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The Toyota Prius was the world's first mass-produced hybrid car, and it has only improved since 2000. The 2023 version of the Toyota Prius is the best yet, with a breathtaking array of features and options you're sure to adore. Keep in mind that details about this new model are currently limited and subject to change. Let's see what makes this 2023 hybrid so special below. more A New Exterior Style 2023 Toyota Prius The Toyota Prius has traditionally been a sedan-style hybrid with the same kinds of curves and measurements that you would expect from a vehicle of its class. The 2023 Toyota Prius is set to break that mold. It's likely to be available as a coupe-style hybrid as well, although industry opinions are split as to whether this form will wait another year for release. Coupes are more compact and city-driving-friendly vehicles than sedans. Images of the 2023 Toyota Prius in both two and four-door forms have been released, so odds are that both forms will be available. Both varieties have the same general shape as Prius models from previous years, but the coupe has an altogether new look in the front. Its headlights are simultaneously extremely thin and exceptionally bright, extending from each side of its extraordinarily thin upper grille. The headlights have daytime running lights attached in a configuration that hasn't yet been seen within the industry. They wrap up and away from the headlights before turning back toward the center of the hood. The sedan version of the 2023 Prius will have a fiercer look than ever before, with a massive black grille, an intimidating and heavily angled hood, and five daytime running lights on either side of the grille. The headlight units themselves also have integrated daytime running lights, so the sedan version is sure to turn heads as it rolls out in daylight. The standard wheels are expected to be 15 inches, with 17-inch versions available. Adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a sunroof will also be available. Hybrid Core, Transmission, and Basic Statistics The 2023 Toyota Prius has a hybrid core that's similar to that of the previous model year, but the company's experienced engineers have made it even more efficient. The most efficient trim levels are estimated to top 60 mpg, so you can expect exceptional fuel savings with the 2023 Toyota Prius. To put this into perspective, the average full-gas coupe gets between 24 mpg and 34 mpg, and the average hybrid coupe gets around 50 mpg. The 2023 Toyota Prius will have an all-electric range of around 25 miles. The gas engine side of the core will include a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. The electric side of the core will include an 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery tied to a single electric motor. The core generates 121 horsepower and a total of 105 lb-ft of torque. This combination takes the 2023 Toyota Prius from zero to 60 in 11.1 seconds. It covers a quarter mile in 18.2 seconds and has a top speed of 104 mph. All-wheel drive will also be available, allowing you to enjoy a much more responsive ride. This system requires more power to operate, so it drops the mpg rating to 49. The transmission will be continuously variable, regardless of the drivetrain type. All-New Interior Design The 2023 Prius really shines on the inside. Its cabin layout is extremely user-friendly, featuring a very large infotainment system set into the upper main console. Its infotainment center is rumored to have a particularly large vertical tablet layout. The infotainment system will certainly feature Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay programming. Odds are the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features will be wireless for 2023. The redesigned cabin of the 2023 Prius will minimize noise pollution from the outside as much as possible. The engine and all other exterior noise will barely be noticeable, even when the four-cylinder engine is at full tilt. One of the most consumer-criticized aspects of previous Prius models will be altered for 2023. The pillars at the four corners of the cabin will be considerably thinner to maximize the driver's field of view. A height-adjustable driver's seat, a cargo cover, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated seats, SofTex simulated leather upholstery, a heated SofTex-wrapped steering wheel, SofTex door trim, a GPS navigation system, a head-up display, and an 11.6-inch touch screen are all set to be available for the 2023 Prius. SofTex is a heat-resistant thermoplastic polyurethane upholstery. Its inclusion in so many aspects of the 2023 Prius means it'll have a far cooler cabin in direct sunlight than its competitors with standard leather upholstery. And if you’re a music lover, you’ll adore this Prius' 10-speaker premium JBL sound system. Extensive High-Tech Safety Systems The 2023 Prius is set to be the safest version yet. It'll include traditional safety features, such as a backup camera, first-row dual-stage airbags, a low-pressure tire warning system, and electronic stability controls. Its more high-tech or uncommon safety features include second-row dual-stage airbags, knee airbags, a driver monitoring and alert system, forward and rear collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, lane-tracing assist, and the Toyota Safety Sense cluster of safety systems. The Toyota Safety Sense safety feature cluster includes a pedestrian detection system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, automatic high beam headlights, road sign recognition assistance, and proactive driving assistance. Dynamic radar cruise control is a cut above standard cruise control. It uses active radar scanning to determine how to moderate speed for maximum road safety. The proactive driving assistance system uses a combination of a forward camera unit and the radar system to provide steering and braking support as needed to help you stay in your lane. Find out more about this incredible Prius model at Longo Toyota in El Monte, California. Our experienced and professional staff will gladly answer any questions you may have about the 2023 Toyota Prius. Feel free to reach out and set up an appointment if you're considering ordering a 2023 Prius. We'll be happy to help you customize it to suit your needs.

