Do you have a clear idea of what’s going on under your car’s hood? Not a lot of drivers do, and that’s OK – that’s what our Orlando Toyota service experts are here for. However, it does help to have a basic knowledge of how things work so you can make more knowledgable decisions about your car care. Today, we’re giving you the basics when it comes to your car’s serpentine belt. Find out what it does, why it’s important, what happens if it breaks, and how to tell if you need to service or replace it.

What is the serpentine belt?

First, what is the serpentine belt? Basically, it’s one long, winding (that’s why it’s called serpentine) belt that sends power to your car’s air conditioner, alternator, power steering pump, and in some cases even your water pump. Cars haven’t always had them – believe it or not, they used to have individual belts to serve each individual part. This was inefficient, though, because the belts all wore down differently and had to be maintained and replaced at different times. (It caused a lot more maintenance than was necessary.) Thus, the introduction of the serpentine belt to replace all of the individual belts.

Obviously, the serpentine belt plays an essential role in your car’s performance. If it breaks, you’re not going to be getting power to a good number of your car’s accessories, and that can lead to serious performance problems. Additionally, when the belt breaks it can damage OTHER parts of the engine, leading to a ton of expensive repairs to get your Orlando Toyota up and running again. That’s why it’s important to maintain it and when necessary, replace it. Luckily, serpentine belts usually only need to be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. They’re made of thick, durable rubber and built to last. As long as you have it checked with a visual inspection once a year, you should be good to go.

Signs it’s time to schedule a replacement at Toyota of Orlando

So, how do you know if the belt is about to wear out and is due for replacement? Here are some telltale signs you’re going to need Orlando auto service soon:

• You spot cracks or tears in the belt
• The belt has a “glazed” look – it looks sort of shiny
• Pieces of rubber are flaking off
• You’re having problems with your alternator and getting your car started
• Your check engine light comes on (we know this can mean a lot of things, but it’s also a sign of problems with your serpentine belt, so it’s worth bringing your car into Toyota of Orlando for an inspection)
• You hear squealing or chirping under the hood – this is caused when the belt slipping due to stretching, a leak in the engine, or the belt’s pulley working improperly
• Your power steering stops working
• You notice issues with other accessories like your water pump or air conditioning

Think you need auto maintenance for your serpentine belt? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001 or schedule an appointment online. You can also visit us at 3575 Vineland Road!

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We’ve all seen it – the inconsiderate person who parks across two spots, the person who dings your car and leaves without giving you their contact information, the person who holds up traffic in the car parking lot because they have to back into their spot no matter how many people are behind them. Some drivers just aren’t good at car parking, but you don’t have to be one of them. Check out our Orlando Toyota tips for becoming a better parker!

5 tips to help you park your car more efficiently

Tip #1: Park in one spot. 

There’s nothing worse than trying to pull into a car parking spot only to realize someone has parked over the lines of their spot and effectively taken up TWO parking spots. When you pull into your parking spot, be sure that you’re centered evenly between the lines on the left and right. You want enough space on both sides of the vehicle to enter and exit the car. Not only is this being considerate of other drivers, but it can also prevent damage to your car from people opening their car doors and dinging your vehicle.

Tip #2: If the parking lot is busy, avoid fancy maneuvers. 

If there are a ton of cars in the parking lot and a line of drivers behind you, pull forward into your spot of choice. Sure, it can be fun to back into your spot but if you’re not practiced at it,  it requires extra maneuvers that take time to execute. This makes traffic worse and is inconsiderate of the other drivers in the car parking lot.

Tip #3: Use your turn signal. 

You should always use your turn signal in car parking lots, especially to indicate that you’re about to turn into a spot. This can prevent the driver behind you from rear-ending your car, and it also lets other drivers know of your intentions (and if they’re good drivers like you, they won’t try to sneak in and take the spot you want).

Tip #4: Park near the back of the lot. 

