Blog

Do you remember the Toyota AE86? This super-sporty coupe was a popular option for sports car drivers back in its hey-day - primarily, in the 1980s. This front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Toyota reigned supreme from 1983-1987 and was an excellent option for anyone who wanted to hit the track or event just put the pedal to the metal. These Toyotas were light, easy to modify, and inexpensive to purchase. This made them exceptionally popular and many drivers were sad to see them retire. However, their retirement from the market did have one high note; a special edition AE86 Black Limited model was released in limited supply. New Toyota 86 Black Limited model ups the ante for performance and style This special edition model of the Toyota AE86 was all about looks. It was based on the GT-Apex trim and showcased gold wheels (they looked better than they sound, we promise), a black exterior, and a special exterior pinstripe that set it apart from run-of-the-mill models. Only 400 models were put into production, making it a truly limited-edition option. We loved the Toyota AE86, but we're even more excited about some up-and-coming news - the Orlando Toyota 86, which is heavily based on the original Toyota AE86, will offer an 86 Black Limited model this year! Here's the scoop on this special edition: Only 86 models of the Toyota 86 Black Limited will be put into production, making it even more limited-edition than its predecessor. This model was originally introduced as a concept car at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon back in January of this year, but it was pretty much eclipsed by the news of the Toyota GR Yaris. Luckily, Toyota decided to put it into production. It will showcase 17" bronze wheels, a bronze pinstripe reminiscent of the model it draws inspiration from, and a trunk lid spoiler. The interior will boast perforated front seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara, a dash decked out in suede-like materials and an overall black color scheme with sleek bronze accents. Performance has been boosted a bit on this special edition Orlando Toyota, too - it has new ventilated Brembo brakes and SACHS shock absorbers. The underbody has been tweaked slightly to improve airflow, and the new trunk lid spoiler actually adds downforce for improved handling. Starting MSRP will be 3,518,000 Yen or around $34,600. Test drive this Orlando Toyota sports car today And don't forget - if you're a fan of the 2020 Orlando Toyota 86 but not willing to wait around for a special edition, we've got options for you at Toyota of Orlando. This popular sports car is a fantastic drive time solution for drivers who want to infuse their daily commute with excitement but not break the bank in the process. Here are some of the things we love most about the current model: It gets 21/28 mpg and comes in both manual and automatic six-speed transmissions, with the automatic model offering paddle shifters It has a 2.0Lflat-four boxer engine under the hood that produces 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque It comes standard with Torsen Limited-Slip differential for incredible handling and performance And best of all, it has a starting MSRP of just over $27,000. Ready to get behind the wheel? Call Toyota of Orlando today - we're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500!

Spring is in the air! If you're trying to get prepped for the season by getting your house and home in order, you're not alone. As of 2018, 91% of Americans spring clean every year! Here are some quick tips from our Orlando Toyota dealership to make the process as easy, efficient, and enjoyable as possible. Tip #1: Declutter first. There's no point in trying to clean around clutter - it just makes it more time-consuming and less rewarding in the end. Before you start spring cleaning, declutter your house and get rid of things you don't need or want to hang onto. We recommend designating a box for donations, a box for storage, and a box for trash to make sorting things easy and efficient. The rule of thumb? If you haven't used it in more than a year and it isn't nostalgic, get rid of it. Tip #2: Work from top to bottom. You should work from top to bottom to make cleaning more efficient. Start with ceiling fans and light fixtures and work your way down, finishing off with the floors. This will save time AND frustration - remember, anything that comes off the light fixtures, fans, and furniture is going to end up on the floor. Tip #3: Don't forget about the walls, cabinets, and baseboards. It's easy to overlook the walls, cabinets, and baseboards when it comes to day-to-day cleaning. Spring cleaning is a good excuse to tackle them. Wipe down your walls and scrub your baseboards - you'll be amazed at how quickly dust and grime can gather there. Additionally, give your cabinets a thorough cleaning by wiping down the doors and handles, organizing the interiors, and cleaning the shelves before you put everything back. Tip #4: Go room by room. We know it can be overwhelming to think of spring cleaning as a whole, so take it room by room. Compartmentalizing it will actually help you save time because you can focus on one thing at a time, finish it, and move onto the next efficiently. Tip #5: Remember to clean outdoors, too. Spring cleaning isn't just about the interior of your house! Now's a great time to tackle all of those outdoor projects, too. Clean out your gutters so they're ready for our summer rainstorms, pressure wash the driveway and sidewalks, and clean up the landscaping. You can also take this time to scrub down the grill, clean the kids' toys, and organize that shed or utility closet you've been letting go. Tip #6: Don't forget about appliances. Appliances, especially small ones, can get overlooked during spring cleaning. Use this time to clean out and reorganize your fridge and freezer; you can also deep clean your microwave, clean your coffee pot and teapot, and make sure your blender is mess-free. Tip #7: Disinfect all the things Spring cleaning is also a great time to wash or disinfect things you may not think about on a day-to-day basis. Wash your pet beds, the pillows on your couch, your curtains - anything that can collect dust. You can also disinfect all the trashcans in your house and steam clean your couch, futons, and chairs to remove grime. And while we're talking about it, don't forget your car. If you're too worn out from spring cleaning your home, we've got you covered! Schedule car detailing at Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-4500. Happy spring!

