People Borrowing More Money for Luxuries

Published: May 17, 2012
Posted in Used Toyota

Ballwin MOIt is no secret that people have struggled over the last several years with the economic decline.  Many Americans found themselves on a spending freeze and were only concerned with purchasing the necessities.  The hit to real estate received media attention as controversies surrounding bail outs become all the frenzy.  What you didn’t hear about as often was the hit to the automotive industry.  When American’s quit spending money on luxuries, this included new cars too.

America is on the upswing as autonews.com reported last week that people are now borrowing more money for items such as cars.  In the month of March loans increased by 10.2 percent.  This is reportedly the largest increase the nation has seen since November of 2001 when we saw a flood of zero percent interest rates being offered following the terrorist attacks of 9-11.  Not only is this a great sign for the American economy, but it is a sigh of relief to feel like we are back on the right track after more than a decade of heartache surrounding the assault on our nation.  Americans have shown that they will prevail and won’t let others hold them prisoner to our historic downfalls.

Currently, used cars are also seeing an increase in sales and percentage rates are at all-time lows.  On a reasonable $13,000 used car purchase (plus fees) with interest rates in the range of 2.4 percent you can expect to pay approximately $975 in interest over an entire 60 month car loan (numbers are approximate calculations and are based on credit scores and current interest rates).  Used Toyota St. Louis cars will get you the best rates and may even decrease your insurance premiums due to their high safety ratings.  Contact your local Weiss dealer today to check out their current selection.

 

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Keeping Your Kids Safe in School Zones

Published: April 17, 2012
Posted in Used Toyota

St. Louis MOEvery morning I take my son to school and every afternoon I pick him up.  I’m always amazed at the things I see other parents doing in their vehicles during these drop-offs and pick-ups.  I use extra caution because the potential for a serious accident is unfortunately a reality.

We have combined research from AAA as well as from experienced parents to provide you with some practical solutions to stay safe in congested school zones.

  1. Park as close to the school as possible.  Sometimes this is easier said than done, but it is important to do if possible.  If parking farther away is the only option, you should accompany your child to the building, making sure to use the crosswalks and crossing guards that the school should have ready to assist you.  You should also make sure kids are walking, not running in these areas.
  2. Don’t create your own drop-off/pick-up methods…use the system the school has adopted.  It has been perfected over the years and they offer you the best solution given the situation.  If this is not the case, ask to meet with school administration to present concerns and possible ideas.
  3. Make sure you and your children are wearing proper safety belts and sitting in the required child safety seat for your state laws.
  4. Never use your cell phone while in a school zone.

Toyota is ranked among the top manufacturers in vehicle safety.  They are here to meet your needs when it comes to safety features such as smart stop technology and LATCH systems for your child’s car seat.  Whether you drive a new or a used Toyota St. Louis they are available to make sure your car has all that it needs to keep your kids safe while in school zones.

 

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Driver Monitoring Devices

Published: March 15, 2012
Posted in Used Toyota

HerculaneumAdding your teenage driver to your auto insurance plan will certainly raise the cost. In fact, your teen happens to be a boy you may be in for the biggest price hike of all. It’s no secret that teen drivers cost more to insure; boys costing more than girls. This is simply due to the fact that they have the least driving experience and because of that are at the highest risk for being involved in an auto accident. In this day and age of highly sophisticated technology there are devices which track vehicle information as your teen is driving. These devices will transmit data from the vehicle to a computer viewable by the parent at an alternate location. There are also devices which will set limitations on the vehicle such as, the volume of the radio, the top speed of the car, etc. These have all been designed to encourage teens to travel safely and minimize distractions while driving. If your teen begins their driving career with a clean record and continues to do so over a period of time, their cost to insure will naturally decrease.

You can obtain a Teen Monitoring device for your vehicle for just $150- $250. It may be worth the investment in order to, not only keep track of your teen’s driving habits, but also to reduce your insurance rate as soon as possible. Also, if your teen is driving a vehicle known for safety they will cost less to insure. New and used Toyota cars and trucks St. Louis are all known for their incredible safety features. Because of their current designs these vehicles are also very appealing to younger drivers.

 

 

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Car Loan Interest Rates to Remain Low and Flat

Published: February 15, 2012
Posted in Used Toyota

MOMany Americans are still struggling to regain their steady financial footing since the economic crisis. However, for those who are finally ready to buy a car they are finding it to be easier than it has been in a long time, at least much more affordable. Interest rates on car loans continue to fall. It is expected that interest rates will continue to do the same in 2012.

