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The 2015 Toyota Highlander is a sleek looking cross over SUV and is great for singles, couples and families. Offering a quiet drive, comfortable interior options and a great price tag it is a top SUV pick for 2015. Toyota of Dothan invites you in for a test drive in the all new 2015 Toyota Highlander. The Exterior Of The 2015 Toyota Highlander The 2015 Toyota Highlander SUV crossover is sure to turn heads. The nine exterior color options include shoreline pearl blue and ooh la la rouge mica. 18 inch alloy wheels, body colored door handles, body colored bumpers and tinted glass give the Highland a sleek, sophisticated look. Other exterior features include black wheel well trim, chrome window trim, a power lift gate, a stylish sunroof and heated side mirrors with turn signals. The Interior Of The 2015 Toyota Highlander Drivers and passengers alike will love the comfortable and stylish cabin of the 2015 Highlander. With seating for up to eight, the inside is spacious. Ample cargo room is available as are 60/40 rear split folding seats. A front console and mini overhead console add extra space for storage. Tri zone climate control, front and rear map lights, arm rests and numerous cup holders are included. An AM/FM/CD sound system offers a color touch screen and hands free voice recognition technology. Drivers will enjoy an adjustable bucket seat with lumbar support and a leather trimmed steering wheel mounted with radio controls. Finally, a keyless remote entry system and leather heated seats are additional options to consider.

The 2015 Scion is a sleek, stylish and comfortable small coupe that comes in seven great exterior colors including absolutely red and blizzard pearl. Perfect for single drivers and those that want to have a fun car to drive, the Scion is also economical with a great price tag and amazing gas mileage coming in at 23mpg city and 31mpg highway.Toyota of Dothan wants you to take a look at the features on this great small car. Basics Of The 2015 Scion The 2015 Scion is a smaller car with a cozy feeling interior offering great style and comfort. It has seating for up to five and offers a smooth ride. Inside and out it has stylish touches including LED accent lighting. Reclining rear seats offer extra comfort in the back and a moon roof comes standard, making the cabin appear larger. Inside Features Of The 2015 Scion Other features you will find inside the 2015 Scion include an adjustable driver seat with lumbar support, a leather trimmed tilt steering wheel and steering wheel mounted controls. An optional premium audio system comes with eight speakers and AM/FM/CD, digital radio and MP3 capabilities. Split folding rear seats offer extra cargo space and cup holders are located throughout the cabin. Safety Features On The 2015 Scion Safety features are what you would expect in the 2015 Scion and include 4 wheel disc brakes with and ABS braking system. Electronic traction control and a multi air bag system are also included. Finally, daytime running lights, an immobilizer and intermittent wipers are standard.

If you are looking to purchase or lease a hybrid, the new 2015 Prius is the top pick from Toyota of Dothan. Toyota has led the way in hybrid technology for years, with the Prius being at the forefront. Owning a Prius is a great way to help reduce the carbon footprint while saving money. Owners not only save money at the pump but additionally, with the car’s unheard of longevity track record, many owners are able to drive their Prius’s for ten year or more. Here is peek at the top features and options for the new 2015 Prius. Amazing gas mileage coming in at 51mpg city and 50mpg highway Roomy interior with seating for up to five Ample cargo space with 60/40 folding rear seats for additional cargo room Seat back pocket storage Cup holders Power adjusted driver seat with lumbar support Illuminated vanity driver and front passenger mirrors Multi informational display that shows current fuel economy and distance until empty Hands free connectivity with voice command AM/FM/CD radio system with MP3 capabilities ABS braking system Multi airbag system Vehicle traction and stability control Back up camera Tire pressure monitor Child safety locks Adjustable head rests Power one touch windows Smart key entry with push button start USB Ports Map lights Moon roof To check out the new 2015 Toyota Prius and these great options, make an appointment or stop by your Ft. Rucker Toyota dealer today. Great lease and financing rates are currently available.