When shopping for a new ride, some drivers just simply aren't satisfied with the current Toyota options on the market. They're looking for something extremely unique, something different - maybe even something from a different era. This is typically when a classic Toyota car restoration comes into play! However, restoring a classic car can take time, money, and dedication. Our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to give you some quick tips in our beginner's guide to classic Toyota car restoration - check it out. A quick beginner's guide to restoring a classic Toyota car Tip #1: Consider factors like time and money. Restoring a classic Toyota car is definitely a lot more complex than simply walking into Toyota of Orlando and driving off in a new Camry. It requires time and money, and you should make sure you have enough of both before you try to tackle it. Here's the breakdown: Time: Restoring a car takes a fair amount of time, even if you choose to have professionals do it for you. You typically won't be able to walk into our Orlando Toyota parts store to get the parts you need, especially if the car is vintage, which means it'll take some time to track them down. And if you go the modern route and use current-day parts to restore your vehicle, you still have to take the time to find the right ones and ensure that they're compatible with your ride. It could take over a year to get all of the pieces into play. Money: Restoring a classic Toyota car also requires a fair amount of money invested in it. Not only will you need to track down parts, but you'll also have to pay for a workspace and tools OR professional labor to get your car up and running again. Tip #2: Figure out how you're going to choose your car. How are you going to find the right classic Toyota car to restore? Again, you can't just waltz into our dealership and walk out with a set of keys! When searching for a vintage ride to upgrade, your best bet is the classifieds, whether online or in the newspaper. You can also look for sites that specialize in classic car sales. Tip #3: Have the right workspace and tools ready to go. If you're going to tackle restoration on your own, you'll need the right workspace AND the right tools. You'll want a place to work that's well-lit, dry, and big enough for you to move around in. You'll also want certain tools on hand - for starters, you should have a car jack, screwdriver, a drill with different bits, an air hose, screwdrivers, pliers, sockets, and wrenches. If you're really going to get into the trenches, you may want to consider having other items on hand like a welder, a blowtorch, and an engine crane and stand so you can lift the engine out of the car with ease. Make sure you know how to use all of these tools safely, though, before you get started. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Get tips and tools from Toyota of Orlando Want more tips on restoring a classic Toyota car? Call Toyota of Orlando's service center. We're ready and waiting for you seven days a week at (407) 298-0001!

