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Trying to settle on a new ride to put in the driveway this fall? Well, if you're considering a new SUV, you're not alone! USA Today reported that SUV sales have surged over the summer and crossovers, SUVs, and trucks are taking the market by storm. In fact, only 3/10 cars sold lately are passenger cars... and that's regardless of the make or whether it's an economy or luxury vehicle. SUVs are in, and luckily for you, Toyota of Orlando offers a wide and varied selection of Toyota SUVs for you to shop. Let's look closer at the selection available. Toyota SUVs climb in popularity as passenger cars drop Toyota Highlander: This Orlando Toyota SUV actually took the top spot on USA Today's list of most popular SUVs on the market! We're not surprised. It's up for grabs in both traditional and hybrid options, offers a spacious interior that can seat up to 8 and still bring 13.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and has a starting MSRP of just over $31,000. Plus, it's super sleek and stylish and offers features like a 3.5L V6 with 8-speed automatic transmission and Toyota Safety Sense P standard on all models. Toyota RAV4: If you want an SUV but still want to retain a compact shape and great fuel efficiency, check out the Orlando Toyota RAV4! This popular ride gets 23/30 mpg in the traditional model and 34/30 mpg in the hybrid option but still seats five and offers 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space. It's also rocking a sporty style and comes with cool convenience features like a motion-activated rear liftgate and Bluetooth streaming for calls and music. Toyota C-HR: You don't typically hear edginess and crossover in the same sentence... until now. The Orlando Toyota C-HR is all about edge but still gives you plenty of space to seat five inside with 18 cubic feet of cargo space. It's also bringing top tech to the table like Entune 3.0 Premium with navigation, the Smart Key System with push button start, and Toyota Safety Sense P. Toyota 4Runner: Versatile and tough, this new Toyota SUV offers you the best of both worlds when it comes to functionality and off-roading. You'll find features like CRAWL Control, 4x4, and Multi-terrain select up for grabs, but still enjoy a comfortable interior that can seat up to eight and offers an additional 9 cubic feet of cargo space. Plus, you'll love highlights like towing capabilities of up to 5,000 lbs and optional TRD parts and accessories. See all of these incredible options at Toyota of Orlando Toyota Sequoia: Luxury meets family-friendliness in this spacious SUV. Seat up to eight with almost 19 cubic feet of cargo space leftover and enjoy your drive time with features like Entune Premium Audio with JBL Synthesis, a rear-seat Blu-Ray player, and HomeLink Universal Transceiver. It also comes with plush accents like a leather interior and sleek chrome accents. Toyota Land Cruiser: Get the ultimate in luxury and performance when you take this Toyota SUV home. The new Toyota Land Cruiser has a 5,7L V8 engine under the hood and off-road features like 4x4 and active traction control, but still provides the best possible drive time experience with highlights like a heated and cooled leather interior, Qi wireless charging, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. So, what are you waiting for? Get in here and shop all of them today! Toyota of Orlando is conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

It's Labor Day Weekend! September starts tomorrow, football season is back, and fall (and cooler weather!) is right around the corner. It also means that our Labor Day Weekend Sale has officially kicked off, and we're ready to help you say goodbye to summer and hello to a new Toyota! Why not start a new season in a new ride? With our limited-time deals, you've got four days to make it happen. If you've always wanted to get behind the wheel of a new Toyota but never thought your budget would allow it, think again! The Labor Day Weekend Sale is bringing you our biggest specials and best deals for just four days. Check out some of the new Toyotas you'll be able to put in your driveway just in time for fall: A new 2018 Toyota Corolla LE (Stk#: 8180069) for just $149/mo**. Take home this sporty new sedan and turn heads while you celebrate the end of summer! A new 2018 Toyota Camry LE (Stk#: 8251030) for just $169/mo**. Get behind the wheel of this