Taking good care of your tires can make them last longer and additionally keep you and your passengers safe. Proper tire maintenance has several important steps. Here is what Toyota of Dothan wants you to know about taking care of your tires. What You Need To Know About Tire Pressure If your tires are over or under inflated, a variety of issues can occur. First, your tire treads can wear down prematurely. Your fuel economy can be reduced, your drive can become rough and your tires can start to make a humming sound. Worst case scenario is that your tires could over heat and fail. Tire pressure should be checked monthly and adjusted to the recommended level in your owner’s manual. The Importance Of Tire Rotations Tire rotations are also critical when it comes to tire longevity and safety. When tires are not rotated on a regular basis, the treads wear unevenly. Many owners will have their tires rotated when they get their oil changed. Pay Attention To Tire Alignment Proper tire alignment is also essential for safety. While you can’t just look at your tires and know that they are not in alignment, there are warning signs. These include your car pulling to one side or another, a humming sound or a vibration in the steering wheel when driving. Check Your Tire Tread Regularly Finally, checking your tire tread regularly will allow you to know when your tires are no longer safe to drive. A simple check is to use a penny and place it with Lincoln’s head down between the treads. If the tread goes past the top of Lincoln’s head you are good, but if it doesn’t it is time for a new tire. Be sure to check all four tires and not just one.

Driving safely in inclement weather requires extra precautions, additional time and extreme patience. Toyota of Dothan wants you know how to safely drive in bad weather. Here are some top tips to follow. Slow Down: When the weather is bad you will need more time to reach your destination. Take it slow especially on over passes, bridges and exit ramps as they tend to get slick quicker. Additionally, give cars ahead of you extra room so you have more than enough space to stop if needed. Avoid Distractions: While you should always pay attention to the road and avoid distractions, it becomes even more critical to do so during inclement weather. Keep off your cell phone, program your GPS before hitting the road, don’t eat or drink and don’t turn around to talk to people in the back. Stay Alert To Changing Road Conditions: Keep focused on the road and stay alert to changing conditions. Watch for icy spots, snow covered areas, flooded roadways and flying debris during windy weather. Additionally, stay tuned to your local radio station for updates. Use Your Lights: When the weather is bad, use your lights. This helps to increase your visibility and to give other drivers on the road a better chance of seeing you. Low beams or fog lights are your best options when driving in rain, snow, sleet or fog. Prepare Your Vehicle Before Your Leave Home: If the weather is really bad it is best not to travel at all, but if you must be prepared. Update your emergency road kit, make sure you wiper blades and defrost are working and take along any additional emergency supplies you might need like non perishable food and water.

Road side assistance plans offer great benefits to drivers. Whether you drive locally, travel across the country or anywhere in-between, a road side assistance plan is recommended by Toyota of Dothan. Here is a closer look at what is typically offered in a road side assistance plan. What Is Covered In A Basic Road Side Assistance Plan Your basic road side assistance plan typically offers 24/7 coverage for your basic road side assistance needs. This usually includes changing of a flat tire, delivery of gas, jump start to your car’s battery and lock out assistance. Additionally, local towing is usually included in a basic plan. Additional Coverage Found In Some Road Side Assistance Plans Road Side service plans can include a variety of additional coverage options. Benefits of enhanced plans usually include long distance towing. Trip interruption expenses while your vehicle is being serviced, like an overnight in a hotel and meals, are often included. Other benefits may include trip planning assistance and free road maps. Discounts on hotels, car rentals, theme parks and restaurants are also perks of some road side assistance plans. Choosing A Road Side Assistance Plan That Is Right For You Prices and benefits of road side assistance plans very. Before purchasing a road side assistance plan you should determine your needs and then compare plans and prices to decide which one is right for you. If you only travel near home then a basic plan may be a perfect fit. If you do a lot of traveling, a more comprehensive plan may be a better choice.