Every year, our Orlando Toyota dealership looks forward to the innovative rides headed to our lot... but we get especially excited about the special editions that will be up for grabs for a limited time. 2020 is no exception - at least five new Nightshade Editions will be making their way to Toyota of Orlando at some point this year and we've got the scoop on what each will have to offer. Which new Nightshade Edition will you drive home? To start, however, let's talk about what Nightshade Editions are. Basically, these special edition models are blacked-out to create a sleek, edgy, and unique look that you just won't find on any other vehicle. Here are the details. 2020 Toyota 4Runner The Nightshade Edition of this versatile SUV will offer the same off-road-ready performance, but will also showcase highlights like 20" black alloy wheels, black bumpers with black chrome accents, black badging, black interior trim (including the steering wheel, shift knob, and more) and black exterior accents. This means blacked-out bumper spoilers, rocker panels, window moldings, exhaust, and roof rails. 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback As if the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback wasn't cool enough to begin with, the Nightshade Edition of this sporty ride will feature 18" black alloy wheels, a single exhaust with black diffusers and surround, black badging, and black exterior accents like a lower grille surround, side rocker panels, a shark-fin antenna, door handles, and rear spoiler. 2020 Toyota Sienna The Swagger Wagon is about to get even slicker with this new limited-edition model. This Orlando Toyota minivan will boast 18" or 19" black alloy wheels, a black sport mesh front grille, black badging and Toyota emblems, a black rear spoiler with LED stoplight, and black exterior accents. These include black fog light bezels, door handles, shark-fin antenna, mirror caps, and more. 2020 Toyota Corolla The 2020 Toyota Corolla is already sporty and compact, but this new special edition model adds an element of aggressive style to make it even cooler. It offers 18" black alloy wheels and a new sporty mesh black front grille and black bumper, as well as black Toyota emblems and badging. You'll also find black door handles, mirror caps, and a black shark-fin antenna. 2020 Toyota Camry Classically cool, the Orlando Toyota Camry is getting a dose of edginess in this new Nightshade Edition. It showcases blacked-out badging and Toyota emblems, as well as 18" black alloy wheels. You'll also love the black exterior accents like rear spoiler, window trim, door handles, shark-din antenna, and mirror caps for a sleek, dark look. See these special edition Orlando Toyotas in person Like we mentioned, despite the appearance upgrades on these sleek special editions you can count on the same safety, performance, and reliability that you're accustomed to with all of our other Orlando Toyotas. It's a win-win for drivers who want to stand out on the road without having to sacrifice performance capabilities or technology. We'll keep you posted as to when these special editions start hitting the lot! For more information, give us a call. Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

When it comes to pumping gas, it's pretty self-explanatory. You pay, stick the nozzle into the gas tank, pump, and go. However, did you know there are potentially dangerous mistakes that you could be making when you're at the gas pump? Toyota of Orlando is here to tell you more and make sure that you're safe every time you fill up at the gas station. Read on! Toyota of Orlando's tips for when you're at the gas pump Mistake #1: Topping off the tank Some people like to "top off the tank" to squeeze those last few drops in when they're getting gas. This is a bad idea, though - the automatic shut-off valves are there for a reason. Gasoline needs room to expand inside the tank so when you fill past the automatic shut-off valve's "click", you're potentially putting too much gas into the tank. This can lead to too much pressure inside the tank and subsequently, a leak as the gas expands. Fill until you hear the click, then stop. Mistake #2: Smoking at the gas pump This seems like a no-brainer, but we still see people smoking at the gas pump. Gasoline is EXTREMELY flammable and all it takes is one little hot ash or tiny ember to start a big, dangerous fire. Put out your cigarette or cigar until you're well clear of the gas pump. Mistake #3: Getting in and out of the car Did you know that every time you get in and out of your car, static electricity builds up a small charge on your body? This is especially true when it's cold and dry out. If you go to grab the gas nozzle and that electricity sparks, you could cause a fire. It stinks to pump gas when it's cold or wet outside, but resist the urge to get back into the driver's seat while you wait for the tank to fill. Mistake #4: Leaving your car running while you pump NEVER leave your car running while you fill the tank with gas. When you leave it on, it's putting off heat and static electricity - both of which can cause a fire when combined with gasoline or even gas vapors. Turn your car off and make sure you have your keys in hand before you fill up. Mistake #5: Using your cell phone We've got some good news - cell phones can't cause fires at the gas pump (contrary to what some believe). What they can do, however, is distract you to the point where you overfill your tank or even drive off with the nozzle still in the tank. Put your phone away while at the gas pump, period. Mistake #6: Not locking your doors or rolling your windows up You should always close or at least crack your car windows at the gas pump as well as lock all of your doors. (Make sure you have your keys in hand!) Thieves find it easy to sneak into the opposite side of your car and steal your belongings while you're distracted at the pump. Don't be a victim - lock up! Let our Orlando Toyota service techs answer your questions Want more tips? Call Toyota of Orlando's service center! We're here seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and our Orlando Toyota service techs are happy to give you any advice they can.

