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5 Exemplary Toyota Active Safety Features

In the past two decades, Toyota has made some of the biggest strides in the auto industry regarding active or preventative safety features. However, the last several years have pushed the Japanese auto giant to the forefront of safety, making them one of the most reputable brands on the road. Today, Toyota has five vehicles with a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. So, let's take a look at the active safety features, known as Toyota Safety Sense, that make Toyota vehicles some of the safest on the road. Pre-Collision System One of the features of Toyota Safety Sense is a pre-collision warning system. This system is automatically engaged as soon as you turn on the car. Using a forward-facing camera and a radar, the system determines if an obstacle or car ahead is in your path. If you're traveling too fast, the system alerts you with visual and aural cues. In the event of a potential crash, the system then applies the brakes to help avoid the collision or minimize the impact speed. more Pedestrian Detection Using the same camera and radar as the pre-collision system, pedestrian detection is another advanced safety feature aimed at preventing accidents. The camera and radar also use shape recognition to locate pedestrians. Once a pedestrian enters the path of the vehicle, display and sound alerts warn the driver of an impending collision. If brakes aren't applied, the vehicle does so automatically. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control This option, also known as intelligent cruise control, enables the vehicle to decelerate if following too closely to the car in front. To enable, simply turn on your cruise control. Once you start driving, radar cruise control takes over. It slows your vehicle if you become too close to an obstacle, but then it resumes your original speed once you're clear of any potential danger. It's not a substitute for paying attention while you're driving, but it's a beneficial feature in times of heavy traffic, traffic zones, and other day-to-day driving experiences. Lane Departure Alert If you've ever had the misfortune of drifting into another lane because you're distracted, don't fear. With Toyota's Lane Departure Alert, you won't have to worry about entering into the path of neighboring traffic. This system also uses a camera that detects the painted lane dividers. When your car starts to drift too closely to the line or even past it, the panel flashes and emits a beeping sound, letting you know you need to get back in your lane. Automatic High Beams Another great active safety feature is automatic high beams. This spec takes the hassle out of turning your brights off and on when driving. Using a camera to find oncoming traffic, automatic high beams turn off when a car comes your way. Once the vehicle passes, they turn back on, making nighttime navigation just a bit easier. With so many stellar safety features on new Toyotas, crashes are becoming a thing of the past. Still, it's important to remember that nothing's better than an alert and safety conscious driver. Nevertheless, this safety gives you one less thing to worry about. Image Courtesy: https://www.cheapfullcoverageautoinsurance.com/

Young couple loading a vase of flowers into the trunk of a red Toyota Prius

How to Pick the Right Prius

Since 1997, the Toyota Prius has been the top-selling hybrid car in the country. Today, the Prius continues to hold the top spot, thanks to great innovation and a variety of options. If you're new to the Prius, you may not know that the 2016 model year comes in three choices: the Prius, Prius v, and Prius c. Each of these has its own great set of perks, yet they're all different. To make the right decision for your needs or lifestyle, follow this handy guide. Fuel Economy This is the reason you're buying the Prius, right? Therefore, it's the first aspect to tackle when choosing the right Prius. All three models offer fuel economy that's well above average, but each is slightly different. The standard Prius offers up to 58 miles per gallon city and 53 mpg highway. The slightly smaller Prius c has a bit less efficiency with 53 mpg city and 46 mpg on the highway. With its hatchback design, the Prius v is the largest in the Prius family, but it still gets a respectable 44 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. Remember that the engineering on hybrids makes them more fuel-efficient in the city than on the highway, which is the opposite of traditional gas-powered vehicles. more Cargo Space Cargo space was perhaps the most important factor when Toyota expanded the Prius lineup. The Prius c is essentially a compact version of the standard hybrid and provides only 17.1 cubic feet of cargo space. In comparison, the standard Prius offers anywhere from 24 to 27 cubic feet of space, depending on the configuration. If lots of room is at the top of your checklist, the Prius v is the sound choice. Because of its larger size and full hatchback rear door, the Prius v accommodates 34 cubic feet of space. If you put the rear seats down, it packs an impressive 67 cubic feet. Engine Size Not many people opt for a Prius based on power, but it is good to know that you can get some acceleration when you need it most. The Prius c has the smallest engine of the group with a 1.5 liter, four-cylinder that delivers 99-horsepower. It's a bit slower than the other two, which boast a 1.8 liter, four-cylinder engine. The standard Prius gets 121-horsepower, while the Prius v gets 134-horsepower. Although none of these engines will win you any drag races, they do perform with enough power to get the job done. Price Points The best part about having three choices is that there's a model to fit your budget. The Prius c starts at a very affordable $19,560. The next price point is the standard Prius, which you can take home for $24,200. At the high-end, the Prius v is just under $27,000, but the extra space is worth the cash. No matter which of the Prius models you choose to buy, you're going to get exemplary fuel economy, a plethora of options, and a great value. Perhaps the only difficult choice is which color. Image via Toyota.com

