So you're about to sink your hard-earned money into a used car. Congratulations - a reliable preowned vehicle is a great investment for your future! With careful maintenance and responsible driving, you could be rocking this ride for years to come. However, cars are expensive investments even after you've signed the dotted line and it helps to have an idea of what you should be budgeting for when it comes to ownership. Our Orlando used car dealership has tips on what to budget for when it comes to owning a pre-owned car.
What should you budget for when it comes to buying a used car?
Monthly payment. If you paid for your car in cash, skip this one and move to #2! However, if you chose to finance your ride, you want to ensure that you can swing the monthly payment. That's why it's important to think about the overall price of the car AND find the right finance rate. Luckily for you, our sales specialists can help you find the perfect finance rate for your budget through the multiple lenders that we work with. This is one of the most important things to budget for when it comes to owning a car.
Car maintenance. How much will it cost to maintain your car on a routine basis? You should budget for routine Orlando auto service like oil changes, tire rotations, etc. but also take into consideration the age of the car and the repairs that could be headed down the pipe. Think about things like tuneups, replacement catalytic converters, replacement timing belts, and any other bigger repairs that tend to come up with an older ride. You want to be able to maintain your car so it lasts for years to come, and that responsibility calls for budgeting.
Insurance. It's illegal (and irresponsible) to drive a car without insurance in the state of Florida. How much is it going to cost to insure your ride responsibly? Look into this before you buy the car - if you're not sure, our sales associates will gladly help you find coverage for your vehicle so you're set to hit the road.
Fuel costs. There's no escaping fuel costs - you have to gas up to be able to hit the road. However, some cars are more fuel-efficient than others. Where does your future ride lie on the spectrum? Is it going to put a strain on your budget when it's time to fuel up, or is it efficient enough to save you a few bucks? Look at the MPGs of the car you want and make sure you can allot enough money for gas every week.
Let Toyota of Orlando help you crunch numbers today
Have questions? Still not sure if you can accurately budget for a new ride? Call Toyota of Orlando! Our sales specialist are ready and waiting to help you figure out everything from financing to fuel efficiency, and we're open seven days a week for your convenience. Call (407) 298-4500 and get behind the wheel today.
When you buy a used vehicle, there's always an element of uncertainty. Will it be reliable? Is it in good condition? Will you have to shell out for future repairs because the seller isn't being truthful about prior accidents or maintenance? We get it - and Toyota of Orlando is here to set your mind at ease.
If you're looking for a used vehicle but want to get the peace of mind that you're making a good investment, it's time to start shopping our Toyota Certified Used Vehicles. And we're not the only ones that think that - as of 2022, 7 million Toyota Certified Used Vehicles have been sold in the US. Why are Toyota Certified Used Vehicles such a popular option? Why, though? What's the appeal of Toyota Certified Used Vehicles over other used cars? Toyota of Orlando is here to explain. The TCUV program was first started back in 1996 to give customers the peace of mind that they were buying a quality used vehicle that also came with warranties, just in case. In order for a vehicle to qualify as a TCUV, it has to be no older than six model years back (so this year, it must be a 2016 or later) and has to have fewer than 85,000 miles on the odometer. The vehicle must also undergo a rigorous 160-point inspection from bumper to bumper that checks the exterior, interior, and under the hood for any issues or developing issues, inspecting elements like engine performance, transmission, transaxle, electronic system, tires, brakes, and suspension. Additionally, all present hybrid and fuel cell components are carefully inspected. It's conducted by trained Toyota technicians who use a standard checklist from Toyota. Additionally, the vehicle's CarFax report is inspected to ensure it's in good condition and safe to sell. And buying a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle at our Orlando Toyota dealership has definite perks even besides the peace of mind you get knowing it's been thoroughly inspected and vetted. A 12-month/12,000-mile limited comprehensive warranty A seven-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty Seven years/100,000 miles of Roadside Assistance A free CarFax report Available new car financing rates to ensure you get the best deal possible The warranties are honored at 1,400 dealers in the US and Canada Trade-ins can be applied The car will have been reconditioned to like-new standards by Toyota trained technicians Additional extended warranty coverage is available Obviously, you can rest easy knowing you've made a good buy.
Still trying to figure out whether to buy new or used? Here are some points to consider as there are pros and cons to both. New Toyotas offer cheaper insurance, lots of warranties and extended coverage options, no-cost maintenance, and fewer repairs and less maintenance since they - and all of their parts - are new. Used vehicles offer less depreciation, a lower price tag and in turn, a cheaper monthly payment, and the option of buying a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle with the safeguards and warranties in place. Shop now at Toyota of Orlando Regardless of whether you want a new Toyota or a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle, Toyota of Orlando has got what you need. Visit us in person today at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall, or call us at (407) 298-4500 to schedule a test drive.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser: What makes it such a legend?