The automotive world is all abuzz lately because big news about the 2021 Toyota Supra recently was announced - the 2021 model will feature two new engine options (inline six and 4-cylinder), and both of them will be turbocharged. However, what exactly does turbocharged mean and how does it affect your drive time? Toyota of Orlando is here with answers. What is a turbocharged engine? A turbocharged engine is frequently referred to simply as a "turbo" engine. It's purpose? To boost both fuel efficiency and power in a vehicle, which is what makes it such a popular option for sports cars (and anyone who wants to get where they're going fast). But how does a turbo achieve this extra efficiency and power inside your engine bay? Here's a basic breakdown: A turbocharged engine essentially uses turbine power and forced induction to push extra compressed air into your engine's combustion chamber. This improves your Orlando Toyota's power because the extra air being forced into the combustion chamber subsequently results in more fuel being pushed in as well. This is where that "boost" in power comes from - the extra fuel combusting at a faster rate than a normally-aspirated engine. Turbocharged vs supercharged Turbo engines haven't always been called turbos, though. They were originally known as turbosuperchargers because this was when the term "superchargers" encompassed all engines that used forced induction (aka forced compressed air) to boost power and efficiency. However, today superchargers and turbochargers are considered to be two different things. Turbocharged engines use a turbine that's powered by the engine's exhaust gas to force the extra air into the combustion chamber. A supercharger is mechanically-driven - it's usually powered by a belt attached to the crankshaft. A twincharger, on the other hand, is an engine that uses both a turbocharger AND a supercharger. Which is better? That really depends on the individual driver and the drive time experience they prefer, but our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to point out some of the pros and cons of both types of chargers. Check it out: One of the disadvantages you'll find in turbocharged cars is lag. This is the gap of time between the demand for increased power (the throttle being opened) and the actual input of compressed air to result in that power. It happens because this type of charger relies on the buildup of exhaust gas pressure to power the turbine. When a car is operating at idle or a low speed, it takes a bit of time to build up that exhaust pressure and push it above the norm. A disadvantage of superchargers, on the other hand, is the toll that the charger takes on the engine. Because it's mechanically-driven, it puts the engine through additional wear and tear and actually uses some of the horsepower that the engine produces (although the horsepower that it subsequently creates outweighs the loss). Another con? Superchargers create far more excess heat than turbochargers, which can be bad for your engine. Have questions or want to see a turbocharged engine in person? Call us - the 2020 Toyota Supra is waiting for you to take it home at Toyota of Orlando!

When you take things off the pavement, there's always a chance that you'll get stuck in mud or sand regardless of how performance-driven your Orlando Toyota actually is. Toyota of Orlando is always here to help on both the sales and service sides of things and today we're giving you tips on what to do if you go off road and find yourself stuck. Read on! Explore off road like a pro with these tips Stuck in the sand: There's nothing better than a day at New Smyrna, especially when you can drive onto the beach and not have to haul all of your beach gear to a good spot by hand. However, there's always a risk that you'll find yourself stuck in the sand if you aren't careful with your off road technique. If you find your tires spinning, here are some tips: Stop hitting the gas - it'll just make your tires dig in deeper. Instead, try to dig them out a little with a shovel or your hands. Moving the soft sand away from them so they can reach the firmer sand underneath can help you regain traction. No luck? You'll need to provide a little traction for your tires yourself. You can do this by putting pieces of cardboard or even your Orlando Toyota's floor mats under the front of your tires so they have something other than sand to grab onto. Once the mats are in place, accelerate steadily, but not too slowly. You want a little get-up-and-go to combine with the traction to pull you out of the sand. Our top tip? Drive closer to the water (but not IN the water) - the sand is firmer there. Choose a parking spot where the sand is firm but the water can't reach you, and never hit the gas or brakes hard. You should also avoid making sharp turns. Stuck in the mud: Taking things off road and into the woods can mean mud, and mud can mean getting stuck. Mud is even trickier than sand, so check out these Orlando Toyota tips for