Blog

Are you using the right type of car wax on your Orlando Toyota? Wax plays a critical role in protecting your car from the elements, especially living here in Central Florida. The scorching sun and heavy rains can quickly damage your paint if it's not protected and wax provides an invisible barrier between the two. However, there are so many different types of car wax out there - how do you know which one is right for you? We've got the breakdown from our Orlando Toyota parts store experts. What types of car waxes are there? First, you should know that there are both natural and synthetic waxes. Here are the main differences. Natural waxes are made from all-natural ingredients. The most common type of natural wax is carnauba, which is made from a specific palm tree that grows in Brazil. These car waxes offer exceptional protection and a very glossy shine so your car looks like new, but they're a bit more expensive and typically don't last as long as synthetic waxes. Synthetic car waxes, on the other hand, are made from artificial ingredients. They last longer than natural waxes and due to their consistency, are usually easier to apply. They're also cheaper, but you won't get the super-glossy shine you get with natural options. Next, let's talk about the form of the car wax you're holding in your hand. There are five main types to choose from - paste, liquid, spray, colored wax, and rubbing compounds. Paste wax has been around for a long, long time and has a hard texture when it's in the can. A lot of natural waxes are in paste form. They have great gloss and water beads easily off of them but can cost more and don't have the same longevity as synthetic options. Liquid wax is the longest-lasting and is almost always made from synthetic materials. It's smoother coming out of the container, but it dries quickly, which can make it a little trickier to apply. Liquid is - at this point in time - the most commonly used type of car wax. Spray wax sounds like it would be super simple to use (and it is). You simply spray it on your car and this offers a great deal of precision. This type of car wax leaves a super shiny finish, too. However, it doesn't last long and shouldn't be considered a long-term solution. Colored wax is a toss-up. It's supposed to help cover scratches by matching the color of the paint, but since most scratches don't go below the clearcoat, it's really not necessary (according to some). Rubbing compound is often used on classic cars - it helps cover small imperfections in the paint. Shop for the right wax for your car at Toyota of Orlando Whether you have questions or need help shopping for the right car wax, Toyota of Orlando is here to help. Call us at (407) 298-4500 to stop by! Our Orlando Toyota parts store - which is fully stocked with car waxes - is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

If you've ever gotten into a car accident, you know how stressful and scary it can be. But the stress doesn't end with the accident, either - after all is said and done, you still have to deal with the damages to your car. How do you know if it's safe to drive after a car accident or if you should call a tow truck to take it directly to the body shop for repairs? We sat down with our Toyota Collision techs to discuss and they gave us some pointers - check out these five questions you should ask yourself before you drive after a collision. Five things to ask yourself after a car accident Question #1: Can the hood be closed AND latched? If your Orlando Toyota's hood can't close AND latch, then you need to call a tow truck. If it's damaged enough to the point where it won't latch shut, it could fly up while you're driving. This can not only shatter your windshield but also completely block your field of vision and cause you to get into ANOTHER accident. You're putting yourself and other drivers at risk, so ensure you can actually latch the hood shut before you hit the road. Question #2: Is the vehicle leaking fluids? Check under the car to see if it's leaking fluids before you try to drive home. If you see a leak, beware - it could be oil, coolant, brake fluid, or transmission fluid, all of which can be a big issue even if you're just driving for a short while. Don't run the risk of doing major damage to what's under the hood; call a tow truck to bring your ride to Toyota of Orlando. Question #3: Are the wheels aligned? Check to see if the wheels are aligned before you try to hit the highway. If your car is drifting or pulling to one side, your alignment has been knocked off and you need to visit Toyota of Orlando's service center to have it fixed. If it's bad enough that it's pulling your car off the road and you're fighting the steering wheel, then your Orlando Toyota is not safe enough to drive. Question #4: Are your windshield and side mirrors intact? Ok, this is a two-parter. First, is your windshield intact? Tiny cracks or chips are usually OK to get you to the Toyota of Orlando body shop, but if you have large cracks, spiderweb cracks, or a hole in the glass, then you need to have your car towed as your windshield's structural integrity is now compromised and it could blow in on you. Also, if your side mirrors aren't usable, don't attempt to drive - you're completely cutting off your field of vision around your car. Question #5: Are your headlights and taillights working? And finally, check your headlights and taillights. Are they working? This is especially critical because a) it's how you see and let other drivers see you at night and b) because your taillights let other drivers see when you're braking so they can brake, too... and not rear-end you. Get your car back on the road at Toyota of Orlando Need auto body repairs after a car accident? Call us today! Toyota of Orlando is ready and waiting to help at (407) 298-6006.

