so they'll come back. You want to talk to salesmen who have that second mentality.

5.  Realistic financing options – Before you go to a car dealer, talk to your credit union or bank about car financing. You should already know what their offer is, and you should ask a car dealer to beat it. If they can't offer you better terms on financing, then how important is your business to them?

Of course, there's a lot more to sifting through car dealers in NJ. What are your top suggestions?

Avoid Buyer's Remorse: 3 Things to Consider before Buying a Car in NJ

Taking the leap and deciding to purchase a new car can be both exciting and nerve wracking. Even in the event that you have ample funds secured for your big buy, there are any number of pricey repairs that used models might be hiding under the hood; it doesn't matter that you have the money to spend if the car doesn't run properly or isn't the right fit for the amount of driving your lifestyle requires. If you are purchasing a car in New Jersey, there are also specific laws and regulations pertaining to the sale of vehicles that you need to be aware of.

Put simply, a car is an investment in everything and everywhere that it takes you to, and so being educated on the process of buying one will serve you well in the long run. It is important to consider a number of personal and financial factors before buying a car in the Garden State. Here are a few helpful insights to get you started:

Insurance Costs

A new car may seem like the best investment when purchasing a vehicle, but for many, the insurance costs can often outweigh the benefits of having a car with a longer life span. In New Jersey, as in most other states, auto insurance is required by law, and since driving without it is not an option, purchasing a vehicle that is eligible for the type of coverage that you can comfortably afford keep buyer's remorse at bay long after the thrill of having a shiny new car has faded away. 

Taxes and Registration

The cost of taxes and registration may be another factor buyers who are blinded by a pricey new model will overlook. In New Jersey, the amount drivers are required to pay for registration on a yearly basis is based on the age of the vehicle and the weight class. Factoring these things in while shopping for a car will help keep you on budget. 

Dealerships vs. Private Sellers

Car dealers in NJ process all the paperwork associated with the purchase of a new vehicle, but if the ride of your dreams is being sold privately, the process will be considerably different. The seller should provide you with a signed title, which you will also have to sign. However, make sure the information on the title is correct before putting your signature down, as inaccuracies could cause issues with the transaction. You will then have to get the car registered in your name. In New Jersey, there is a $20 transfer fee, as well as a 7% sales tax.

Reviewing Car Dealers in NJ

Buying a new or used car in the Garden State can be a little intimidating because there are so many questions going through your mind, and it can seem like the car dealers in NJ tell you everything you need to know. It is important to ask the correct questions before saying yes to purchasing a vehicle. The first important question to ask those car dealers in NJ is what financing options are available. A car and all the features may be wonderful but if the finance situation is unavailable or doesn’t fit your needs then that isn’t the car for you. The finance options will also tie into the cost of the car and let you know if the car is over budget or not.

Everyone is feeling the effect of high gas prices no matter the location so a very important thing to ask car dealers in NJ is the gas mileage on the vehicle. Cars that might be aesthetically pleasing on the outside may not have such great gas mileage. Bad gas mileage will result in high gas prices for you and that may be out of your budget. If the vehicle is pre-owned or certified it is absolutely necessary to see the mechanics precertification inspection paperwork. This will show what if anything on the vehicle needed to be fixed and if it is worth purchasing.

Another great question to ask is who the previous owner was and ask to look at the car's record. This will tell if the vehicle has been in any accidents or thefts on record. All cars should be test driven before being bought and any car dealers in NJ who have an excuse for why they don’t allow their cars to be test driven shouldn’t be considered for purchase. When test driving a vehicle instead of checking how loud the stereo speakers go, listen to the car for any unfamiliar sounds or feeling when breaking or cornering. Another important question that should not be missed is what kind of warranty is on the car and the dealership's return policy. Any reliable dealership will give a person time to mull over a recent purchase and have a legitimate return policy. 

Your Perfect Car Dealer in New Jersey

Buying a new or used car in the Garden State can be a challenging experience for many individuals and their families. While there are a lot of car dealers in New Jersey, it's important to choose a reseller with a positive reputation in a community.

By choosing a certified Toyota dealership in New Jersey, it's possible to experience great savings and security. There are several advantages when buying from a certified Toyota dealership.

It can be challenging to know the history of some used vehicles. When buying a vehicle from a private seller, it can be impossible to understand its history. There are many things in a vehicle's history that can spell trouble for a potential buyer. For example, flood damage and salvage titles can be difficult to discover without the help of a professional. Many automotive and body shops can hide the damage from a severe accident or other collision. While a vehicle may appear to be in good running condition, there can be hidden problems that could take several years to appear.

In addition, it can be difficult to detect odometer rollback and many other conditions. While most new cars with digital odometers aren't subject to this fraud, it's important to protect against loss.

All cars sold through a certified Toyota dealership have received a thorough inspection by a certified mechanic. This can help ensure that customers know they are receiving the best value for their money. While some online classifieds and auctions may appear to offer vehicles for better prices, it's impossible to know the quality of a vehicle without a thorough inspection. All certified Toyota dealerships use trained mechanics to check for any problems. This can be a great way to check for any hidden problems.

In addition, many used vehicles and all new vehicles sold through a certified Toyota dealership come with a comprehensive warranty. This warranty usually covers the vehicle power train, engine, and body. Since buying a vehicle can be a major decision for many people, it's important to use a company with an established history and great reputation.