redesigned classic - you'll love its sleek style and top technology. A new 2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE (Stk#: 8440750) for just $189/mo**. Family-friendliness is at your fingertips when you're in the driver's seat of this spacious but fuel-efficient new Toyota SUV. A new 2018 Toyota Tacoma DBL Cab (Stk#: 8710332, V6) for just $199/mo**. Off-road, on the road, wherever - this Orlando Toyota truck has got you covered. A new 2018 Toyota Highlander LE Plus (Stk#: 8690132) for just $269/mo**. Who says you have to sacrifice style for space? Get plenty of both in this sleek new SUV. Plus, you can take the edgy Toyota C-HR for a spin, hit the road in the tough new Tundra, or turn heads in the redesigned 2019 Toyota Avalon. The possibilities are endless and so are our deals! However, if pre-owned is more your style for sending out summer, make it happen during our Labor Day Weekend Sales Event! Our late-model used Toyotas are the best of the best and come with huge savings attached to them. Check out deals like: A used 2018 Toyota Corolla LE (Stk#: P12206) for just $14,488* A used 2018 Toyota Camry LE (Stk#: P12203) for just $18,488* A used 2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE (Stk#: P12209) for just $19,988* OR, save even more money with a used 2017 Toyota! Check out these unbelievable Labor Day Weekend Sale specials: A used 2017 Toyota Corolla LE (Stk#: P12212) for just $11,488* A used 2017 Toyota Camry SE (Stk#: P12218) for just $14,488* A used 2017 Toyota RAV4 XLE (Stk#: P12219) for just $18,488* It's so easy to save, but there are only FOUR DAYS left in our Labor Day Weekend Sale! Luckily, we're open late every single night until 10pm, even Labor Day itself. Get in here and see all of our savings on new and used cars today! Toyota of Orlando is located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road, and you can call to schedule your test drive at (407) 298-4500! New 2019 Toyota Corolla LE (1852) (Orlando Stock # 9180125) “Advertised lease” for $149 /mo. for 36 mos. plus sales tax, other taxes, tag registration, tag agency/electronic filing fee and government fees. $4,475 due at signing, includes $3,272.75 down payment, $798.50 dealer fee and $149 first month’s payment. Option to purchase at lease end $12,618.90. Excess mileage at $.18 per mile over 12,000 miles/year. Total Lease Payments of $5,364. $0 security deposit, $350 disposition fee at lease end. ( Closed end lease on approved credit through S.E.T.F., min. 720 beacon score. Good through 10/2/18. New 2018 Toyota Camry LE (2532) (Orlando Stock # 8250879) “Advertised lease” for $169 /mo. for 36 mos. plus sales tax, other taxes, tag registration, tag agency/electronic filing fee and government fees. $5,150 due at signing, includes $3,927.75 down payment, $798.50 dealer fee and $169 first month’s payment. Option to purchase at lease end $15,923.80. Excess mileage at $.18 per mile over 12,000 miles/year. Total Lease Payments of $6,084. $0 security deposit, $350 disposition fee at lease end. ( Closed end lease on approved credit through S.E.T.F., min. 720 beacon score. Good through 10/2/18. New 2018 Toyota RAV4 XLE (4440) (Stock # 8440695) “Advertised lease” for $189 /mo. for 36 mos. plus sales tax, other taxes, tag registration, tag agency/electronic filing fee and government fees. $4,865 due at signing, includes $3,622.75 down payment, $798.50 dealer fee and $189 first month’s payment. Option to purchase at lease end $17,286.75. Excess mileage at $.18 per mile over 12,000 miles/year. Total Lease Payments of $6,804. $0 security deposit, $350 disposition fee at lease end. ( Closed end lease on approved credit through S.E.T.F., min. 720 beacon score. Good through 10/2/18. New 2018 Toyota Tacoma Dbl Cab V6 (7146) (Stock # 8710390) “Advertised lease” for $199 /mo. for 36 mos. plus sales tax, other taxes, tag registration, tag agency/electronic filing fee and government fees. $5,150 due at signing, includes $3,652.43 down payment, $798.50 dealer fee and $199 first month’s payment. Option to purchase at lease end $24,498.60. Excess mileage at $.18 per mile over 12,000 miles/year. Total Lease Payments of $7,164. $0 security deposit, $350 disposition fee at lease end. ( Closed end lease on approved credit through S.E.T.F., min. 720 beacon score. Good through 10/2/18. New 2018 Toyota Highlander LE Plus (6947) (Stock # 8690290) “Advertised lease” for $269 /mo. for 36 mos. plus sales