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Customize your RAV4 - Priority Toyota Chesapeake

5 Ways to Customize Your Toyota RAV4

Think that customization and performance modifications are just for the fast and furious? Think again. Toyota offers a variety of ways to personalize your RAV4, and most of them are not only affordable but also easy to install. Plus, with these upgrades like remote start and advanced HomeLink® technology, your crossover SUV gets one step closer to luxury. Below we've compiled some of the coolest and best ways that you can transform your RAV4. Bird's Eye View Camera What's better than a rear-view camera? One with a 360-degree view. The Toyota RAV4's Bird's Eye View Camera allows you to see nearby objects while also helping you to get in and out of those tiny parking spots with ease. This available system is complete with Perimeter Scan, an innovative technology feature that shows a live, rotating 360-degree view of your surroundings when parked. more Remote Engine Starter It's time to elevate the comfort of your RAV4, and thanks to the available remote engine starter you can do just that. With the press of just one button, your air conditioner, heater, defroster, and defogger will automatically turn on to the pre-set temperatures and settings. The quick and easy three-step sequence using the remote key fob will turn on your RAV4 engine, allowing you to step into a pre-cooled or heated cabin. Plus this available system is easily integrated with keyless entry and existing factory security. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist Drive safer with Toyota's available Lane Departure Alert (LDA). Helping you to stay in your lane, LDA is designed to detect the painted lane markings on the roadways and will alert you if you start to veer out of your lane. With a subtle yet audible beep and a flash of light on the instrumental panel, LDA alerts you to take action. Coupled with Steering Assist, this system will keep both you and your RAV4 safe in your lane with gentle corrective steering assistance when needed. HomeLink® with Frameless Rearview Mirror Do you want your RAV4 to help you stay connected and stylish? The available integrated HomeLink® system allows that and much more. With this upgrade, you can open and close your garage door, while controlling your front gate and home security system, from inside your RAV4. Plus the available frameless rearview mirror will add a whole new modern touch while giving you a new space to store your sunglasses. Trailer Hitch, Roof Rack & Cargo Carrier Add a little sporty muscle to your RAV4. Perfect for hauling thousands of pounds with ease, a RAV4 hitch is great for hauling bikes, cargo carriers, and trailers. If you're looking for even more room, a roof rack and cargo carrier will do the trick. These RAV4 accessories will allow you to bring just about everything you may need while saving you interior room for you and your passengers. With all the endless ways to customize, Toyota certainly makes it both fun and easy to turn your RAV4 into one that's uniquely yours. Photo by JesusAbizanda | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Best Golf Courses in Chesapeake, VA | Priority Toyota Chesapeake

If You Want to Play Golf in Chesapeake You Should Play Here

If you enjoy outdoor sports, specifically golf, you are probably itching to start playing. With the sun shining and the weather warming, that pull gets stronger and stronger. However, maybe you are new to Chesapeake, or you just haven't played around in a long time, so where do you go? You need to check out the following courses, as they are the best you will find in the area. Chesapeake Golf Club Just east of the Elizabeth River on Clubhouse Drive you will find the locals' favorite golf course — Chesapeake Golf Club. This course offers many challenging legs, including various water features and sand traps. There are two clubhouses along the way, so you can stop in for a break to eat, get a drink, or just escape the sun for a few minutes. This is a semi-private club that allows both memberships and public play. Oh, and don't forget to book your next event here, because the pool and clubhouse offer an excellent venue for any event. more Battlefield Golf Club at Centerville If you are looking for an exciting and challenging golf course, you need to check out one of the newest in the area. The Battlefield Golf Club at Centerville features 18 fairways with rolling hills, bunkers, varying terrain, and several water features. With elevation changes of 35 to 40 feet, you will be kept on your toes and constantly have to adjust your game. Rates start at $12 for juniors and $20 for adults. Stop by or call ahead for a tee time. Cahoon Plantation The longest distance between tees in the area is found at Cahoon Plantation. This course features a course of 18 holes with 7,141 yards and a score of 72 for par. There is bentgrass all through this course, making it a great place to play year-round. Golfers find this course is well-maintained and attracts a friendly and welcoming crowd. The clubhouse is beautiful and offers a great restaurant and pro shop. Greenbrier Country Club The Greenbrier Country Club is both challenging and convenient. It is located on Volvo Parkway in a lovely residential community. Although some of the homes are close to the fairways, they aren't so close that you will worry about hitting them. The restaurant offers outstanding food so that even if you are not interested in playing golf, you should at least stop by for a meal. Also, if you just need a little practice, they do offer an excellent-sized driving range where you can work on your swing. Cypress Point Not far away in Virginia Beach, there is Cypress Point, a must-visit golf course. This semi-private course offers one of the prettiest places to play a round of golf in the area. It is challenging and features hills, sand traps, and waterways. Additionally, you will find a pool, casual, and formal dining, and a great atmosphere to host a wedding or other special event. Don't fight the urge — head on over to one of these Chesapeake golf courses. As you can see, these are the best courses, and they will not disappoint. Photo by Krzysztof Urbanowicz | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Value your trade | Priority Toyota Chesapeake

