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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.

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.

The phrase "your car is due for maintenance" is enough to strike fear into the hearts of some drivers. If you don't have a trusted relationship with your mechanic, you likely start to worry about how much said maintenance will cost. Could a routine auto service appointment turn into major repairs once the mechanic pops the hood? You can rest easy (and even easier if you service at Toyota of Orlando). At our car care center, we think it's important for our customers to have a basic idea of what's going on under the hood so they can make educated decisions about their car care. Today we're giving you quick explanations of 10 commonly mentioned car parts. Check it out! 10 common car parts to know about 1. Camshaft: The camshaft's job is to open and close the valves in your engine. This ensures that air and fuel make it into the engine and exhaust gases make it out. They don't really need to be replaced regularly, but if you're having issues with low oil, they could be damaged and need to be replaced. 2. Heater core: This key car part is used to heat the inside of your Orlando Toyota's cabin (we know, not something we do often here in Central Florida). It's similar to a car radiator and is located behind your car's dashboard. 3. Power window switch: Most cars nowadays have power windows and this switch is responsible for ensuring they can go up and down. They can fail over time due to dust and debris or just heavy use in general. 4. Wiper motor: We're always harping on you about how important it is to use your windshield wipers. This car part is responsible for ensuring you can. If it stops working, so do your wipers. 5. Axle or CV shaft: These take power from your differential to your front or rear wheels (depending on whether you have front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive). They're encased in rubber boots which wear down over time so your mechanic may say you need new boots for them before you actually have to replace the shafts themselves. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> 6. Mass airflow sensor: This part reads how much air is being pulled into the engine so it can figure out how much fuel is needed to be added into the mixture, which will then be ignited to start your car. 7. Shock absorbers: These important car parts help to absorb the shock when your car is traveling over rough road so you're more comfortable inside the cabin. They do wear out and may need to be replaced over time. 8. Ignition coil: This car part sends voltage to your spark plugs to help them ignite, which in turn creates the combustion that gets your Orlando Toyota's engine up and running. They do wear out over time and need to be replaced to ensure your car doesn't misfire or refuse to start. 9. Muffler: The muffler quiets your car, essentially. It helps to dull the roar of your engine so it's quieter both inside your car's cabin AND to the people around you on the road. 10. A/C compressor: The compressor is responsible for ensuring your car A/C works, which is crucial here in Orlando. If your A/C isn't running properly, be sure to have this car part checked. Toyota of Orlando can help keep your car parts in working order Have questions or need help fixing or replacing car parts? Call Toyota of Orlando! Our Toyota service center is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

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.

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.