tax, other taxes, tag registration, tag agency/electronic filing fee and government fees. $7,555.20 due at signing, includes $5,692.78 down payment, $798.50 dealer fee and $269 first month’s payment. Option to purchase at lease end $24,060.30. Excess mileage at $.18 per mile over 12,000 miles/year. Total Lease Payments of $9,684 $0 security deposit, $350 disposition fee at lease end. ( Closed end lease on approved credit through S.E.T.F., min. 720 beacon score. Good through 10/2/18. General Disclosure *All advertised vehicle prices exclude tax, tag, registration, title and includes Dealer Fee (*Service & handling fee of $798.50), *this charge represents costs and profits to the dealer for items such as inspecting, cleaning & adjusting vehicle and preparing documents related to the sale.  Customers elect special APR program or S.E.T/Dealer cash back when available.  Advertised prices are not applicable on lease vehicles. Advertised prices cannot be used in conjunction with special APR programs. Down payments and APRs will vary. All vehicles subject to prior sale.  Prices good through 10/2/18. Negative equity on trades can affect savings/credit approvals. Pre-owned vehicles may be subject to factory recalls. Go to NHTSA’s website to search by VIN# at www.safercar.gov.

Thinking about popping into Toyota of Orlando to take home a new Toyota truck? When you get here, don't be surprised if you're torn - our two new truck options both have a lot to offer, and many truck drivers find themselves unsure as to which best suits their drive time needs. We're here to help - we're breaking down the main differences between the Orlando Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tacoma so you can shop with confidence and decide which to put in your driveway! Should you take home the new Toyota Tacoma? We're going to break it down for you in terms of categories and remember - specific features depend on specific models, so don't be afraid to scope all of our online inventory if you're still not sure what's going to work. Let's get started! Price: The 2018 Toyota Tundra has a starting MSRP of $31,420. The 2018 Toyota Tacoma, on the other hand, kicks off at $25,400. It's a smaller truck than its sibling, so it's no surprise that it has a lower starting MSRP. Engine options: The new Toyota Tundra comes with the option of a 4.6L V8 (310 horsepower and 327 lb-ft torque) or 5.7L V8 (381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque). The 2018 Toyota Tacoma comes with the option of a 2.7L 4-cylinder (159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft torque) or 3.5L V6 (278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft torque). Obviously, both present solid options that you can choose among to best fit your drive time needs. Additionally, both offer cool performance technology like Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence to improve fuel efficiency and also give you a bit more power. When it comes to putting the pedal to the metal, the Tundra takes the cake (after all, it has a bigger and more powerful engine to get you going). However, the Tacoma pulls ahead in terms of fuel efficiency - it gets 18/22 mpg while its larger sibling gets 15/19 mpg. Towing: Since it's rocking a larger engine, the 2018 Toyota Tundra can obviously tow more. It can pull up to 10,000 lbs while the Tacoma manages a still-impressive 6,400 lbs. You can find long, regular, and short bed options in both trucks to better suit your hauling needs, too. Interior space: Since it's a larger truck, the Tundra does offer more wiggle room inside the cabin. However, you can seat up to five inside both of these Orlando Toyota trucks. When it comes to parking and storing inside a garage, you'll find more maneuverability with the Tacoma since it's more compact than its sibling. Does the 2018 Toyota Tundra suit your needs? Off-roading: The Orlando Toyota Tacoma takes first place in this category - it's renowned across the world for its off-roading capabilities. You'll find more off-road packages and accessories up for grabs, and it's also smaller and lighter than the Tundra, giving it an obvious advantage. However, the best way to choose a new ride is to get behind the wheel yourself and see which one suits you better. Why not take both of these Orlando Toyota trucks for a test drive? They're waiting for you at our dealership and we're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!