3 Ways to Value Your Trade-In

Are you wondering what your trade-in is really worth? How about whether there is anything you can do to get more for your trade-in? It is not easy to gauge the value of a trade-in, but there are tools that can help, like the Kelly Blue Book. Before you go car hunting, find out what to expect from your trade-in, so you shop smart. Go Online with Priority Toyota Priority Toyota in Chesapeake, Virginia, offers an online tool that helps you figure out how much your car is worth. It starts when you give information about your trade-in. The app has easy-to-use drop menus to get you there. On the top line, choose the year of the car you wish to trade. Next, name it by model — for example, pick a Toyota if your trade-in is a Corolla. more The app asks you to verify the trim of your car, as well. Trim refers to the feature configuration of the car you purchased, such as LE for the Corolla. Finally, enter the miles on the odometer of your trade-in, then press the button labeled "Go to Step 2." The next step discusses the condition of your car. You select: Excellent — The car is in almost new condition Average — If the trade-in has normal wear and tear, like minor chips Below Average — Select this option if the interior and/or exterior have problems. For instance, if the motor knocks or it has a ripped seat That app also asks you to identify the number of past owners for the trade-in. If you bought the car new, select "single." If you purchased a used vehicle, the answer is "multiple owners." The last step lets you pinpoint some of the features that increase the value of the trade-in. After you click on the options that fit your car, just press the "Get My PureCars Trade-in Report" to find out the value. Getting the Most Value for Your Trade-in Edmunds offers some tips to make sure you did get the best trade-in price for your car. Start with knowing how much the car is worth before you go to the dealership. The best way to find out what your car will sell for is to pretend that you want to sell it. Drive the car to a few used car dealerships and ask what they would pay to buy it. Don't settle for what the clerk tells you; ask the used car manager to take a look. Your gut may tell you to wash and detail the car before taking it in for a quote, but you are better off leaving it dirty. They are going to give you a more realistic quote if they think you are a serious seller. If the car has mechanical problems, own up to them. Fixing them beforehand is a waste of money, but disclose any issues to both the new dealer that is giving you a trade-in quote and the used car dealer telling you what is it worth. You may not get the exact trade-in value you expect, but at least you can get an idea ahead of time. This way there are no surprises when you do finally go new car shopping. Photo by wbaiv | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

Chesapeake Festivals | Toyota dealer

Visit One of Chesapeake's Great Festivals

Throughout the year, there are an array of festivals in Chesapeake, Virginia. These festivals range from food-focused events to crafts, music, and more. With such a vast diversity, it is easy to say there is a festival for everyone. Therefore, which ones do you plan on visiting? The following five are the greatest festivals to attend. Revolutionary Beer Fest Start the summer off right by going to the Revolutionary Beer Fest on June 11, 2016. Grab your adult friends and head over to Chesapeake City Park, where you will find more than 15 breweries serving beer and pairing with local food trucks. This adult-only event starts at noon and goes until 5 p.m. Tickets start at $35, but for $75, you can get the VIP ticket that includes dinner and exclusive beer tasting. more Celebration Freedom Everyone loves a big Fourth of July party, and you need to go to the Celebration Freedom event to experience it. However, this year, the party starts on July 3, 2016, at the Chesapeake City Park. This festival includes entertainment, music, children's activities, and more. Then end the night by watching the fireworks explode in the sky above. There is no entry fee, but parking in the area is $5. Symphony Under the Stars The Symphony Under the Stars is a local tradition here in Chesapeake. This year Bagley Stage, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra will be performing on Sept. 4, 2016. The area opens at 6 p.m. with food vendors and silent auctions to visit. The concert starts at 7 p.m., so be sure you bring your blanket or lawn chairs and find a spot before the show starts. This event is completely free, and there is no charge for parking. Great American Food Fest Before you know it, October 5 will be here and so will the Great American Food Fest. From 3-7 p.m. come on down to Chesapeake City Park, where you will find one of Chesapeake's largest outdoor events. For just $30 in advance or $40 at the door, you can try a variety of great food, including clam chowder, barbecue, fried fish, and more. Plus, you can pick from several craft beer or mixed drink options. Waterways Heritage Days Every year during the second weekend of October, you can come out to the two-day event celebrating Waterways Heritage Days. This event takes place at several locations, including Great Bridge Lock Park and Historic Battlefield Park. Here you will find several exhibits detailing the wonderful history of the area. Vendors bring crafts, food, and more to showcase their talents, as well as share a part of history with you. This event is free, and there are shuttles available to transport you to and from the different sites. Now that you know why these festivals are the greatest, it is time that you plan to attend one or more of them. You can read reviews, hear from friends, or even see things on the news about each of these, but until you experience them yourself, you won't truly know how great they are. Don't put it off — you'll be glad you went. Photo by WXRob | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0