The 2023 Toyota Crown combines sedan style with the cut of a sports car yet appears to hold SUV ancestry, as shown in its grand, imposing appearance and elevated seating. From all outward appearances, the Crown is a new addition to Toyota's lineup, at least in North America. Although the Crown line of automobiles was initially available in 1972, it has been conspicuously absent for several decades. more So, while this may make this new model seem entirely different, it's both a comeback for an innovative new sedan and a replacement for the position previously occupied in the Toyota range by the discontinued Avalon. The Crown is available in three trim levels: XLE, Limited, and Platinum. All trims have all-wheel drive as standard. In addition, while all three come with standard hybrid power, there are slight differences in the engines offered for the XLE and Limited trims. This article will take you through the different options available and give you a rundown on the performance of this automobile to give you a good idea of what to expect from this new entrant to the Toyota line, available at Longo Toyota of El Monte, California. Engine and Powertrain 2023 Toyota Crown Let’s start at the heart of the car — the engine. For the XLE and Limited trims, the 2023 Toyota Crown has a pair of conventional hybrid powertrains, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with three electric motors and a sophisticated addition of the continuously variable automatic transmission. The Platinum trim offers a hybrid max powertrain, a 2.4-liter cylinder, an electric motor, and a complete power delivery of 340 horsepower. All the models offer a hybrid powertrain, but only the top-end Platinum model is available with the hybrid max powertrain. This 2.4-liter engine pairs with a rear-axle electric motor to produce 340 horsepower. It also uses a six-speed automatic transmission. The XLE and Limited trims go from zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, whereas the more powerful Platinum engine can manage it in 5.7 seconds. Each trim's engine is reasonably efficient. The basic powertrain, available on the XLE and the Limited editions, will achieve approximately 42 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The hybrid max powertrain for the Platinum model offers roughly 29 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on highways. The hybrid max also always operates in all-wheel drive, with 30% of the torque primarily distributed to the rear wheels. Overall, the car is more sedan than SUV in the engine department, giving you efficiency and style in the cities and on freeways. Interior The Crown’s interior is salubrious, with aluminum metallic trim marking the black plastic dashboard. While the interior is broadly similar across the different trims, the XLE has black woven fabric seats. In contrast, the Limited and Panoramic trims offer a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and leather upholstery in black or black with chestnut. The Limited and the Platinum models come with a moonroof, with the latter trim having a Bird's Eye View Camera system that gives you a panoramic overhead view of the car. The Limited can also provide this system through the optional Advanced Tech additions. The elevated position of the driver and passengers is an advantage, but it includes the drawback that it might lead to a lower level of headroom for taller passengers. All trims have heated seats as standard and dual-zone climate control. Legroom is adequate for front and rear seats, at 42.1 inches for the front passengers and 38.9 inches for the rear. The headroom is 38.2 inches and 37.5 inches for the front and rear, respectively, which is quite adequate compared to other cars in its class. The trunk offers 15.2 cubic feet of storage, a reasonable amount for a sedan, and the rear seats fold for extra cargo space. All trims feature the 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen as standard, with the Toyota interface: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone connections. These connect to a second 12.3-inch display with digital gauges for the driver. In addition, a wireless smartphone charging pad, USB-C ports, and onboard Wi-Fi are standard. For the XLE trim, there is a basic six-speaker stereo, upgraded to an 11-speaker JBL stereo for the Limited and Platinum editions. You have a high-tech, effective set of safety and support systems in all trims, including emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlamps. Exterior As shown, this car falls somewhere between a sedan and an SUV, with added elegance and grandeur. The body forms a sharp, fastback sedan shape, and the cladding around the wheel and the lower body suggest an SUV. Essentially, the aim is to give you the benefits you can get from an SUV in traffic while offering you the smooth handling of a sedan. Overall, the look is stylish on all the trims. There's a high shoulder line and tall roof, with a wide grille on the nose that adds to the imposing impression and grandeur. Two-tone paint is available for all trims. The XLE and the Limited models have 19-inch alloy wheels, but 21 inches are optional for the Limited trim and come standard on the Platinum. Hidden extras add to its look — such as the chassis holding MacPherson struts in the front with multi-linked rear suspension in the rear. The hybrid max also offers thicker anti-roll bars than the XLE, and adaptive variable suspension is available on the Platinum model, allowing the car to float over the road and ensuring a smoother ride. Despite being a new entrant into the Toyota line, this 2023 Crown impresses and looks like it has real staying power. The best way to experience this automobile in all its newly produced glory is to see it up close, and you can best do this by reaching out to our dealership at Longo Toyota of El Monte.

If there's one thing El Monte, California, has, it's a wide range of options when it comes to diners, restaurants, and pubs. Here at Longo Toyota, we've curated a list of great places to eat in our city, so you don't have to. Please note that it's almost impossible to list all the places serving delicious and mouth-watering dishes, so we encourage you to keep trying new places. more Annia's Kitchen Image by ray_explores is licensed with CC BY 2.0 For many, Annia's Kitchen is the go-to Mexican restaurant in the city. It serves both authentic Mexican and American food in an open space where customers can see planes come and go. Once there, you'll realize that despite seeming like a hidden gem, Annia's Kitchen is loved among its customers, and the place is never empty. Customer service is excellent, as the restaurant takes pride in serving great food and giving customers an overall positive experience. The menu is quite varied; for appetizers, there are onion rings, cheese quesadillas, mozzarella cheese sticks, chicken tenders, and chili cheese fries. The salad options include the famous chicken Caesar, fiesta salad, taco salad, California cod, and the chef's salad. For dinner specialties, it offers liver and onions, mushroom steak, chuckwagon, meatloaf dinner, peppered steak, and sirloin steak and shrimp. Traditional Mexican specialties include carne asada a la tampiquena, carnitas dinner, chile verde dinner, fish filet, and shrimp. Lastly, some of the dessert options offered include ice cream, apple pie, cheesecake, and pudding. The Derby Perfect for special occasions, The Derby is an award-winning upscale dining establishment that has been around since 1922, making it one of the oldest and leading steakhouses in the area. It all started when athlete George Woolf purchased The Derby to have a place where he could reflect on his fruitful career and create a gathering space for jockeys and race fans. As you can conclude, the restaurant was a total success, and after all these years, it has maintained its reputation and status. Regarding menus, the restaurant features three different ones: dinner, lounge, and happy hour menus. The dinner one includes the starting gate (crab cakes, ahi wontons, crispy Brussel sprouts, filet-wrapped asparagus, bacon-wrapped dates, and Cajun shrimp), soup and salad options (French onion soup, soup du jour, Debby iceberg wedge, and Caesar, Cobb, and House salads), pasta dishes, over five different types of steaks, fish, and side dishes. The lounge menu features more standard options, such as bacon cheeseburgers, steak sandwiches, tacos, and prime-loaded potatoes. The happy hour menu, as its name explains, are appetizers that mix well with alcoholic drinks, with some available happy hour appetizers including calamari, shrimp cocktail, and Cajun shrimp. NORMS What initially was a coffee shop is now the perfect place to take your family and enjoy delicious American dishes in a friendly and inviting environment. NORMS provides customers with a casual yet excellent dining experience, which makes it perfect for a Sunday out. What's more, this diner is open 24/7 and has a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu available all day long. Breakfast options include three different types of omelets (melting pot, the classic, and the veggie omelet) served with fresh fruit or golden hash browns, your choice of toast, and either an English muffin, biscuit and gravy, or two buttermilk hotcakes. NORMS doesn't charge for its sugar-free syrup or egg whites on egg dishes, and you can get fresh avocado and jalapeno servings for a small fee. For lunch, dinner, and entrees, it offers five different types of steak and eggs, special breakfast (like the Gobble Gobble Bigger Better Breakfast and the Sirloin Steak Bigger Better Breakfast), burritos, sandwiches, chicken tenders, fries, mozzarella cheese sticks, six types of burgers, seafood, pasta, and meatloaf. NORMS also offers a wide range of desserts, including chocolate fudge cake and classic cheesecake. Pollo Mania Pollo Mania is a family-owned and operated restaurant that offers Peruvian-style chicken and cuisine. It has been operating for over 20 years, and its story began when the Peruvian-native owners wanted to give the world a taste of their cuisine, so they opened the restaurant. Something worth mentioning is that despite its name implying that it's a chicken-only restaurant, it has a varied menu. For beef lovers, Pollo Mania has lomo saltado in different presentations (served with rice, in a burrito, or tallarines), and for those looking to try all the Peruvian dishes, it has soups (chicken soup and aguadito de pollo), beans, and salads. Additionally, you can enjoy the woodfire rotisserie chicken or chicken sandwiches, anticuchos, burritos, and rice bowls. The drink and dessert options are cuernitos, lucuma ice cream, mini alfajor, pionono, chicha, inca kola, and maracuya. Havana Club Restaurant & Bar Opened in 1998, the Havana Club Restaurant & Bar has been the go-to place for people who love Cuban cuisine. The founder, Chef Ruben Valenzuela, learned the art of making authentic Cuban dishes from the number one Cuban restaurant in downtown Los Angeles — El Colmao. After that, he passed on the knowledge to the other chefs, so the restaurant could become what it is now. Some menu options are stuffed beef potato, beef pie, plantain chips, Cuban-style tamal, fried pork skin with cassava, different types of sandwiches, shrimp and chicken salads, soups, top sirloin steak, breaded chicken steak, chicken in cherry wine sauce, seafood, and fries. Some drinks and desserts available are tropical shakes (mango, guanabana, banana, and mamey), papaya chunks in syrup with cheese, guava shells and cheese, and homemade flan. There you have it, our list of recommended places to eat in El Monte, California — we hope we made justice to these amazing places. If you've already been to any of these restaurants, please tell us how it went. We'd like to remind you that at Longo Toyota, we're committed to improving our community, so if you ever need a trusted dealership, nothing will make us happier than having you as a customer. For more information, please get in touch with a member of our team.