When you sh0p for a used car, you probably expect to pay a good deal less than what you'd pay for a new car. And it makes sense to expect that; after all, your car loses value as soon as it drives off the lot and continues to depreciate after that. It's just a fact of car ownership. So if you're shopping for a ride that's preowned, it's likely you won't have to pay as much for it... unless you're shopping for the Toyota FJ Cruiser. This legendary SUV is the exception to the used car rule, and Toyota of Orlando is here to talk about why. What made the Toyota FJ Cruiser so in-demand? The iconic Toyota FJ Cruiser was debuted way back in 2005 at the North American International Auto Show and remained on the market until 2014, when it was retired after one last special edition model. However, it still remains a popular and sought-after SUV - here's an example. The 2014 model of the Orlando Toyota FJ Cruiser had a starting MSRP of around $27-29k, but if you were to look for one now, you could find yourself paying anywhere between $30-40k. Insane, right? But the Toyota FJ Cruiser was truly one of a kind. Here are some of the cool features that made it unique and much-loved. The Toyota FJ Cruiser had clam-shell (suicide) doors for easy entry, and there was no structural pillar separating the front doors from the back doors. Instead, special high-strength steel was used to ensure protection in the event of an accident. It had a 4.0L V6 engine under the hood, similar to that of the Orlando Toyota 4Runner, that was powerful and versatile enough to handle any off-road terrain. The exterior roof of the Toyota FJ Cruiser was often painted white. This not only led to a cool two-toned paint scheme but also helped to keep the interior of the SUV cooler by deflecting heat. It had a windshield that was almost vertical and THREE windshield wipers instead of the customary 2 wipers to keep visibility high. The grille didn't feature the customary Toyota logo - instead, the Toyota FJ Cruiser had TOYOTA spelled out across it, much like vintage models in the lineup. The interior was designed for off-roading ease. It featured rubber-material surfaces for easy cleanup, an inclinometer, and oversized controls that would be easy to use while wearing gloves. On top of that, there was an available 110v power outlet. The Orlando Toyota FJ Cruiser also featured body-on-frame construction and a high-mounted double-wishbone front suspension and stabilizer bar, as well as a four-link rear suspension with a stabilizer bar. Needless to say, the Toyota FJ Cruiser was pretty much up for any off-road adventure you could think of. It was carefully crafted to travel through mountainous terrain, deep water, mud, sand, snow, ice, and more. This resulted in a cult-like following and lots of disappointed drivers when it was discontinued! Let us help you find a Toyota FJ Cruiser today While we can't get you behind the wheel of a new Toyota FJ Cruiser, we can certainly help you find a preowned one. Call us today! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.
Sick of seeing the same old ride sitting in the driveway every time you go outside? If your budget doesn't allow for an upgrade just yet, then it may be time to spruce things up. Toyota of Orlando is here with five budget-friendly, DIY ways to get your old used car looking like new so you can get excited about getting behind the wheel. How can you fix up your used car without breaking the bank? #1: Spring for new tires. Your ride may be in need of new tires anyway, depending on how old it is and how much wear and tear you put into it. (Our Orlando auto service techs can advise you when you're due for a new set.) New tires can not only make your car look newer, but also improve performance capabilities, keep you safer, and even up your fuel economy so you save money every time you hit the gas pump. #2: Restore your headlights. Are your headlights looking a little dim? The plastic can become scratched, hazy, or dull over time and can really make your car look dated. Luckily, headlight restoration for your used car is easy and inexpensive. Our auto mechanics can get your headlights shining clear and bright again OR you can fix them up at home. Replace the plastic lenses or simply clean them with some toothpaste to get them sparkling and clear once more. #3: Look into some new technology. When was the last time you upgraded your audio system? Current tech makes it easy to stream music and phone calls and a little bit of an investment in an audio system can go a long way. Look into switching out your tape player for something more modern - it'll make your drive time more enjoyable and also up the resale value of your ride should you decide to sell down the road. Toyota of Orlando can get your old car looking new again #4: Touch up your paint. Scratched, faded, or damaged paint can really ruin your used car's look. Invest in a paint pen to cover up small nicks and scratches, and take a look at your clear coat - is it peeling off? If so, schedule service at our Toyota of Orlando body shop to have it replaced! You can even get your car entirely repainted a new color (and it'll cost a lot less than a brand new ride). #5: Invest in seat covers and a steering wheel cover. Does your interior look a little worse for the wear? Fading, stains, and rips happen over time, so why not take things up a notch and put new seat covers on your ride? You can upgrade the look of the interior and also lend more protection to the existing seats. A steering wheel cover can lend the same type of upgrade, and both are inexpensive investments for sprucing up your used car.
Want a hand fixing things up or need our auto service techs to take a peek for you? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001 - we're open seven days a week to better serve you.
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