The good old tailgate - what better way to show pride in your school, Alma matter, or simply your favorite team? There’s no doubt that even if you place a group of people with nothing in common, one thing they do share is their passion for football. Whether it’s because they’re into sports, love their school, or even just like dressing up for tailgates. No matter the case, Toyota of Orlando is here with an easy guide on what you should pack to have an epic tailgate, just in time for the UCF and SC game! Which new Toyota should you take to the tailgate this season? First things first, not every car is fit for tailgates. Toyota of Orlando offers a variety of SUVs and trucks that are best suited for celebrating the upcoming football season. A few Orlando Toyota vehicles that we recommend for ideal tailgates include large vehicles like the Toyota Tundra, Highlander, 4Runner, and Tacoma. With all that extra space, you’ll have no problem celebrating with all your friends! What Should You Pack? Portable Couch: Portable couches are easy to travel with. They are the size of a suitcase when folded; once it gets opened, it turns into a pretty comfortable love seat. Toyota of Orlando’s trucks like the Tundra and Tacoma will make a great haven on the bed of the truck for the portable couch. Bluetooth Speakers: Evidently, speakers are a must. Music will always be the mood setter in situations, therefore in this situation, it’s important to remember the reason behind this Orlando football celebration! Portable Grill: This is pretty self-explanatory. No grill equals no food and without food you can’t have a proper tailgate. Cooler: On a hot day with so many people around you, a cold refreshing drink does not sound like a bad idea. It is what keeps you pumped and hydrated throughout the day so that you could cheer on your team! Cooler for Hot Foods: Yes, you read correctly. This is something you can finally use a DIY skill for. Use an empty cooler and cover the inside with foil and hot bricks. Be warned, this trick isn’t meant to cook your food. It’s meant to keep your tailgate delights warm and enjoyable to eat. Jumper Cables: While this seems more like an emergency item rather than a tailgate necessity, jumper cables will prove useful in the event that your Orlando Toyota battery loses too much charge. During the tailgating celebration, you’ll most likely forget that your car is running or you may be using accessories that require power from your car. Either way, have a set of jumper cables on hand in the event that you need a jump. Shop all of our Orlando Toyotas in time for the big game! Football season and tailgates are times for comradery and celebrating your favorite team. Making sure you have all the necessary supplies to make it one to remember. If you’re unsure of what to bring to your tailgate or need help finding the right accessories, come see us at Toyota of Orlando! Our auto parts department has a great selection of accessories to make your tailgate one to remember! Visit us at 3575 Vineland Road seven days a week! Oh yeah... and GO KNIGHTS!

When the Orlando Toyota Tacoma comes to mind, the first characteristic you likely think of isn't safety. Performance, definitely. This truck is renowned globally for its versatile and powerful performance, perfect for getting off the pavement. You may also think of style, as it has a unique and sporty appearance woven into its design both inside and outside. However, safety probably is at the bottom of the list of qualities that spring to mind when you think of the Toyota Tacoma. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> This Toyota Tacoma survived a traumatic accident Not anymore - after a recent post to the Toyota USA Facebook, safety has definitely become a more prominent benefit when it comes to owning this Toyota truck! Take a look at the photo below: This truck was in a traumatic accident with a semi-truck - for most vehicles, that would mean a complete and total loss of the vehicle and likely, devastating injuries to its occupants. But when you look at this picture, you can see that while the front and back ends of the truck were completely crushed by the semi and the force of the impact, the cab is intact. And so were its passengers. It seems impossible, but the picture doesn't lie, and neither does the EMT who submitted it. See all of the safety features in this Orlando Toyota today What makes safety so possible in this Orlando Toyota truck? Here are some of the safety features you'll find when you get behind the wheel: Toyota Safety Sense P. This is a special and unique set of safety technologies that Toyota developed including the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams. A driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System 3-point seatbelts for ALL seating positions as well as the LATCH system for car seats A tire pressure monitoring system to ensure all tires are inflated to the proper levels and not in danger of a blowout A Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert Multi-terrain select and CRAWL control for off-road safety Active Traction Control for superior handling on all surfaces Star Safety System, which is composed of Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brakes, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology A rear parking assist sonar and an integrated backup camera so parking is a breeze Hill Start Assist Control for getting going on steep surfaces. Not to mention, an engine immobilizer to help prevent theft. And the best news yet? All of this safety can be at your fingertips for an affordable price. The 2018 Toyota Tacoma has a starting MSRP of just $25,400 so it's an affordable option for all. And you'll have tons of trim-levels, cab sizes, engine sizes, bed sizes, packages, accessories, and more to choose from. It's simple to make it customized to your drive time needs! What are you waiting for? See EVERYTHING the 2018 Toyota Tacoma has to offer you - get behind the wheel. Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. Call today to schedule your test drive! (407) 298-4500