If you're shopping for a used car, you know that it can seem a little bit intimidating. It's not like a new car, where you know exactly where it's been before you bring it home. Used cars can be a great investment, but there's always risk involved if you don't do your due diligence in ensuring it's a quality vehicle. We've given you tips for Orlando used car shopping before and today we're here to share a few more - check out these seven surefire signs you shouldn't sign the dotted line on a used vehicle. Look for these signs when shopping Orlando used cars Sign #1: It smells like cigarette smoke. Unless you like, enjoy that smell. If you get into a car and even smell a faint scent of cigarette smoke, forget it. This smell is notoriously difficult to get rid of and it's likely that the seller had the used car cleaned before they showed it to you, so the scent will come back even stronger over time. No amount of air freshener can cover it up permanently so think twice before buying. Sign #2: No maintenance or repair records. If an owner can't seem to produce any maintenance or repair records or offer any evidence that the car has been cared for regularly, proceed with caution. Sure, some drivers don't keep all that stuff but it can also be a sign that the car hasn't been on a car care routine, which can shorten its lifespan and cause you problems down the road. Sign #3: Mechanical bandaids. If you spot evidence of mechanical "bandaids" - i.e. temporary and cheap fixes to bigger problems, reconsider purchasing this Orlando used car. You don't want to have to shell out big bucks down the road to put a permanent fix in place. Sign #4: Dirty oil. Check the oil of the car you're considering buying. If it's black, dark brown, or has flecks of dirt in it, strongly consider if this is the right ride. Dirty oil means the car hasn't been cared for and likely hasn't been getting routine oil changes over its lifetime, which can lead to expensive issues down the road. Sign #5: Dirty or nonexistent coolant. You should also check the coolant reservoir while you're under the hood of the Orlando used car you're considering. If the coolant is gone or it's got debris in it, your cooling system could have an issue in the near future because it obviously hasn't been maintenanced. Sign #6: Signs of neglect. If there are obvious signs of neglect in the used car, be sure to thoroughly examine it and ask lots of questions before you buy. Things like stains and rips in the interior, scratches and dents on the exterior, bad smells, etc. can all indicate that the car hasn't been well-cared for and might be problematic in the future. Sign #7: Accident damage. Accident damage is always a giveaway. If the car has been in an accident its value is automatically less and it may have problems from the accident that you'll have to deal with in the future, so be sure to ask about it and get full details. Shop quality preowned vehicles at Toyota of Orlando today If you want to feel more confident about your used car shopping, you have to go to the right place... and did we mention we sell quality used cars right here at Toyota of Orlando? Shop today at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Are you thinking about heading to the beach this weekend to get your share of salt air? Things are heating up in Central Florida and it's the perfect time to hit the sand. However, driving on the beach - especially if you drive along the shore, as you can in New Smyrna and Daytona Beach - can do a number on your car if you don't take the proper steps before and after. Toyota of Orlando's car care techs gave us a list of things you should do before and after you hit the beach to best protect your ride. Surf's up! What to do before driving on the beach Before you head to the beach, it's best to prep your car with a good detailing. Not only will it look better for it, it'll also help protect your ride from the elements. Wash and wax your car, applying a solid coat of quality wax to the exterior. This will help ward off the sun's harmful UV rays and also put a barrier between your car's paint and the salt air. Remember, salt combined with moisture can cause oxidization and subsequently, rust. Air down your tires a bit once you get close. This gives them more surface area and will make it easier for you to drive on the soft sand without sinking into it and getting stuck. It's also a good idea to throw some cardboard in the trunk if you have it, as well as a small shovel in case you do get stuck. Bring a jug of water to rinse feet. Sand can be pretty abrasive to your car's interior, especially if you have SofTex or leather seats. Make sure everyone has clean feet before you head home! Throw up your sunshade when you park. There's rarely shade on the beach and leaving your car to bake in the sun all day is bad for the interior. A sunshade in the windshield will help prevent fading and cracking of your interior and also keep things cooler for when it's time to leave. What to do after driving on the beach Air your tires back up. Driving on the pavement with underinflated tires will cut your fuel efficiency and also wear your tires out faster. Rinse your car off. Remember, salt + moisture (a.k.a. saltwater) can do real damage to your car over time. Be sure to wash your car thoroughly to remove any traces of salt, and don't forget to get under the car, rinsing the wheels, chassis, etc. to ensure everything is salt-free and sand-free. And you should always rinse before you wash with soap and a sponge - if you wash while there's still sand on the car, it can cause swirls and scratches in the paint. Vacuum out the interior. As noted, sand is abrasive and can ruin your interior (plus, the novelty of it wears off once you've left the beach). Wipe your seats and vacuum out the interior so everything is back to normal before you hit the road again. Need car detailing supplies to rinse the salt and sand off after driving on the beach? Call us - Toyota of Orlando's parts store is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