OK, hear us out. We know it’s farther to walk (you’re welcome for the extra cardio, though), but parking at the back of the lot has its benefits. In addition to logging extra steps, fewer drivers choose to park in the back. Most people are fighting for the closest spot they can get, so the spots in the back are relatively empty and you’re less likely to have someone ding or damage your car.

Tip #5: Be considerate of other people’s property. 

Accidents happen, we get it. The wind catches your door and before you know it, it’s dinged the car next to you. It’s tempting to just drive off, but be a good human and leave a note on their windshield with your contact information so you can fix the damage.

Call Toyota of Orlando with questions today!

Have questions or want to test drive any of our Orlando Toyotas? Call us – we’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500. You can also stop by our  dealership at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!

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We know a lot of drivers take immense pride in their cars. They spend hours detailing, washing, and waxing to keep their vehicles looking brand new. However, normal day-to-day wear and tear can take a toll on your vehicle no matter how many times you wax it. That’s where the option of ceramic coating comes into play, and Toyota of Orlando is here to explain this unique product and the benefits it can offer your car. But what is ceramic coating for cars, exactly? Check out this information straight from our Toyota Certified Collision Center.

What is ceramic coating for cars?

What is ceramic coating for cars? Basically, it’s sort of like a prime version of car wax. Basically, it’s a liquid polymer that’s applied to your car like a coat of wax – our techs apply it by hand for even results. It then chemically bonds with the factory paint on your car and gives it an additional layer of protection. However, unlike wax, car ceramic coating can’t be removed by washing – it’s there to stay, which means you won’t have to reapply it every few months. It’s a permanent or semi-permanent bond, so it doesn’t break down easily and will stick around a lot longer than even a high-quality wax.

What types of ceramic coating are available to you?

There are basically two types of ceramic coating available for your Orlando Toyota – DIY and professional. You can go either route, but buyer beware – you get what you pay for. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Professional-grade ceramic coating is thick and almost super-glue-like. They require multiple steps to cure them properly and form that protective coat.
• Consumer-grade ceramic coating (DIY products) doesn’t require as much of a process to apply and is cheaper. These products are usually single-application products. They don’t cure as hard as professional-grade products, which can result in less of a shine and less durability.
• Consumer-grade ceramic coating typically comes in two forms: sprayable, and sprayable nano-polymer.
  • The nano-polymer spray is polymer based (instead of SI02 based) and offers enhanced protection and shine.
• When you DIY your ceramic coating, you run the risk of imperfections. It requires a lot of prep work to get the car ready for ceramic coating including washing, clay bar, and waxing. If you skip these steps or aren’t thorough enough with them, it can result in sealing in paint imperfections or dulling the shine of your car’s paint (like, forever).
• Professional ceramic coating places usually require the installer to be professionally trained and have access to the proper type of facility for the job, as well as have insurance and the right tools, like infrared curing lamps.

There are also different areas where ceramic coating can be applied to your Orlando Toyota. You can apply it to protect your car’s paint (the most common use), as well as the glass, wheels, and trim.

How long does it take to ceramic coat a car?

How long does it take to ceramic coat a car? That circles back around to whether you choose professional-grade products or try to DIY the job yourself.

• Professional-grade ceramic coating requires multiple steps and lots of curing. That means they can take 3-4 days to complete for the best outcome.
• Consumer-grade ceramic coating is a simpler process and thus, takes less time. Typically, you can get it done in 1-2 days.

How much is it to ceramic coat a car?

Next big question – how much is it to ceramic coat a car? Obviously, it’s going to be cheaper to DIY it as you’re not paying for labor, and you’re paying for a cheaper product.

• Professional-grade ceramic coating can range anywhere from $1,000 and up. This type of ceramic coating typically lasts from 5-10 years.
• Consumer-grade ceramic coating can range anywhere from $150 and up. This type of ceramic coating typically lasts from 1-3 years.

Costs will vary depending on which type you’re getting, where you’re applying it, where you live, and the type of car you drive. Long story short, your best bet is to call Toyota of Orlando for more information.

What’s the benefit of car ceramic coating?

There are two main benefits to putting a car ceramic coating on your car paint.