“We’re at an all-time low,” says Melinda Zabritski, director of Automotive Credit for Experian Automotive. “I don’t know how much lower it can really go.”

“Terms are going to remain favorable. Underwriting standards will continue to loosen,” he says. “The interest rates themselves should remain flat. We’re not anticipating very large movements up or down in rates because of all the factors.”

While interest rates may be falling, remaining where they are will still allow many buyers to get the car they’ve been waiting to purchase. Whether you’ve been saving for years or need a car fast, you can choose to take advantage of the benefits of used cars as well. For instance, the used Toyota cars St Louis you will find at your local dealer are some of the most valuable on the market. Not only are they more affordable than most new cars on the market, but they are also capable of achieving high fuel efficiency and are able to retain their value well over a significant period of time. In addition, used Toyota cars are a great option for young drivers or first time car buyers. Toyota offers financing for their buyers. They also run special deals and incentives at local dealerships. Contact your local dealership for more financing information.

 

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Confidence in Autos is Restored

Published: January 15, 2012
Posted in Used Toyota

Hazelwood MOThe end of the 2011 year brought high sales numbers for most automotive manufacturers. Consumers seemed to have found their confidence in the industry again. The final few months proved to be some of the most lucrative of the entire year. Some critics believe it will not last as long as people would hope, while others believe it is an excellent indicator of what is to come. However, with the increase in the sales of vehicles, come changes in the market. This was the same when sales plummeted. Most dealers were forced to change the way they did business. While some dealerships were forced to close their doors, others had to be more mindful of their sales and their loans. During this time used car sales went through the roof leaving little used car inventories for most dealerships. Also, during this time manufacturers worked to develop more affordable new cars. Finally at the end of the year, the tension broke and sales began to rise quickly. This success may have come as a result of wise dealership sales and loans, better vehicles on the lot, or an increase in buyers who had waited to buy a vehicle until after the recession. Whatever it was, we are hoping it stays. The momentum is an excellent beginning to the 2012 year and is a welcomed change for all manufacturers.

It is a good time to buy a new or a used vehicle. There continues to be a market for both. However, if you’re looking to get the best deal on all new and used Toyota cars MO choose to shop the new and used Weiss Toyota dealer in St. Louis MO.

 

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SUV vs Sedan Driving

Published: December 15, 2011
Posted in Used Toyota

St Louis MOThe popularity for larger SUV type vehicles began with a bang then slowly dipped as gas prices went up. Right now SUV sales are increasing among most vehicle manufacturers. The Toyota Motor Corporation offers several cars to choose from and offers the Highlander as their SUV model option. The Highlander also comes in a hybrid version as well. The differences between driving a traditional new or used Toyota car St Louis and a new or used SUV can be vast. It is important to remember a car and an SUV will handle differently and will require different driving habits.

A typical SUV will have a higher center of gravity than a traditional car. Therefore it will feel differently when traveling around corners in particular. When SUV vehicles first came onto the market there were numerous instances of rollover in such vehicles. In order to diminish this, manufacturers worked to lower the center of gravity in all SUVs. The SUVs on the market today have a much lower center of gravity yet will still require you to slow down significantly more, particularly around corners, in order to keep the vehicle well under control.

Sport Utility Vehicles are much larger than traditional new or used Toyota cars. As a result they require a longer stopping distance. The only way to achieve this is to allow for a greater following distance behind other vehicles, as well as leaving ample space for reaction. The longer you have to react to a driving situation, the better your chances of avoiding a collision. When the roads are wet or slick, you may have to slow down even more when driving an SUV. Before you drive off the lot in your new or used Toyota SUV inquire about the differences in driving an SUV versus a traditional sedan model.

 

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Schedule Maintenance Before Holiday Traveling

Published: November 16, 2011
Posted in Used Toyota

WashingtonBefore you head out for that winter vacation consider giving your car a little deserving attention. It is the most effective way to ensure you will have a safe and fun holiday road trip. Many families see the importance of a family trip for the holidays. It is a way for families to reconnect. When you choose to drive rather than fly you can easily save hundreds of dollars in just the cost of transportation. However, if your vehicle is not ready for over the road travel you may end up paying in more ways than one. Instead take the time to prepare your car for a safe winter holiday.