When it comes to choosing your next Toyota SUV, it can be challenging. How can you possibly wade through all the options to find the perfect fit for your drive time needs? We get it, and we want to not only make your shopping experience as easy as it can get but also to find you the perfect new SUV. Today we're talking two of our most popular options that shoppers often have a hard time choosing between - the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota 4Runner. At first glance, they might not seem that different - after all, they're both pretty spacious SUVs. However, when you look more closely, you'll see that they're each pretty unique drive time solutions - neither one is one-size-fits-all. We're breaking down the basics to help you better decide. The Family-Friendly Toyota Highlander If you're looking for a family-friendly vehicle that still offers a high degree of style and the best tech, take the Orlando Toyota Highlander for a test drive. This much-loved Toyota SUV pretty much has it all when it comes to comfort, safety, and efficiency. It can seat up to eight inside and has a roomy cargo area (16 cubic feet, to be exact!). Here are some other highlights it has to offer when you climb behind the wheel: It's available in both hybrid and gasoline-powered models so you can opt for that extra fuel efficiency and green performance if you choose. It comes with top safety tech including the pre-collision system, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, safety connect services, all-wheel drive, lane keep assist, and more. It also has the LATCH system to make car seat installation as easy as possible, as well as 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions. This Orlando Toyota SUV additionally offers major convenience features for families, including Qi wireless charging for devices, hands-free phone capabilities, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, an integrated backup camera and Bird's Eye View camera, and Driver Easy Speak. The Rugged and Versatile Toyota 4Runner The Orlando Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, is all about versatility. It's great for getting around town and is suitable for a family, but its real forte lies in the off-road arena. It's decked out with features designed to make it as capable as possible when you take things off the pavement, including: A 4.0L V6 engine that offers 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque Full-time four-wheel drive with limited-slip differential and active traction control, as well as CRAWL Control and Multi-Terrain Select Reinforced body-on-frame construction and an optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System A multi-terrain ABS system Towing capabilities of up to 5,000 lbs Plus, it can seat up to eight (based on the model you choose) and offers tons of great entertainment and safety tech, including a backup camera, a HomeLink universal transceiver, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth hands-free streaming. Which will you choose? The best way to decide is to get behind the wheel of both, and you can do just that at Toyota of Orlando. Call (407) 298-4500 to schedule your test drive - we're open seven days a week until 10 pm at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Have you ever had to tow your Orlando Toyota? We mean actually tow your own car, not use your car to tow something else like a boat or a trailer. We've given you plenty of tips on how to safely tow with your vehicle, but pulling your own car behind you is a different story. Whether you're moving cross-country and bringing your Orlando Toyota along for the ride or towing it in for repairs at an auto repair shop, use these tips to do it safely and efficiently! What you should know before you tow To get started, here are some basic points to take into consideration before you tow your Orlando Toyota with another car or truck. The car or truck that's doing the towing should be larger and heavier than the car being towed. You'll need more acceleration power AND braking power to safely get both vehicles to their final destination. NO ONE - not even your four-legged friends - should be in the vehicle that's being towed at any point during the journey. It's illegal and also extremely dangerous. It's best to tow your car on a flatbed trailer or at least a dolly, which is a small trailer that lifts your car's front tires off the ground. If you're using a chain or tow rope, it should only be for a very short distance and at very low speeds. Using a chain or rope is dangerous - the vehicle being towed doesn't have active brakes and could rear-end the vehicle towing it, the rope could break, etc. It's best to use a trailer whenever possible. Tips for towing your Toyota Once you've safely hooked up your car to the car you'll be towing with (and make sure you check with our Orlando auto service experts for specifications if you're unsure as to how you should