Are you dreading even the thought of having to find a new auto mechanic to help you with service and repairs for your ride? We get it. You put a huge amount of trust into a mechanic and count on them to keep your Orlando Toyota up and running in the best shape possible, so finding the right one can be a daunting task. As always, we’re here to help – check out these quick tips to get the process rolling and to make it as easy as possible.

Four tips for finding the right auto mechanic

#1: Ask your friends and your family. Why not ask your friends, family, and coworkers which auto mechanic they use? This is a great way to get a personal referral to someone that they trust to work on their car. If they trust them, you probably can, too.

#2: Do a little research online. It never hurts to put your smartphone to work, either. Do a little research online to at least narrow your auto mechanic options. You can search for repair and service shops near you and then look at things like customer reviews and testimonials, as well as the certifications that the shop has and the services that it offers.

#3: Try a shop that specifically services your make. If you’re stuck at a dead end, you can always look for an auto mechanic shop that services your make specifically. For example, if you were to service your Toyota at Toyota of Orlando, you could rest a little easier knowing that our techs are well-versed and certified in all things Toyota and that we’ll use Genuine Toyota Parts to repair your car and KEEP it a Toyota.

#4: Go for it. If all else fails, you can jump in feet first! Find a shop near you that’s convenient to visit or look for a brand name you trust, and schedule an appointment. Start small with a routine auto service like an oil change or tire rotation; this will let you get a feel for the shop and the auto mechanics to see if you’re comfortable with getting them on board for regular car care or bigger repairs in the future.

Still can’t decide? Give our Toyota of Orlando service center a try. Our auto mechanics can get you back on the road quickly and affordably; not only that, we have a Certified Toyota Collision Center onsite for your repairs.

Schedule repairs or service at our Orlando Toyota service center today!

Call Toyota of Orlando today! Our Toyota Service Center is conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. We’re open seven days a week to help with all of your auto mechanic needs. Call ahead with questions, to find out more about our auto service specials, and to schedule an appointment at (407) 298-4500.

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Football season is here, which means it’s time to break out your tailgating gear and hit the road! Cooler weather, exciting games, and friends and family all make for the perfect tailgating weekend whether it’s in town or out of town, but don’t forget – you need the right ride AND the right accessories to make the most of it. Not only do we have a great selection of new Toyotas that are perfect for tailgating – we’re looking at you, Toyota Tundra – but we also have some suggestions as to car accessories that will help you make the most of the big game. Check it out!

Six car accessories to take tailgating this fall

#1: Cargo area organizer. You’re going to have A LOT of gear with you during tailgating season, especially if you’re the type of loyal fan who will even get out of town to support your team. Invest in a cargo area organizer – or at least a net – to keep everything in its place and prevent it from rolling around the back of your Orlando Toyota while you’re on the way to the field. This car accessory will also ensure it’s easy to find everything you need when it’s time to break out the party supplies.

#2: Wireless speakers. You can play music in your car for the tailgate, but then you’re also at risk of draining your car battery AND you have to leave your car open all day. Instead, invest in some wireless speakers to pump up the jams and keep the music flowing until it’s time to head into the stadium.

#3: A bed extender. If you have a lot of gear but your cab is full of passengers, you may want to invest in a bed extender for your Orlando Toyota truck. This cool car accessory will allow you to leave the tailgate down but still keep all of your gear in the bed when you’re on the go, giving you a good deal of extra space back there. Ask our Toyota of Orlando parts store which one works best for your truck!

#4: Tonneau cover. Whether you drive a Toyota truck or an SUV, this car accessory really comes in handy when it comes to privacy and security. It covers anything that’s in the bed of the truck or the cargo area of the SUV, keeping it away from prying eyes who may want to break into your vehicle while you’re instead of the stadium. Plus, if you drive a truck, it’ll keep everything dry and in the shade while you’re busy cheering on your team.

#5: A power inverter. Taking a bunch of appliances with you to make your tailgating site a home away from home? Consider a power inverter – this will allow you to run and charge things off of your car battery. Just make sure you’re clear on how it works, how you should use it, and have our Toyota of Orlando auto service techs inspect your battery before you put the inverter to use.