getting unstuck in this sticky situation: Just like when you're stuck in the sand, DO NOT slam on the accelerator to try and free yourself from the mud. It'll just dig you in more. Carry a bag of kitty litter with you - it sounds weird, but it can help. Pour the litter in front of your power tires (in a front-wheel vehicle, the front tires and in a rear-wheel vehicle, the back tires) to help your tires grip better. You can also use your car's floor mats if you're in a pinch, but expect them to get muddy. Accelerate steadily to move your vehicle forward. If this method doesn't work, try using a tow strap to get yourself out. You can have another vehicle pull you but ensure that you're using an actual tow strap that can withstand the pressure, and be sure to attach the strap to secure spots (not the bumpers or any part of the suspension). Go slowly and steadily when using this method! Get your car ready for off road with Toyota of Orlando Want more tips or want to get your ride ready for off road challenges? Call our Parts department! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

Toyota is renowned for thinking outside of the box and if there was ever a vehicle that fits that bill, it would be the new Toyota TJ cruiser. This cool concept car was introduced to the public a few years ago and its unique shape and incredibly utilitarian features stood out from the current run of SUVs, minivans, and wagons. And we just got news - it's officially moving from the concept stage into production this year. Toyota TJ Cruiser will hit the Japanese market in 2020 The Toyota TJ Cruiser won't be in production in America, unfortunately - at least not for now. For the time being the only way you'll be able to get your hands on this ultra-versatile SUV is to buy it in Japan and have it imported. However, we do have the details when it comes to this interesting new concept-turned-production car. Check it out: The "TJ" in TJ Cruiser is an abbreviation for "tool" and "joy" - it's a play off of the fact that this versatile new ride is both utilitarian AND fun to drive. The Toyota TJ Cruiser was first introduced as a concept car back in 2017 at the Tokyo Motor Show and has since been compared to the once-famous Honda Element. This adaptable vehicle is a sort of hybrid between an SUV, wagon, and minivan, meaning it's super spacious in terms of both passenger capacity and cargo capacity. It features rear sliding doors that are wider than usual as well as fold-flat seats - even the front passenger's seat will fold down to make more cargo space. Additionally, the cargo hatch is large to accommodate getting bigger items into the back. Rumor has it that this interesting ride will feature three rows of seats as well. The concept vehicle featured 20" wheels with large tires and scratch- and dirt-resistant body panels, but we're not sure if those will actually make it onto the production vehicle (although it would be pretty cool if they did). We also aren't sure if the concept design will carry over to production. The Toyota TJ Cruiser concept is incredibly boxy and futuristic-looking, but that may not translate into the general market. It's been speculated that this new Toyota will feature a hybrid engine, likely in a 1.8L or 2.5L configuration. However, some people think it'll also be up for grabs in a non-hybrid model with available all-wheel drive (similar to the current Orlando Toyota RAV4). Production will likely begin in May of 2020 - the TJ Cruiser was actually supposed to go into production in October of 2019 but faced minor delays. That's all we know so far, but it looks like this interesting concept could translate into a funky but efficient new Toyota option. And there's always a chance it could be shifted to the US market, especially if it performs well in the Japanese market... so keep your fingers crossed! Test drive a new Toyota at Toyota of Orlando today We'll keep you posted on updates surrounding the TJ Cruiser (we're especially excited to see what the final product looks like). In the meantime, come test drive any and all of our new Orlando Toyota options! You can find us open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

It used to be that when you got behind the wheel of your car, there was one "mode" - driving. You hit the gas and got where you needed to go, and that was that. However, as our Orlando Toyota vehicles evolve, new technology gets woven into every aspect of them including performance. Now many of our new Toyotas come with different drive modes, and we're here to explain what they are and how to use them to your benefit. Read on! What are Toyota drive modes? Driving modes are basically just modes that you can engage on your Orlando Toyota that will alter your driving dynamics and tailor performance to your preferences. The most common ones among our new Toyotas are Eco, Normal, and Sport. Some models also include a Snow mode for taking on tough winter weather. Hybrids typically have one additional mode - EV mode. How can you