Driving a new or used Toyota car Missouri is a great start to any vacation. These cars are some of the most reliable on the market. They are known for their safety and reliability standards. Before you head out make sure you are up to date on all of the maintenance tasks and have checked a few major points. If you will be performing the check at home make sure you look at the condition of the radiator and heating system; the brakes, brake pads, and brake linings; the battery, cables, belts and hoses; the oil, washer, coolant, and transmission fluids; wiper blades; and be sure there are no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard.  If you want to save on time you can certainly have each of these systems checked by a factory trained technician at your local Toyota service department. They will make sure your used Toyota car or truck is not only ready for the family vacation, but also ready for the remainder of the winter season.

 

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Take Used Toyota Efficiency to the Max

Published: October 17, 2011
Posted in Used Toyota

Herculaneum MOMany times, when gas prices remain too high for comfort, it can seem like you are simply surviving between fuel tank fillings waiting for the prices to drop. However, it may be more effective to modify the way you’re driving or even the type of vehicle you are driving. There are several vehicles on the market which provide a significant amount of fuel economy at a very affordable price. The Toyota Motor Corporation has been known to develop some of the most fuel efficient vehicles on the market. In addition they were the first manufacturer to develop a hybrid vehicle for the American market. As a result, their highly efficient vehicles are some of the most affordable on the market.

Changing the way you drive your used Toyota car St. Louis can greatly increase your fuel economy and maximize the efficiency potential of the vehicle. Since all Toyota cars are built using high quality Genuine Toyota parts they are capable of achieve high fuel economy. However, a significant portion of a vehicle’s fuel efficiency is dependent upon the driver’s habits. If you are hoping to increase the efficiency of your used Toyota you will have to consider a few points. Regular care and maintenance of your used Toyota will allow all of the inner workings and parts to function exactly as they should. Just the same, if you fail to have your used Toyota maintained regularly you will lose fuel economy at a swift rate. Defensive driving habits have also proven to be more efficient than aggressive driving habits. Those who are harder on their engines will reap far less fuel economy than those drivers who have a defensive driving style.

 

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Fundamental Safety Features

Published: September 22, 2011
Posted in Used Toyota

KirkwoodToday’s new car is full of highly advanced safety features. These features provide added protection to drivers as well as passengers. While many car buyers are looking for vehicles which have the latest and greatest safety features, used cars provide ample safety as well. In fact, those technologies which will provide the most safety are a part of a vehicle’s fundamental makeup. You don’t need to spend your entire life savings to own and drive a completely safe vehicle. You just need to look for a few different attributes, many of which are easily found in used Toyota cars St. Louis MO.

In 1972 there was a great increase in the number of vehicle collision related fatalities. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that was the deadliest year in automotive history with a reported 54, 589 vehicle- related fatalities. Following that year automotive manufacturers and legislation demanded vehicles provide more safety measures. It wasn’t until 1974 that the three point seat belt became mandatory.

Seat belts are at the foundation of every vehicle. In most states it is against the law to not wear your seat belt. In fact, seat belts are responsible for saving more lives than any other one safety technology. Currently many manufacturers are developing air bags which are located in seat belts for an added measure of safety.

Just behind safety belts, is electronic stability control. Electronic Stability Control helps to avoid the collision altogether by increasing a driver’s ability to keep control of the vehicle during certain conditions. Electronic Stability Control can reduce the risk of a single vehicle, fatal crash by up to 56 percent; for a multi vehicle collision it can reduce the risk by up to 32 percent.

 

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Reference Kelley Blue Book for Accurate Pricing

Published: August 19, 2011
Posted in Used Toyota

Alton IllinoisEach year thousands of car buyers choose to buy a used car over a brand new car model. While there is great value in used and pre-owned cars, many shy away from these for fear of losing money. When a vehicle’s history is unknown there is a certain amount of gamble taken when purchased. However, with a brand new car, you can be sure of the vehicle’s history and its whereabouts. They also come with warranty coverage. However, they also come with a considerably higher sticker price. Many would agree the higher sticker price is worth the peace of mind. However, you can get a vehicle with excellent value at a fraction of the price with just as much peace of mind, if navigated correctly.

There’s no doubt that buying a used car takes a bit more research than when purchasing a new car. One of the most trusted resources for those choosing to purchase one of the many used Toyota cars on the market is the Kelley Blue Book. In fact this is trusted by both customers and professionals alike. The Kelley Blue Book is an up to date reference tool giving accurate pricing information regarding used cars. It takes into account the current economic market, how used cars are selling, the demand for used cars, and then turns this information into fair used car pricing. This is what many used car dealerships use to most accurately and fairly price their used car inventory. This is also what is referenced by the private seller to quickly sell their used car. When shopping for used Toyota cars, consider referencing the Kelley Blue Book in order to get the best deal on your used car purchase.

 

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