#6: Hitch. If you’re REALLY swamped when it comes to tailgating gear (or you just want to bring your smoker along for the ride), you may need to tow behind your vehicle. In this case, you’ll need a hitch and a towing setup. Our parts store can get you everything you need and our Toyota service center can install it – just call and set up an appointment!

Shop for them all at Toyota of Orlando

Shopping car accessories for tailgating season? Look no further than Toyota of Orlando. Our parts store (and all of our tailgate-ready new Toyotas) are waiting for you at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. We’re open seven days a week and you can reach us ahead of time at (407) 298-4500.

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Are you shopping for the perfect new Toyota that’s a fit for the entire family? You’ve found it – the redesigned 2022 Toyota Sienna is here and bringing with it a slew of new features. However, we know that Toyotas aren’t the only options on the market right now and we want to help you find the BEST drive time solution for your needs. That’s why we’re taking the time to compare this Orlando Toyota minivan to one of its strongest competitors – the 2022 Honda Odyssey. See how things stack up!

How do these two new minivans compare?

For comparison’s sake, we’re putting the 2022 Toyota Sienna XLE and the 2022 Honda Odyssey EX in the hot seats to see which of these new minivans walks away with the advantage. Let’s take a look at the details.

Comfort: When all is said and done, you really want a family vehicle that’s comfortable inside. This means you need something spacious and ergonomic and the 2022 Toyota Sienna delivers. It offers more hip space in the front by an inch and the rear by two inches, as well as four climate control zones compared to the Honda Odyssey’s three. Additionally, this new Toyota offers easy symmetrical-fold rear seats for maximum cargo space and a standard front sunroof. Otherwise, these two minivans are neck and neck in terms of interior space, comfort features, and accessibility.

Performance: Let’s talk about what matters most first – this new Toyota minivan is a HYBRID. This means major fuel efficiency and a much cleaner performance. Right off the bat, it gets 36/36 mpg in the city and on the highway, far surpassing the 19/22 that its Honda competition offers. You’ll save a ton of money on fuel alone. This Orlando Toyota also offers performance features like regenerative brakes, plus the option of navigation via a 9″ color display, neither of which are up for grabs on the Honda model.

Technology: The 2022 Toyota Sienna also has a bit of an edge when it comes to technology. While both minivans offer the tech you need to make your drive time safe, convenient, and efficient, the Toyota model takes things one step further with features like a standard power liftgate, a standard coming home device and power garage door opener, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, the option of a wireless charging pad, and the Safety Connect System, which you’ll only find on Toyotas. Additionally, the 2022 Toyota Sienna offers a superior audio system with 8 speakers (and the optional JBL upgrade with 12 speakers), as well as an optional subwoofer and wireless headphones that go with the rear seat entertainment system, a feature not available on the Honda Odyssey.

Test drive the 2022 Toyota Sienna at Toyota of Orlando

Honestly, the best way to decide which is best for you is to test drive them both and see which one better suits your drive time style. Come on down and put the 2022 Toyota Sienna to the test today! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week until 10pm at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can call ahead of time for more info or to schedule your appointment at (407) 298-4500!

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Has the thought of adding a car spoiler to your Orlando Toyota recently crossed your mind? It’s a great way (and an affordable one) to create a custom look for your ride and also – believe it or not – to improve your car’s performance. However, although they’re just an accessory, you do need to take a few things into consideration before you buy and install a car spoiler. See what the experts at our Toyota of Orlando body shop have to say about it!

What you should consider before adding a car spoiler

#1: You need to do the right research. You can’t just buy any car spoiler and stick it on your car – you run the risk of it looking ridiculous. Certain spoilers look good with certain vehicles, so do your research. And don’t just rely on pictures. Remember, they’re taken at certain angles and with particular lighting. Try to find the car spoiler you want in real life and look at it on a car that’s similar to yours to get the best idea of how it’ll look after you install it.