A certification from Toyota itself can be a big selling point when buying a used Toyota. Toyota puts its certified stamp of approval on used vehicles that meet certain age, mileage, and inspection requirements. Whether you're looking for a late-model used Toyota or a certified pre-owned Toyota, Longo Toyota has the selection and the pricing to fit your needs. A certification helps you get the peace of mind that comes with knowing your vehicle has been through a rigorous inspection process and comes with an extended warranty. more How a Car Gets Toyota Certified 2023 Toyota 4Runner To become Toyota certified, there are a few guidelines that a car must meet. These include: Newer Than Six Model Years Old A car older than six model years isn't eligible for certification because it's more likely to have outdated safety features, worn-out parts, and outdated technology. This ensures that a car is relatively new and may not require as many repairs later. It also helps protect the resale value of the vehicle. A car with the latest safety features, original parts, and technology can offer you many years of trouble-free driving and retain its value better. A Clear CARFAX Vehicle History Report CARFAX is a national vehicle history reporting service. It keeps track of a vehicle's maintenance, accidents, and other important information. This report is one of the first things our team looks at when considering a car for certification, as it gives us a complete picture of the car's history. To be certified, a car must have a clean CARFAX report. This means that the vehicle has never been in a major accident, has never had significant bodywork or paintwork, has never undergone reconstruction, and has no outstanding recalls. An Odometer Reading of Less Than 85,000 Miles Odometer readings are another vital factor our team looks at when certifying a car. It shows how much wear and tear the car has undergone over its lifetime and helps us gauge its overall condition. An odometer reading of 85,000 miles or less is ideal for certification because it means the previous owner didn't drive the car too much. It provides you with peace of mind knowing your vehicle isn't too old and its parts are less likely to fail and need replacing. Pass a Rigorous 160-Point Quality Assurance Inspection Our team of expert technicians then conducts a thorough 160-point quality assurance inspection. This comprehensive inspection covers everything from the car's engine and drivetrain to its interior and exterior condition. A car must pass this inspection completely to get certified. This means the vehicle is in good working order, and no cosmetic damage may affect the car's value or safety. Benefits of Toyota Certification A Toyota certification can result in many benefits with your purchase. These benefits include: Extended Warranty You automatically get an extended warranty when you buy a Toyota-certified car. This bumper-to-bumper warranty covers your vehicle for up to 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty covers the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and several other aspects. If you experience any issues during the warranty period, you can bring your car to Longo Toyota for repairs at no cost to you. Powertrain Coverage for up to Seven Years or 100,000 Miles Toyota-certified cars also have powertrain coverage besides the bumper-to-bumper warranty. This warranty covers the car's engine, transmission, and drivetrain for up to seven years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Longo Toyota can make the repairs for free and with no deductible if anything goes wrong with your car's powertrain during the warranty period. One Year of Roadside Assistance In the event of a flat tire, the need for a jumpstart, or if you run out of gas, Toyota can help. As a Toyota-certified customer, you get one year of complimentary roadside assistance. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is valid for one year from your purchase and covers you nationwide. Reviewed CARFAX Vehicle History Report When you purchase a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle, Longo Toyota provides you with a free CARFAX vehicle history report, which includes the car's maintenance history, accidents, and damage. The report is valuable in determining whether a car is right for you by providing complete transparency. 160-Point Inspection All Toyota Certified Used Vehicles come with a 160-point quality assurance inspection. It's beneficial to know that a certified car has undergone a thorough inspection by our team of expert technicians and passed the test. This way, you can feel confident that your vehicle is in good condition and can last many years. Standard New Car Financing Rates Toyota-certified cars come with standard new car financing rates that are among the lowest in the industry. These low rates can help you finance your vehicle and keep your monthly payments down. It also allows you to take advantage of any current incentives that may be available. Warranty Honored at Toyota Dealerships Nationwide If you're ever traveling and have a problem with your car, you can take it to over 1,400 Toyota dealerships across the U.S. and Canada. These dealerships honor your car's warranty, so you can get the repairs you need without worry and get back on the road. You'll receive the right parts, the right service, and the security that comes with knowing your car is covered. Trouble-Free Handling When you purchase a car, there's much paperwork involved. We simplify the process by taking care of all the paperwork. This includes the transfer of your car's title and registration. We'll also take care of any outstanding recalls or service bulletins. Trade-Ins Accepted You can trade in a Toyota-certified car at any Toyota dealership. We'll even help you find the right dealership if you're unsure where to go. This process ensures you get the best value for your car and can put that value towards purchasing your new car and saving you money. Explore Toyota-Certified Vehicles A Toyota-certified car is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, reliable, and affordable car. With a comprehensive warranty, roadside assistance, and a CARFAX vehicle history report, you can be confident that your car will be there for you when you need it. If you're in the market for a used car, Longo Toyota's selection of Toyota Certified Used Vehicles is the place to start your search. With our large inventory and competitive prices, we're sure to have the perfect car for you. So, contact us today for more information.