hook things up), you can hit the road. Here are a few tips for doing so safely. Tip #1: Go easy on your braking. You'll want to take it easy when it comes to braking while towing your car - any sudden or sharp braking can result in damage to the brakes of the vehicle that's towing. Pulling a car means a lot of weight is behind you, so you should slow your vehicle gradually and give your brakes a fighting chance. Tip #2: Slow down. Slow down when towing your Orlando Toyota behind you. It's even acceptable to go under the speed limit in this particular situation - remember, you'll need more distance to bring both vehicles to a stop and the slower you go, the easier this is to achieve. Tip #3: Make sure all lighting works and that you use your turn signals and mirrors. Make sure your brake lights and turn signals work, and turn on the hazard lights of the vehicle that you're towing. Also, be sure to signal well ahead of any movements you make to let other drivers know your intentions, and use your mirrors to check and ensure you have the space to move around. Tip #4: Be especially careful when turning. Be very careful when turning and avoid making sharp turns when towing a car behind your car. Sharp or sudden turns could result in damage to both vehicles. Tip #5: Change lanes with caution. Be sure to change lanes with caution - you have to account for enough space for BOTH vehicles. Have questions or want to see if your Orlando Toyota is up for the job of towing another vehicle? Call us to schedule an appointment! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

Do you own - or are you planning to buy - a stick shift car? Otherwise known as a manual transmission, this type of Orlando Toyota comes with a clutch pedal, a shifter, and a need for know-how. Driving a stick shift car isn't difficult, but it does require a certain amount of finesse if you want to avoid doing damage to your ride. Toyota of Orlando is here to give you some quick tips on owning and operating a manual transmission vehicle. A lot of people choose automatic transmissions nowadays; they're a lot more common than they used to be and they offer a degree of convenience that's hard to beat. You just sit back and let the car do all the work for you. Manual transmissions, on the other hand, require that you manually shift the vehicle's gears as you accelerate and decelerate. And while that can seem like it would get tedious after a while, it actually has its perks. Stick shift cars tend to be more fuel-efficient, cheaper to buy, and believe it or not, more exciting to operate as you have major control over your acceleration, speed, and RPMs. Five tips for driving a stick shift However, as noted, manual transmission cars do have more parts and more parts mean more potential for repairs. Check out these quick Orlando Toyota tips for driving a stick shift as efficiently as possible. Tip #1: Don't forget about the clutch. When driving a stick shift, you HAVE to use your foot to engage the clutch before you try to shift gears. If you don't, you could do serious damage to your car's gears and engine over time, resulting in expensive repairs. Always remember to push the clutch in, then shift. Same goes for braking - as you slow down, your car will lower its RPMs and if you don't push the clutch in, you'll stall out. Tip #2: Put it in neutral when you stop. When you're sitting at a light it's tempting to leave your Orlando Toyota in first gear so you're ready to move the instant the light turns green. Some drivers even rock back and forth, using the clutch to go forward and backward... but don't. Leaving your car in gear and rocking and rolling can damage the gears and engine over time, so put your ride in neutral and sit tight until it's time to hit the gas again. Tip #3: Don't forget to pull the parking brake. When you park your car, you'll shift it into neutral before you turn it off. This means, however, that if you're not on a flat surface (or even if you are in some instances), your car can easily roll away. Be sure to pull the parking brake every time you park before you exit your car. Tip #4: Take your hand off the shifter when you're not shifting. Some stick shift drivers rest their hand on the shifter when they're in between shifts or sitting at lights. This actually puts unnecessary weight and stress on the shifter and can do damage over time. Tip #5: Make sure you're always in the right gear. For example, you should never floor the gas pedal to get acceleration when you're in a high gear - this can cause the engine to overheat. Instead, shift to a lower gear and you'll get instant get-up-and-go. Get answers to your questions about manual transmissions at Toyota of Orlando Have questions about stick shift cars or want to check out the ones we have in person? Call Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-4500. We're open seven days a week and you can visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