use Orlando Toyota drive modes to your advantage? Normal mode: This mode is just what it sounds like - normal. Your ride will operate in this mode unless you dictate otherwise, and it'll deliver what's been promised in terms of horsepower, torque, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Sport mode: When you engage Sport mode on your Orlando Toyota, it modifies the way your transmission, shifting, throttle response, and electronic power steering assist work. The gas pedal will be easier to press down, your handling will improve, and acceleration and shifting (on an automatic) will happen a lot faster. Overall, it'll be a sportier driving experience, although your fuel efficiency will likely drop. Not all of our new Toyotas have this mode - you'll find it on some of them, like the Toyota 86, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4, and a few others. Ask your sales specialist which models offer the option. Eco mode: Eco mode is all about efficiency - namely, fuel efficiency. When you use this mode on your Orlando Toyota, your vehicle will slow throttle response, adjust climate controls (like A/C and heated seats), and reduce engine power so the engine doesn't have to work as hard and thus, can save fuel. If you're trying to accelerate quickly or climb a hill, this mode isn't ideal, but it's fine to use otherwise, especially in traffic. Snow mode: When you engage Snow mode, your Toyota will actually start out in second gear rather than first. This means less torque and in turn, less chance of your wheels spinning out when you accelerate. Your car will also operate in different shift patterns to give you better traction and control. EV mode: This mode is only found on Orlando Toyota hybrids; EV stands for Electrical Vehicle. In this mode, your hybrid car will stop using the engine completely and only power itself with the battery. However, in a normal hybrid, you can't use this mode for long distances or at high speeds. It's best used in traffic for a mile or so at most. Want to test-drive each and every one of these Toyota drive modes? Call us! Our Orlando Toyota dealership is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we're happy to get you behind the wheel.

Here at Toyota of Orlando, things are busy. We've got 2020 models on the lot waiting to be test driven, our Payment Reduction Event has been continued into the month of February, and the new Toyota Supra is a fixed attraction on the floor. However, there's a lot going on outside of our dealership in the world of Toyota. Check out some of the latest news stories - we're breaking down the basics to make it a quick read for you. The Toyota GR Yaris *MIGHT* come to the US People have been pretty excited about the sporty new Toyota GR Yaris, which sports an inline-3 engine that gets 268 horsepower. This small-but-mighty hatchback has been available exclusively in Japan and Europe... up until now. Toyota recently retweeted a post from Jalopnik (a website that reviews all things automotive) that asked "Does the North American market need another hot hatch? Let us know what you think!" Does the retweet mean that Toyota is seriously considering importing the new GR Yaris to the US? We can dream... Toyota works with Panasonic on a new battery Toyota is well-known in the realm of green cars for its innovative hybrid and electric vehicle technology. Now they're upping the ante by pairing up with Panasonic to work on a new EV battery that can be utilized in both hybrid and electric cars. Said battery will be a prismatic lithium-ion battery, which is easier for automakers to connect in cars and also offers a safe and cost-effective option. 2020 Highlander saves the day at the Super Bowl The new 2020 Toyota Highlander is back and hotter than ever with a striking redesign, but it also got to play the hero in a dynamic ad with Cobie Smulders for this year's Super Bowl. In the 60 second spot the Orlando Toyota Highlander rescues people left behind in several disastrous scenarios - you know, because it's so roomy and comfortable inside. Toyota's flying cars are coming to fruition Flying cars are coming - you heard right. It may seem like an early April Fool's Joke, but Toyota recently invested $394 million into Joby Aviation. The aerospace company will lend the automotive giant engineering expertise, specifically in the areas of commercial EV vertical take-off and landing vehicles (i.e., flying electric cars). Move over, Marty McFly. A new accelerator safety feature is in the works Just like it's known for expertise in the world of green cars, Toyota is also renowned on a global scale for its innovative research into automotive safety for both drivers and pedestrians. A new feature is in the works - accelerator suppression function. This advanced safety tech will process data to determine whether or not the driver is purposefully pressing the accelerator. If the acceleration is deemed to be a mistake, the car will ignore the input and continue at its previous rate of speed.