• First, it’s easier to clean. It’s hydrophobic and repels water, so water can bead up and slide off a lot more easily than if you just had your paint or even a coat of wax. This means mud and dirty water won’t be able to stick to your car as easy and even if they do, they’ll be a lot easier to rinse off. You won’t have to scrub as hard when detailing your car, nor will you have to apply another coat of ceramic coating every few months like you would with car wax.
• The other main benefit of using a car ceramic coating for vehicles is the protection it affords your Orlando Toyota. As mentioned, it repels moisture (so buh-bye, rust) and is more durable and longer-lasting than wax. It offers an additional layer of protection between the world and your car’s paint, which means it keeps things like UV rays and oxidization (and subsequent paint fading), chemical staining and etching (we’re looking at you, lovebugs), and even some small chips and scratches.

Another side benefit? Ceramic coating for vehicles keeps your car nice and glossy, so you’ll always have that fresh-off-the-lot shine going on.

However, don’t be fooled – using this product won’t prevent your car from getting scratches and paint chips altogether and it certainly doesn’t mean you can stop washing your car.

Schedule ceramic coating for cars at Toyota of Orlando today

Have questions or need to schedule an appointment to get ceramic coating for vehicles? Call us today – we’re open and waiting at (407) 298-6006! You can also stop by Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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When you think about it, your auto glass does a lot for your drive time. It keeps cold (or warm) air in, rain and bugs out, and lets you safely navigate the road without debris and dirt getting into the cabin of your Orlando Toyota. When it gets damaged, it may not seem like that big of a deal, but it can quickly spiral into expensive auto repairs if you’re not careful. Toyota of Orlando’s body shop is here to give you the ins and outs of auto glass and the repairs that may come along with it.

What causes you to need auto glass repair?

Unfortunately, it’s pretty easy to get cracks, chips, and dings in your auto glass (especially if you drive on I-4). All it takes is one piece of debris flying up and that gut-wrenching popping noise, and you’ve got damage to your windshield or windows that means either repairs or replacement. The most common types of damage are chips and cracks. Basically, chips damage the top layer of the glass and cause imperfections in it, which weakens its structure. From there on out, cracks can occur and spiderweb out from the center with the right pressure and motion. This majorly weakens your auto glass, putting you and your passengers at risk.

How do you know if you need a repair or replacement? The general rule of thumb is that if the ding is smaller than a quarter and doesn’t have cracks extending from it, you can opt for a repair. However, if it’s larger than that or has cracking extending from its edges, you may need a windshield replacement (or if you just don’t want to deal with a cosmetic imperfection in the glass).

Luckily for us, in the state of Florida you’re entitled to auto glass replacement FOR FREE under your car insurance policy. You should make a claim immediately and report the damage to your insurance company; they can set it up to where you get your auto glass repaired or replaced so you can hit the road safely again. Never put off making the claim – the damage will just likely get worse as you continue to drive and can put you and everyone in your car in danger.

Our Orlando Toyota Certified Collision Center can also help with auto glass repair – our trained techs are ready to get you back on the road in no time with minimal time spent in the shop (and minimal cost if your state’s insurance doesn’t cover it for some reason). If it doesn’t, make sure you check your policy before scheduling repairs so there are no surprises. It can cost upwards of $100 to repair a chip and $400 to repair a crack.

Call Toyota of Orlando with all of your auto glass needs

Have questions? Need more information? Call us today at (407) 298-6006. Our Orlando body shop techs are here and ready to help. You can also stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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The Orlando Toyota Highlander is pretty much the epitome of family-friendly. It’s got a spacious and versatile interior, top convenience technology, and safety features that other makes and models just can’t compete with. However, we just got word that it’s about to get even better – the 2021 model is reported to features brand-new additions to the Toyota Safety Sense suite.