Christmas is a time of celebrating and gathering with family and friends to enjoy the simple things in life and share in the joy of connection. Whether you want to have some fun shopping while creating memories with your family or are excited about partying the night away with friends, El Monte has numerous festivities for you to attend. Read on to learn about Longo Toyota's suggestions for the top local Christmas events in El Monte, California. more Hitch Cocktails Image by alans 1948 is licensed with CC BY 2.0 If you're looking for some cerebral entertainment or enjoy getting a little scared, consider Hitch Cocktails. This improvised thriller and drinking game event is a phenomenal way to get to know your newest love interest or spend the evening sharing laughs with a group of your thriller-loving friends. The full-length live event channels the likes of Alfred Hitchcock to harness your attention and have you at the edge of your seat. A fully-stocked on-stage bar makes it even more exciting, as actors must take a drink any time they are offered one and finish it before the end of the scene. Watching the night unfold is full of impromptu entertainment. A Day in LA Tours No matter what time of year you visit, you can have a great time taking a tour of El Monte, California. However, the Christmas season lends a unique charm to this city that's hard to find during other seasons. A Day in LA Tours invites participants on an informative and impressive tour of some of the gorgeous Hollywood homes. The narrated tour, directed by a well-informed and experienced guide, takes you to the famed homes of some of the biggest stars, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, and Elvis Presley. You'll also see some great landmarks, including the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, Griffith Park, and the Sunset Strip. With its storied history and the fun facts provided by your tour guide, this experience is one to remember. You'll find Hollywood Value Tours at 7038 Hollywood Boulevard. To learn about tour prices and special group discounts, call 323-219-9560. The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a phenomenal location to visit any time of year. However, during the winter months, you'll find a wide selection of events sure to keep you and your loved ones entertained. If you're interested in yoga or consider yourself a yoga master, take advantage of the available weekly yoga classes. You can select from Yoga in the Morning, typically held on Saturdays, or Yoga in the Garden, a relaxing experience often held during the evening hours on a weekday. If you need to unwind after the busy holiday, consider participating in the Winter Nature Camp. You can take part in this fun family activity during the last week of December or the first week of January. The Nature Camp invites you to bring your children to join in inspiring winter-themed projects and garden adventures. These activities are geared toward children, as they focus on science, art, and culinary knowledge. Using the season as inspiration, your children will love learning about vegetation that thrives in cooler climates. Each week features a different topic, so be sure to check the schedule to find which one is better for your family. The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is at 301 North Baldwin Avenue in Arcadia. For questions and information about the Winter Nature Camp, or to register, call Brooke Applegate at 626-821-5897 or email brooke.applegate@arboretum.org. For general information about the arboretum, call 626-821-3222. Domingo Social-Christmas Luncheon Consider the Domingo Social Christmas Luncheon on December 4 at the Club Cubano Del Valle San Gabriel for a little spice in your Christmas festivities. The club's purpose is to keep families together and preserve Cuban culture. Regularly hosting potlucks, picnics, and barbecues with members and non-members alike, the club is an important aspect of the community. The annual Christmas celebration features fun and bright holiday decor, wonderful red table linens, and delicious food. You don't need to worry about planning a menu or doing the dishes because it's prepared and catered just for the event. It's a great family event where you can sit together at a table, enjoy meaningful conversation, and share a meal. The Club Cubano Del Valle San Gabriel is at 10960 Lower Azusa Road in El Monte. While club membership prices begin at $12.50 per month for an individual or $15 a month for a family, you can call for more information about annual or event discounts. To learn more about the Christmas Luncheon, email cubanclubsgv@gmail.com. Santa Claus Is Coming to Los Alamitos On November 19, welcome Santa to Los Alamitos. This fun family event is a great opportunity to take some festive family photos. Bring the kids for an interactive time with Santa and get a package of five digital photos to share on social media or print out and adorn your walls. Use the opportunity to do some good for the community and participate in Toys for Tots, hosted by the United States Marine Corps. Other guests include EverDream Events Corp., Sparkle and Shine Nails, and more. Tickets for this event and meet and greet with Santa start at $155. The event will be held at the American Legion Hall Post 716 at 3252 Florista Avenue in Los Alamitos from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 714-785-0727 or visit the website www.ocstudiosbylizette.com. So, there you have it. We here at Longo Toyota have enjoyed sharing our list of the top local Christmas events you don't want to miss in El Monte. Whether you're looking for a fun family evening or want an exciting and different date night idea, we hope you'll consider one of these options. What did you think of our list? Did we miss your favorite annual Christmas event? If so, please leave us a message sharing your thoughts, and we'll be happy to check out your ideas. You might find your suggestion featured on our list in the future.

Toyota is expanding its lineup with the addition of a 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid, bringing high performance and fuel efficiency to an already excellent crossover SUV option. The gas model of the 2022 Corolla Cross was introduced in 2021 and is modeled after the highly popular Corolla sedan. The 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid will use the fifth-generation Toyota hybrid system with increased efficiency and performance capabilities. If you've been waiting for your favorite Toyota to become a hybrid, check out the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Here are the much-anticipated details of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Trims Available 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is available in five trims: LE, XLE, S, SE, and XSE. The LE features 17-inch alloy wheels and roof rails, while you get 18-inch alloy wheels and fog lights on the XLE. The S also features 17-inch alloy wheels but adds privacy glass plus LED headlights and taillights. On the SE, you get privacy glass and roof rails. The XSE has 18-inch alloy wheels with premium LED lighting, including headlights, taillights, and fog lights. You can get the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid in four two-tone color combinations featuring a black roof, including Barcelona Red, Sonic Silver, Acidic Blast, and Blue Crush Metallic. Other color options include Wind Chill Pearl, Sonic Silver Metallic, Cypress, Barcelona Red Metallic, Jet Black Mica, and Blue Crush Metallic. Powerful Performance You can expect more power than the standard Corolla Cross, along with higher fuel efficiency with the hybrid engine. The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system that has three electric motors to deliver 194 horsepower. You can expect to go from zero to 60 mph in just eight seconds with the hybrid powertrain. The Corolla Cross Hybrid has not yet received an EPA estimate for fuel economy, but Toyota estimates that it will feature a combined rating of 37 mpg for all trims. All-wheel drive is standard on this hybrid, giving you better traction and control over various road surfaces and weather conditions. The four-wheel anti-lock braking system with power-assisted brakes helps you stop on a dime when needed. Impressive Interior Design Not much has been shared about the interior design of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, but similar features to the Corolla Cross can be expected. The lower trims will offer keyless entry, a six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. You may also see a leather-wrapped steering wheel, push-button start, automatic climate control, multiple USB and USB-C ports, and a wireless charging pad. The XLE is rumored to feature faux-leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped shift knob, heated front seats, and a rear seat center armrest. Interior color and upholstery options include fabric-trimmed seats in light gray and black on the LE or SofTex-trimmed seats in black or Macadamia/Mocha on the XLE. The S features fabric-trimmed seats in black and gray, while the SE offers the same option with the addition of black and blue. On the XSE, you get SofTex-trimmed seats in either black or black and blue. The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid features the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system with dual Bluetooth phone connectivity. With a subscription, you’ll be able to get a Wi-Fi hotspot and SiriusXM. The system also features an HD radio and USB data, with the ability to stream music via Apple Music or Amazon Music. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has the standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of safety and driver-assistance features to help keep you and your passengers safer on the road. The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection can detect bicyclists and motorcyclists in some situations. It can also detect oncoming vehicles when turning or approaching an intersection, providing you with visual and audio alerts and sometimes applying the brakes to avoid a collision. You also get improved lane recognition for the lane tracing assist, which helps keep you in between the lines of your lane. The Corolla Cross also features dynamic radar cruise control to maintain a specified following distance between the Corolla Cross and the vehicle in front of you. Lane departure alert with steering assist not only alerts you using visual and audio alerts but also gently guides you back into your lane. Rear seat reminder, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and hill-start assist control are all standard features of the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system. Drive more confidently, knowing that Toyota has your safety in mind. Limited Warranty You get a limited 36-month/36,000-mile new vehicle warranty that covers everything except normal wear and tear on your 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. An additional 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty also covers against perforation from corrosion with no mileage limit for 60 months. An 8-year/100,000-mile warranty covers all hybrid-related components needing repair due to defects in workmanship or materials. Your Corolla Cross Hybrid battery is covered by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty, which is transferable to a new owner. You also get the ToyotaCare plan for factory-scheduled maintenance on your 2023 Corolla Cross for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is in addition to two years of Roadside Assistance from Toyota with no mileage limit. Visit Longo Toyota Today When you're ready to check out the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, contact the team at Longo Toyota. We'd love to answer any questions you may have, give you a tour of our dealership, and get you set up for a test drive in the Corolla Cross Hybrid or any other Toyota on our lot. You can find us at 3534 N. Peck Road in El Monte, California. Our sales team is available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, for your convenience. We also offer financing and service to help get you into a Toyota and keep it running for years to come. Fill out our secure online contact form or call us at 626-377-9743 to get started.

