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With tax returns in our hands, and the approach of summertime weather, many people are looking to replace their current vehicle. So, the question quickly becomes: do I buy new or used? Buying a car is not only an exciting life event, but also a big investment. New cars have many perks, but often used cars are a great value, too. When you’re in the market for a new set of wheels, your first stop should be to your local dealer – they, obviously, have new cars for you to peruse, but also stock certified pre-owned vehicles that pass their rigorous inspection process. In addition, your dealer has all of the tools that allow you to discern what you are truly able to afford. Plus, they can educate you on your many options to help you choose the very best car for you. We guarantee that you will soon find that your first stop is your only stop. So, what are you waiting for?! See what your dealer can do for you today!

Bad road conditions such as potholes can cause alignment issues. A car out of alignment results in uneven tire wear, possible suspension and wheel bearing issues. For only $93.99, stop into Ardmore Toyota's service team, and get your Alignment performed to prevent further repair costs. http://bit.ly/It3Wie

Toyota and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) announced today a national partnership through the establishment of a college readiness initiative, which will help fund youth education and improve high school graduation rates. As a founding sponsor of D2D - Diplomas to Degrees, Toyota is providing a $1.5 million grant over three years to help provide tools, resources and support to Boys & Girls Club teens to help prepare them to move from high school to college graduation. The announcement was made at an education celebration event on the campus of Bowie State University in Bowie, Md., where more than 150 local Boys & Girls Clubs teens from the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. region were joined by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, former NBA player and Boys & Girls Club alum A.C. Green, as well as representatives from Toyota and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “I am pleased to join Toyota and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to announce a new national partnership to prepare our children for the future,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “To move forward in this changing new economy, we must create jobs and expand opportunity – and education is the best tool we have. In Maryland, we have set a goal to improve student achievement and school, college and career readiness by 25 percent by 2015 because we believe in giving our children the tools they need to succeed. Together, with innovative partnerships like this, we can return to the urgent work of building up our children’s future.” Studies have shown that students who fail to graduate high school prepared to obtain a postsecondary education are less likely to gain full access to our country’s economic, political and social opportunities. Therefore, Toyota and BGCA are dedicated to ensuring Club members receive the support needed to succeed in their academic careers and in life. Piloted in ten cities over the past year, D2D – Diplomas to Degrees will now be available in more than 1,000 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. The program is designed to help youth develop short and long-term goals; explore post-secondary institutions to familiarize teens with the college lifestyle; pursue and secure essential financial assistance; and foster supportive relationships with caring adults who can provide ongoing advice and mentorship throughout the teens’ academic experience. “Toyota is committed to helping improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work,” said Mike Groff, vice president, Sales, Marketing and Product Planning, Toyota Financial Services. “Our partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs is an extension of our focus on education and a key component of the new D2D program is engaging our associates to volunteer as mentors and college coaches through their local clubs. The ultimate goal of this program is to increase the number of youth who graduate from high school and enroll in a college, university or other postsecondary institution.” In addition to D2D - Diplomas to Degrees, Toyota has provided close to $1 million in academic scholarships for more than 225 Boys & Girls Club alumni and staff and supported thousands of middle and high school youth with mentorships, internships and financial or career programs to help them become productive and caring adults. Toyota has worked closely with BGCA to support Boys & Girls Club of East Los Angeles, investing toward the local organization’s Formula for Impact Grant. “BGCA is committed to working with youth to ensure they are prepared for post-secondary education, but we can’t do it alone,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO at BGCA. “With the help of corporations like Toyota, we now have the opportunity to provide targeted programs for youth through key transition periods between high school and college. Schools, families and community partners are all vital parts of the education equation and we must work together to improve the outlook for our nation and secure more great futures for our youth.”

The world is alive with color now that spring is in the air! Wishing you a wonderful spring season!

When you hear the term “mud flaps”, your mind probably conjures up an image of a large truck or 18-wheeler. But, believe it or not, mud flaps and splash guards are becoming more and more popular for cars. Yes, cars! Splash guards not only keep your car more clean, they also provide protection from rocks and road debris that might otherwise damage your car’s body or undercarriage. Just as with mud flaps on larger vehicles, there are many styles and colors available, many with your car’s logo – so you can be as plain or flashy as you wish! If this option sounds like something of interest, talk to your dealer at your next oil change – many times they can be installed during your short visit. Splash guards may just give your car that little “extra something” you were looking for!

According to Bloomberg, Toyota Motor Corp.’s U.S. sales of Prius hybrids reached a record in March and in the first quarter, propelled by higher gasoline prices and two new models. Toyota, the largest seller of gasoline-electric autos, sold more than 25,000 units in March of the Prius “family” now comprised of a plug-in Prius and c subcompact, along with the original hatchback and v wagon. The vehicle accounts for half of U.S. hybrid sales. Click here to read the full story!