It can feel stressful when you buy a car, especially if it's your first time making such a large purchase. However, an easy way to remove some of the stress from the occasion is to do away with uncertainties - i.e., preparing yourself ahead of time. Making a list of your drive time needs and picking a make and model is a good start, but it also helps to know what you should bring with you when you actually head to the dealership. Check out these tips from our Orlando Toyota dealership! 6 things to bring when you buy a car Your driver's license. You'll need your driver's license to test drive a car, first of all. But you'll also need it to verify identity so we can do all of the necessary paperwork when you buy a car. Make sure you have your license on hand the minute you walk in the door and make sure that it's not expired. A way to make payment. You'll be making a payment when you buy a car before you even leave the dealership as you typically will make a down payment before you can call it yours. Make sure you check with whoever you're buying from to see if they accept all forms of payment (credit cards, debit cars, personal checks, cashier's checks, etc.). The title to your vehicle. Are you trading in your current car? You'll need proof that you own it, so be sure to bring the title with you when you buy a car. If you have a co-owner on the vehicle, make sure you get their signature on the title before you try to trade it in! If you're confused, our Orlando Toyota sales specialists can help you get it sorted out. Your current registration. You'll need to bring the registration for your current car in order to trade it in. Make sure that the registration is current (not expired) and that you also have the sticker on your current ride's license plate. Insurance information. You'll need proof of insurance to take your new car home since it's illegal to drive without it. Bring your insurance card to show proof of insurance as well as contact information (if it's not on the card) for the insurance company so you can call and add your new ride to your policy before you hit the road. Verification for rebates. Are you going to be taking advantage of any rebates? If you're planning on cashing in on military, student, or other rebates then make sure you have the proper documentation to do so. You can call Toyota of Orlando to find out what you need for the Toyota Military Rebate or College Grad Rebate. A few other things we recommend bringing when you buy a car? Empty bags to clean out your current car (if you haven't already), a drink and a snack, and a phone charger. Purchasing a car can take a few hours from start to finish and you don't want to be hangry or stuck with a dead phone. Buy a car with our help at Toyota of Orlando today Ready to buy a car? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We'll get you set up for a test drive and answer any other questions you have about what to bring. You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

Do you have an excited teen driver waiting to get behind the wheel? While it's exciting for them, it can definitely be a nerve-wracking time for parents. However, teaching your teen how to drive doesn't have to be stressful for either of you, believe it or not. Prep yourself for the experience with these simple tips from Toyota of Orlando before you hit the road... in the passenger's seat. 9 tips for teaching your teen how to drive 1. Make sure your teen is READY to drive. If your teen driver has expressed an interest, then get the ball rolling. However, if they're reticent to get behind the wheel then don't push it - the last thing you want is an anxious new driver behind the wheel. 2. Prep them accordingly. Does their high school offer driver's education courses? Can you sign them up for a defensive driving course in your city? Giving them knowledge of the basics will help them feel more comfortable when they're in control of your Orlando Toyota. 3. Start in the right place. You should start teaching your teen how to drive in an empty parking lot and let them get comfortable there before moving to a quiet residential area. Once they've mastered that, you can move to busier streets with traffic and finally, work your way up to the highway. 4. Pick a good time. You want it to be daytime and sunny when teaching your teen how to drive. Save the rainy weather, snow days, and nighttime excursions for when they have more experience. 5. Be a good coach. Instead of yelling, scolding, or getting upset, stay calm and speak carefully. Also, be sure to praise positive aspects of their driving performance. 6. Don't lecture; instead, ask questions. Lecturing your teen when teaching them how to drive will likely just make them feel defensive and nervous. Instead of saying "You're going too fast", ask a question like "What's the speed limit here?" to allow them to correct their mistakes without feeling criticized. 7. Give them lots of directions and be careful about how you give them. Instead of saying "Turn left here" right before the turn, say "We're going to make a left turn in one block, so be ready". This lets them mentally prepare and execute the maneuver slowly and carefully instead of hurrying through it at the last minute. 8. Be aware FOR them. They're going to be concentrating on the road and you should teach them to be aware of their surroundings, but when they're starting out you need to serve as another set of eyes for them. Be aware of all four sides of the car and share your observations calmly to help them start to adjust to this mindset. 9. Set a good example. If you have a habit of tailgating or slamming on the gas to make it through yellow lights, cut it out. Teens will imitate your driving behaviors so you want to set a good example by wearing your seatbelt, using defensive driving skills, following road rules, and avoiding distractions. Get your teen a safe new ride at Toyota of Orlando Looking for more tips or want a safe and affordable ride for your new teen driver? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500. Happy teaching!