Toyota Supra GR racing concept on a race track

The Phenomenal Return of the Toyota Supra

While Toyota may never have been an automaker synonymous with high-performance sports cars, it did have one model that collectors and car enthusiasts hold in high regard, even today. That car is the Toyota Supra. Produced from 1978 to 2002, the Supra did what few other sports cars can: It combined stylish looks and mind-blowing speed into one affordable package. However, Toyota finally came to their senses in 2015, promising the return of the Supra for the 2018 model year. Here's a quick glance at all the legendary sports car will have to offer. Two Engine Options Prior incarnations of the Supra came with a single engine option, although this V6 engine was more than capable. For the 2018 model year, working jointly with BMW, Toyota plans to unveil two engine options for the Supra. Surprisingly, the more powerful engine is a hybrid model. This 3.0 liter, turbocharged V6 with a lithium-ion battery provides an insane 473-horsepower. The second option is BMW's 3.0 liter, V6 twin-turbo engine that pumps out a more-than-respectable 335 horsepower. Regardless of which engine you choose, the Supra is still destined to burn up the road. more A Sexy Exterior The argument for the greatest aspect of the Supra is perhaps split down the middle. One-half of enthusiasts would cite the Supra's awesome and raw engine power as the defining factor of the brand name. The other half would say that the body and exterior are the foremost aspects. Either way, the 2018 Supra is sure to please both parties, especially when they see the new body design. Toyota sheds the BMW influence for this part of the project, relying on their own designs. The result is a beautiful mix of modernized curves, brilliant headlight and taillight design, attractive 19-inch wheels, and a racing spoiler to boot. You can't make everyone happy all the time when it comes to body style, but the Supra won't leave many critics. Under the Body Another interesting feature of the new Supra is that it's getting a totally new chassis and other underpinnings. However, the designs for these plans are coming entirely from BMW's engineering department. This isn't necessarily a bad thing; BMW has had far more success with sports cars than Toyota, and thus, their designs will undoubtedly go a long way in improving handling, aerodynamics, and top speed. The FT-1 Concept If you really want to get a true sense of what the car may look like when it's finally through the design process, look at the FT-1 concept car for answers. From a purely aesthetic perspective, the FT-1, and in turn, the Supra will look more like a two-seater supercar than any other mass-production sports car. This is great news for people who love a car that looks like it cost $100,000 when in reality its price is less than half. Still, the FT-1 is the closest you'll see to the Supra until Toyota unveils it sometime in the near future. Now that the Supra is beyond the rumor stage and in pre-production status, fans of the brand can start to drool with anticipation. An exact release date hasn't yet been released, so until then, you'll just have to find a way to calm yourself down. Image via Toyota.com

