Upgrading your car? Everything you need to know before you upgrade
If you’re in the market for a car in Singapore and are looking to maximise affordability, functionality and comfort, then you certainly should consider a Toyota.
Whether you are an entry-level sedan owner looking to upgrade to a higher-end model or someone who needs more vehicle space, we’ve got some tips to help you choose the right car to upgrade to.
1. Decide what you need in a car
Do you need a vehicle for family use or a car that elevates your status and comfort? Do you need a car with better fuel efficiency? Toyota offers a wide range of vehicles to suit different needs, so think about what you require from a car and select a Toyota model that matches your requirements.
If you’re someone who is looking at upgrading your car to a bigger one to ferry family members and relatives around,Toyota’s Sienta is one you ought to consider. The Sienta, apart from being a seven-seater hybrid family car, also falls in the COE-friendly category A. It comes with features like Toyota’s shift-by-wire gear system, dual auto-sliding doors, a 7.0-inch driver's display and a 9.0-inch infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. It's noticeably clearer and more visible in daylight than Toyota's prior touchscreens, as compared to Korean cars which have a ‘if you want it, pay for it’ approach when it comes to safety equipment and infotainment.
The interior of the Sienta is pretty cool too. Apart from its two automatic sliding doors, the cockpit has an almost lounge-like feel now, thanks to a new grey fabric upholstery that is water/oil/odour resistant – a very useful consideration for families with young children, as it makes the car much easier to clean. In addition, the side door opening height is now increased to easily accommodate kids up to 115cm in height standing up, while it also conveniently aids parents loading their baby into the baby seat. Getting into the last row is made easy too with the one-touch folding middle row seats - granting access to rear seats with just a push of a button.
Another model worth mentioning is the Toyota Alphard Hybrid. For those who intend to purchase a second car, or those who look for first-class comfort and style in their next car, the Alphard is your answer.
Apart from the colossal amounts of room and the properly luxurious second row, when you step inside, the Alphard makes a powerful statement, welcoming you with its first-class environment.
Let’s say that you require a car that offers premium features and is a luxury SUV, you need to take a look at the Toyota Harrier.
The Harrier offers premium features on the interior such as ventilated leather seats, dual-zone air conditioning to beat Singapore’s humid weather and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) to always keep you safe on the roads. It also runs on Toyota’s Hybrid System, which saves you loads at the pump.
2. Know your budget and financing options
Budget: Toyota vehicles come at various price points, so it's essential to have a budget in mind when considering an upgrade. Owning a car is a huge investment, especially when taking into account other costs like maintenance and servicing costs that only increase with time. As such, purchasing a car within your means and not exceeding your budget enables you to minimise your financial burden.
For those who want a car that is stylish, easy to drive and more importantly economical, the Toyota Yaris Cross is an ideal choice. The hybrid compact SUV has an affordable price tag comparable to some Korean brands, although those models are smaller and without hybrid tech.
Maintenance and repair costs: Toyotas are known for their reliability, but like any car, they require maintenance and repairs over time. Research the maintenance and repair costs for the Toyota model you’re interested in to ensure that it’s within your budget – it is worth noting that Toyota cars come with Aftersales service packages, which can help to ease the burden of maintenance costs.
Financing options: Toyota offers several financing options, including leases and loans. Consider the financing options available and select one that meets your budget and requirements.
3.Take note of the car’s safety features
Toyota vehicles are known for their safety features, such as the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance technologies. Consider the safety features that are essential to you and ensure that the Toyota model you're interested in offers those features.
If you are someone who wants to upgrade to a car with better innovative technology and safety features, the Toyota Corolla Cross would be an excellent choice. The hybrid SUV comes with the latest suite of the Toyota Safety Sense, which includes features like the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) (an adaptive cruise control system that uses vehicle-to-vehicle distance control to help maintain a pre-set distance from the vehicle ahead of you), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) (a system designed to help you avoid crashes due to drifting or departing your lane) and Pre-Collision System (PCS).
TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS PEACE OF MIND WITH TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE
4. Research on fuel efficiency
If fuel efficiency is important to you, Toyota offers several models such as the Toyota Prius, Camry Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid, with excellent gas mileage. Consider a hybrid or electric model if you're looking for a car that's environmentally friendly and cost-efficient to run.
If you’ve never driven a full hybrid before, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is a good place to start. On one hand, it’s easy, because operating it is the same as driving a regular car: press the start button, slip the transmission into D, and you’re off. In addition, the Camry boasts a fuel economy reading of 4.4L/100km which saves you loads on petrol runs. One thing to note, you are also getting a practical car too, because not only is the seating in the back generous with legroom, but the 524-litre boot is also mighty big.
5. Keep resale value in mind
Toyota vehicles are known for their high resale value, which can be an important consideration if you plan to sell your car in the future. Research the resale value of the Toyota model you're interested in to ensure that it's a good investment.
6. Consider brand reputation
Toyota has a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable vehicles. Research the brand reputation and read reviews from other Toyota owners to ensure that it's the right choice for you.
All in all, should you look at upgrading your car, Toyota’s range of models have shown to be far more reliable than many other brands, offer great practicality, as well as offer top-class safety features that will keep you and the family safe. Should you require a car to cater to a growing family or to enjoy a luxurious commute to and from work, you can expect a Toyota to take care of your needs.
Click here to check out Toyota’s range of cars for additional information.