When was the last time you brought your car in for brake service at our Orlando Toyota service center? If you can't remember, it may be time to let our techs take a peek under the hood. However, if you're already on a routine brake service schedule then you should be good to go unless something goes amiss. That's where we come in - Toyota of Orlando is here to give you 6 warnings signs that you should never ignore. Let's get started! When should you be worried about your brakes? Sign #1: You smell a weird smell, like burning carpet, when you brake. Any out-of-the-ordinary smells should never be ignored, but if you smell an odd odor that kind of reminds you of burning carpet when you hit the brakes, then it may mean your brakes are overheated (which is never good). If they can't cool off, you run the risk of brake failure. Bring your car in to have it checked! Sign #2: You hear your brakes screeching or squealing when you use them. Squealing or screeching noises are usually due to the fact that you need new brake pads - brakes have a set of indicators built into them and they emit this noise when your brake pads are too thin so you know it's time for brake service. Don't ignore it - your rotors can be damaged if your brake pads are too thin, and this can be costly to fix. Sign #3: You have to press harder than usual to come to a stop. Feel like you have to press harder than usual to bring your car to a stop? This can indicate a big problem and imminent brake failure (and it's also very unsafe when you're driving). Have our Orlando auto service techs check it out for you. Sign #4: You feel vibrations when you press the brakes. If you feel like your car is vibrating, shaking, or shuddering when you brake, then your rotors may be damaged due to brake pad issues. You'll need to have this fixed immediately so bring your car in. Know when it's time to schedule Orlando auto repairs for this very important part Sign #5: Your car is pulling to one side when you slow or stop. If your car seems to pull itself to one side when you brake then you may have an issue with a brake caliper malfunctioning or a leaky brake hose not getting brake fluid where it needs to go. Don't ignore this sensation. Sign #6: Your brake service light is on in the dashboard. This one is pretty obvious - if this light is illuminated in your dash, then you have a problem with something in your brake system! Don't ignore it and don't let it go too long - get your car in for Orlando auto service as soon as you can to avoid expensive and time-consuming repairs. Feel like you may have an issue on your hands? Come on down to Toyota of Orlando's auto service center! We're open seven days a week and you can drop by 3575 Vineland Road OR call (407) 298-0001 to schedule your appointment and learn more about our service specials today.

If you're shopping pre-owned cars in Orlando, then you're bound to run into more than a few hybrids. These cars have grown in popularity since their introduction to the market because they're extremely clean, green, and fuel-efficient. They also tend to have the latest and greatest technology both under the hood AND inside the cabin (and let's admit it - they're really stylish). However, are they a good investment if you buy them used? Should you invest in a used hybrid car? A lot of people hesitate when it comes to buying a used hybrid car because of one main concern - the battery. Did you know that hybrid batteries are more expensive than a traditional battery you'd find in a gasoline-powered car? Those typically run you around $100-150, but hybrid batteries are pricier; you'll find yourself shelling out closer to $2,000. HOWEVER - before you panic - let us point out that these batteries last a lot longer than your typical battery. They're a lot bigger, sturdier, and more powerful and they usually last 10 years at the MINIMUM. So, when should you worry about buying a used hybrid car? It's safe to say that if the car you're thinking about buying is 2-3 years old, you're in the clear. You've got plenty of time behind the wheel before you have to schedule a battery replacement. Even 4-5 years should be fine, honestly. The only time you may want to take the battery into consideration is if you're buying a late model used hybrid car. In that case, have a mechanic take a peek under the hood to see what kind of shape the battery is in. You may want to factor the cost of a battery into the overall price of the car if it looks like it's going to need to be replaced anytime soon. All in all, we think an Orlando used hybrid is a great investment! Here are some of the perks you'll enjoy when you get behind the wheel: MUCH better fuel efficiency. The 2018 Toyota Prius, for example, gets 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway. A cleaner performance so you can feel better about your time on the road. These cars are Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles so they put out fewer emissions than a traditional car. They also use less fuel, which means they're not using up as many natural resources. Top technology. You may think all of the innovation is under the hood, but it's also up for grabs inside the cabin. Depending on which year and model you land on, you'll find tons of entertainment and connectivity features like Entune Audio, an integrated backup camera, Bluetooth wireless streaming for calls and music, navigation, the Entune App Suite, voice-command controls, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, and more! Modern and unique style. With features like alloy wheels, rear spoilers, SofTex interiors, fog lights, and an angular and edgy design, you're sure to turn heads when you're behind the wheel. Shop Toyota of Orlando's hybrid selection today! What's to lose? Get behind the wheel today - shop ALL of our used hybrid cars at Toyota of Orlando today!