#2: You need it to match your vehicle’s paint color. If you’re buying a carbon fiber spoiler or one that’s primed to paint, you’re in good shape. However, if you’re buying one that’s already painted, you need to ensure that it’s going to have to match the existing car paint color on your car or you run the risk of it clashing. Paint codes are unique to makes and models, so do your due diligence before swiping your credit card.

#3: You’ll have to care for it much like the rest of your car. You’ll have to take care of your car spoiler much like the rest of the car – wash it, wax it, etc. And don’t forget, it can still be damaged like the rest of your Orlando Toyota, too. It’s at risk of dings, dents, scratches, and even wind damage if the weather is bad enough, so take the proper precautions.

Why you should invest in a car spoiler

However, we’re big fans of car spoilers here at Toyota of Orlando. Here’s why we think it’s a great accessory to add to your car:

#1: It creates a truly custom look. You can spend a ton of money swapping out wheels, having your car repainted, etc. – or you can add a spoiler to the back. It’s an easy way to create a custom look for your ride without having to spend a ton of money or put your car in the shop for a long period of time.

#2: It enhances performance. Believe it or not, adding this car accessory can actually enhance your car’s performance. Car spoilers catch wind when you’re out on the road and this actually causes them to push the back of your car down, giving you improved handling. It’s a performance improvement that you don’t even have to crack the hood for, and it’s free.

Have questions about car spoilers or want to start shopping? Call Toyota of Orlando today. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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Is it time for you to kick your old car to the curb to make room in your life for a new one? First of all, congrats – buying a new car is exciting and rewarding. However, what are your plans for your old ride? If you’re not sure what to do with your retiree vehicle, Toyota of Orlando is here to help. Check out the options available to you for getting rid of your old car.

Option #1: Trade it in or sell it to us. We’re always looking for preowned cars to stock our used lot, and we’ll add yours to our inventory whether you want to trade it in or just sell it to us. Our used cars director will appraise your vehicle and make you a cash offer on the spot regardless of whether you plan to buy your new car from us or someone else. This is a quick and easy way to get your money’s worth, and you can schedule an appointment with us to save time and at least just get the offer so you can better weigh your options.

Option #2: Sell it privately. You can also sell your car privately. This gives you a little more control over the process and lets you dictate the price, but keep in mind that you have to do all the legwork when you sell privately. You’re going to be the one transferring the title and tag and doing all of the associated paperwork (instead of us), so make sure it’s worth your while before you take this route.

Option #3: Sell it online. Selling your old car online is another option. This is sort of like trading in at a dealership but instead, using an online service that will come to pick your car up from your house. The only downside? You can’t haggle the offer in person – what you get is what you get with no room for improvement.

Option #4: Donate it. Another option is donation. If you don’t really need the money or don’t feel it’s worth the time or effort to trade in or sell your car, you can definitely hand over the keys for free. Plenty of local non-profits take old cars as donations and not only can you feel good about your decision, but you can also write it off as a tax benefit to save yourself a bit of money. Typically, the IRS will allow you to write off whatever the car would sell for if sold at auction. Defer to your accountant with questions!

Option #5: Junk it. Finally, you can always junk your old car if you’re completely done with it and it’s not safe or able to be donated. In this scenario, you’d need to find a junkyard or junk removal service to tow it away and dispose of it for you. You won’t get any money for it, but at least it’ll be off your plate.

Have questions or want to schedule a trade-in appraisal? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

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Have you ever climbed into your car and noticed that you’re not alone? We’re not talking human passengers or four-legged friends – we’re talking ants. Believe it or not, ant infestations in cars are pretty common and can do serious damage to your Orlando Toyota long-term. That’s why it’s critical to take care of the problem as soon as you notice your new six-legged passengers, and our Toyota of Orlando service center techs are here to give you tips on how to do it.

Why might you find ants in your car?