Thinking about sinking your hard-earned money into a used car? Before you sign the paperwork, you have to carefully consider if this is the right ride for you. This is especially true when you buy from a private seller. Dealerships are held to certain standards by state and federal laws, and they also have a reputation to protect when it comes to providing vehicles. That's why it's so important to ask the right questions of a private seller BEFORE you sign the dotted line. Here are our Orlando Toyota tips - check out these five questions we recommend getting answers for before you buy! #1: Why are you selling the car? This is an important question to ask right off the bat. Why are they getting rid of their used car? Make sure their answer makes sense and doesn't sound evasive or sneaky. If you have a bad gut feeling about it, you should do a little more leg-work before you decide to hand over your hard-earned cash. What questions should you ask when privately buying a used car? #2: How many miles are on it? It's important to ask about mileage because you want to verify that the number they give you matches the number on the used car history report. If it's different, you're entitled to ask why (and walk away if you want - if they're being untruthful about mileage, who knows what else they're lying about?). You can also ask if the mileage is mostly city, mostly highway, or a mix of both. Remember, highway miles are harder on a car than city miles because cars have to travel at high speeds over long distances on the highway and it makes the engine work overtime. #3: Has the car had any other owners? If there have been previous owners, how many? The more owners a car has had in the past, the more possible it is that you run into problems down the road. It's hard to keep track of maintenance and repairs when there's been a whole slew of people behind the wheel. #4: Has it been in any accidents or collisions? This is another truth test - accidents and collision should be reported and should show on the CarFax. Make sure the seller's answer matches the CarFax report and be sure to inspect the car for any damages that might give away an accident, like dents, mismatched paint, or panels that don't quite meet up. #5: What kind of paperwork can you provide for it? Always ask for any paperwork you can get your hands on. This includes service and repair records, receipts for parts and accessories, and any warranties that may still apply when you take ownership of the car. Toyota of Orlando can help you find a reliable ride Once you've done your research and asked the right questions, be sure to take the car for a test drive to see how it handles and take note of anything that seems out of the ordinary. However, if you think you're looking at a dud and want to shop quality, reliable used cars, come on down to Toyota of Orlando! We're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Do you know how to thoroughly inspect a used car before you sign the dotted line? Some people are unnerved by buying pre-owned, but the best way to get peace of mind and ensure you take home a reliable ride at a great price is to do a little legwork. Toyota of Orlando is here to help you educate yourself AND find the perfect pre-owned solution - check out our used car inspection checklist and be sure to take it with you when it's time for your test drive. Toyota of Orlando has a checklist for used car inspections First things first - let's talk about initial appearances of the used car in question. Is the body of the car free from damage like dents, scratches, and dings? Do you see any mismatched paint or uneven panels? Do all of the doors and trunk open and close properly? Do you see rust anywhere on the body or the car? Check everything, including the trunk. How is the glass on the car - are there any cracks or chips? Are the tires in good shape? Do they have any damage? Do they have the right amount of tread? Now let's talk about the interior since that's where you'll probably be headed next. Here are our Orlando Toyota tips for inspecting the cabin: Is the upholstery clean and odor-free? Is the headliner still attached to the ceiling? Do the windows all work properly? Do the power door and window locks work? Do you see any dashboard lights that stay illuminated after you start the car? Do the A/C and heat turn on and blow efficiently? Does the technology work? We're talking audio, Bluetooth, interior lights, turn signals, and headlights. Test the windshield wipers and wiper fluid to ensure they all work. Can you easily adjust the front seats in the car and fold down the back ones? Does the sunroof open and close? Does the parking brake work? Is there an inflated spare tire with a kit in the trunk? Does the key fob work to unlock the doors? Is there a spare if the key fob gives out on you? Are there signs of mildew or mold anywhere on the interior, including the trunk? And we can't forget performance - this is one of the most important things to consider when shopping used cars. Make sure you check these points: Pop the hood - do you see any rust in the engine bay? Are the battery terminals corroded or rusted? Look under the car - do you see any leaks? When you turn the car on, do you see any smoke coming out of the exhaust? Do you smell or hear anything odd when the engine is running? Does the car shake or vibrate when it's in motion? Are the brakes responsive? Do they grind or make noise when you hit them? Do they cause the car to pull to one side when used? Does the car shift smoothly in between gears? Does the car reverse smoothly and without noise? And finally, don't forget to take note of elements like: The car's mileage - does it match the CarFax report? Does the owner have the title for you if it's a private sale? What year is the car? Was the car on when you got there? If so, turn it off and then start it again. Shop all of our Orlando pre-owned inventory today! When you're ready to shop Orlando used cars, bring this list with you - it'll help you stay organized and get answers to all of your questions. Give us a call when you feel prepared to hit the lot - we're ready and waiting at (407) 298-4500 to schedule your test drive!