Back to school is here! It's time to load up the book bags, pack all the lunches, and start getting back into a busy day-to-day routine. Your best bet to stay calm and organized when back to school hits is to have a schedule and a routine going, especially when it comes to your daily commute. There are more buses and more cars on the roads, not to mention more pedestrians crossing in school zones. All of this can combine to make some pretty spectacular delays! Toyota of Orlando is here with 5 traffic tips to make back to school more bearable. Make back to school easier with these 5 traffic tips Tip #1: Plan your route. Know where you're going, especially if you're going to a new school! This traffic tip can save you a lot of time and frustration. Take a dry run the day before school starts so you're familiar with the route and have a solid idea of where you're headed. Tip #2: Leave extra time (even more extra thank you think you need). It's so important to leave extra time in the morning (and in the afternoon) when back to school starts. Traffic is a good deal heavier, especially around school zones. Combine that with possible accidents or rainy weather and you're sure to have delays. Give yourself some cushion time so you're not rushing to get to homeroom. Toyota of Orlando recommends about 15 extra minutes; if need be, you can circle the block before dropoff or stop for doughnuts! Tip #3: Pack the car the night before. Make sure the car is packed (minus those lunches) the night before, or at least leave everything right by the front door. This means backpacks, sports gear, musical instruments, extra clothes, homework, and anything else your student needs to make it through the day successfully. You won't have to turn back to fetch forgotten gym uniforms if you have it all waiting for you by the door in the morning. Be prepared for Orlando traffic before you leave your driveway Tip #4: Check traffic before you leave the driveway. Before you actually get on the road, take a moment to check the current traffic situation. A lot of our Orlando Toyotas have this capability built into their Entune system so you can do it right from the driver's seat; otherwise, check your local news station or app to get an idea of what the roads are like. This can help you figure out if you need to take a special alternate route and how much time you'll have to get where you're going. Tip #5: Consider a carpool. Carpools can save you gas and time, and they also cut down on the number of cars on the road (which means less traffic). If you're going to join one, make sure everyone in it exchanges contact information and set up a schedule so it's clear when people are driving and the order in which people will be picked up. Happy back to school and safe driving from Toyota of Orlando!