Ants find their way into your car because they deem it a viable source of food or water. They build nests, sure, but once their home base is established ants tend to forage for food and water to bring back, finding the necessities by scent. Once they’ve found food or water in your car, it’s a free-for-all. And even worse, they leave scent trails so other ants know where to get the goods and can also invade your vehicle. This problem can quickly get out of hand, so as soon as you notice ants in your car it’s important to act fast. If left unchecked, ants can chew through wood, foam, insulation, and worst of all, wires. Plus, they can bite you and your passengers.

Tip #1: Clean your car from top to bottom. The first step to take when you notice ants in your car is to give your car a thorough detailing. Take out all trash, food, empty bottles, etc. and vacuum the interior. Wipe down all surfaces, clean the glass, and be sure to check in places like under the seats, in the seat cracks, under car seats, underneath floor mats, and in storage areas like the trunk, glovebox, and center console. Make sure your car is crumb-free and has nothing in it that may be deemed delicious by ants.

Tip #2: Try DIY remedies. You can try at-home remedies at first if you’re not overly keen on the idea of putting professional ant-killing products in your car. Some people swear by Dawn soap – mix two cups of warm water, three tablespoons of salt, and three tablespoons of soap in a spray bottle and spray down the ants.

Ants also hate citrus (like spiders and other insects). Use a citrus-based cleaner when cleaning your car to deter them from wanting to hang out in there. You can also add orange oil to the above-mentioned Dawn soap mixture for an extra-potent extermination tool.

Tip #3: Spring for ant spray and traps. If DIY remedies just won’t cut it, it’s time to break out the big guns. Hit Home Depot or Lowe’s and look for ant-killing spray and ant bait or traps to leave in the car. Spray will kill the ones you see immediately, while bait/traps will take care of the ones that are hiding. Just be sure to be careful with what you’re using, especially if you have kids or pets in the car.

Tip #4: Change your parking spot. It’s also a good idea to switch up where you park – this will confuse the ants and they won’t be able to follow their scent trails to your vehicle anymore.

Tip #5: Look for nests. If you see ant nests in your driveway or yard, get rid of them. This will destroy the home base and encourage the ants to get out of town and head elsewhere.

Visit Toyota of Orlando for help with an ant infestation

Need help with an ant infestation? Call Toyota of Orlando’s auto service center. Our techs are here seven days a week to give you a hand! Toyota of Orlando is located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall and you can reach us at (407) 298-0001.

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The sun in Central Florida can be brutal. If you’ve lived even one summer here, you know how unforgiving the sun can be in a lot of ways, especially when it comes to your car. One of the most common types of car paint damage we see here at Toyota of Orlando is car paint oxidization. This is when the sun actually causes your paint to lose its oil content and start to develop a dull, rough finish and eventually, lose its color pigment. There’s usually no coming back from severe cases or cases in which the car lacks a clear coat, but there are ways to make it look better. Our Orlando Toyota body shop is here with tips on how to handle this type of car paint damage.

How to prevent and treat this type of car paint damage

Tip #1: Prevention is key. The best way to handle car paint oxidization is to try and prevent it from happening in the first place. How? By parking your car under cover as much as you can – a garage is best, but a carport or even trees that provide some shade can help ward off sun damage to your vehicle. If you aren’t able to park under any cover, you may want to consider investing in a car cover to protect your vehicle when it’s sitting out in the elements. You should also regularly apply wax. A solid coat of quality wax can help prevent sun damage (and also keeps moisture away) to keep your paint bright and shiny.

Tip #2: Get the right tools. If you’re going to try to spruce up your car paint DIY style, you’re going to need the right tools. Shop our Toyota of Orlando parts store for:

• Car soap and a sponge
• A few soft microfiber towels
• An electric buffer with soft pads
• Car rubbing compound
• Car polish and wax
• Automotive tape

Tip #3: Get to work. Here are the quick steps you can take to try and reduce car paint oxidization. Note: This will only work if you have a clear coat on your car.

