The 4Runner is Toyota’s sporty, off-road SUV, and it comes in six trims that add different comfort and performance features. For bargain hunters, the best trim options are the SR5 and SR5 Premium since both start at less than $37,000. But which one is the better choice?

SR5 Features

When you get the basic 2018 4Runner SR5, you can count on having a few important standard features. You’ll get a vehicle with 17-inch wheels, protective skid plates on the undercarriage, and mudguards behind each wheel. You also get a 6.1-inch touch screen with Entune Audio and a connected navigation app, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, and essentials like cruise control, air conditioning, and power locks.

SR5 Premium Additions

When you upgrade to the SR5 Premium, you get a surprising number of upgrades considering the price difference is only around $2,000. The side mirrors on this model have turn signal indicators and puddle lights, and you can add a power moonroof. The SR5 Premium has the same touchscreen as the other models, but it also gets the Entune Premium Audio package with an integrated navigation system. You also get a two-seat third row, heated front seats with SofTex upholstery, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a HomeLink transceiver.

Either trim is good if you want a Toyota SUV that can handle itself on muddy roads and rocky trails. Whichever model you choose, the 2018 4Runner is a great option for anyone who wants an off-road SUV.

Image via Flickr by RL GNZLZ

 

Dothan, Alabama, has a rich sporting heritage. With a variety of sporting activities available to participate in and watch, there is something for everyone.

Get LEAN & Mean in 2018 Challenge

If you’re looking to improve your fitness and nutritional habits, register for the Get LEAN & Mean in 2018 Challenge. It runs through early May and includes six weeks of meetings, team training opportunities, body analyses, nutritional guidance and support, weekly check-ins, and plenty of fitness activities. Take part in a boot camp or yoga class to build muscle and train your body.

Dothan Leisure Center

At the Dothan Leisure Center, locals of all ages and fitness levels can take part in sports programs that help build confidence while having fun. Physical benefits of playing sports include increased agility and stamina, a good workout, and improved muscle tone. Additionally, sports can help participants build leadership skills and increase concentration. Learn more about the available sports programs by contacting the Dothan Leisure Center.

Cheer on the Dothan Tigers

Dothan High School has men’s and women’s basketball and soccer teams, along with volleyball, football, baseball, and softball teams, so it’s easy to find a Tigers team to cheer for throughout the year. Don your best black and red attire and head to the local sporting matches to support the home team.

Make a plan to take part in the sports activities taking place in Dothan this weekend. Root for the home team, test your athletic abilities, or just look for ways to have a great time.

 

Image via Flickr by Lum2007

For many modern consumers, there’s nothing more important than driving a car that provides a tremendous amount of power. Fortunately, if you want to hit the road in an ultra-powerful vehicle, you need only to drive a Toyota. Here are a few of the most powerful Toyota models in the 2018 fleet that you should consider driving to get your engine revving.

  1. 2018 Camry

If you want a midsize sedan with an unstoppable amount of power, the only car you should think about driving is the new Toyota Camry. The 2018 Camry is the most powerful model in the midsize class, providing an incredible engine you should experience for yourself. The Camry is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces up to 206 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque.

  1. 2018 4Runner

When it comes to power, there’s almost no better vehicle to drive than a full-size SUV, especially the outstanding 2018 Toyota 4Runner. Check under the hood of this top-notch SUV, and you’ll find a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that puts out 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque.

  1. 2018 Tundra

Drivers who want to get behind the wheel of Toyota’s most powerful vehicles feel the need to take a ride in the 2018 Tundra. In this ultra-tough pickup truck, you’ll have enough engine power to complete even the most difficult driving challenges. The Tundra is available with several quality engines, but the most powerful is a 5.7-liter V-8 that is rated at 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque.

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If you’re like most people who live in the Dothan area, you want to be certain your summer months are filled with as much fun as possible. Fortunately, there are several family-friendly attractions in Dothan that you and your family will love.

  1. Water World

During the summer in Dothan, temperatures can get downright sweltering. Luckily, your family can stay cool all summer long by spending some time at Water World. This first-rate water park offers everything you could possibly need for a day of family fun, including a great water slide and a wave pool. If you get hungry, you can cook your own meal on one of the grills in the picnic area or grab a bite at the snack bar.