Worried about your college student being able to cope with their car maintenance when they head off to school? It can easily fall to the wayside with all of the classes, labs, study groups, workouts, parties, and other events your student has going on. Your best bet to ensure that their car gets the maintenance it needs is to set them up with the basic knowledge and a simple checklist to follow. Here's Toyota of Orlando's car maintenance checklist for college kids! Toyota of Orlando's checklist for college car care #1: Check and refill all essential fluids. It's essential car maintenance to have oil and coolant checked and refilled, at the very least. These fluids are important to keep performance at its peak and prevent the engine from sustaining damage due to overheating. Show your college student how to check oil levels/color as well as how to check the coolant tank. It also helps if you show them how to add more of these fluids, or at least point them in the direction of a reliable mechanic (like our Orlando Toyota service center). #2: Check tire pressure and condition on all FIVE tires. Show your college student how to check tire pressure with a gauge and also how to inspect all five tires - including the spare - for things like bubbles, blisters, punctures, or any other physical damage. You'll also want to train them on how to check tread depth with a penny (stick the penny in the tread and if you see the top of honest Abe's head, you need new tires). Set up a schedule so they're checking their tires biweekly or at least monthly. #3: Check battery condition. It's important to pop the hood every few weeks to take a peek at the battery. Instruct your college students to check the battery for things like corrosion, rust, swelling, or leaking so they know when it's time to get a new one. You should also make sure they carry jumper cables in their trunk! #4: Have the car cleaned (or clean it DIY-style) regularly. As tedious as it may seem to a busy college student, it's important that they clean their car routinely. This means emptying it of trash to ensure they don't attract insects or other pests. It also means wiping down surfaces, washing the exterior, and applying a coat of wax. All of these simple DIY detailing tasks can help keep the car in good condition AND keep the resale value where it should be. Teach your college kids about emergency car maintenance, too A few more things to think about when it comes to sending your college student off for the semester: Equip them with a roadside emergency kit so they're prepared for anything - include items like jumper cables, fix-a-flat, a flashlight and batteries, a phone charger, a first aid kit, and some cash. Also ensure they have a spare tire AND a tire jack/lug wrench in case of a flat. Teach your college student basic emergency care like how to change a tire, how to jump start their car, and what to do if their car overheats. Set up a local mechanic near their school that they can trust in the case of an emergency. Ready to send them off for the semester? Get that first round of car maintenance taken care of at Toyota of Orlando! We're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road.

College is about to get back into session and a whole new group of incoming freshmen is gearing up to start their first semester! (Go Knights!) UCF kicks off their fall semester on August 20, which means you've got a little less than three weeks to get your college student into gear. One of the biggest hurdles to tackle can be ensuring that they have reliable transportation to get to class, work, labs, study groups, and everything else their busy schedule requires. We've got good news; Edmunds recently released a list of the best used cars for college students, and the Toyota RAV4 made the cut! What makes the Toyota RAV4 so great for college students? The list is composed of four cars and Edmunds used criteria like value, performance, advanced safety features, utility and fuel efficiency. Their specific pick? The 2016 Toyota RAV4. However, we feel that any Toyota RAV4 would easily meet (and beat) all of the above-listed criteria. Check out why this Orlando Toyota SUV is a perfect pick for your college-bound kids. Value: Did you know that the Orlando Toyota RAV4 holds almost 50% of its purchase price over five years? That's pretty excellent when it comes to owning a vehicle as vehicles are one of the fastest depreciating assets on the market. Also, compact SUVs like this one are renowned industry-wide for holding excellent resale value as they age. Performance: Performance... where to start? Well, this new Toyota SUV comes in both gasoline-powered AND hybrid models, giving you plenty of options. It also comes decked out with impressive performance options like all-wheel drive, dynamic torque control, automatic limited-slip differential, towing capabilities of up to 1,500 pounds (with an available tow package), and even a cold-weather equipment package to help it more efficiently and safely handle snow. Advanced safety features: You want your kids to be in a safe vehicle no matter how old they are. The 2018 model of this SUV offers advanced features like Toyota Safety Sense P, Star Safety System, front and rear parking sonar, an Advanced Airbag System, a tire pressure monitoring system, a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Hill Start Assist Control. Utility: Utility is the name of the game in the Toyota RAV4. This Orlando Toyota offers efficiency features like a power rear liftgate, Bluetooth wireless streaming for phone and music, a backup camera and bird's eye view camera, navigation, and HomeLink Universal Transceiver. Fuel efficiency: The 2018 model of this incredible SUV gets 23/30 mpg unless you shoot for a hybrid model - then you're looking at 34/30. You'll also have an ECO drive mode available to throttle your settings to enhance your fuel efficiency and save you money at the pump. Test drive this Orlando Toyota SUV today See for yourself! Get you AND your college student behind the wheel today. Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week until 10 pm at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. Call (407) 298-4500 to schedule your appointment and get more information about the deals we've got going on today!