Spring and summer are the prime times to hit the open road in your new Toyota, especially if plane travel just isn't your thing. However, even though road trips are a great way to get out and explore the U.S., they can get tedious if you don't have the right tech and tools at your disposal. Check out the top five features you'll want to have in your next Orlando Toyota to make your road trips easy, efficient, and stress-free! Don't take that summer road trip without these five features 1. Adaptive cruise control: Cruise control is a great feature for any road trip; it allows you to stretch out and relax a little bit while you're on the open road. Adaptive cruise control, however, is an upgrade from this convenient feature. With adaptive cruise control, your Orlando Toyota will actually slow and accelerate your vehicle according to the car in front of you. If they brake or slow, this ingenious feature will slow your vehicle and then return you to your cruising speed when it's safe. It takes highway travel to an all-new level. 2. Bluetooth wireless streaming: It's all about the hands-free, cords-free life when you're out on the highway, especially if you're solo. Bluetooth allows you to stream phone calls and music in your vehicle without an adaptor cord, and it's usually paired with hands-free controls so you don't even have to pick up your phone - you can use the controls mounted on the steering wheel so your focus is on the road ahead at all times. 3. Rear-seat entertainment system: There's nothing worse than the constant chorus of "are we there yet?" ringing out from the backseat. Allay your backseat riders' boredom with a rear-seat entertainment system. Vehicles like the Orlando Toyota Sienna offer this life-saving feature along with wireless headphones so you can still listen to your favorite podcast in the front while the kids stay entertained with their favorite Disney + show in the backseat. 4. Apple CarPlay: Apple CarPlay is newer tech that basically allows you to view and operate your phone's home screen right in the touchscreen panel of your vehicle. It makes accessing and using apps easier than ever; you can view your navigation, operate your Apple Music, and even view and respond to text messages with ease. It also works with all of your car's control buttons for major convenience. 5. Wireless charging: Again, it's all about going cords-free when you're on a road trip. Many of our Orlando Toyotas have Qi wireless charging in them, meaning you can simply lay your device on the pad, and voila - it charges up while you navigate the open road. Find a road-trip-ready ride today at Toyota of Orlando! And the best part of all of this is that you can see and test every single one of these features right here at Toyota of Orlando when you shop for your next road-trip-ready ride. We're conveniently located just off the I-4 - stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, near the Millenia Mall. You can also call ahead of time at (407) 298-4500 to schedule a test drive or get more info on the cars and features available.

Are you thinking about packing up and hitting the open road this spring? It's a great time of year to take a trip - winter (and bad driving conditions) has made its grand exit, but the scorching heat of summer hasn't quite arrived yet. If you're thinking about hitting the highway, you need the right ride to do it... and that's why we've created this quick list of the BEST new Toyotas for a road trip. Check it out! 2021 Toyota Highlander: If you're in need of something spacious to get to your final destination, consider the 2021 Toyota Highlander. This redesigned SUV offers seating for up to eight and is packed with technology like Bluetooth wireless streaming, the Audio Plus system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Sirius XM Satellite, and more. You'll never be short on entertainment and you can also get comfortable and stretch out - even with all of the roomy seats up and occupied, you'll still have 16 cubic feet of space and the capability to tow up to 5,000 lbs behind you. 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime: The Orlando Toyota RAV4 Prime is especially suited for road trips for two reasons: One, it's a hybrid, which means exceptional fuel efficiency and green performance, and two, because it has all-wheel drive. Hybrid performance means you can spend less at the fuel pump - this particular new Toyota gets an estimated 38 mpg. You can also feel good about your time behind the wheel because you'll be releasing fewer emissions into the air. Additionally, all-wheel drive means superior handling should you encounter a late spring snowstorm or rainy weather during your drive. 2021 Toyota Sienna: Are you hitting the highway with the family? Check out the Orlando Toyota Sienna. This new Toyota minivan is seriously family-friendly with features like hands-free power sliding doors and liftgate, Driver Easy Speak, a rear-seat 1080p HD entertainment system with wireless headphones, four-zone automatic climate control, and a Bird's Eye View Camera (among other amazing safety features). Plus, it can seat up to eight with over 33 feet of cubic cargo space to spare AND it's a hybrid, which means improved MPGs and clean performance. 2021 Toyota Corolla: The Toyota Corolla may be small, but if it's a solo road trip or you're taking just one or two people with you, it's a great option for getting where you need to go. This compact sedan boasts amazing fuel efficiency (31/40 mpg, to be exact), has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and boasts safety features like an integrated backup camera, Toyota Safety Sense, a blind spot monitor, and even hill start assist control. No matter which new Toyota you want to take out on the road this spring, we can help. Shop our inventory today! Toyota of Orlando is conveniently located just off I-4 across from the MIllenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. You can call to ask questions, schedule your test drive, and more at (407) 298-4500. Happy travels!