  1. Go for a Bike Ride

In the summertime, there’s no better way for your family to have fun than to go on a bike ride, and in Dothan, the best biking spot is the Beaver Creek Trail. Perfect for both beginner and experienced bike riders, there are over 10 miles of trails at this location, meaning you can enjoy either a long or short ride.

  1. Enjoy Some Bowling

If your family enjoys engaging in a little friendly competition, a great way to have fun in Dothan is visiting one of the city’s bowling alleys, including Dothan Lanes and Patricia Lanes. At both of these spots, you and your kids can enjoy top-notch bowling, snacks, and even video games. There’s almost no better way to spend a day in Dothan than bowling with your family.

 

Image via Flickr by Kaveh Shahabi

 

Every car owner knows regular maintenance is the key to keeping a vehicle running like new. Unfortunately, because there are so many car maintenance myths that still persist, it can be hard to know what sort of maintenance your car needs and when. Here are a few common car maintenance myths and the truth behind these misunderstandings.

  1. Oil Changes Every 3,000 Miles

Perhaps the biggest car maintenance myth many people still believe is that automobiles need oil changes every 3,000 miles. While this may have been true at one time, modern vehicles can go a long time without needing an oil change, especially if you’re using synthetic oil. Generally, your car should be able to go at least 7,500 miles between oil changes.

  1. You Should Always Replace All Tires

Another common car myth is that you when you need to replace a tire, you should get an entirely new set. However, this simply isn’t the case, particularly if you’re driving a car with front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, and the tread depth on the remaining tires is adequate. If you do need to replace a tire, make sure the brand, tread pattern, and size you choose matches your other tires.

  1. All Fuel Is the Same

A prevalent car myth is that all fuel is the same. In reality, using the incorrect gas for your car can cause a tremendous amount of damage, potentially sidelining your vehicle permanently. Make sure the fuel you’re using matches the needs of your car so your vehicle is protected.

 

Image via Flickr by Robert Couse-Baker

If you’re up for some entertainment, Dothan, Alabama, is a great place to live. With several locations hosting a variety of shows throughout the city, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Dothan Opera House

The Dothan Opera House has been open since 1915 when the fathers of the city built the facility. The acoustics in this location are incredible. In fact, the Atlanta Symphony has recorded several of its albums within the opera house to take advantage of the sound quality. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, showcasing Victorian style elements coupled with modern touches, thanks to its recent renovation.

The Dothan Opera House offers more than just opera; performances and shows include dance recitals, beauty pageants, choral ensembles, community theater, and concerts.

Dothan Civic Center

At the Dothan Civic Center, you can also catch a wide variety of shows and forms of entertainment. In late April, the building will host “Rockin’ Road to Dublin,” a new sensation that has changed the world of traditional Irish dance. The performance includes Irish elements with rock music, creating a thrilling spectacle for all ages. Enjoy some country tunes at the Travis Tritt concert on May 10. Dothan School of Dance will also present its “Seasons of Love” performance in mid-May with several shows.

Instead of the typical dinner and a movie, make a plan to see a different kind of show this weekend. Whether you’re in the mood for opera or live music, you can find something to see at the locations in Dothan.

 

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If you’re like the majority of consumers, then you’ve only ever driven cars that are powered by gas. However, there are several benefits to driving a diesel car, many of which you may not be aware. Take a look at some of the benefits of driving a diesel car before you purchase your next automobile.

  1. Better Efficiency

Although there are several reasons to choose a diesel car over a traditional gas model, the biggest benefit is having access to top-notch fuel efficiency. By some estimates, diesel cars can provide fuel ratings that are 20 percent more efficient than gas automobiles, allowing you to save a great deal of money when you go for a drive. In particular, diesel cars provide much better highway efficiency than standard models.

  1. Big-Time Towing

If you need a vehicle that provides outstanding towing ability, there’s no better option than investing in a diesel car. You’ll be able to tow much heavier loads than with a gas version, making diesel automobiles good choices for a work vehicle. The reason diesel vehicles provide better towing is that they usually offer more torque than gas automobiles.