Interior view of a Toyota Prius packed for a day on the water

The 4 Best Road Tripping Toyotas

There's nothing better than a road trip with your friends or family to a great destination. That is, if you have the right car to back it up. Thankfully, Toyota offers a number of vehicles that are up to the task. Whether you want great entertainment features, superb fuel economy, or some extra space for all of your luggage, you'll find what you're looking for. Here are just a few of the best road tripping Toyota vehicles. more Prius v This offshoot of the Prius is probably the best choice if you're looking for a vehicle with the perfect blend of fuel economy and cargo space. Under the hood, the Prius v sports a 134-horsepower 1.8 liter, four-cylinder engine. Although it's not a ton of power, it does boast a remarkable 44 miles per gallon city and 40 mpg on the highway. In addition, it has seating for five and 34 cubic feet of cargo space. However, you can fold the back seats down for an additional 33 cubic feet of room. Land Cruiser 2016 marks one of the best years ever for the Toyota Land Cruiser. Not only is this vehicle massive, it also has some of the best entertainment features in the industry. With seating for up to eight passengers or up to 81 cubic feet of cargo space, the spacious Land Cruiser is one of the most accommodating Toyota vehicles. The rear seat passengers will also love the sizable cooler, as well as two 11.6-inch display screens for DVD movies. Both screens are separate, meaning you won't have to hear arguments about what to watch. All in all, it's a great vehicle for a luxurious and roomy trip. RAV4 Sometimes you want a bit more room, but without having to pay an exorbitant amount to get it. The RAV4 is the answer to this quandary. With room for up to five passengers and up to 73 cubic feet of cargo space, the RAV4 has the interior for a smooth, comfortable journey. In addition, the RAV4 gets up to 30 mpg on the highway and 23 in the city. If you're looking to up the ante, the RAV4 also comes in a hybrid version that produces 34 mpg city and 31 on the highway. It's the complete package if you want something affordable and big enough for all of your gear. Plus, its four-wheel drive option allows for some exciting off-road excursions. Sienna Some people avoid minivans like the plague to avoid the "soccer mom" moniker. However, those people have obviously never driven the Sienna. Billed by Toyota as the "Original Swagger Wagon," the Sienna offers great features and the largest cabin in the Toyota lineup. You'll have no problem fitting seven passengers in the Sienna; or if you're planning on mountain biking, you can store your gear in the available 150 cubic foot cargo area. It also has a surprising amount of power with a 3.5 liter, V6 engine. A great road trip is the result of careful planning and amazing company. By adding a great Toyota to that mix, you're bound to have one of the most enjoyable and memorable road trips of all time. Image via Toyota.com

Teenage girl driving a white car

Best Used Toyotas for Teens

If you are like many parents whose teen is just starting to drive, finding a safe car is probably at the top of your to-do list. Fortunately, Toyota has a list of cars that are considered to be among the best-used Toyotas for teens. Finding the right Toyota needs to be the perfect blend of power, features, and safety. Here are five of the most popular Toyota models for you to consider: more Toyota Avalon Sure this is the top of the line luxury sedan in the Toyota fleet, but it is also a full-size sedan. This means plenty of sheet metal surrounding your teen during their first years behind the wheel. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Avalon scores its best rating of "Good" in overall testing including, structure and safety cage, side impact, and roof strength. Toyota Camry Like many Toyota vehicles, the Camry has earned a number of safety awards and accolades. The 2012 Camry was named an IIHS Top Safety pick scoring "Good" in important categories such as, moderate front overlap and side impact. The Camry has a built-in rollover sensor that deploys the side curtain airbags starting in 2015. It also features front knee airbags to reduce the risk of knee injury in the event of a frontal collision. The Toyota Corolla The Toyota Corolla may not be the hottest looking car on the market; however, when it comes to teen drivers, the Corolla makes the ideal teen car. With a stout four-cylinder engine under the hood, the Corolla has enough power to keep your teen driver out of trouble, but not so much power that they are likely to hit the drag races at night. On top of this, the engine itself is virtually bulletproof and will provide your teen with years of reliable service. Toyota Highlander The Toyota Highlander has the distinction of being the first crossover SUV to be taken seriously in the U.S. market. Since its introduction, the Highlander has also earned a reputation for being a very practical and-- above all -- safe vehicle. New drivers will find the inside controls have been laid out in a very logical and easy-to-learn array. The Highlander offers a stable platform that can handle practically any driving conditions. Toyota Tundra Not all teens want or need a car. Many prefer to have a truck that can carry their gear to the game, pack everything for that long camping trip, or simply offer the perfect spot for a tailgating party. The Toyota Tundra offers all of this and more. Inside you will find a complete suite of airbags including a front seat-mounted torso, front and rear head curtain, and side impact. The Tundra also features daytime running lights, antilock brakes, and a rollover sensor. The best way to keep your teens safe on the road is to buy them a truly safe vehicle. This includes practically any Toyota on the market as they all have an incredible range of safety features built right in. Image via Pixabay

