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Toyota of Orlando's used car inspection checklist

Orlando used vehicles for sale
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.
  1. Is the body of the car free from damage like dents, scratches, and dings?
  2. Do you see any mismatched paint or uneven panels?
  3. Do all of the doors and trunk open and close properly?
  4. Do you see rust anywhere on the body or the car? Check everything, including the trunk.
  5. How is the glass on the car - are there any cracks or chips?
  6. 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:
  1. Is the upholstery clean and odor-free?
  2. Is the headliner still attached to the ceiling?
  3. Do the windows all work properly?
  4. Do the power door and window locks work?
  5. Do you see any dashboard lights that stay illuminated after you start the car?
  6. Do the A/C and heat turn on and blow efficiently?
  7. Does the technology work? We're talking audio, Bluetooth, interior lights, turn signals, and headlights.
  8. Test the windshield wipers and wiper fluid to ensure they all work.
  9. Can you easily adjust the front seats in the car and fold down the back ones?
  10. Does the sunroof open and close?
  11. Does the parking brake work?
  12. Is there an inflated spare tire with a kit in the trunk?
  13. Does the key fob work to unlock the doors? Is there a spare if the key fob gives out on you?
  14. Are there signs of mildew or mold anywhere on the interior, including the trunk?
buying a car 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:
  1. Pop the hood - do you see any rust in the engine bay?
  2. Are the battery terminals corroded or rusted?
  3. Look under the car - do you see any leaks?
  4. When you turn the car on, do you see any smoke coming out of the exhaust?
  5. Do you smell or hear anything odd when the engine is running?
  6. Does the car shake or vibrate when it's in motion?
  7. 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?
  8. Does the car shift smoothly in between gears?
  9. Does the car reverse smoothly and without noise?
And finally, don't forget to take note of elements like:
  1. The car's mileage - does it match the CarFax report?
  2. Does the owner have the title for you if it's a private sale?
  3. What year is the car?
  4. 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!  
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7 million Toyota Certified Used Vehicles sold

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.

Orlando Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Toyota FJ Cruiser: What makes it such a legend?

When you sh0p for a used car, you probably expect to pay a good deal less than what you'd pay for a new car. And it makes sense to expect that; after all, your car loses value as soon as it drives off the lot and continues to depreciate after that. It's just a fact of car ownership. So if you're shopping for a ride that's preowned, it's likely you won't have to pay as much for it... unless you're shopping for the Toyota FJ Cruiser. This legendary SUV is the exception to the used car rule, and Toyota of Orlando is here to talk about why. What made the Toyota FJ Cruiser so in-demand? The iconic Toyota FJ Cruiser was debuted way back in 2005 at the North American International Auto Show and remained on the market until 2014, when it was retired after one last special edition model. However, it still remains a popular and sought-after SUV - here's an example. The 2014 model of the Orlando Toyota FJ Cruiser had a starting MSRP of around $27-29k, but if you were to look for one now, you could find yourself paying anywhere between $30-40k. Insane, right? But the Toyota FJ Cruiser was truly one of a kind. Here are some of the cool features that made it unique and much-loved. The Toyota FJ Cruiser had clam-shell (suicide) doors for easy entry, and there was no structural pillar separating the front doors from the back doors. Instead, special high-strength steel was used to ensure protection in the event of an accident. It had a 4.0L V6 engine under the hood, similar to that of the Orlando Toyota 4Runner, that was powerful and versatile enough to handle any off-road terrain. The exterior roof of the Toyota FJ Cruiser was often painted white. This not only led to a cool two-toned paint scheme but also helped to keep the interior of the SUV cooler by deflecting heat. It had a windshield that was almost vertical and THREE windshield wipers instead of the customary 2 wipers to keep visibility high. The grille didn't feature the customary Toyota logo - instead, the Toyota FJ Cruiser had TOYOTA spelled out across it, much like vintage models in the lineup. The interior was designed for off-roading ease. It featured rubber-material surfaces for easy cleanup, an inclinometer, and oversized controls that would be easy to use while wearing gloves. On top of that, there was an available 110v power outlet. The Orlando Toyota FJ Cruiser also featured body-on-frame construction and a high-mounted double-wishbone front suspension and stabilizer bar, as well as a four-link rear suspension with a stabilizer bar. Needless to say, the Toyota FJ Cruiser was pretty much up for any off-road adventure you could think of. It was carefully crafted to travel through mountainous terrain, deep water, mud, sand, snow, ice, and more. This resulted in a cult-like following and lots of disappointed drivers when it was discontinued! Let us help you find a Toyota FJ Cruiser today While we can't get you behind the wheel of a new Toyota FJ Cruiser, we can certainly help you find a preowned one. Call us today! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

Budgeting tips

4 things to budget for when shopping used cars

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.