Longo Toyota is dedicated to helping you get the most from your Toyota. One way to save money on operations and repairs for your Toyota is to make sure you take action to improve your mpg. Fuel efficiency is a top concern with today's vehicles, but you can make your fuel go further with these tips on increasing your mpg. What Is MPG? Image by Michaela Pereckas is licensed with CC BY 2.0 Miles per gallon (mpg) is a measurement of the distance a vehicle can travel per gallon of fuel. Manufacturers also use mpg to determine the fuel efficiency of a vehicle, which is a measurement of how it uses its fuel. A higher mpg means better fuel efficiency. Drivers may prioritize fuel efficiency when shopping for a vehicle because it means few fill-ups at the pump and can be more cost-efficient. Understanding the fuel efficiency of your vehicle is important when determining which vehicle is best to buy, creating a travel budget, and for the daily use of your vehicle. Longo Toyota can help find a great car for you with excellent fuel efficiency. Ways To Improve Your MPG Regardless of your vehicle's mpg, there are ways to improve it and get the most out of your fuel. Following tips to boost the fuel efficiency of your Toyota can help you save money and maintain your vehicle. Maintain a Constant Speed When driving, try to keep a consistent speed if possible. This means that you don't speed up or slow down. Following the speed limit exactly will help you maintain a constant speed. This helps improve mpg because acceleration uses more fuel, so if you drive at a consistent speed on highways and throughout cities without having to accelerate constantly, you can preserve your fuel. It's easier to get better fuel efficiency on highways because there are not as many stops as there may be within city limits. When possible, it can help to travel by highway rather than through a city. Also, when driving on highways, use your Toyota's cruise control feature to help you maintain a consistent speed. Accelerate Slowly When starting your car or transitioning to a zone with a higher speed limit, accelerate your vehicle to the new speed slowly. Pressing the gas pedal hard and pushing it all the way down uses more fuel. Slow acceleration is also easier on your engine and can prolong its life because it takes less work to get up to the tire rotations per minute that a new speed requires. Increasing your vehicle speed slowly is also safe and can help you avoid accidents. The sensitivity of your gas pedal can change depending on your vehicle, so it's useful to become familiar with the amount of pressure your vehicle requires to accelerate. Be a Conscious Driver For safety, it's important to be alert and pay attention to your surroundings while driving, but being a more conscious driver can also improve your gas mileage. Being aware of what's in front and around your vehicle can help you prepare for stops and changes in the speed limit. It's also useful to be familiar with the area in which you're driving so you can anticipate periods of heavy traffic that may require you to stop frequently. Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly Tire pressure is the pounds per square inch (psi) of air pressure inside your tires. This determines how inflated your tires are. Proper inflation helps you get the fuel efficiency your vehicle is capable of because then your tires can rotate evenly and propel the vehicle forward with minimal effort. Low tire pressure can affect the miles per gallon you get and the smoothness of your ride. With a low tire, you may also experience more bumps and risk getting a flat tire. You can check your tire pressure with a gauge that presses on the air valve on each tire and provides a measurement of how much pressure is in the tire. The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle can be found on the inside of the driver's door. When it gets colder outside, you may check your tire pressure more regularly because the cold air may lower the air pressure. If the gauge says your tires have low pressure, add air using an air compressor, which you can purchase or use an air compressor, which are often located at gas stations. Combine Errands When you expect to make trips to different locations, try to plan accordingly so you can complete your errands in one trip. You can use a map app to plan the best route to take in order to make all your stops. This helps you to use less fuel and be efficient with your mileage. Reduce the Use of Your Air Conditioning Running the air conditioning in your vehicle uses fuel, as it causes the engine to work harder. By running the air less frequently, you can improve your mpg. This is especially true for shorter trips in your vehicle. In warmer weather, you may do this by rolling your windows down rather than using air conditioning. You can also park your car in the shade so that you can use less fan power to cool down the interior when you begin to drive again. Park in Covered Areas During Colder Months In the winter, try to park your car in warmer areas, such as a garage or another covered area. Doing this can allow your vehicle's engine oil and other fluids to remain thin, which is optimal for your engine, instead of the fluids thickening in the cold. Having thinner fluids to lubricate your vehicle's engine quickly allows for a more efficient start-up when you turn on your vehicle. This helps warm your vehicle's interior for your comfort, too. If you're looking for a vehicle that has top-rated mpg, stop into Longo Toyota and discuss your options. We have many vehicles that are optimized for saving you money on fuel and helping you to get on the road more often.