Toyota Financial Services has created an engaging online contest asking recent grads to submit videos that “tell us or show us how you would spread the word about Toyota’s $1,000 rebate.” We welcome all submissions – music videos, body painting, planking – I’m sure this social-savvy demographic will come up with some great ideas. Beginning April 3 and running through June 4, this playful video contest will be featured. How will the contest work? Recent college grads can submit a video of 60 seconds or less either showing or telling how they would spread the word about Toyota’s $1,000 college grad rebate. The video submission period runs through May 8, and during that time, registered users can rate their favorite videos. There will then be a week-long voting period where TFS judges will select the top 10 video submissions. On May 16, the 10 finalists will be featured on the contest site, and registered voters will then have the chance to vote for their favorites. A combination of voter results and judging feedback will determine the winners. All registered users will also be eligible to win a final sweepstakes prize of $1,000. And participants who vote on the final 10 are also eligible for instant win prizes. Prizes Include: Grand prize = 2012 Corolla S Second prize = $2,500 Third prize = $500 200 Instant Win prizes - $20 Amazon.com gift cards Sweepstakes prize = $1,000 Eligible Participants: Must be 18 years and older Graduated from a two- or four-year college within the past 2 years (similar to rebate criteria) Complete rules are posted on the contest web site – www.toyotagradcontest.com

Toyota kicks off Earth Month by expanding its partnership with the Wyland Foundation to encourage residents nationwide to preserve our natural resources by taking an online pledge to conserve water. Click here to read a full story about this wonderful partnership. Click here to learn about the Wyland Foundation: Save Water, Win a Prius C. For more details, visit: http://www.mywaterpledge.com

More than ever before people are seeking out cost-cutting, creative ways to lower the family's budget. If you’re looking for ways to make the most of your monthly allotment, keep in mind that many car dealers offer oil changes and other routine maintenance at reduced rates to entice customers. Though you may not find many coupons for car repairs in your weekly circular, talk to your dealer about special programs they’re offering that can save you a buck or two. Being proactive with your car’s maintenance, and having your dealer’s skilled mechanics fix problems before they get worse, can result in huge savings down the road. Why pay the neighborhood mechanic an hourly wage when the tech who’s working on your vehicle may have very little experience? Your dealer’s mechanics can repair your vehicle correctly and quickly the first time you bring it in. If you’re hoping to save on current and future car expenses – while keeping your budget in check -- get your vehicle to your dealer, where your car’s longevity and safety are the top priority.

Toyota is serving as a major sponsor of a new, once-in-a-lifetime exhibit at Washington, DC’s National Gallery of Art that opens Friday. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Japan’s gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the nation’s capital, the exhibit brings one of Japan's national artistic treasures to the U.S. for an extraordinarily rare visit. The exhibit, Colorful Realm of Living Beings, features thirty intricately painted silk scrolls created more than 250 years ago by revered Japanese artist Ito Jakuchu. This is the first time these works will be shown outside of Japan in their entirety. The National Gallery’s exhibit is open from March 30 to April 29. Toyota will also be sponsoring legacy tree plantings throughout the national capital region and at several of its manufacturing facilities to mark the cherry blossom centennial, an enduring symbol of the powerful partnership between the U.S. and Japan. Click here for the full story.

These are exciting times at Max Paul's Central City Toyota. The dealership is fully operational for business and has not missed a beat. Jamie Haberle and the Service Department are doing a fabulous job servicing and repairing customer’s vehicles. Chris Carola and the Sales Team are busy upgrading customers into newer vehicles. Meanwhile, there is construction taking place and the main part of the dealership is being knocked down to make way for a new state of the art facility for customers to enjoy. We will continue to keep you updated. Here are a few pictures of the demolition that is currently taking place. If you have any questions, please email us at: contact_us@centralcitytoyota.com.

When it comes time to purchase a new car, deciding what options and packages to go with can seem like a daunting task. To make the process simpler, here are a few key things to consider when you’re looking into purchasing or leasing a new vehicle: Have a vision of your future car’s life cycle. Consider factors such as projected length of ownership, your lifestyle, and future trade-in values. Consider comfort. Depending on how much you drive, options like heated seats or zone-controlled air conditioning can seem more like necessities than options. Design the car around your needs. Think about resale value. If you’re planning on selling your car at some point, luxury options, like automatic start, can drastically increase projected resale value. Even though you’re paying a bit more now, you’ll get significant bang for your buck later on! Many highly sought after classic cars are those that had upgrades that cost less than $50 when they were new, but now those options can allow for a $10,000 premium when those very same cars are sold today!