For those taking advantage of all the great end of year new car specials Toyota is offering, are you having a hard time choosing which one is right for you? While a certain model, color or features may catch your eye, you may want to make sure that your choice is based on practicality as well. The worst feeling in the world is buying a new car and a few short months down the road wish you had bought the smaller or bigger model or the one with better fuel economy. You can avoid the dreaded “buyer’s remorse” by following a few steps before you decide to take your new Toyota home and make it a part of the family.
For most people, buying a new vehicle is the second largest investment they will make in their lives next to a home. Unless you are a million dollar lottery winner, chances are you have a budget that you need to stick to when it comes to making a long-term investment. One way Toyota has created brand loyalty is through it large selection of vehicles with prices that will fit almost any budget. From compact cars like the Yaris, Corolla and Matrix to the full-size Avalon and Land Cruiser SUV, even someone with the budget of a college student can afford to own a Toyota. If you are having a hard time choosing what vehicle fits your lifestyle and budget, the following tips can help you decide which Toyota is for you.
Are you the only driver and have few passengers?
If you will be the only one driving your new car and do not usually have passengers, you can take advantage of the low price of the Yaris, Corolla or Matrix or the “city-sized” Prius c hybrid. These are not only affordable but provide you with excellent fuel economy as well. The Yaris, Corolla and Matrix all offer a combined EPA fuel economy of 30mpg or higher, so not only do you save money when you buy one, you save money while you own one as well. While the compact gasoline-powered models provide great fuel economy, the Prius c hybrid offers and EPA estimated 53mpg city/46 highway for just a few thousand dollars more than its gasoline-powered siblings cost. For a slightly larger budget, you can choose from the Prius or Prius Plug-in Hybrid. No matter whether you choose a gasoline or hybrid powered compact Toyota, you are sure to enjoy some of the best fuel economy ratings in the industry. If you are more the pickup truck or SUV type, both the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra offer standard cab versions that are just the right size for you and the occasional passenger. The Toyota RAV4 compact SUV offers seating in case you need it, but it small enough to stay within a smaller budget and get great gas mileage. While these vehicles may be very budget-friendly, they are still well appointed with great features such as the Entune system available in all models other than the Yaris and Matrix.
Do you transport two or three passengers often?
If you feel like you are never alone in your vehicle, you might want to consider a size upgrade from the solo-friendly compact Toyotas. In this category, you have a number of choices from the Camry to the Venza, Highlander or FJ Cruiser to the double cab versions of the Tacoma and Tundra. The Camry also gives you the option of the economical 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 268 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and for those going green, there is a Camry Hybrid as well. The Venza crossover is a recent addition to the Toyota lineup and offers the room of an SUV with the sporty handling of a car. They are also available with a variety of packages that can take your Venza from comfortable and versatile to sporty and luxurious. The Highlander and FJ Cruiser SUVs give you ample room for passengers and cargo yet are still sporty and fun to drive. While the Highlander is content on pavement, the FJ Cruiser gives you the opportunity to enjoy off-road excursions as well. For those who like the comfort and convenience of a pickup, the Tacoma Access Cab and DoubleCab provide more passenger room, but still give you the fuel efficiency of a mid-size pickup. If you want a full-size truck, the Tundra is available in a DoubleCab as well with a larger towing capacity than the Tacoma.
Do you transport three or four people often and lots of cargo?
While a smaller vehicle may be acceptable for the short term, if you always have a lot of people and a lot of stuff to transport, it only makes sense to buy a full-size car, truck or SUV. The all-new 2013 Toyota Avalon not only gives you plenty of room for everyone and everything, it has been redesigned to be sportier than ever before. If you are a hybrid fan and like the look of an Avalon, it is rumored that a hybrid Avalon will be available soon. If you are more an SUV type, the 4Runner, Sequoia and Land Cruiser not only give you the passenger room you need, but the cargo capacity as well. They also give you ample towing capacity so not only can you take your family or friends on a weekend camping trip, you can bring your boat or even camper with you. If you need the passenger and cargo room and a large towing capacity, the Tundra DoubleCab or CrewMax can handle all of it. If the Tundra CrewMax can tow a space shuttle, it can surely handle anything you can hook to it. Pickup trucks are also a great choice if you are in construction or landscaping as it allows you to transport large loads of wood, building materials and even shrubs and trees easily.
Do you have a large family or need a disabled-friendly vehicle?
For those with large families or have four or more passengers on a regular basis, the Sienna minivan is the logical choice. Its low center of gravity allows you to feel in control even when you have a full house. If you required an accessible vehicle for someone who is disabled the Toyota Mobility Program provides special mobility equipment financing and resources. Toyota is the only automaker to offer such a service to provide for the needs of its customers with limited mobility or special requirements. The Sienna offers the ability to have seven or eight passenger seating, and seats that fold down to make more cargo room when you need it.
While you may not exactly fit into just one category, these criterion still give you an idea of what the ideal Toyota would be for you. Whether your budget is $15,000 or $150,000, Toyota has a vehicle that not only fits your wallet but your life as well. Dick Poe Toyota has a great selection of all Toyota models, and great salespeople that can also help you decide which vehicle is right for you. The only problem you might run into is there are too many Toyotas that catch your eye and fit your budget, and then only you can decide which Toyota is right one!