• First, wash your car thoroughly and park it in the shade to dry it off with the microfiber towels. Direct sunlight is no good for rubbing compound, polish, or wax.
• Next, tape off all of the plastic and chrome pieces in the area where you’re working.
• Apply a small amount of rubbing compound to the area and then use the electric buffer to work it into the paint. Go slow, use the slowest setting, and put the softest pad on the buffer. It’ll take time, so don’t rush or apply too much pressure. If it doesn’t seem to be working, you can swap out the buffer pad for one that’s more heavy-duty and use a higher speed.
• Wipe off the excess compound and repeat the process with polish.
• Wipe off the excess polish and use a quality car wax to apply a couple of coats of wax to the entire car.

Schedule car paint oxidization repairs at Toyota of Orlando

If the above steps don’t seem to make a difference on your Orlando Toyota (or you don’t have a clear coat), then it’s time to bring in the professionals. Let the Orlando Toyota body shop take a look at it and get the process started on your car paint job to bring your car back to like-new condition. We’re conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can call us at (407) 298-0001 today! Come by for a free estimate – your car is in good hands.

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Thanksgiving is finally here! If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate the holiday here in Orlando, your options are seemingly endless. Check out some of the top picks our Orlando Toyota dealership has put together for you and happy eating!

2021 Turkey Trot in Avalon Park: Lace up your shoes and preemptively burn off those mashed potatoes! The 2021 Turkey Trot 5K race is taking place in Avalon Park this year on Thursday, Nov. 25 at 8 am (registration starts at 7 am or you can register online beforehand). Proceeds benefit the Avalon Park Foundation, a non-profit.

Orlando Thanksgiving at Rosen Plaza Hotel: Want the works when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, but don’t feel like cooking it OR cleaning it up? We hear you, and that’s why we put the Orlando Thanksgiving at Rosen Plaza Hotel on this list. This incredible buffet takes place from 12 pm – 5 pm on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 25) and features classic roast turkey, swordfish steak, pasta, mashed potatoes… you’ll have all the traditional foods plus a few non-traditional extras. Leave room for the dessert station!

Thanksgiving Feast at the Alfond Inn: Looking for a fancy Thanksgiving dinner in a smaller and more intimate setting? Head over to the Alfond Inn in Winter Park, where they’re having seatings at 12 pm and 3 pm for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner on November 25. You’ll be able to fill up on dishes like tomato white cheddar bisque, shrimp cocktail, candied yams, green beans, whipped potatoes, roasted turkey, slow-braised short ribs, pecan and pumpkin pie… do we need to keep going?

Vegan Thanksgiving: Grateful Gathering: Love Thanksgiving but not into the turkey? Check out the Vegan Thanksgiving celebration taking place this Saturday, November 27 at Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company on Lake Eola. There will be live music, local craft vendors, and vegan thanksgiving-style food. Plus, the weather this weekend is perfect for walking off those mashed potatoes at Lake Eola when you’re done.

Thanksgiving Day Gobble Paddle: Get ready to feast by burning calories ahead of time! Epic Paddle Adventures is hosting a Thanksgiving Day paddle at 8 am on Lake Ivanhoe in Orlando. The event is beginner-friendly and will have multiple guides, so don’t worry about having enough experience. Your event fee includes a paddleboard, paddle, and other safety equipment rental, as well as a dry bag for your phone, a lesson, and water and light snacks to keep you moving. You should bring sunscreen and sunglasses, as well as a towel and a change of clothes.

From our family to yours, we hope you have an amazing Thanksgiving. We’re closed to let our employees celebrate with their friends and families, but we will be open bright and early on Friday morning to continue our Black Friday Weekend Sale. See you then!

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Are you thinking about trading in your old ride to get yourself a new set of wheels? Here at Toyota of Orlando, we’ll offer you top dollar cash for your car, since we’re always in need of used cars for our lot. However, what actually happens when you trade in your car? We’re here to fill you in on the process, as well as give you tips on how to prepare for it. Let’s get started!

Are you ready to trade in your old ride?