As the weather cools down and the holiday season approaches, Longo Toyota in El Monte, California, loves to work with various organizations in our area. Our goal through these partnerships is to highlight the unsung heroes of our community. One of our partners is Hope House. This wonderful organization works with community members who have autism, intellectual disabilities, and mental health concerns. It supports its clients and their families through various programs and services. For its clients, Hope House offers targeted behavior training, life skills training, and person-centered planning, among other services. The person-centered planning allows clients to create a personal picture of current and future goals. It also takes clients on life-skills training and other trips into the community to get them comfortable. The organization provides support for adults and children. Medical treatment is addressed as needed, and to ensure this support, residents receive annual exams, lab work, and dental work. These services are provided within 45 days of a new resident moving in. They are also provided within 45 days of a resident’s annual due date. Proper COVID-19 protocols are followed by all staff members to ensure the health and safety of the residents. An equal amount of attention and resources is provided to the family members of clients. Hope House offers therapy and respite care services, so loved ones can spend time on themselves. It can also help with writing individualized education program goals and working with families to make sure there is an equal amount of participation with their loved ones. Image by Viscious-Speed is licensed with Pixabay license Advocating for someone with special needs plays a vital role for family members, caregivers, and friends. There are opportunities to support at the local level through the school system. You can also advocate for the disabled community as a whole by keeping an eye on various bills and providing writing support for them. The holidays can be challenging for people with special needs and their caregivers. However, with some planning, families can enjoy the season. For instance, if there are concerns about reactions to specific gifts, you might send out recommendations for gifts the recipient would enjoy. You could also let people know about conversation topics to engage in and those to avoid. Thinking of ways to include the disabled in the preparations for the celebrations is also important. Perhaps they can sing a favorite song or add unique decorations to the area. Schedules are important during a busy event. A clear timeline allows party-goers of all abilities to know about and prepare for specific events. Disabled family members might be given a specific job, such as being a photographer or greeter, to get them comfortable around the event. Depending on individual needs, particular areas might be designated to allow for quiet time for people to recharge. Ensuring the room is equipped with activities and other calming influences can help in case anyone is overwhelmed during the event. Another excellent opportunity to involve everyone is using technology to the fullest. For instance, if reading a book isn’t comfortable for someone, but reading electronically makes them happy, eBooks might be used. That would allow them to participate in the festivities without feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable. Along with providing several different tips to help the season run smoothly, the organization runs an annual toy drive. The goal is to ensure that all of their clients, especially those living in their different homes, have gifts to open during the holidays. The organization has six homes for children under the age of 18. Each property is home to children with a variety of special needs. The Hope House accommodates the largest group (15) with a variety of developmental disabilities as well as mental health and behavioral challenges. The Redstone and Halifax properties house four people each for those with autism and mental health concerns. The Holiday House and Park House are home to three people with developmental and mental health concerns. The MaryJo House is home to four children who lack hazard awareness. In addition to the properties for children, they have six properties for adults with mental health concerns and developmental disabilities. They also provide care for people living with seizures and physical disabilities. While the homes provide for the basic needs of their residents, the organization relies on the toy drive to brighten their clients’ holiday spirit. Typically, the properties need twin bedding, board games, pillows, blankets, and towels. Ideas for presents and the name and age of the person receiving them can be found on the Winter Holiday page of their website. If you want to donate a physical gift, you can take it to the Hope House office at 4215 N. Peck Road in El Monte. You can also drop off donations for the homes. If you have questions about where or when to drop off your contributions, you can call 626-747-9320. Another option for donating to the toy drive and other programs throughout the year is doing so online through the Hope House website. You can choose a general gift or specify one for a specific program. The program also accepts vehicle donations and home items, toys, and other donations. It doesn’t cost to donate your vehicle. All you need to do is set up an appointment by calling 877-999-8322. The vehicles are used to transport individuals for group and solo trips into the community or to medical appointments. Working with organizations in our community is a favorite pastime of many members of the Longo staff. We enjoy interacting with our community and greeting our neighbors. It is our pleasure to partner with the Hope House organization to ensure their residents and family members continue receiving the care they need. We also want to ensure they have an enjoyable place to call home. The staff of Longo Toyota looks forward to creating a bright holiday season for all our community members. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.

The holiday season is a time to celebrate and make cherished memories with family and friends. It's also an excellent time of year to support the local community. Several events will take place through the end of the year, covering various interests and groups. Browse through our list below if you're someone who is looking to help organizations in the El Monte area. An Evening With Our Blue Heroes Image by Ian Schneider is licensed with Unsplash License The Arcadia Police Foundation works with the men and women of the police force to ensure they have the training and equipment they need to perform their jobs safely. The foundation also works to bridge the gap between the police force and community members. At An Evening With Our Blue Heroes, you can enjoy a gala in support of the Arcadia Police Foundation. This elegant event will take place on Saturday, November 5, 2022, in Arcadia at the Le Meridien Hotel at 130 West Huntington Avenue. If you're planning to attend the event, tickets are $150 for each person. You can also become an event sponsor, which reserves a table for ten in your name. Four sponsorship levels range from Bronze, with a $1,500 donation, to Diamond, with a $10,000 donation. It's important to note that there will be no ticket sales at the door because Le Meridien Hotel needs a head count before the event starts. The gala will be in the hotel's ballroom, so you can dance and mingle while raising money. The dress code for the evening is formal. Heartful Hands 19th Annual Toy Drive Many children look forward to receiving a gift under the tree. You can help make their wishes come true by being part of the Heartful Hands 19th Annual Toy Drive. This festive event works to benefit the Jonathan Jacques Children's Cancer Institute's Adopt-A-Family program. This program pairs community members with families of children receiving care. The outdoor toy drive will be in Long Beach on Friday, November 18, 2022, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Vista Del Mar Hotel Maya at 700 Queensway Drive. If you want to attend, you must bring at least one gift. The focus is mainly on teenagers, but you can bring gifts for any age. Gift cards are an excellent option if you're unsure what to get. If you choose to bring any other type of gift, please don't wrap it. As you plan your outfit, keep the festive side of the season in mind. The night will include fun and socializing with a champagne bar, hors d'oeuvres, and entertainment. You can buy tickets for the toy drive or donate online. 5K Turkey Dash and 1K Trot Raise money for the South El Monte Parks and Recreation Division while you lace up your shoes and go for a run. The 2022 Turkey Dash and Trot will be on Saturday, November 19. The trot will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the Turkey Dash at 9:30 a.m. Both races will start in front of South El Monte City Hall at 1415 Santa Anita Avenue. If you want to participate, you can register online for the event or fill out the paperwork in person at the South El Monte Community Center. The fee for the event is $5 for residents with proof of residency. Racers from outside South El Monte will pay $10. Clay Shoot Benefiting Special Olympics Southern California As the calendar flips to December, you can head to Sylmar and support Special Olympics Southern California. Special Olympics is an international organization that allows athletes of all ages to compete with their peers, regardless of their disability. The organization relies heavily on volunteers and fundraisers throughout the year to support the athletes in their chosen sport. The Knights of Columbus and Law Enforcement Torch Run are teaming up to host a Clay Shoot. This exciting event will allow participants to raise money while sharpening their vision. The shoot will be in Sylmar at Moore N Moore Sporting Clays Inc. at 12651 Little Tujunga Canyon Road. The event will start at 8 a.m. Friday, December 2, 2022, and end at 2 p.m. The day will start with breakfast before the shooting begins. Each participant will receive 100 shells and have the chance to shoot 100 clay targets. A hearty lunch is on the menu to close the event. If you're looking for a unique holiday picture, a tactical Santa will be on hand to take pictures with kids and family members. A few of the many Special Olympics California athletes the event supports will also be on hand. Spirits of the Holidays Another opportunity for lending a hand in the community during the holidays is the Spirits of the Holidays benefiting the Real Way Foundation. These folks work with job seekers to improve their resumes and interview skills. They can also provide financial services and education for members of the community. The festive fundraiser will be held in Newhall at the Hart Hall Museum at 24151 Newhall Avenue on December 3, 2022. This jam-packed evening of entertainment, fun, and fundraising will take place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The party will include food and live entertainment. Along with dinner and music, you can purchase additional beer and wine sales tickets throughout the evening. An auction and raffle will also boost the contribution for the night. If you want to become a VIP for the evening, you can enter the celebration starting at 6 p.m. If you choose this option, you'll enjoy entertainment from a private entertainer. There will also be an unlimited wine selection and craft beers to enjoy and pair with various foods before the party starts. Whether you're passionate about raising money for athletes or job seekers, there are plenty of opportunities to spend time with friends and family while supporting your favorite causes. As you fill in your social calendar for the end of the year, consider attending one of the charity events around El Monte this holiday season. Each event is unique and will let you leave knowing you've done your part to help your community.