Explore this safety suite at Toyota of Orlando

Before we talk about the upgrades, let’s talk about the existing Toyota Safety Sense features. You’ll find this suite of safety technology on multiple vehicles in our Orlando Toyota lineup, the Toyota Highlander being one of them. It includes high-tech safety elements like:

• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. This feature is an integrated camera and radar system that helps prevent collisions as well as accidents with pedestrians.
• Lane departure alert. A small camera on your windshield prevents you from weaving out of your lane, alerting you if your tires cross over the lines on the road.
• Automatic high beams. These high beam lights turn on automatically when the situation calls for it and they’re safe to employ.
• Dynamic radar cruise control. This special cruise control system uses radar and a camera to up your cruise control game – it automatically adjusts your speed according to the vehicle in front of you.
• Road sign assist. This Toyota safety feature uses an intelligent camera to detect signs like stop signs, yield signs, do not enter signs, and speed limit signs to then display them on your multi-information display and make you aware of them.
• Lane tracing assist. This feature helps your car to stay centered between the lines on the road when you’re using the dynamic radar cruise control.

 What upgrades come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5?

It sounds like a pretty comprehensive set of safety features, right? We think so too, but Toyota is renowned globally for their advancements in safety research and they’re adding a few upgrades to the 2021 version of Toyota Safety Sense. Here’s what you can count on:

• New support to the pre-collision system to help you more safely navigate making left-hand turns
• Curve speed management to assist you in handling curves while using cruise control (since you should slow your car when making a curve)
• A smarter lane-keep assist feature to more effectively read road lines
• A new feature called “Risk Avoidance Emergency Steering”

And the new system will be called Toyota Safety Sense 2.5.

We can’t wait to see this new safety tech in person when the 2021 Toyota Highlander arrives at Toyota of Orlando later on this year. However, if you want to take a test drive in the meantime, call us! You can experience the current Toyota Safety Sense system in person on a multitude of our Orlando Toyotas now. Call us at (407) 298-4500 to schedule your test drive, or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road. We’re just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall and we’re open seven days a week for your convenience!

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Does car maintenance seem like a big mystery to you? We understand – there are so many moving (literally) parts on a vehicle that it can be hard to keep track of all of them and how they work in the big picture. However, knowing the basics can not only help you care for your car better but also feel more confident when you bring it in for routine car maintenance. That’s why our Orlando car care techs have come up with a list of some of the most common car maintenance terms and their explanation. Check it out below!

The most common car maintenance terms you should be familiar with

Air filter: Has your Orlando car maintenance tech ever told you it’s time to replace your air filter? This important car part is part of the air intake system (that pulls air into the engine) and prevents dirt and debris from getting pulled into the engine where it can negatively impact your performance and even damage your car’s engine. It needs to be replaced every so often to function properly.

Alternator: If your car won’t start but your battery isn’t the issue, it could mean you have issues with your alternator. This part is in charge of both charging your car’s battery and powering the ignition and electrical system when your car is turned on.

Catalytic converter: This car part is actually for the good of the planet – it’s an emissions control device that helps convert the toxic gases within the engine into less harmful gases before they’re released into the air.

Coolant: Coolant is the liquid that runs throughout the engine to help keep it cool while it’s up and running – without it, your car will overheat pretty quickly. It’s usually a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

Dipstick: When you check the level and color of your car’s oil, you do it via the dipstick. This long, thin piece of metal with a handle on the end actually reaches into your engine and lets you pull out a small sample of the oil so you can make sure it’s clean and full.

Fuel pump: This essential car part sends fuel from the gas tank to the engine – without it, you’re going nowhere fast.

Head gasket: The head gasket in your car serves as a seal between the cylinder head and engine block. It helps to seal in the internal combustion AND keep coolant and oil from mixing in your engine.

OEM: OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer – if you see this associated with a car part, it means the part was actually made by the manufacturer who made your car and it’s not an aftermarket part.

Oil filter: The oil filter helps prevent dirt and debris – basically anything abrasive – from the oil before it goes into the engine and does damage.

Radiator: Your car’s radiator is the most critical part of its cooling system. When it’s in action, it basically absorbs heat from the coolant (which has been circulating through the engine) to keep your engine at an optimal temperature.