Are you thinking about trading in your car? For some people, it's as simple as walking into the dealership and handing over their keys. However, if you want to get the most bang for your buck (whether you're getting cash for your car or rolling the equity into another purchase), then there are some simple steps you should take before you trade in. Toyota of Orlando is here with 5 surefire tips to help you get your money's worth when it's time to turn in your keys. Tip #1: Gather your paperwork. When you're doing a trade in on a used car, you definitely need the title and your driver's license. However, having other paperwork on hand can also help. Our Orlando Toyota sales specialists recommend keeping auto service records so future buyers can rest assured that your car was well cared for. You should also keep any receipts from parts and accessories added to the vehicle as well as warranties that can be transferred to the new owners. Tip #2: Have your car detailed. If you trade in at a dealership, they'll undoubtedly clean your car before they put it back out on the lot. But remember that appearance counts. You should detail your car before you bring it in to be appraised for a trade! Take time to wash the exterior and apply a coat of protective wax (which also helps enhance the shine of the paint). Vacuum and wipe down the interior, being careful to get into all the nooks and crannies. If your seats or floor mats are stained, shampoo them to get them looking like-new again. It also helps to clean the windows (inside and out) and give the tires a shine. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Tip #3: Take care of routine maintenance and small repairs. Make sure your car is up to date on routine car maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake service. No one wants to buy a car that's going to need to go into the shop immediately thereafter. Also, think about making small repairs - hammer out dents, replace burnt out fuses and bulbs, fixing a sagging headliner, etc. Major repairs may be more money and time than they're worth, so factor in how much the repair costs and how much it'll knock off the value of the car if you don't get it done. Is it worth having it fixed before you trade in to get more money for your car? Tip #4: Use an appraisal tool to get an idea of how much your car is worth. We have a handy appraisal tool on our website where you can find out how much your car is worth - use it so you can get a ballpark idea of the number you're looking for when you visit our Orlando Toyota dealership. Tip #5: Decide what you want to get for your car. Do you want to take cash for your car when you trade in, or are you looking to roll that equity into another purchase? Decide before you arrive at the dealership and then shop accordingly. Ready to trade in and get your money's worth? Call Toyota of Orlando today to schedule an appraisal at (407) 298-0001!

When you shop for a used car, you want to know where it's been before you decide where it's going. Information about its life before it ended up in your test drive can help you make an informed decision about whether or not it's the right car for you. This is where a used car history report comes into play - our Orlando Toyota dealership highly recommends requesting one before you purchase any pre-owned vehicle. What is a used car history report? A used car history report gives you pertinent information about that particular vehicle's past. Not only can it help you fact-check certain characteristics of the vehicle (like accident damage or mileage), it can also give you a clearer idea of how the car was cared for and maintained by previous owners. Reports like CarFax - which we offer on every used car at Toyota of Orlando - can give you a more sound peace of mind when it comes to buying something pre-owned. Explore these four reasons why we think it's a good idea to request one of these reports before you sign the dotted line! 1) Car maintenance records You should always take a look at the previous car maintenance before you buy a pre-owned vehicle. If the vehicle has been routinely maintenanced and cared for, you're less likely to deal with performance issues and auto repairs in the future. Routine auto service also extends the life of a vehicle, as well as the parts inside of it, ensuring that your car still has plenty of miles left to go before it has to be retired. 2) Mileage Sure, you can see the mileage on the car's odometer. But if you're purchasing a pre-owned vehicle from a private seller, there's always the chance that the odometer has been tampered with to lower the mileage and make the car more attractive to potential buyers. Cross-check the mileage on the car with the mileage on the used car history report to ensure everything lines up. If it doesn't, then walk away! 3) Previous owners How many previous owners has the vehicle had before it found its way to you? The higher the number, the more probability of issues. Usually, when a car swaps hands often it's less likely to have been routinely serviced and more likely to have been in an accident or two. That's why you want to carefully inspect the CarFax report to look for information about accidents and auto service. 4) Car accidents and repairs You always want to know if a vehicle has been in an accident - it can lower the resale value as well as lead to residual auto repairs that need to be made (by you). However, not all owners will tell you about accidents the car has been in. Check the report and also be on the lookout for any major auto repairs that could be the result of an accident or may have warranties attached to them - you'll want copies of the warranties. Request your CarFax today at Toyota of Orlando Ready to shop? Come on down to Toyota of Orlando - we're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!