Young couple with their dogs walking to their Toyota Prius C

5 Tips for Picking a Fuel-Efficent Car

Fuel efficiency is all the rage for car buyers, especially as manufacturers continue to improve the number of mpg that new models can get. When you are considering purchasing a new car, make sure to understand what the numbers and phrases mean so you can get the most for your money. more Assess the Size Smaller cars weigh less than bigger ones, obviously, but the size also impacts the fuel efficiency. In order to power and move a larger car or truck, the system uses more fuel and this decreases the efficiency. If you spend a lot of time in the car by yourself, commuting or running errands, you might not need to invest in an SUV or van. On the other hand, you won't be happy with your investment if you sacrifice the space you need for better fuel efficiency, so choose a car that will keep up with your daily routine. Do Your Homework Once you have decided what size vehicle will be best for your needs, start doing some research. There is a lot of variation in fuel economy, even between cars that fit into the same class. When you start looking at estimates, you may notice that the numbers come from the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA. This agency provides standard numbers based on testing, but they tend to be a bit higher than actual numbers that drivers get when they are on the roads. The estimates are better used as comparison points between cars instead of cold, hard facts. Skip Some of the Options While there are some features that won't alter the fuel economy, many upgrades actually decrease how many miles you can drive on a full tank. An automatic transmission or four-wheel drive can limit the fuel economy. If you add any extras after you purchase your new car, like a rooftop luggage rack or ski rack, you may also notice that the mpg number starts to drop, since these add weight and diminish the aerodynamics of the car. Look Into Diesel In the past, diesel was typically used in semi trucks and other large commercial vehicles. But in today's driving world, diesel is a great option that provides improved fuel efficiency in even compact sedans. Diesel engines use higher temperatures for combustion and higher compression ratios, which leads to more efficient operation. A gallon of diesel also contains more energy than the same gallon of gasoline. These diesel factors combine to provide up to 50 percent better fuel efficiency than gas. Shop Newer Cars Because technology continues to improve, auto manufacturers add extras that can often help improve fuel efficiency and overall miles driven per gallon. You don't necessarily have to buy brand new from the lot, but stick to cars made within the last couple of years. As you test drive vehicles to find out which car is the best for you, consider these factors to help you make an informed decision and protect your investment for years to come. Image via Toyota.com

charity football game

48th Annual Toyota Charity Bowl Announced

If you haven't experienced the Charity Bowl before, this year will be better than EVER! This year's Priority Toyota Charity Bowl, charity football game, will be held on April 16, 2016 at S.B. Ballard Stadium at Old Dominion University at 1pm, and you can expect a full day of sports and activities with national sports legends, including Tony “Goose” Siragusa, Bruce Smith, DJ Dozier, and Aaron Rouse, along with local dignitaries, media personalities, and elected officials. For many the Charity Bowl is a family tradition that spans almost 50 years, and it's time that you add this yearly spectacle to your list! Here's a little history on the Charity Bowl and how far it has come. The Charity Bowl originated in 1968 to raise money for The Joy Fund, a charity sponsored by the Virginian-Pilot. The Joy Fund purchased and delivered Christmas gifts to children whose parents could not afford presents during the holidays. The game was originally played by former high school and college football players at Thanksgiving. Today, the event is officially named the Priority Toyota Charity Celebrity Football Game, a flag football game featuring celebrities, elected officials and football legends. The Charity Bowl continues to benefit a number of local charities including: Achievable Dreams Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Virginia CHKD Communities In Schools Hampton Road s Edmarc Hospice for Children Foodbank of SE Virginia and Eastern Shore ForKids I Need A Lighthouse JT's Camp Grom Life Rolls On ODU Scholarship Fund Recovery for Kids SPCA St. Mary's Children's Hospital Storehouse Food Pantry The Joy Fund As you can see the Charity Bowl is a vital source of charitable funding for important causes around Hampton Roads, and it's the wonderful citizens of our area that can make it a huge success. So mark your calendar and get ready for a day of great family fun. This year, Priority Toyota Charity Bowl attendees will have the opportunity to drive away in a brand new 2016 Toyota Corolla, courtesy of Priority. How can you win? Simple. Just fill out the form by midnight on Friday, April 15 th, or visit our booth on the morning of the game by Noon! We’ll announce the winner at halftime. Don’t forget: you must be 18 or older and in attendance at the 48 th Annual Priority Toyota Charity Bowl to win. Event Schedule WTKR Live Morning Show 9:00 am – 11:00 am Big Blue 1K and 5K 10:00 am – 11:30 am Post-Race Party in Silver Lot 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Priority Charity Bowl 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ODU Spring Football Game 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm ODU Baseball vs. UTSA 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm If you'd like to take a glimpse at last year's fun, here are a few photos from the 47th Annual Priority Charity Bowl. We hope to see all of you at the 48th Annual Priority Toyota Charity Bowl this year on April 16, 2016! Fore more information on the Charity Bowl or how to become a sponsor visit: http://goo.gl/8UgsK9 Directions to the stadium

