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

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.

Tags: Corolla Cross Hybrid, Toyota
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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?

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.

 

Tags: Education
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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. 

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.

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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

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.

 

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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.

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What Is Safety Sense 2.0?

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.

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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

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

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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

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.

Tags: Education
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Imagine returning to your vehicle after a long day of work only to realize that you don’t have your keys. Not only do you not have your keys, but you can also see them sitting on the driver’s seat. You’ve locked yourself out of the car and have no other way to get home. You have no idea what you’re going to do.

When all hope feels lost, you have a few options to consider. These steps will help you get your keys out of a locked car so you can be on your way.

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California is one of those states where getting around is difficult without a car. In turn, teens and adults must go through driver’s education to pass their written and driving tests at the DMV. At Longo Toyota, we’re invested in seeing people get a quality driving education so they can become safe and confident drivers on the roads in and around El Monte.

The following is a look at the best driving schools near El Monte, CA. All of them offer driving school packages designed to meet the needs of you or your teenager to qualify to get your driver’s license. Read on to learn about the driving schools that offer straightforward services to ones who can pick up a student from start to finish at the DMV.

Student First Driving School

Student 1st Driving School helps teen drivers earn their minimum requirements for taking their driving test at the DMV. The school also offers driving education to adult drivers, although adults aren’t required to have a minimum number of hours to take the test. Lesson packages for drivers of all ages include working on driving skills and preparing for the written portion of the driving test, with each package meeting the driver’s specific needs.

The school offers a single lesson package intended for a student who already has some driving experience and has completed some hours with another driving instructor. Most students, teens, or adults can get a more comprehensive driving experience and education with the three or five-lesson package. The multi-lesson packages include driving in challenging conditions to help the student learn how to become a confident driver in all types of driving situations.

America’s Driving School Walnut

America’s Driving School Walnut is one of those unusual driving schools in that it doesn’t have a website, and it’s located in a carwash facility. The reason why it’s listed is that it has great reviews for professionalism, and its staff does an excellent job of helping students learn how to drive and understand the rules of the road.

The school takes students of all ages and experience levels, and lesson packages are affordable. You can get picked up by the driver, provided you live within a certain radius of the school, although you have to call and find out what that radius is.

During the lesson, the teacher takes time to walk the student around the car and then has them sit in the driver’s seat for a further lesson on the controls of the car. Parents of teenagers are invited to observe the teacher while they show the student how to operate the car.

The biggest takeaway from reviewers is the fact that the teachers are pleasant and thorough, and they make it a point to help students relax behind the wheel. Students at America’s Driving School frequently ace their driving tests at the DMV after finishing their driving lessons with one of the quality instructors from the school.

Advan Driving School

Advan Driving School is a family-owned and operated driving school located in Alhambra, CA. It’s a full-service school that offers in-person driving lessons to teens and adults and online education for the written portion of the exam. Class options include basic driving lessons that enable a student to qualify for and take their driving test. There are classes available for students who need a more comprehensive driving experience that they may not otherwise receive.

The goal of the school is to teach students how to become safe and confident drivers capable of passing the driving test. Students can get picked up at their home for a fee, provided they live in Arcadia, Montebello, Pasadena, or Pico Rivera. Advan Driving School is a California DMV-Certified Driving School.

Viva Driving School

Viva Driving School offers driver’s education both online and behind the wheel for teens and adults. Students can take lessons one hour at a time or in multiple sessions to meet California’s six-hour drive time minimum for taking the road test. The school also offers online and in-person driver training that emphasizes safe driving habits as well as learning about the rules of the road.

Students who are seeking their permit and are at least 15½ years of age can apply through the school. After the student receives their permit, they can take classes at Viva Driving School and work their way towards earning their regular driver’s license.

Viva Driving School also offers driver’s education to international students seeking to learn how to drive on California roadways. It also offers testing services in the form of scheduling the driving test at the DMV for a student as well as providing student pick-up and letting the student use the school’s car for the driving portion of the test.

Yolanda’s Driving School

Yolanda’s Driving School is a highly rated school that offers basic and intermediate driving courses for teens and adults. Teachers emphasize safe driving techniques, are patient with their students, and make sure that all students receive a complete education in the classroom and on the road. Students learn how to drive properly in an environment that’s low-pressure and encourages students to relax. The school emphasizes teaching the road portion of the lessons in a non-judgmental fashion while focusing on the importance of safe driving.

The school offers driving packages to help students meet their minimum driving hours and classroom education requirements. Online driver’s education is available, and students can study at their own pace. Yolanda’s Driving School also provides assistance to drivers who need a car to take their test but don’t have access to one.

This wraps up our list of the best driving schools near El Monte, CA. All these schools offer driver’s education services that meet a variety of needs for beginning drivers, whether they’re a teen or an adult. You or your teen can feel confident that you’ll be able to pass your driver’s test at the DMV after receiving a quality education from one of these schools.

