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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!

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!

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" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" 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!

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!