Your Toyota's safety features are some of the most important to keep your family protected while driving. Even if you're a confident driver, you can still be a victim of another driver's errors, so advanced safety features are a great way to detect and alert you to danger before you see it coming. Most modern vehicles come with advanced safety systems that can detect oncoming traffic, alert you to objects behind you, and help you stay safe in your lane. With Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, you'll have the most up-to-date tools to keep you safe while driving your Toyota vehicle. View All Toyota Protection Plans What Is Safety Sense 2.0? 2023 Toyota GR Supra Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is Toyota's latest version of its comprehensive safety system, which includes such features as driver assist, advanced detection, and high-tech cruise control. These systems are designed to work together to keep you safe from collisions that could leave you injured, your car damaged, and others hurt. Safety Sense uses a forward-facing camera on your windshield along with millimeter-wave radar to keep an eye on your surroundings, approaching vehicles, your position on the road, road signs, and more. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is the latest in advanced vehicle safety technology and is standard in many new Toyotas. Multi-Information Display On the multi-information display, you'll see visual alerts, signage, lane tracking, and other information connected with your vehicle's Safety Sense system. In most Toyotas, this display is located on the instrument display area behind the steering wheel, where it’s easy to see without taking your eyes off the road. You can change the information displayed, scroll, and perform other operations on the multi-information display with the meter control switches that you can easily reach on your steering wheel. The screen can also display fuel stats, tire pressure, and other vehicle information that it’s good to keep track of. Pre-Collision System The pre-collision system is designed to help prevent frontal collisions with your vehicle. The system uses a forward-facing windshield camera and grille-mounted radar system that can detect approaching vehicles and bicycles. It will even alert you to pedestrians in low-light conditions when it can be harder to see people on crosswalks. If the pre-collision system detects danger, it prompts you to action through audio and visual alerts. In certain situations where the action is deemed extremely urgent to avoid a highly likely collision, automatic braking may be used to reduce speed and lessen or avoid impact. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Safety Sense 2.0's Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is an advanced system that lets you set your preferred highway cruising speed and uses the front camera and grille-mounted radar to detect a vehicle in front of you. It also automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe preset distance. An audio and visual alert lets you know if the car in front of you slows even more, and automatic braking may be applied if needed. Once the slower-moving vehicle has left or increased its speed, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control will return you to your set speed. Lane Departure Alert The Lane Departure Alert feature works by using your windshield-mounted front-facing camera to detect the edges of the lane on relatively straight roads. It can use the lane marking along with curbs or other distinct borders to judge your position in the lane and alert you if your vehicle starts to deviate or depart so you can safely correct its course. In addition, Toyota vehicles equipped with Safety Sense 2.0 that also have electronic power steering will be able to use Steering Assist to automatically make small corrective steering movements to keep your Toyota in its lane. Lane Tracing Assist Lane Tracing Assist is an additional feature available on some vehicles with Safety Sense 2.0. It works similarly to the Steering Assist feature but is used in conjunction with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Your front-facing camera is used to detect the lines of well-marked lanes along with the movements of any vehicle in front of you. Lane Tracing Assist then works with your Cruise Control feature to keep you at a safe distance behind the vehicle and centered within your lane by automatically implementing small corrective steering inputs. Automatic High Beams Nighttime can be a more dangerous time for drivers when reduced visibility is mixed with glaring traffic lights. With Safety Sense 2.0's Automatic High Beam, you can worry less about forgetting to switch to low beam and accidentally causing glare for other drivers and spend all your attention focusing on the road. Automatic High Beam works by using an in-vehicle camera to detect headlights of approaching vehicles as well as taillights of any vehicles in front of you, and then automatically switching from high beam to low beam and back again when the traffic has passed. Road Sign Assist Have you ever been distracted and driven past an important road sign without seeing it? Hopefully not, but if you didn't see it, how would you know? With Safety Sense 2.0's Road Sign Assist feature, you'll be able to get the information since your Toyota's front-facing camera can read certain road signs and display them on the vehicle's multi-information display screen, where you can see signs you may have missed or overlooked. Road Sign Assist is designed to read and relay the information on posted speed limit signs along with Stop, Yield, and Do Not Enter traffic signs. Safety Sense 2.0 is Toyota's latest package of safety features that are available on many of its new vehicles. These features will help keep you safe while driving to work, running errands around town, and enjoying a weekend road trip. If you'd like to know more about this or any other Toyota systems or want to look at some Toyota vehicles, then contact us at Longo Toyota in El Monte, California. You can call us at 626-377-9743 or stop by our dealership at 3534 N. Peck Road, which is open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. View All Toyota Protection Plans

Every year, about 15 million new vehicles and 40 million used vehicles are sold throughout the U.S. If you're thinking about buying one soon, you'll need to figure out what to do with your current car, truck, or SUV first. You can attempt to sell your existing vehicle on your own if you would like. You can also call on a company that specializes in buying vehicles for cash and see if they would like to make you an offer. But trading your vehicle into Longo Toyota in El Monte, California, might be your best option of all. Check out some of the biggest benefits of taking this approach below. Trade-In Your Vehicle Helps You Get Rid of a Car You Don't Want 2023 Toyota GR Corolla As we just touched on, there are a variety of ways in which you can get rid of your current car to make space in your driveway for a new one. You're more than welcome to try to sell a car on your own if you want to do it. But it can be difficult trying to unload a car yourself. You will need to: Clean your car from bumper to bumper and make any necessary repairs to it. Take photos of every aspect of your car. Put together a write-up for your car. List your car for sale in the appropriate places. Meet with potential buyers and allow them to test drive your car. It can take days, weeks, and sometimes even months to sell a car in this way. It would be so much easier to go through the process of trading your vehicle into a dealership. You can do it within just hours with next to no effort on your part. Prevents You From Having to Fix Up an Older Car If you're going to try to sell a car on your own before buying a new one, you will often have to invest some money into it first. You'll need to pay for cleaning supplies or pay to have it detailed by someone else. You'll also need to pay for any necessary repairs unless you plan on disclosing them to buyers and possibly scaring them off. The money that you'll need to spend to get your car into tip-top shape so that you can sell it might not be worth it. In the end, you may lose money on a deal when selling a car yourself versus trading it in. It's another reason why you should think about trading your vehicle into Longo Toyota. Brings Down the Price of a Car You're Buying When trading your vehicle into a dealership, it will make it easier for you to afford the new car you'll be buying. A dealership will give you money for your trade-in that you can apply