The steering gear is an important part of your day-to-day driving.  The steering gear, which is also referred to as the steering gear box, is responsible for exactly what the names suggests: steering the car in the direction indicated by the position of the wheel.  What happens if something is a little off?  Toyota of Dothan discusses damage to the steering gear. How Does the Steering Gear Work? The steering gear, or steering gear box, responds to the position of the steering shaft, transmitting the direction to the wheels to that the car travels in the intended direction.  The steering gear permits you to merge, turn corners, and to switch lanes quickly and with very little effort. How Can I Tell if My Steering Gear is Damaged? One of the most revealing indicators of wear or damage is the lack of response when steering.  If you try to turn or switch lanes, and you experience a significant delay, the steering gear is most likely the culprit.  We have come a long way from the steering of the old days, which was laborious and exhausting.  If you sense a decline in your steering, visit the shop right away.  There are other ways of identifying damage or failure: steering is jerky, there is excessive play, you notice a leak from the gearbox or steering shaft, or cracks are evident. What are the Dangers of a Damaged or Worn Steering Gear? Think about this for a moment: you go to turn quickly, or you need to make a sudden maneuver to avoid danger, but the car does not respond to the action.  What do you think the result will be?  You need to have steady steering to control the car at high speeds, to make maneuvers, and to avoid accidents.  Anything short of responsive will be disastrous.

Sending your teen driver off in a car alone is very nerve-racking. You do a great job teaching your teen the rules of the road and important safety habits, but what you cannot control is other drivers and the unexpected.  Wouldn’t you want to know that the car you choose for your teen would protect your teen when you cannot?  The IIHS recommends pre-owned Toyotas from Toyota of Dothan for your teen. Benefits of Buying Toyotas One phrase is transforming safety in the auto industry: Star Safety System™. In 2010, Toyota began making the system standard in ALL models.  The system is comprised of essential safety technologies: ABS, stability control, traction control, brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Best Midsize Cars: 2012 and Newer Toyota Camry and Toyota Prius The collection of 2014 Toyota Camry sedans on the lot is plentiful and affordable. Pricing for the sedans ranges from $19K to $22K. The CARFAX 1-owner sedans are Toyota Certified, backed by a warranty, and the recipients of the 2014 IIHS Top Safety Pick Award.   The 2012 Toyota Prius is priced below $18K, and the 2013 Toyota Prius Three features a price below $22K.  The 1.8-liter engines under the hood are coupled with hybrid electric motors to maximize efficiency.  According to the EPA, the fuel economy rating for the hybrids is 51/48 mpg, which has the potential to save consumers $4750 in fuel costs over five years.  Both the 2012 and 2013 Toyota Prius hybrids are IIHS Top Safety Picks.

Have you heard the term ‘paddle shifter’ recently?  If you have been shopping for a car online, chances are you have.  A few Toyota vehicles are equipped with the feature, but what is it and how does it work.  Toyota of Dothan explains paddle shifters. What are Paddle Shifters? Paddle shifters are ideal for drivers who like to have a little more control over their speeds and RPMs.  Manual transmission are still very popular options for drivers, and many high performance vehicles features standard transmissions.  Paddle shifters capture the essence of the manual transmission, but without all of the work.  Paddle shifters are generally located on the back of the steering wheel, on either the left or right side.  The shifters are hand-operated and permit the driver to choose between ‘drive’ mode and ‘manual’ mode.  Drive does not require shifting.  Manual mode gives the driver the ability to shift either up or down.  The shifters are usually a minus paddle on one side for downshifting, and a plus paddle on the opposite side for upshifting. How do I Use Paddle Shifters? Not all designs are the same, but many work similarly.  With the car in ‘drive,’ you just drive as you would with an automatic.  If you downshift or upshift when the car is in drive mode, the transmission will adjust accordingly, but only temporarily.  If you want to take complete control of shifting, you have to switch the manual operation mode, which allows you to control the RPM at which the gears are changed.