5 Top Tips for Securing Car Finance

Not every person has the cash to pay for a car outright. In fact, as of 2013, 84.5 percent of drivers required some sort of financing before they could drive their car off the lot. With this in mind, it's even more important to know how financing works and the best ways to help secure it. If you're in the market for a new or used car, check out these handy tips to help you secure car financing. more Check Your Credit Score Before you march into a bank or other lender, you need to know your credit score and anything that's affecting it. Many times consumers find that there's an outstanding balance that needs payment, a bill they didn't know about, or at the very worst, credit fraud or identity theft. By knowing what's on your credit report beforehand, there are no surprises. Pay Off Outstanding Debts Although it's impossible to wipe out your mortgage in a single payment, smaller debts such as medical bills, credit cards, and lines of credit are easier to pay off because of the lower balance. However, paying them is important. Not only does it show your credit worthiness and willingness to pay, but it also lowers your debt-income ratio. This ratio is your total monthly debt payments divided by your monthly income. The lower the number is, the more likely you'll get the loan. The magic number here is 43 percent, so try to get to that level or lower. Shop Around Just like any other big purchase, it's important to shop around, not only with dealers, but lenders as well. What this does is give you an understanding of the typical rates that lenders provide. Usually, these lower rates tend to belong to credit unions, which operate as a non-profit and are able to offer lower interest rates. However, many online brokers and dealers themselves have started to run with lower rates, so it pays to check with them, too. Don't Apply Until You're Ready Another major pitfall for borrowers is that they apply to any business that offers a low rate, and are completely unaware of how this adversely affects their credit score. Each time you put in a loan request to a lender, they pull your credit, also known as a hard inquiry. One or two hard inquiries aren't bad, but multiple ones lower your credit score substantially. Therefore, it's imperative that you narrow the scope and keep this from happening. Choose the Right Car Lenders aren't stupid. If you walk into a bank and want a loan for a Ferrari but only make $50,000 per year, there's almost no chance it'll happen. Instead, find a car that fits your budget and needs. By doing this, you won't pay heaps of interest and your chances of getting approved skyrocket. Typically, you'll want to find a monthly payment that's no more than a few days' worth of pay. Securing car financing is a difficult and stressful venture if you don't do your homework beforehand. However, if you follow these tips, you'll find yourself in the driver's seat both figuratively and literally. Image provided by Shutterstock