Tags: Education
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Going on a road trip can be a fun way to explore a new place with your family or friends. Whether you’re making a short trip for a weekend away or getting ready for multiple weeks on the road, it’s important to prepare yourself and your vehicle properly for your journey. Our team at Longo Toyota created this guide to help you best prepare for your next road trip in the El Monte, California, area.

Share Your Plans

Let someone know about your plans for your road trip. If possible, create an itinerary that details your plans, such as routes you plan to take, cities where you plan to stop, hotels or campsites where you plan to stay, and dates you expect to be gone. It may also be helpful to consider enabling location sharing through your smartphone so they know where you are.

Check Your Vehicle

Complete a comprehensive check of your vehicle before departing for your trip. Start by checking all the fluids, such as brake fluids, coolant, oil, and windshield fluid. If you’re not sure how long it’s been since your last oil change or you think you may be due for one while on your trip, consider scheduling an oil change before hitting the road. This helps ensure your car performs optimally and prevents you from sacrificing time on your trip to deal with repairs.

It’s also important to check your tires before your road trip. Check the tread on your tires to ensure you don’t need to replace them and the pressure to confirm they’re filled appropriately. Don’t forget to check your spare tire when completing these checks to avoid further issues if you get a flat on the road. If you have questions about your tires, it may be helpful to get a professional opinion.

Don’t forget to address small things you might not otherwise think about in your vehicle. For example, confirm the bulbs in all your headlights, taillights, and turn signals illuminate properly. Check your brakes, especially your brake pads and rotors, to confirm everything is in good condition. If you have any warning lights on, such as your check engine light, seek professional maintenance assistance and resolve the issues before your trip.

It may also be worthwhile to check your battery before leaving. Experiencing a dead battery may delay your trip significantly, and it may happen without a battery warning light illuminating first. Look for signs of a weakening battery, such as your engine struggling to turn on or dim headlights even after replacing the bulbs. Come visit us so we can check your battery and advise you about potential replacement options.

Create a Roadside Emergency Kit

Emergencies may happen during your road trip, but preparing for them can help ensure they have minimal effect on your trip. Build and pack a kit of supplies you can use to help you handle small emergencies or maintenance concerns that may happen on the road. Some important things that may be helpful to have include:

• Bungee cords or straps.
• Emergency triangle or flares.
• Extra fluids, such as oil, coolant, and wiper fluid.
• Flashlights.
• Full-sized spare tire.
• Portable gas container.
• Jumper cables.
• Road atlas.
• Supplies for changing a tire, like a car jack, lug wrench, and wheel lock key.
• Tire chains.
• Tire pressure gauge.
• Tire repair supplies, like an inflator, plug kit, and sealant.
• Toolkit with items like an adjustable wrench, a screwdriver, a socket wrench set, tow rope, work gloves, WD-40, and zip ties.
• Umbrella.

Consider researching your routes before leaving for the trip. For example, this may help you know when to anticipate driving through highly rural areas and fill up in advance. Learning more about the terrain and environment and factoring in the time of year may also help with packing appropriate supplies for the weather. For example, it may be helpful to have an ice scraper if you’re driving to Utah in the winter, but you can likely leave it at home if you’re trekking through Arizona in July.

It may also be helpful to create a general emergency kit. Include items like a first aid kit, basic cleaning supplies, drinking water, nonperishable food items, blankets, baby wipes, and trash bags. When packing, consider ensuring everyone has extra clothing and personal care items in case of trip delays.

Bring Important Documents

Make sure to pack all your important travel documents. Confirm you have the essential paperwork for driving your car, including your license, insurance, and registration. Don’t forget to pack any membership cards for roadside assistance companies and confirm you know how to contact them. It may also be helpful to keep printed copies of your routes, plans, or reservations and invest in a paper atlas as an extra resource.

Consider bringing cash and coins with you, too. Some routes may include toll roads, requiring you to pay a fee to drive on them. Toll routes often vary by state, but some accept coin and cash payments, while others may use a toll-by-plate system or only accept toll passes. Resources like TollSmart and TollGuru make it easy to research and plan for toll roads you may encounter.

Don’t Forget the Fun

Don’t let the stress of planning a road trip make you forget about having fun. Create playlists in advance to enjoy during your journey, and let people take turns playing DJ. Bring activities for the kids to do, such as card games or coloring. Think about making printouts of license plates from every state to play license plate bingo during the trip, or consider researching fun roadside attractions or landmarks to stop at throughout your drive.

We’ve reached the end of our guide about preparing for a road trip. At Longo Toyota, we’re proud to serve you and be the name you trust for everything Toyota in the El Monte area, and we hope you learned something new with our guide. Think we left something important off of our checklist? Drop us a line to share your suggestion. We may even update our guide to share your road trip preparation tips with our readers.

 

Tags: Activities
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