2016 Toyota Corolla in Chesapeake, VA

Get to Know the 2016 Toyota Corolla

Once you decide the 2016 Toyota Corolla is the car for you, the next step is to choose a trim package. Trim refers to the different feature configurations available for this model. The Corolla offers four main trims designated as the L, LE, LE Eco, and S. The features you get with your new car are based on the trim level you purchase. Learning more about the available trims is a critical part of researching a car before you buy it. Get to know the Toyota Corolla and its trims, so you shop smart when the time comes to purchase. The Base Model For the Corolla, the base model is the L series. It comes with the standard features and is the least expensive of the trims. With an L, you get 15-inch steel wheels, power accessories, and air conditioning. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel makes the interior more comfortable and roomy. The steering wheel has onboard auxiliary controls as well, for easy access. The interior provides a six-way adjustable driver's seat and four-way front passenger seat with a 60/40 split folding rear seat. You have full access to Toyota's Entune audio system complete with a 6-inch touchscreen, voice controls, six speakers, CD player, and an auxiliary audio jack. more The LE The next trim level up is the LE model. With the Corolla LE, you buy 16-inch alloy wheels instead of the 15-inch steel ones that come with the standard L. You also add heated mirrors, automatic climate control, and a rearview camera along with keyless entry, cruise control, and metallic cabin accents. The LE series sports the Toyota Entune Plus audio system that offers satellite and HD radio to the entertainment options, too. You can get the Scout GPS link app that provides smartphone navigation on the Corolla's touch-screen display. The LE Eco The LE Eco upgrades your purchase further by adding a more efficient engine and transmission to the package. This model comes complete with a 132 horsepower and 128 foot-pound torque engine and Toyota's Valvematic variable valve timing. The Eco provides 15-inch steel wheels as well, but they have low-rolling-resistance tires for more gas efficiency. As an added bonus, the Eco has a rear spoiler and enhanced aerodynamics. The interior options for the LE Eco are the same as what you get with the LE. If you opt for the LE Premium package, however, you add an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats and SofTex vinyl upholstery. The S The "S" in this trim level stands for "sport." With this model, you get many of the same features you see in the LE trim, but with some cosmetic upgrades that make the car sportier. They include unique wheel covers, color-keyed mirrors with signal repeaters, a chrome exhaust tip, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, sports instrumentation, and a trip computer. A rear spoiler is standard with this trim, too. Deciding on a Toyota Corolla doesn't mean you finish making choices. Figure out what features best suit your needs and then pick the trim level that has them. Photo by katerha | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Best Brunch in Chesapeake, VA | Priority Toyota Chesapeake

Where Should You Have Brunch in Chesapeake, VA?