Here at Toyota of Orlando, we're all about car hacks. If there's an easy or creative way to make your drive time more enjoyable, we're going to share it with you. Today we're giving you a few more car hacks that can make your experience behind the wheel more efficient and less stressful. Check it out! Hack #1: Unlock your door manually. Did your key fob stop working? Don't worry - even if you can't remotely unlock your car, you can still get the door open. Your key fob has a small mechanical key hidden inside. On the door handle, you'll notice a small piece of plastic that can be popped off - there's a mechanical lock under there. Voila! Hack #2: Prevent your wipers from freezing. We know, we know - you won't really have this issue here in Orlando. However, if you head north, you can stick a pair of socks over your windshield wipers when you park your car. This will prevent them from freezing to the glass when it snows. Hack #3: Go the speed limit. Not only will going the speed limit prevent you from getting pulled over and ticketed, but it'll also help you get where you're going faster. Did you know that green lights are timed so that if you're going the speed limit, you SHOULD be able to hit all of them as you make your way down the street? It's a much safer way to get somewhere fast. Hack #4: Make your car easy to find. Are you guilty of ALWAYS forgetting where you've parked? Make it easier to find your car - stick something on your radio antenna, put a sticker on the back of the car, or stick something brightly colored in one of the windows that makes your Orlando Toyota easier to spot. Hack #5: Cool off your car quickly. Your car can become a literal oven in the summer, especially here in Orlando. A lot of people think that they should open all four windows to let the hot air out, but this actually doesn't get the job done. You should open the two front windows when you hit the road to let the hot air out, then roll them up and blast the A/C. Hack #6: Touch up scratches on the cheap. Do you have small scratches and dings in your paint, but don't feel like shelling out for professional car paint repairs? We get it. Your best bet for a temporary fix is nail polish, believe it or not. With all of the shades available, it isn't hard to find one that comes pretty dang close to your car's paint. Hack #7: Stop hitting your car door on the garage wall. Sick of hitting your car door on the wall of the garage when you get out? Here's a quick and easy car hack to deal with it. Cut a pool noodle in half and stick it on the wall where your door hits - this will protect both the wall and your car door from dings. Hack #8: Put your kids' slime to use. Ah, slime. Kids love it, parents hate it... unless it comes to car detailing. Believe it or not, slime is a great way to get dirt and debris out of the cracks and crevices in your car. Use a ball of slime to pick up dirt from cupholders, the dash, etc. - debris will stick right to it. Just make sure to throw the slime out afterward. Want more car hacks? Call Toyota of Orlando. We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and located conveniently just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Have you ever sat down and tried to navigate your car insurance policy? It can be confusing, to say the least - there are so many options and lots of unfamiliar technical language. And on top of that, it's a must-have when you get behind the wheel. Driving without car insurance is illegal and can also land you in big financial trouble. Toyota of Orlando is here to help, as always - check out our quick guide to car insurance to help you better understand and choose a policy best suited for your drive time needs. Why do you need car insurance? Like we said, driving without car insurance is illegal. This is because insurance has two purposes - to cover your expenses, but also to cover the other driver's expenses if you get into a car accident and it's your fault. Basically, your car insurance will help cover the bills (after your deductible) when it comes to your medical expenses and car repair bills when you get into a car accident. If you didn't have insurance, you'd have to foot the bill yourself (and those costs add up really, really quickly). Similarly, if the car accident is determined to be your fault, you're responsible for the other driver's bills, so your insurance will cover those, too. So what should you be looking at when you choose a car insurance policy? Here's a breakdown of the main categories: Collision: This segment of your insurance covers the costs to repair your car. If your car is deemed totaled, then this part of your policy will cut you a check that you can use as a down payment on a new ride. Personal Injury Protection: PIP coverage will cover your medical bills if you're injured