More and more manufacturers are offering SUVs and crossovers with three rows; however, some back seats are a little more compact that others.  If you are shopping for a vehicle with 3 rd -row seating, consider the passengers you will transport in the back. You may not always be transporting kids; adults need a comfortable place to sit, too.  You can pack everyone into a Toyota with 3 rd -row seating. 2001 Toyota Sequoia SR5 If you are on a budget, the’01 Toyota Sequoia SR5 is in excellent choice.  The price for the large 8-passenger SUV is less than $10,000, and it is loaded with many of your favorite features. The 4.7-liter V8 under the hood is coupled with a rear-wheel drive drivetrain to produce 240 hp and 12/16 mpg.  Features in the SUV include engine immobilizer, airbags, power outlet, AM/FM radio, all-season tires, automatic headlights, and ABS. 2015 Toyota Highlander FWD The 2015 Toyota Highlander is the number one Affordable Midsize SUV, according to US News.  The SUV also earned a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, and a 2015 Best Buy Award from KBB.  Toyota designed the Highlander to address your driving needs and budget concerns.  The Highlander SUV with a 2.7-liter inline-4 produces 185 hp and averages 20/25 mpg.  If you upgrade to the FWD 3.5-liter V6, you will benefit from 270 hp and a 19/25-mpg fuel economy rating. 2015 Toyota Sienna 8-passenger FWD The 2015 Toyota Sienna is a 2014 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, a title awarded to only two minivans in 2014.  The family minivan features a 3.5-liter V6 with a 6-speed automatic and a front-wheel-drive drivetrain.  The hp rating is 266 at 6200 RPM, and the fuel economy rating is 18/25 mpg. The available trim levels are the LE and the XLE.  The XLE takes comfort one-step further with leather seating.

The gas prices have been relatively painless, but as American drivers, we know better than to get too comfortable with the low prices.  We are in the midst of a crazy travel season, and there is no better way to manage your fuel expenses than with a credit card. Choose a credit card that can be used anywhere and offers money back when you are at the pump. Toyota of Dothan discusses ways you can use a credit card to save cash on gas. What are Gas Rewards Cards? Gas rewards cards are credit cards that offer you more flexibility and better rates.  When you fill up at the gas pump, you will notice that many stations have credit card applications right on the top of the pump, but those may not be the best way to go.  Many credit cards offer cash-back rewards for fuel. Gas rewards cards are regular credit cards that offer a variety of incentives: sign-up bonuses, cash-back options, gas rebates, and rotating bonuses. What are the Benefits of a Gas Rewards Card? One of the biggest benefits of owning a gas rewards card is versatility.  The cards are not limited to specific gas station; they can be used anywhere VISA, MasterCard, AmEx or Discover are accepted, depending on the type of card you choose.  Additional benefits include: Cash back bonuses Can be accepted at any gas station throughout the US Receive rewards on more than fuel Many cards do not have an annual fee Balance transfer options Lower APR than traditional gas-company-exclusive credit cards Many cards so not have required gas spending amounts for bonuses and rewards User is not responsible for unauthorized purchases Easier to manage fuel costs on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis Some cards offer more rewards points when users shop with specific retailers

The IIHS recently released a press release about the minivans on the market and their safety ratings.  The IIHS tests revealed that many popular models, that carry thousands of families on the roads, did not fare well in safety tests, but the Sienna was not one of them.  The 2015 Toyota Sienna at Toyota of Dothan excels where the competition falls short in IIHS safety tests. IIHS Crash Test Results According to the IIHS, three out of the five minivans evaluated received poor results in a crucial safety test—small overlap front. The small overlap front test is designed to mimic a common impact when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle, a utility pole or a tree.  The vehicle travels at 40 mph before the collision.  A majority of the impact it directly in front of the steering wheel.  After completing the test, the IIHS looked at dummy injuries and the damage done to the vehicle.  The IIHS reports that one minivan’s structure collapsed completely around the driver, and another minivan’s damage was so extensive that the Institute referred to it as “off the scale.”  The most common injuries included damage to the hip and thigh, and the lower leg and foot. 2015 Toyota Sienna Results According to the IIHS, the Sienna earned a 2014 Top Safety Pick + Award, an award given to only two minivans.  According to the IIHS, the Sienna minivan earned good ratings in four tests, an acceptable rating in the crucial small overlap front evaluation, and an advanced rating for its front crash prevention system.