Spark plug: Your car needs a spark to create the internal combustion that gets your engine up and running. Your spark plugs create that spark, which is why they’re so essential to your vehicle’s performance.

Timing belt: The timing belt basically ensures that critical moving parts under the engine are synchronized so that valves open and close at the right times.

Schedule car maintenance today at Toyota of Orlando

Now that you’re well-versed with the basics, get your car maintenance on the books! Call Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-0001 or stop by our Toyota car maintenance center at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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Are you shopping for a new Toyota with your family in mind?

Whether you have a large family or just one child, it’s essential that you find the perfect new car with the right family elements for your drivetime needs. Driving with kids in the car is a whole different ballgame and our Orlando Toyota dealership wants to ensure that you have the right vehicle and right features to make things as easy, convenient, and stress-free as possible. That’s why we’ve compiled this quick guide to what we think the best family cars have – check it out.

The best new Toyotas for families

Let’s start with a quick breakdown of the new Toyotas on our lot that we think are BEST for families.

• Toyota Highlander/Toyota Highlander Hybrid: This spacious SUV has seating for up to 8 and has the best of the best when it comes to convenience and safety technology.
• Toyota Sienna: This Orlando Toyota minivan offers dual sliding doors and a versatile interior that seats up to 8.
• Toyota 4Runner: This Toyota SUV is spacious inside, offers optional third-row seating, and is also up for anything on or off the road.
• Toyota RAV4/Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: This Orlando Toyota is compact and fuel-efficient but still spacious enough for a small family and their gear.
• Toyota Sequoia: If you want luxury for your family, the Toyota Sequoia is a safe and spacious way to go about getting it.

And the upcoming 2021 Toyota Venza, which is a hybrid crossover that should arrive at our dealership anytime.

Which features best suit your family’s needs?

Now let’s talk about which features, in particular, make new Toyotas family-friendly so you know what to add to your must-have list when you start shopping.

• A spacious interior (some of our options seat up to 8) that’s also versatile – we’re talking fold-flat and removable seats, captain’s chairs, etc.
• A large cargo area for all of your family’s belongings, and features like tie-down hooks and tonneau covers don’t hurt, either
• The BEST safety technology, including features like Toyota Safety Sense, the Star Safety System, Advanced Airbag Systems, and technology like Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, a blind spot monitor, a backup camera, and Safety Connect Services
• Convenience technology like power liftgates, dual sliding power doors, automatic climate control with different zones, HomeLink, second-row sunshades, Driver Easy Speak, and multiple USB ports for easy charging
• Entertainment technology like a Blu-Ray player system with wireless headphones, a JBL sound system, Sirius XM Satellite radio, Bluetooth streaming for music, AppleCar Play, and Android Auto
• Connectivity technology like hands-free calls, voice recognition, the Head-Up display, steering wheel controls, and a large multi-information display

Plus features like easy-clean fabric, seatbelt alerts, power windows with jam protection, Qi-wireless charging for your devices, and heated power front seats.

Ready to start shopping for your family’s new Toyota? Get started today – call Toyota of Orlando! We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and you can stop by and view all of our new AND used inventory at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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If you really sit and think about it, when was the last time you saw a Toyota convertible out on the road? The answer is probably not for a while – not a new one, at least. And in all actuality, you probably haven’t seen many of them at all, new OR used. Why, though? Toyota convertibles and convertibles in general used to be exceptionally popular drive time solutions here at Toyota of Orlando and across the market, but the desire for this submodel has died off. We’re here to examine why.

What happened to Toyota convertibles?

Back in the 1990s and 2000s, Toyota convertibles were a hot commodity on the market. The Orlando Toyota Solara was a fun and sporty way to hit the road in style and get your daily dose of fresh air and vitamin C. And it wasn’t just Toyota convertibles that were on the must-have list – convertibles of all makes and models were popular drive time solutions. The Mazda Miata was released in 1989 and sold over a million units, making it the most popular convertible ever sold.