Whether you like breakfast or not, most people can agree that brunch is a great meal to share with friends and family. It is not a meal you have to eat early in the day like breakfast, and it is not limited to just breakfast food. Plus, it is typically a meal that you take the time to enjoy, possibly with a cocktail in hand. But where do you go for such an outstanding experience? You need to visit one of these best brunch restaurants in Chesapeake. D'cracked Egg D'cracked Egg is a locals' favorite, and by the name of it, you would think it was the eggs that everyone loves. However, the most raved-about item on the menu is their sweet potato pancakes. Ask anyone who has tried them and he or she will say, "They are the best pancakes I have ever had!" On Saturday or Sunday, stop by and try the buffet where you can sample many items off the menu and also order a couple of eggs just the way you like them. more The Egg Bistro Another locals' favorite is The Egg Bistro on Kempsville Road. Here you will find various brunch choices, including the beloved Blue Crab Benedict. If you prefer something a little more lunch-like, try the Caprese Panini — it will melt in your mouth. If you would like a cocktail, try something off the mimosa menu. Top your meal with a great dessert from the ever-changing menu. Make sure you show up early on Saturday and Sunday because this place gets busy fast. Nix Restaurant There is something to be said for that classic diner nostalgia, and that is what you find when you enter the Nix Restaurant on American Legion Road. But don't be fooled by the appearance, because the food here is better than any diner around. It is definitely classified as comfort food and not health food, but every item on the menu is incredibly tasty. Stop by any day of the week, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., to enjoy a classic brunch meal. Handsome Biscuit If you are looking for a unique place for brunch, try the Handsome Biscuit. Located on Colonial Avenue, this restaurant has a menu like no other. For example, one of the favorite items you can order is the Hella Fitzgerald. This meal consists of fried chicken, bacon, and cheddar cheese all on a biscuit and smothered in spicy gravy. Alternatively, there are several other breakfast sandwiches that all come in a sweet potato biscuit. Although there are many tables outside, there are only a few tables inside, so plan accordingly if it is cold or rainy. Don't forget to end your meal with the biscuit pudding and leave happy, full, and smiling. Although breakfast may not be your thing, brunch most definitely is after seeing what all these fine restaurants have to offer. Call a friend or family member and make a date to enjoy brunch this week at one of the best brunch places in Chesapeake. You'll be happy you did. Photo by _SoFie | Licensed under cc BY-ND 2.0

View of the water in Chesapeake Bay

5 Must-Do Activities Near Chesapeake Bay

If you're headed to the Chesapeake Bay area and looking for things to do, don't stress. From shopping and dining to wholesome outdoor activities, there's never a lack of recreation. However, there are a few things you can't afford to miss. During your next visit, make sure you head to these top Chesapeake Bay attractions in Virginia. Visit Cape Charles Located an hour northeast of Norfolk, Cape Charles is one of the most picturesque places in the Chesapeake Bay. It has many activities for all interests, so no one's left out. For a day of lounging or swimming, head to the quaint public beach in Cape Charles. If you're looking for something a bit more active, the area is ideal for kayaking, windsurfing, and golfing. You can also wander around the historic downtown, which features several shops, as well as restaurants serving up some of the best seafood in the area. more Eat at Smithfield Station Restaurant Voted as the best restaurant in all of Chesapeake Bay by Chesapeake Bay Magazine, Smithfield Station Restaurant in Smithfield is the perfect spot to get a bit gluttonous. Favored on the menu here are the delectable crab cakes. However, the restaurant also has other amazing dishes such as crab-stuffed salmon, mussels, clams, steaks, and chicken. No matter what you choose, there's really no way to go wrong. While you're dining, you'll also get to take in the spectacular view along the Pagan River. Harborfest in Norfolk For the festival-goer, no trip to the Chesapeake Bay is complete without Harborfest. 2016 marks the 40th anniversary of this event, which is the largest and oldest maritime festival in the country. One of the most interesting aspects is a water parade for decorated ships and visits from famous naval vessels throughout the day. At night, live music gets the crowd going, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. There are also a number of food and drink vendors to help you sample some of the local fare or grab a thirst-quenching beer. The Mariners' Museum and Park If you can't think of going on a trip without learning something about your destination's history, take a visit to the Mariners' Museum and Park in Newport News. This museum houses the largest collection of maritime artifacts in the Western hemisphere. In addition to these artifacts, there are many great exhibits that discuss naval history, defense, and tales of shipwreck survivors. For the crown jewel, however, you can see parts of the USS Monitor, an ironclad ship from the Civil War that sank in 1862. This includes guns, turrets, the engine, and others. It's definitely a must-see for the history buff. Take in the View Thrill-seekers can also have a great time in the area, thanks to Chesapeake Bay's top-notch skydiving. Whether you're going on a tandem for the first time or you're certified, you'll find the views unbeatable. Dynachute Chesapeake offers reasonable prices and advanced training for all those who want a little extra kick on this vacation. The Chesapeake Bay is easily one of the most fun-filled areas in the mid-Atlantic. No matter what you decide to do, just know that it's going to become a great, long-lasting memory. Image via Pixabay