7 Must-Have Accessories for Your Toyota

Whether you are driving to the mountains, the beach, or just around town with the family, accessories for your Toyota can make the trip more fun and even safer. Choose from a variety of accessories to make your ride more comfortable, to help haul your load, or to keep the kids happy. Here are seven accessories you must have for your Toyota no matter where you go. more Universal Tablet Holder There are not many kids who don't have some sort of tablet these days, and they always take them in the car. Let the kids watch their device and keep their hands free with the new Universal Tablet Holder. It works with almost all tablets on the market with screens up to 10.1 inches, so even if they upgrade to a larger tablet, you can keep the same holder. OEM Toyota Floor Mats Make sure your floor mats fit the make and model of your Toyota perfectly with OEM Toyota floor mats. Because Toyota makes them exactly to the specifications of their vehicles, you get the just right fit and color to match your interior. OEM Trunk Trays Keep the floor of your trunk in good condition with an OEM Toyota trunk tray. Don't think twice about putting anything in the trunk of your car when you protect it with a tray that fits just right. When it comes time to clean it out, the tray washes down easily and fits right back in so it's ready for your next load. Roof Rail Cross Bars Genuine Toyota cross bars work with the factory roof rails already on the car. The additional bars provide a place for tying down all kinds of roof racks and accessories. The bars hold up to 100 pounds or more depending on the vehicle. They install easily and are adjustable without needing any tools. Antigravity Battery Make sure you can get the car started in an emergency with an antigravity battery and jump starter. This miniature power supply is so small it tucks right into your vehicle's glove compartment, but is powerful enough to start a truck or car. Toyota Bed Extender Don't limit the size of the load in your truck bed. A Toyota bed extender extends the length of the truck bed by up to two feet when the tailgate is open. When the tailgate closes, the extender helps contain smaller items. Use it to keep beach items, tools, or camping gear from sliding around. Cargo Net Keep grocery bags or gear from sliding around the trunk of your Toyota with a cargo net. The nets attach quickly when you have smaller items to secure and are easy to remove when you need to fit larger items in the trunk. The nets are made specifically for each Toyota make and model for a perfect fit. Make the most out of any trip with these Toyota accessories. No matter what vehicle you drive and what you like to do, accessorize your vehicle to fit your needs. Image provided by Shutterstock

Learn From the Experts: What Racing Car Drivers Can Teach You About Motoring

Whether you're a race car fan or not, you have to marvel at how these individuals can take on a 500 mile race and keep the concentration up for the duration of the ride. While this isn't a likely scenario for you, it does offer suggestions on how to tackle your driving responsibilities throughout your hectic schedule. Here are a few things you can learn from the best drivers in the world. more Anticipate and Look Ahead When you're driving almost 200 miles per hour, looking ahead and anticipating the moves of others is easier said than done. Let's face it, even doing that at 60 miles per hour is a tough task. However, it's important to get into this habit sooner rather than later. If you see an aggressive driver in your rearview mirror that's driving too fast and weaving out of traffic, it's best to just get out of the way. The same goes for looking ahead. If something bad is about to happen, you can avoid it, instead of becoming another part of the accident. Drive a Manual Obviously, there's no sense in driving a manual transmission when an automatic will do, right? Automatics provide an easier route to get to your destination, and you don't have to worry about using the clutch or shifting. Despite their ease of use, automatics actually make you a lazy driver. Because you don't have to shift, many drivers use their extra hand to eat, talk on the phone, or put on makeup, making them a potential driving threat. Using a manual shift makes you have to concentrate far more and thus makes you a better driver. Plus, once you get it down, a manual transmission is awfully fun to drive. Always Be Fresh The night before a big race, most race car drivers try to rest up and get their focus ready for the task at hand. They have a grueling race ahead of them, and without sleep, they'll fall short of their goal. On a day-to-day basis, you only have to drive a short distance in comparison. Even so, rest becomes important. The more well-rested you are, the better your focus becomes. It seems like a no-brainer, but each day, someone falls asleep at the wheel, causing a catastrophic accident. When in doubt, hit the sack rather than hitting the road. Prep Your Car Before every big race, the driver and his crew undergo exhaustive maintenance and inspections to ensure the integrity and performance of the vehicle. You should do the same. If you notice your car making strange noises or driving oddly, don't wait. Take it to a mechanic immediately. They can diagnose the problem and save you from an accident waiting to happen, like a blown tire or something else that's potentially dangerous. You don't have to become a race car driver to know how to drive a vehicle. Instead, heed the advice of these drivers. It isn't a great task to follow these tips (except maybe the manual transmission), and you'll rest easy knowing you're one of the best drivers on the road. Image provided by Shutterstock