So what happened? Why did convertibles fall off the map, including the Toyota Solara convertible? Here’s what we think at Toyota of Orlando.

They were not that safe. 

When you think about it, convertibles from that time period, in general, were not very safe vehicles. Their roofs were usually soft top or retractable tops that left you and your passengers vulnerable if you got into an accident or worse, rolled over. Additionally, because they didn’t have a roof, this type of Orlando Toyota also had compromised structural integrity. This made them even more dangerous to pilot on the open road. If Toyota were to introduce a new convertible model onto the market today, we have a feeling they’d go back to the drawing board to redesign it for majorly improved safety and structural integrity.

They’re not very fuel-efficient. 

Let’s talk aerodynamics really quickly. Take cars like the Orlando Toyota Prius for example – this sleek hybrid was designed in a shape that would allow air to easily flow over it. This means it can move through the air at a constant speed without having to use more power (or fuel) to maintain that speed because of wind resistance. Toyota convertibles, on the other hand, are anything but aerodynamic. As you drive them, they get pockets of trapped air that create drag and in turn, lower your fuel efficiency. Additionally, convertibles are heavy cars – this is intentional to counterbalance the lack of a roof. This extra weight in the design lowers your fuel efficiency even further.

Will we see an Orlando Toyota convertible in the future?

Like we said, we don’t foresee this type of submodel coming back to the market anytime soon at Toyota of Orlando. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have tons of fun and sporty options for you to hit the road in – come shop our wide selection of new AND used cars today! We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. Call us to schedule your test drive at (407) 298-4500.

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It’s Labor Day Weekend, which means a lot of us are about to have one extra day of freedom on top of our normally scheduled break. What are your plans? According to the weather forecasters, it might rain (but who knows – it IS Florida). If you can’t get your dose of fun in the sun, it’s always good to have a backup plan. That’s why we’ve created this quick list of five of our favorite car movies for you to stream this weekend!

1. Cars: In need of a family-friendly movie night? Check out Cars from Pixar. Not only will the kids love this exciting and hilarious animated film, you’ll love being able to see the different personalities given to the various makes and models of cars. Plus, there’s always a life lesson thrown in when you watch a Disney movie… so queue up the Blu-Ray player!

2. Ford v. Ferrari: If you like 20th century history and are a fan of Christian Bale or Matt Damon, this is the flick for you. Ford v Ferrari won an Academy Award for its portrayal of the Le Mans Race of 1966. The biopic not only has a dramatic storyline, but also stunning scenic shots and a healthy dose of vintage cars.

3. Any of the Fast and Furious movies: If you want something fun, light-hearted, and even laughable at some points, check out any or all of the Fast and Furious franchise. These movies are absolutely action-packed, full of celebrities and iconic cars, and have soundtracks that will make you want to start a throwback playlist on Spotify. If you start with number one, you’ll be able to spot the iconic Toyota Supra driven by Paul Walker (RIP). From there, you’ll have nine more movies to make it a marathon day if you so choose.

4. Baby Driver: It’s not what it sounds like; this action-packed and thrilling movie is all about the thrill of the getaway scene and features big stars like Ansel Elgort, Jon Bernthal, Jon Hamm, Lily James, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, and more. It also has a killer soundtrack, so make sure your surround sound is hooked up and ready to go.

5. Bumblebee: Are you a fan of Transformers? Then you’ll love this iconic coming-of-age movie about Bumblebee, a transformer in disguise as a Volkswagen Beetle. Actually, you’ll probably love it even if you’re NOT a fan of the Transformers franchise. It’s exciting, funny, and heart-warming AND set to a great soundtrack.

So break out the snacks, get your comfiest PJs on, and bring the big screen home with you! We hope you have a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend. If you’re in need of a new ride, don’t forget – our Labor Day Sale is going on NOW through this Monday and we’re working to get you into a new ride for a great deal AND lower your car payment. Come see us! We’re open until 10pm every single night at 3575 Vineland Road, and you can call ahead of time to schedule your test drive at (407) 298-4500.

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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.

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