https://www.cheapfullcoverageautoinsurance.com/

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/

Collection of traditional Japanese lanterns

4 of Norfolk's Spring Festivals That Require Your Attendance

With spring approaching, chances are you're probably champing at the bit to get outside and do something exciting. Fortunately, Norfolk gives you the opportunity to do just that. The city hosts numerous festivals in the spring months, complete with great food, drink, and live entertainment. If you're looking for a fun-filled outdoor atmosphere, head to these Norfolk festivals this spring. LanternAsia Located on the grounds of the Norfolk Botanical Garden, LanternAsia is a festival unlike any other in the area. Throughout the park, there are over 30 giant works of Asian lantern art that become illuminated during the evening. It's not easy to describe just how spectacular the scenery is, but it's sure to please people of all ages. LanternAsia runs through the end of April from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 17 and under. more Virginia Beer Festival For the avid beer enthusiast, the Virginia Beer Festival will feel like Christmas. Voted as one of the Best Beer Festivals in the country by USA Today, the Virginia Beer Festival features samples of stouts, ales, and lagers from over 125 local and national brewers. This year's entertainment is courtesy of Buckshot, a local country-rock outfit from nearby Virginia Beach. General admission to the event is $15, but a $30 tasting ticket gets you some samples and a souvenir glass. Upgrade to premium admission for $75 to get food and private bathrooms. This event takes place in late May each year. Bayou Boogaloo Norfolk isn't exactly known as a hotbed of Cajun influence, but the Bayou Boogaloo will make you feel like you're right in New Orleans. Taking place in June, right on the cusp between spring and summer, the Bayou Boogaloo features authentic food from actual New Orleans-based chefs. Dishes include jambalaya, etoufee, and gumbo. Don't miss the massive seafood boil, which contains over 8,000 pounds of fresh Louisiana crawfish. There's live music throughout the weekend featuring zydeco, blues, and country music, as well as art on display and for sale from prominent New Orleans artists. Tickets to the event are between $15 and $30. Puppy de Mayo Do you find it difficult to leave your pooch at home, even if only for a few minutes? If this describes you, then your attendance at the Puppy de Mayo is essentially mandatory. Taking place on May 5, this free event invites dog lovers to enjoy a few adult beverages while sharing their love of everything canine. At the end of the event, the "Best Dressed Dog" receives an award, so don't forget to put a costume on your mutt. In addition, the event offers free treats and snacks for all attendees (dogs, that is). Several vendors will also provide dog-friendly services throughout the event for only a small fee. Instead of going stir crazy in your home wondering how you're going to spend your weekend, remember that the festival season nears. Whether you want some exemplary food, a thirst-quenching beverage, or anything in between, you can't go wrong with the festivals in Norfolk. Image via Pixabay

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

Driver's finger ready to press the key-less ignition button

5 Things To Do Before Turning On Your Car Engine

You've probably done it a countless amount of times. You hop into the driver's seat, turn the car on, and away you go without a second thought. If this describes you, you're definitely not alone. However, double checking some aspects of your car is a great way to ensure your safety and the integrity of your vehicle. The next time you're going on a drive, take these steps before you put the key in the ignition. Check Your Mirrors Before you turn the car on, make sure to check all of your mirrors. The last time you exited the vehicle, you may have inadvertently bumped either the side mirror or rear view mirror out of place. If you don't know how to position your side mirrors, use this handy guide. Once you've learned the basics of mirror positioning, you no longer have to worry about that pesky blind spot. Instead, you'll see the road with clarity, which makes the drive that much easier. more Adjust the Seat Adjusting the seat is a must, especially if you aren't the sole driver of a vehicle. To put the seat at the proper height and distance from the steering wheel, make sure you're no closer than 10 inches from the wheel. This helps prevent an injury if the airbag activates. From there, just make sure you're comfortable and your arms are slightly bent when driving. As far as seat height, have the steering wheel at about the level of your chest. Not only does this make visibility better, but it's another precautionary measure so you aren't injured by the airbag. Do a Walk-Around Walking around your car is always a great idea, not only to inspect things such as tires, mirrors, and the body, but also to see if there are any obstacles. You've probably heard of people backing over a child with their car. It's possible that this could've been avoided had the driver done just this one thing. Plus, you can see if you have a flat or low tire, as well as checking for damage, which is important if you're in a crowded parking lot. Have the Proper Documents Leaving the house without all of your pertinent information leads to problems, especially if you get pulled over on the way to your destination. Not having your license, registration, or insurance information causes not only a delay, but in some states, you may receive a fine and have to come up with proof of these documents. It's just a nuisance that doesn't need to happen, and if you're diligent about it beforehand, you'll never have to worry about it. Put on Your Seat Belt Putting on your seat belt is a no-brainer, yet it's surprising how many people fail to do so when getting into the car. Always wear your safety belt, not only for your safety, but also because you can avoid a fine. Insist that all others in the car do so, as well, and don't move an inch until everyone's latched. This seems like a lot to do before going on a drive, but once you get into the habit, you'll realize that it takes no more than five minutes. That time is definitely worth the hassle. 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

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