Right on Trend: What Car Colors Rule in 2016

Once you've decided on the new car you want to buy, you can start to add all the features that make it unique to your tastes. One of those decisions is car color. This aspect is a representation of your style and personality, so it's definitely an aspect not to overlook. In addition, many colors adversely affect the resale value of the car, so it's important not to choose something too gaudy. If you want one of the trendy colors for 2016, check out a few of these shades. more Blue Depending on what type of car you're in to, blue is the optimum choice. For sports cars and sedans, it's an attractive color that's both eye-catching and soothing simultaneously. SUVs and trucks don't look nearly as sharp in this shade, so if you want one of these vehicles, think about something else. However, with choices such as "Blue Crush Metallic," "Blue Streak Metallic," and "Electric Storm Blue," it's easy to see why blue is the fastest growing car color in the country. Red Red is definitely a more showy color that conjures up images of high-end sports cars. However, it's a great color for most cars, especially a truck. While getting your truck in red might seem like you're turning it into a fire truck, it's actually a great American classic, much like baseball and apple pie. Check out some options such as "Hot Lava," "Barcelona Red Metallic," "Inferno," or "Radiant Red" to really showcase this hue. Silver Based on statistics from the past year, silver leads the pack as the top color for cars. The basic reasoning is that humans subconsciously like shiny colors and ones that evoke a sense of a futuristic vehicle. It's the same idea behind appliances and other technologies sporting a silver tone. Try "Silver Sky Metallic" or "Celestial Silver Metallic" on your next purchase. Gray Although gray is sometimes misconstrued as silver, it's a bit duller than the silver, but this lack of flair isn't necessarily a bad thing. Much to the contrary, gray is a soothing tone that's attractive on many sedans and coupes, without standing out too much. It's a great color for those that don't have a showy personality, and comes in darker and lighter shades such as the darker "Predawn Gray Metallic" or the light "Creme Brulee." Black If none of these other colors suit you, there's nothing more traditional than classic black. Whether it's a car, truck, or SUV, black is a great color, not only because it doesn't show dirt, but also because it gives off a sleek sophistication. However, recent statistics show that black is lower in popularity on luxury cars than ever before. Nevertheless, it's a hard option not to consider in both matte and metallic. Regardless if you're just keeping up with current trends or simply showcasing your tastes, the color of your car provides an insight into your preferences and personality. By choosing the right color, you'll also find yourself more satisfied with your purchase and love every minute of your drive. Image provided by Shutterstock

5 Best Toyotas for Your Retirement

As you age gracefully into your later years, many things in your life change. What you need or want in a car is just another part of the list. No longer can you opt for a low-seated, two-door sports car. Instead, you need something that gets you around in comfort while also leaving you some money for other things in life. If you're in the market for a new car, check out some of these Toyotas for your retirement years. more Toyota Camry There's a reason that the Camry has been one of the top-selling cars in America for over 20 years. With good fuel economy, interior comfort, and a number of safety features, the Camry is perfect for seniors. It gets an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon in the city and 35 on the highway, so you won't have to keep going to the pump. In addition, it also has great safety features such as blind spot assist, in case your vision isn't what it used to be. Toyota Avalon For seniors with a little more cash in the bank or ones that like a bit more luxury, the Toyota Avalon is a solid selection. Essentially, it's a high-end version of the Camry, offering many of the same great features, but also with options such as leather for a comfortable drive to your destination. Add in a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Avalon is a perfect, luxurious fit. Toyota Rav4 This SUV/crossover is the clear choice for seniors that need more room for their hobbies or hauling their grandkids around town. It's a smaller SUV, so it sits fairly low, making it easier to enter and get out of the vehicle. It also has up to 73.4 cubic feet of cargo space and a dashboard layout that's easy to navigate. For further comfort, the Rav4 also has optional dual climate control and leather-appointed seats if you desire. Toyota Highlander Much like the Rav4, the Highlander is a smaller crossover that provides added space and great fuel economy for vehicles in its class. The Highlander also boasts a lower seat cushion height, as well as a higher roof, meaning it's easy to get in and out of the vehicle. For outdoor enthusiasts or those that like to go fishing, you can take up to eight people in the Highlander or pack it full of your gear. Available all-wheel drive makes it easy to find those secret fishing places or for taking care of the steep part of a good hike. Toyota Mirai Although it has a high price tag, the Mirai's low yearly costs make it an even trade. The Mirai is a fuel cell car which runs entirely on hydrogen. As a result, the car gets up to 67 miles per gallon equivalent. What this means for you is far less maintenance and fuel costs, as well as a stylish car that gives off no emissions. It's the perfect car for those looking to give their grandchildren a better tomorrow. Regardless of which Toyota you choose, you'll find them pleasant to drive and comfortable. That means you won't have to worry about your car, leaving you more time for the people you love. Image provided by Shutterstock

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