in an accident or collision. Bodily Injury and Personal Property Liability: This segment of your car insurance policy cover's the other driver's medical bills and auto repair costs. But remember, this only kicks in if YOU were legally determined to be at fault. Comprehensive: This segment is for things like hit-and-run car accidents (where there's no other driver to help foot the bill), natural disasters, and in the state of Florida, windshield repair and replacement. You should check to ensure that your Orlando Toyota's policy includes each of these segments for the fullest coverage. How much will it cost to insure your Orlando Toyota? The cost of car insurance varies from driver to driver as the premium (the amount you pay each month) is determined based on a variety of factors, including: Your age and gender Your marital status Your address Your insurance, driving, and accident histories The type of car you're going to drive and what you're using it for The number of miles you're going to drive annually Another thing to consider when signing up for car insurance is how frequently you have to make the payments. Most drivers pay monthly, but your provider may offer annual or biannual payment options. The amount you pay on that schedule is larger, but you'll often get a discount doing it that way, so be sure to ask. Have questions about which policy is best for your Orlando Toyota? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

If you're thinking about buying a used Toyota, you know you're getting a high-quality and reliable preowned vehicle. After all, the best new cars make the best used cars, right? There's an implicit level of longevity and durability in Toyotas across the board, so buying a preowned one is never a bad idea. However, there are several years that - according to drivers and industry insiders alike - stand out and shine amongst their siblings. Check out this quick Orlando Toyota guide to the best used Toyotas you can put in your driveway today. The 2016 Toyota Camry The Toyota Camry is a best-seller on a global level, so any model year that you buy is going to be a win-win. However, 2016 truly stands out from the rest. Earlier models had the potential for engine failure (which means expensive repairs), but this model is smooth sailing when it comes to performance. It's also got an updated and modern aesthetic inside and out, better technology than earlier models, and updated safety technology. You're looking at around $15k for a model with 30,000 miles, which is a great bet considering you'll be able to drive this model for years (maybe even decades) to come. The 2015 Toyota Tacoma When you're shopping for a used car, you want one that's going to retain its value well so when it's time to sell or trade in down the road it gives you more bang for your buck. The Toyota Tacoma is renowned across the industry for doing just that and is considered one of the best used Toyota models for holding resale value. The 2015 model is a particular favorite among drivers; it looks good, has an efficient engine under the hood, has updated entertainment and safety technology, and has the versatility you need for a busy life. The 2014 Toyota Corolla The Toyota Corolla has been a fan favorite for decades - we mean DECADES - and we're not surprised. It's fuel-efficient, compact, fun to drive, and stylish in a sporty, unique way. Any model year will serve you well, but the 2014 model was redesigned for an even sportier look inside and out. It's also got more updated technology and safety features, gets around 42 mpg on the highway, and has a cheap pricepoint to start at - typically, you can get your hands on one of these used Toyotas for $10K or less. The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Looking for a family-friendly ride with a little more space? Consider a used Toyota RAV4 - specifically, a 2016 model year. SUVs tend to run a bit on the pricy side, even when used, but this model year precedes a redesign and as such, is more affordable than others. Plus, it's got reliable and fuel-efficient performance features, new tech, and great safety elements. You can likely find one for between $15-18k, depending on the mileage. The 2008 Toyota Highlander Trying to budget a little harder and looking for something a bit older to put in the garage? Check out the 2008 Highlander. While the mileage will likely be higher on an older model, it doesn't mean you're not getting a reliable ride. This particular model year fixed all of the engine issues that the 2006 model had to contest with, and it also has a sporty V6 engine under the hood for 270 horsepower. Plus, it's incredibly spacious and comfortable inside. As long as you stick to your routine car care, you should easily be able to drive this used Toyota for many more miles to come.