Car Buying Guide

The saying that “Americans love their cars” should really be applied to one brand. Believe it or not, there are over 2.1 million Toyota vehicles on the road, making them one of the most common brands on the road in the US.

On top of that, opinion polls rank Toyota at number 1 in the country, year after year, even by (especially by) those who drive other vehicles. If you need a new car, let’s talk about how to buy Toyota that meets your needs today!

Choosing the Right Car For Your Needs

Finding your next car needs to start with a little research. The people who choose the first car they see on the lot are the same people always telling you to drive because their cars are in the shop. A little research goes a long way, especially for your wallet!

Year

Generally speaking, buying a car that is 2 to 3 years old is the best option for your money. It’s still more or less new, but most of the depreciation has already occurred. Most cars can depreciate by up to 30% within the first year.

However, used car prices are at an all-time high, averaging $10,000 above normal prices. For that reason, many car owners are forced to buy older vehicles.

Fortunately, if you’re buying Toyota cars, this isn’t a sacrifice. Toyotas are notorious for lasting well over 20 years with proper care. Many vehicles from every Toyota generation have exceeded 400,000 miles, with at least one Tundra exceeding 1 million!

Still, with any car, the newer you buy, the longer you will have it. Determine what you can afford before jumping in. Keep in mind that it isn’t just the year that will affect the price.

Model

When it comes to cars, the Toyota brand has always stood out for reliability. Well, that’s handy for two reasons; it makes our jobs easy, and there are plenty of Toyotas to choose from! Toyota makes every type of vehicle imaginable, so whether you want a minivan, any-sized SUV, sedan, or truck, you’ll find a high-quality vehicle.

If you have a family or you need to haul large loads, then you’re probably looking for an SUV or a pickup truck. Keep in mind that these tend to be higher in price than sedans, so if you are only using the vehicle for a work commute, consider shopping for models like the Corolla, Prius, or Camry.

The model you choose will make a big difference in price, and they will all come with the same Toyota dependability. Still, feel free to look into the year and model you want and see what experienced drivers had to say! You may learn about common problems, how long their cars have lasted, and more.

Some of the top-performing Toyotas include the:

• RAV4
• 4Runner
• Tundra
• Tacoma
• Corolla
• Camry

The Highlander and 4Runner are always on the list, but the RAV4 tops the list of most popular SUVs year after year. Corollas, Camrys, Tundras, and Tacomas always perform in the top 3 for their respective categories as well.

Don’t see your model on this list? Don’t worry.

If you want a minivan, go with the Sienna, as they’re always ranked at the top. Priuses will help you save on gas, Highlanders are perfect for families, and so on. You can’t go wrong!

Test Drive the Vehicle

Once you’ve looked at used car listings, find some vehicles that pique your interest and head to the dealership for a test drive.

No matter how good a car has done historically or how good it looks at the shop, you never know how the previous owner managed the vehicle. Always take the car for a test drive and see how it feels. You want it to feel comfortable, safe, and smooth on the road.

Test the brakes and acceleration in an area where it is safe to do so. Pay attention to any bumps or noises that may come during this time.

While driving, listen for any noises, pay attention to any smells, and once you pull over, play with the controls. Check to ensure that windows, air conditioning, and other controls work. This is just something to bring up with the dealer later on.

Inspect the Vehicle

You don’t have to be a licensed mechanic to inspect a used vehicle. The most important issues with a car will be apparent as long as you look everywhere.

Look around for any damage or signs of accidents. While body scars may not bother you, accidents can cause serious internal damage. Also, check around the perimeter and underneath the vehicle for rust.

Most importantly, look under the hood. See if the fluids are at their proper levels (they will be marked) and in their containers. Fluid leaks (especially oil) will need to be addressed right away before purchasing.

If you’ve found a car that meets your needs and feels good on a test drive, feel free to take it to a mechanic you trust. A thorough pre-purchase inspection should only cost around $100, but it could save you a fortune!

Check the Paperwork

Carfax reports or other vehicle history reports can tell you a lot about the previous owners, possible accidents, and maybe even the car’s maintenance history! Feel free to ask for this before buying.

After that, review the bill of sale and every item you receive from the dealership before signing anything. Ensure that what’s on the paper matches what they’ve explained to you. If the car meets your needs and your price range, then congratulations on your new vehicle!

Buy Toyota Today

Now that you know how to buy Toyota car, start doing your research today to see what’s right for you. Toyotas make something for everyone, and it’s why they’re ranked the most popular car brand in the US year after year.

Keep reading our blog for our latest Toyota tips, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or for help finding the right vehicle!

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