Toyota Dealers Take Top Honors In Consumer Reports Annual Auto Issue

From a Prius reboot to redesigned classic SUV models like the Rav4 and Highlander, it has been a banner year for Toyota, cementing its slot as the top selling automaker in America. And according to Consumer Reports 2012 Annual Auto Issue, released this week, there are many good reasons for this. A common bellwether for car dealers in NJ and around the country, Consumer Reports nominated five Toyota models to its Top 10 car picks in 2012.

Toyota dealers in NJ and across the country have seen this success borne out as Toyota added more dealerships in 2011 than any other US auto maker. The reason, Consumer Reports claims, is in the company's willingness to change with customer desires, adding popular features but not losing overall reliability, safety and value.

The company released a new edition of its popular hybrid Prius, along with redesigns of the Rav4 and Highlander SUVs. But it was additions to the best-selling Camry and minivan Sienna that propelled Toyota dealerships in 2011.

Toyota introduced an improved Camry Hybrid, a family sedan offering a best-in-class 38 miles per gallon that tops many smaller hybrids that lack the Camry's performance. The 2012 also offers many improved internal features, quicker pickup and sportier handling.

The Sienna minivan actually received a lower rating than last year's model. But with car manufacturers turning away from the Minivan market, many brands allowed their minivans to decline in quality, offering below-average reliability in Consumer Reports testing. The Sienna came out well ahead of all challengers.

Improving fuel economy continues to be a big draw for consumers as gas prices continue to rise. The Toyota Rav4 and Highlander redesigns both came with vastly improved numbers at the pump, drawing new consumers to visit a Toyota dealer in 2011. With marks like these, this trend is likely to continue well into 2012.

Car Dealers in NJ Have the Ultimate Holiday Gift, A New Toyota

Has your baby been naughty or nice? Does he or she deserve a very special gift? If so, then one of the Toyota car dealers in NJ is a great place to go, and the premier car dealer in NJ is Autoland.

Can’t you just imagine your sweetie’s face as you hand over the gift, and she begins to open that beautifully wrapped box and comment on its lightness while unwrapping the gorgeous gift. Inside there is lots of metallic shred in pretty holiday colors. As your sweetie digs deeper, the anticipation and excitement builds, knowing that whatever is at the bottom of this box will be great. Not once has she considered that you have purchased the gift from one of the car dealers in NJ.

At the bottom of the box, there will be a smaller box. She imagines jewelry as she begins to remove this barrier that stands between her and this most anticipated gift. A scream of delight fills the room as she realize it is not a ring, not a bracelet, but the keys to a Toyota! “Where is it?” she exclaims. “Where is it?” You point towards the front door and she runs, flinging it open.

In the driveway is the brand new Toyota, adorned with a big bright bow. Who would have thought that a visit to a car dealer in NJ could have caused such joy?

The Best Car Dealers in NJ Can Make Driving in Wintry Conditions a Little Easier

While we can't promise our customers will be dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh, we can promise that our full staff of the best car dealers in NJ can put you in a Toyota that will make driving in wintry conditions easier and safer for your whole family. We can all remember how treacherous the NJ winter was last season and if you don't have the proper vehicle, it can be tough to even commute to the grocery store. This year, don't leave your commute to chance; trust the best car dealers in NJ to put you in one of the safest winter cars on the road.

Toyota Land Cruiser – With standard 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, the land cruiser is known for great handling in all conditions. The best car dealers in NJ can show you the heated front and rear seats, as well as the foldable heated mirrors. Not only do front fog lamps come standard, but crawl control takes over the brakes and accelerator in low-traction conditions.

Toyota Rav4 – The 2011 Toyota RAV4 has the size of an SUV with the smooth ride of a smaller car. The vehicle features four-wheel independent suspension for a smooth ride. The car may not be the best on the market for off-roading, but it can handle inclement weather and is among the leaders in small SUV safety.


Toyota Sienna – The best car dealers in NJ are excited to inform their customers of an exception to a widely known rule. While most minivans are not great in the snow, the Toyota Sienna features an all-wheel-drive option that was designed with family safety in mind. Going from zero-to-60 in less than eight seconds, the Sienna puts a whole new spin on the mini-van.

If you're interested in buying a great vehicle to protect your family this winter, the best car dealers in NJ are excited to introduce you to the many benefits the Toyota vehicles listed above have to offer.

Let the Best Car Dealers in NJ Help Enhance Your Holiday Season

With the holidays rapidly approaching, there isn't a better time of year to surprise your spouse or child with a new or pre-owned Toyota vehicle. Here at Autoland Toyota, we feature the best car dealers in NJ. These dealers have years of experience helping families surprise their loved ones with a new vehicle during the holidays. When you match a selection of more than 1,000 vehicles with our experienced staff, you get the best opportunity at finding a vehicle that meets your budget and exceeds your expectations.

While all gifts are special if they are given from the heart, few gifts can "wow" the recipient like a new or pre-owned Toyota. We have special deals throughout the holiday season, so there is no doubt you can find a vehicle for a special person, at a special price. The best car dealers in NJ can take you out for a test drive in America's bestselling car, the Toyota Camry. We are currently offering the 2012 Camry for an incredibly low $189 a month. You can't find better holiday specials anywhere else.

If the person you're shopping for would be better suited with a slightly bigger vehicle, our car dealers are more than happy to tell you more about that 2011, Toyota RAV4. With our current lease specials, the RAV4 can be leased for $189 a month for 36 months. That's three years with one of the best vehicles on the market for less than $200 a month.

If you're ready to give a gift to someone you love that they will never forget, the best car dealers in NJ are ready to help you.