• When you get to our dealership, the first thing you’ll do is tell the salesperson who greets you that you’re there to trade in your car. They’ll take your information to get everything in the system, and also to pull a vehicle history report on your car to check for accidents, etc.
• Our used car director will then take your keys and perform a bumper-to-bumper visual inspection of your vehicle. They’ll check over the general condition, as well as take a peek under the hood. Additionally, our Orlando Toyota specialist will turn your car on to ensure it’s running smoothly, the gadgets are working, and the air-conditioning is running (a must-have here in Central Florida). Finally, depending on the vehicle, our team will take your car for a short test drive to check its handling.
• After that, our team will pull up information regarding the trade in value of your car and decide what condition it’s in… from there, they’ll settle on an offer to make you. And we offer cash on the spot if you’re happy with the offer, even if you decide you’re not going to buy your next car from us!

Toyota of Orlando makes trading in and trading up easier than ever

So how can you prepare to trade in your car? Here are some steps to take before you arrive at Toyota of Orlando:

• Look up the trade-in value of your car before you arrive – this will help you decide if you’re comfortable with the offer that our team makes you.
• Wash and wax your car, and vacuum the inside. You’ll be surprised at what a little elbow grease can do to a car’s appearance! A good coat of wax can bring a paint job back to life, and a vacuumed interior can make a car a whole lot more appealing.
• Fill in small paint scratches and fix little dings. It doesn’t take a lot of time or money on your part, but it definitely makes a difference in your car’s appearance. Also, consider shampooing the carpets and upholstery to do away with any stains.
• Take care of small fixes – we’re talking a burnt out headlight bulb or a blown fuse. They’re inexpensive to fix, but the less work the buyer has to do, the better.
• Gather up your paperwork! You’ll want to provide service records (this proves the car has been well-maintained), and the car’s title. And don’t forget to bring extra key fobs with you to hand over, too!

Ready to trade in your car? Call us today to schedule an appointment – we’re open seven days a week until 10pm at (407) 298-4500!

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When it comes to keeping your car safe, you know the basics. Park in a well-lit and well-trafficked area; park near a parking lot attendant if you can. Lock your doors, roll up your windows, and don’t store a spare key anywhere on the outside of the vehicle. Make sure you put all valuables out of sight to reduce temptation for thieves. Buy a vehicle with a car alarm installed. However, did you know there are other ways to prevent your car from being stolen? Toyota of Orlando is here with 5 car anti-theft devices that you can easily purchase through our parts store and use to keep your ride secure when you’re not behind the wheel.

What car anti-theft device is right for your car?

#1: Electronic tracking system

An electronic tracking system may not prevent your ride from being stolen, but it can help ensure you get it back. The system is installed in the vehicle in a secret spot that’s not visible to the naked eye, and the system is then registered with the local police force. GPS will record your car’s movements so the police can quickly and easily track it down if it’s been taken.

#2: Kill switch 

A kill switch most likely isn’t something you can install on your own, as it works with the electrical components in the vehicle and not too many people are well-versed in electrical systems. A kill switch basically prevents electricity from flowing to your car’s critical components, which means it won’t start and thieves will be going nowhere fast. An alternate option is a kill switch that disables the fuel pump. Either way, this car anti-theft device will get the job done.

#3: Steering wheel lock 

A steering wheel lock won’t prevent thieves from getting inside your car, but it WILL prevent them from going anywhere with it. It keeps the steering wheel from turning so even if they’re able to get your car started, they won’t be able to steer enough to even get it out of its spot. Plus, it’s a relatively inexpensive car anti-theft device that you can install yourself in your Orlando Toyota.

#4: Baby monitor 

Did you know you can actually employ a baby monitor as a car anti-theft device? It can’t stop a thief from getting into your car, but it can record video and audio to help police when they’re looking for your vehicle after the fact. Also, if you place the monitor on the dash, thieves may be deterred by the sight of it from breaking into your car.

#5: Tire lock or boot 

Have you ever gotten a tire boot on your car for parking in the wrong place? It’s a pain then, but it’s also a great way to keep thieves away from your vehicle. It prevents the wheel from turning, so your Orlando Toyota’s not going anywhere. This car anti-theft device is especially useful if you’re going out of town or aren’t going to drive your car for a while and want to keep it safe.

Learn how to protect your car with Toyota of Orlando

Want more information about car anti-theft systems? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001!

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