directly to the price of the car you'll be buying. The price tags on both new and used cars have increased slightly in recent months. You can bring them back down to earth by trading your vehicle into a dealership and getting what you can for it. Lets You Take Advantage of Tax Incentives If you go through the trouble of selling a car yourself rather than trading it in, you'll have to pay taxes on the sale price. Those taxes are going to cut into your profits and leave you with less money for your car than you were anticipating. But when you trade your vehicle into a dealership, the opposite will be true. Trading a car in can bring the price of a new or used car down and lead to you paying lower taxes on it overall. You might be surprised to see just how much money you can save when you trade your car in after you take tax incentives into account. Makes It Easy to Pay Off a Car Loan Do you happen to still owe money on the car that you would like to get rid of at this point? This can make selling a car during a private sale more trouble than it's worth. Before you can officially toss the keys to your car to a buyer, you'll need to have them pay you so that you can pay off the loan that you have on your vehicle. This can delay your ability to sell a car in many instances. When you trade your vehicle into a dealership, they can handle helping you to pay off the loan that you have on it. You won't have to worry about doing a thing to get this loan taken care of once and for all. Allows You to Avoid Scams Unfortunately, not everyone who shows an interest in purchasing your car during a private sale is going to have your best interests at heart. There are lots of scammers out there who will show an interest in buying a car from you in an attempt to scam you out of money. As long as you're extra careful when selling a car, you might be able to avoid these scammers. But why risk it when you can just go through the process of trading your car into a dealership instead? It'll be so much easier and will help you steer clear of scammers altogether. Consider Trading Your Vehicle into Longo Toyota Buying a car can be a stressful experience for some people. It can be especially stressful when they have to be concerned about selling their current cars before they can buy new ones. If you don't want to have to worry about this aspect of things, trading your vehicle into a dealership like Longo Toyota in El Monte, California, will be your best bet. We will gladly take your trade-in from you and help you pick out a new or used car that you'll love. Are you ready to get started? Come visit Longo Toyota today to get the trade-in process underway or contact us for more information on the vehicles that we have in our inventory at this time. Trade-In Your Vehicle

When summer road trips and pool days wind down, school is just around the corner. Whether you're sending your child off to kindergarten or their freshman year of high school, there are some things your family can do to prepare for going back to school. Here are eight helpful tips for students and parents to ensure a successful start to the school year. Acclimate to the School Schedule Image by MChee Lee is licensed with Unsplash License Summer activities can mean staying up late and sleeping through the morning. Casual mealtimes and relaxed schedules are a fun way to spend the summer, but many kids do better with some consistency once school starts. In the weeks before the first day of school, consider implementing some healthy habits, such as consistent wake-up times and bedtimes. Gather the school and work schedules for each family member, and create a calendar or noticeboard with start and end times along with regular activities. A visual reminder in the days leading up to school can help eliminate a panicked first morning. Try On School Clothes You can start getting your kids' school wardrobe together by reviewing the school’s dress code policies. Once you have an idea of what kind of clothes your kids need, you can pull out the pants, shirts, and shoes for school. You may find your younger children outgrow their clothes in just a few months. You can donate clothes that no longer fit them to make drawer space for a shopping trip, or get ahead and buy clothes when you see a great sale. For some kids, the ritual of shopping and buying a few new school clothes helps the transition from summer to the school year. A favorite shirt or new backpack they helped pick out can build their confidence and ease any nerves on the first day of school. Acknowledge Anxiety or Excitement Kids may not offer up their feelings about the upcoming school year voluntarily. It can help if parents ask questions in a one-on-one conversation when you’re in an environment without distractions. Maybe your child would enjoy a special meal or treat at their favorite restaurant. Kids may open up if parents share their own feelings first, such as, "I remember my first day of seventh grade. I was really nervous about starting a new school. Are you?" Let them share anxiety so you can come up with coping mechanisms together. In addition, encourage them to think about the things they're excited about or look for things that will be different but possibly better. Connect With School Friends Once your kids know their class assignments, it might be helpful and fun to arrange a get-together with classmates or other school friends. Help your kids get excited about seeing their friends every day, especially if they've been missing them over the summer. If they're starting at a new school, and school rules allow it, meet friends at the school and walk around to see where the different buildings are. The kids can plan where to meet their buddies on the first day to help ease those new-semester nerves. Plan Lunchbox Menus If your children take packed lunches to school, the last few weeks of summer are a great time to get back into lunch planning and packing mode. You could go on a dedicated trip to the grocery store together and pick out some special lunch snacks or talk about new meal ideas to try while browsing the aisles. Back at home, you can get out the lunch boxes or bags for a good cleaning. Make a plan together for preparing lunches, whether that's sharing the duties together, packing lunches the night before, or making a list of everyone’s favorite items to post in the family information center. Fill Out Forms in Advance Schools require forms for sports activities, field trips, parking passes, and various other things. The last thing you want is to scramble around the first morning of school searching for pieces of paper handed out at orientation nights or hunting through your emails for links to online forms. If you are given the option in advance, the best time to gather and sort out what you need is when you have time to sit quietly and read the forms carefully. Set Family Goals for the Year Many families choose to come together for a special meal or family meeting time before school starts. Some families find that setting an intention, choosing a family theme, or planning goals for the school year can help everyone focus on important family values as they get busy with schoolwork and activities. These intentions can be centered around a religious text, a code of ethics, a favorite song lyric, or a beloved family book. Your family may identify a habit everyone wants to improve, such as gathering for dinner each night or spending part of the weekend all together without distractions. Setting goals together can be a unifying and bonding experience for family members of all ages. Prepare a Homework Station Some families like to set up a dedicated communal space with desks for laptops, stationery for homework, shelves for organizing, hooks for backpacks and coats, and bulletin boards for important information. For young kids especially, having their school items contained in one spot can help with tidiness, and if it’s within earshot of your main grown-up space, parents can offer homework help when needed. Older kids may want a more private desk space in their bedrooms. However you choose to organize your home, creating a dedicated study spot can help separate areas for homework, sleeping, and family living. You might take a trip to the store and gather some fun new school supplies to make the area feel fresh and ready for the first day. The end of summer fun and family adventures can be hard, but we hope these eight suggestions help your family prepare to get back into school routines. Are there any tips we missed? We'd love to hear about them. Feel free to contact us, and let us know what helps your family get ready for the first day back at school.