  1. Power at Low Speeds

Another reason to drive a diesel vehicle is having the feeling of more power at low speeds. Unlike with gas models, you don’t need to rev your diesel car’s engine to boost acceleration, meaning accelerating a diesel car from a complete stop feels much smoother than when driving a gas vehicle. Better low-speed acceleration is a great reason to choose a diesel model.

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If you’re looking for a fun spot to relax this weekend, check out these fun vacation destinations near Dothan, Alabama.

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach has gained some fame in the past few months, thanks to a popular show on MTV featuring life in the “PCB.” It’s a great destination for families, couples, and friends who want to enjoy some fun in the sun. Panama City Beach is less than 100 miles from Dothan and has many beautiful beaches, restaurants serving tasty menu options, and appealing nightlife locations. You can also take a ride on an airboat through a swamp and possibly see some alligators and other swamp life up close.

Tallahassee, Florida

Located about 95 miles outside of Dothan, Tallahassee, Florida is another weekend getaway destination local residents. This city is the capital of Florida and boasts all types of annual events and happenings that honor the culture of the area. There is something for everyone, including outdoor adventure, waterfront relaxation, and plenty of entertainment. If you want to get outside and stay active, explore more than 600 miles of trails throughout the city.

Columbus, Georgia

Located about 114 miles from Dothan, head to Columbus, Georgia for the weekend. On Saturday mornings, the city hosts Market Days on Broadway, a local farmer’s market with homemade goods, produce, décor, jewelry, pet items, and more.

Instead of staying home for another weekend, plan a fun getaway with your friends or family members to one of these destinations within driving distance of Dothan.

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Landmark Park is a popular attraction in Dothan, Alabama that offers a variety of recreational activities and fun things to do and see.

Old-Time Shops

Landmark Park hosts a number of events designed to help visitors feel like they’ve taken a step back in time. Even if you can’t make it to one of these events, you can travel to the past by shopping at one of their old-time stores located around the park. Shelley General Store has old-fashioned games and wooden toys available for sale, along with refreshing beverages and old-time treats. At Martin Drugstore, you can order ice cream, a malt, or a shake from the operational soda fountain or shop for old tonics and health remedies.

Digitarium Planetarium

At Digitarium Planetarium, learn more about the solar system through educational programs and exhibits. It’s best for children ages 6 and older, although the planetarium does show movies in the dome that are fun for younger kids. Exhibits include information about astronomy over the past 3,000 years, the earth, moon, and sun, and one of the first telescopes.

State Agricultural Museum

The official state agricultural museum is within the park as well, helping visitors learn more about the history of agricultural importance in the area, as well as how it impacts Dothan and the state of Alabama today. The park also serves as the headquarters for the Alabama Agricultural Museum Board.

Make a plan to spend an afternoon with your loved ones at Landmark Park, which has something for everyone to enjoy.

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For drivers in the city and suburbs, certain vehicles just aren’t as useful as others. Maneuvering a massive truck into a tight street parking space is a challenge you probably don’t want to attempt. However, the 2018 Prius c has the answer, offering impressive efficiency in a compact frame, making it the perfect model for both city and suburban drivers.

What is the Prius c?

Toyota launched the Prius c several years ago in response to the success of its original hybrid model. This version is slightly smaller and offers more precise handling. It’s easy to fit the Prius c into small parking spaces and zip around crowded streets, making it a great option for city driving. If you live in the suburbs, you’ll love having some extra space in your garage since this car likely won’t fill it up from end to end. It’s also cheaper than the original Prius.

Unrivaled Efficiency

Between its compact size and impressive hybrid powertrain, the 2018 Prius c beats most other vehicles in terms of efficiency. The powertrain includes a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a battery pack that delivers a combined output of 99 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission delivers power to the front wheels. The EPA estimates come in at 48 mpg in the city, 43 mpg on the highway, and 46 mpg combined.

Improve your commute and simplify your driving routine with a new 2018 Toyota Prius c. This model works well for all types of drivers in city and suburban settings.