If you live anywhere in Central Florida, chances are you've gotten rained on in the past 24  hours. We've received several inches of precipitation as a huge front moves through and it's made the roads wet, car accidents happen all over the place, and car damage a big possibility. One of the big problems that incessant rain can lead to is a water leak inside your car - and a water leak can lead to huge issues if not addressed. Toyota of Orlando is here to walk you through this inconvenience! Why are car water leaks so important to address right away? First of all, let's talk about car water leaks and why they're such a big deal. When water gets inside of your car, it can ruin the upholstery, headliner, mats, vinyl, or leather. Not only that, you have to remember that your car is an enclosed space that's subjected to heat every day. This makes it the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew which are not only difficult to remove but also dangerous to be exposed to. Finally, long-term water exposure can cause metal inside of your car to rust (which translates to very expensive repairs). Your best bet is to identify where the leak is coming from as soon as possible. Here are some of the most common points of entry our Orlando auto service techs see: Around headlights and taillights Sunroofs Body seams Around the trunk Around doors or windows Around the windshield Around aftermarket parts - for example, where roof racks have been installed From mechanical parts like a clogged air conditioner drain or heater core Toyota of Orlando can help you figure out where the leak is coming from Unfortunately, it can be difficult to pinpoint where the water is coming from. The easiest way to do it is to bring your car to Toyota of Orlando's auto service, obviously. However, if you prefer to be more hands-on with your auto care then your best bet is to take a simple approach. Starting from a low point and moving to a high point, pour water over the car. Watch carefully and you should be able to see where the water is getting through. If the water is on the floorboards of the car and you know it's not dripping from above, it's time to pull up the carpet and take a look. Use a flashlight to look for standing water, rust, or swelling that can indicate the origin of the leak. Regardless of where the water leak originated, it's important to take care of it as soon as you possibly can to avoid further damage and expensive repairs. Your solution really depends on where the problem is. If it's something as simple as a clogged sunroof drain, you may be able to take care of it at  home. However, if it's something mechanical or you have physical damage to your car's body, it may be time to bring in the experts. Fixing those issues can be tricky and if you don't do it right, can lead to further or worse leaks. Need affordable auto repairs for water leaks? Call Toyota of Orlando's auto service team today at (407) 298-0001!

When it comes down to mileage, most people just look at the number. How many miles are on the odometer of the car? Most people tend to avoid cars with high mileage because the higher the mileage, the more likely you are to have big-time repairs coming and more expensive car maintenance on your schedule. Not to mention, most cars become problematic when they really get up there past the six-digit mark. However, have you ever considered the TYPE of mileage on the car? Which type of miles is worse for your car? There are two types of mileage that your car can accrue - city and highway. Toyota of Orlando is here to break down both of them so you can see which you prefer on your car next time you're about to get behind the wheel of something new! City miles City miles are miles that are mostly accumulated in an urban or suburban area. In these types of environments, there tends to be a lot of stop-and-go action for your car due to traffic, stop lights, and stop signs. This can actually be harder than you may think on your engine and transmission, as well as your brakes. Additionally, city miles tend to burn more fuel and drop that your MPGs when it comes to fuel efficiency. You'll also encounter more potholes, curbs, and road maintenance that can give your car's suspension a run for its money. Not to mention, you're far more likely to get into a collision in this environment due to stop-and-go traffic and a lot more road signs to pay attention to. All in all? City miles are harder on your car! Highway miles Some people assume that highway miles are worse for your vehicle. After all, your car is traveling long distances at high speeds when it's on the highway. That has to be hard on the engine, right? Well, sort of. Yes, it's hard work for the engine to maintain a high speed over a long distance. However, the highway lacks the stop-and-go action that you find in the city. When you're on the highway,  you tend to maintain one speed for long periods of time. Cruise control can reinforce this and make the wear and tear on your engine and transmission a lot less. Highways also tend to be in good shape maintenance-wise, so you're less likely to encounter potholes and other rough patches that can be bad news for your car's suspension. Highway miles also mean much improved fuel efficiency since you're not constantly slowing and accelerating. You can even extend the lifespan of your battery and alternator with highway miles because longer drive times allow them to charge appropriately! Know which miles you prefer when shopping Orlando used cars So which is better? We vote highway miles - less wear and tear, improved fuel efficiency, and less risk. Next time you're shopping for a used car in Orlando, consider this! It's worth asking the seller what TYPE of miles the car has on it so you can get a better idea of its condition. For more information or to shop a great inventory, come on down to Toyota of Orlando - we're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road!