Three Pre-Owned Models for Virginians to Give a Second Life

As the saying goes, Virginia is for lovers. We tend to agree, which is why we’re proud to offer Virginia drivers a great inventory of used Toyota vehicles to fall in love with. If you’re looking for a reliable, safe, economical, and affordable used car, you should check out the Prius, Camry, or Corolla. Each represents superior drivability and value in a small package. These iconic models have dominated the marketplace, and when you get behind the wheel, you’ll learn why thousands of others have fallen in love with them.

At Haley Toyota of Richmond, we have an impressive selection of used Toyota models to choose from, including the Prius, Camry, and Corolla. We’re the best choice if you are looking for a used Toyota dealer. We are a full-service dealership, so you know we’re here for you long after you’ve driven off the lot. Return anytime to get your used Toyota serviced, and our trained technicians will keep it in perfect shape.

The Toyota Prius

The Prius is the model that proved to America that hybrids are the wave of the future, becoming the first commercially successful hybrid vehicle. First introduced in 2001, this model has gone on to deliver exceptional fuel economy and dependability across five generations, with the latest introduced in time for the 2023 model year. The unique, futuristic design of the Prius has made it one of the most iconic models of the new millennium. You simply can’t mistake it for any other vehicle.

Toyota proved you could combine a conventional gas engine with an AC electric motor and lithium-ion battery. At lower speeds, the electric motor does all the work, with the gas engine keeping the battery charged. When you get onto the highway, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) blends the output of the gas engine and electric motor in what Toyota calls a Synergy Drive system—a specialized version of the Atkinson cycle hybrid system—which not only delivers a solid performance but gives you superior fuel economy, with some drivers getting over 50 MPG combined.

You can find a used Prius with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The latter models add a second AC electric motor to the rear axle, which improves traction—a plus for Virginia drivers who have to contend with our late-year weather conditions. While all-wheel drive reduces fuel economy slightly, it will be barely noticeable.

Toyota introduced the Prius Prime in 2017. This is a plug-in hybrid version of the Prius with standard dual motors and a larger lithium-ion battery. It allows you to recharge the battery by plugging it into a charger; here, you can fully recharge in just two hours with a 240-volt cable, while a 120-volt cable takes about five hours. You’ll have a range of up to 25 miles on just electric power.

The Prius Prime shows that Toyota has spent the last 20 years improving its flagship hybrid, increasing its performance, expanding interior and trunk space, and adding more comfort and convenience features along the way. This is why a used Prius is a great choice for a Virginia driver looking for the improved fuel economy and reduced emissions of a hybrid.

The Toyota Camry

Sometimes, you and your passengers want a little more room; this is especially true if you have a family. Once upon a time, midsize sedans were the vehicles of choice for families in Virginia, but this category has been overtaken in the last two decades by SUVs. Nevertheless, there is a lot to be said about employing a midsize sedan for your family.

Sedans are roomy, safe, and more maneuverable than SUVs. Furthermore, you’ll capture better fuel economy in a midsize sedan than in an SUV. Still, it has become harder to find a potent midsize sedan as many of the top automakers have ceased manufacturing these vehicles. One of the few that remains is Toyota’s Camry.

The Camry has been a leader among sedans since its introduction over 40 years ago. This legacy is a testament to its high quality; Toyota has combined the comfort features you want in a midsize sedan with the fuel economy you need. Now in its eighth generation, the Camry gives drivers a choice of engines while delivering the interior they demand from a midsize sedan.

You can find a used Toyota Camry with one of three engines. An I-4 gas engine provides solid fuel economy, especially in highway driving, while the V6 engine delivers greater speed and acceleration. Since 2017, Toyota has also offered the Camry with a hybrid powertrain; with the success of the Prius, Toyota endowed its most popular models with a hybrid setup that pairs an I-4 gas engine with an AC electric motor in the front axle.

The Toyota Corolla

The longest-running model in Toyota’s lineup is the Corolla. Introduced to America in 1968, the Corolla proved you could get exceptional performance, fuel economy, and interior space in a compact commuter. While Toyota initially offered the Corolla as a four-door sedan or two-door coupe, it now boasts four different configurations; the Corolla is a four-door sedan, while the Corolla Hatchback offers a larger trunk space.

Following the success of the Camry Hybrid, Toyota began offering the Corolla with a hybrid engine, showing that the innovation of the Prius could be used for other vehicles. The newest model is the Corolla Cross, which was introduced in 2022; this is a subcompact SUV and the only Corolla model with an all-wheel drive option.

No matter which model you choose, you will find that a pre-owned Corolla is an exceptional vehicle for new drivers and commuters. It has the fuel efficiency you need to save money on your daily drive, and it’s surprisingly roomy for a compact. Best of all, the choice of different configurations puts you in the driver’s seat when deciding how to best satisfy your busy lifestyle.

The Corolla is now in its twelfth generation, making it one of the oldest nameplates in production; Toyota has done an exceptional job of helping the Corolla evolve over its 55 years. Rather than just stick with a successful design, Toyota has constantly improved this model. Some changes have been incremental, like getting better performance or fuel economy out of an existing engine or upgrading the infotainment system; others have been game changers, such as adding hatchback, hybrid, and SUV configurations. When you choose a used Toyota Corolla, you are getting this legacy of innovation in a compact commuter.

The Toyota Safety Sense Suite

One thing all three of these models have in common is that they are among the safest in their auto classes. Every year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) perform tests on most passenger vehicles; the former names the best ones a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+, while the latter uses a five-star rating system. The Prius, Corolla, and Camry repeatedly win both bureaus’ top marks—and this is due in large part to the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features.

In 2015, Toyota introduced the Toyota Safety Sense system. At the time, it was an available feature on most of its models. However, by 2018, this became standard on all Toyotas. So, if you buy a used Toyota Prius, Camry, or Corolla from or after the 2018 model year, it will come with the Toyota Safety Sense system, giving you peace of mind that you and your passengers will be safe no matter where you go.

Choose Us for Your Next Pre-Owned Toyota

Each of these Toyotas has something to love. The Prius offers exceptional fuel economy and a design unlike any other. A Camry will give you the roominess and comfort features you seek in a midsize sedan. A Corolla allows you to choose a design that best fits your needs while delivering solid fuel economy to help you save money. Come to Haley Toyota of Richmond today and fall in love with your next pre-owned sedan!