Are you thinking about trading in your car? For some people, it’s as simple as walking into the dealership and handing over their keys. However, if you want to get the most bang for your buck (whether you’re getting cash for your car or rolling the equity into another purchase), then there are some simple steps you should take before you trade in. Toyota of Orlando is here with 5 surefire tips to help you get your money’s worth when it’s time to turn in your keys.

Tip #1: Gather your paperwork. 

When you’re doing a trade in on a used car, you definitely need the title and your driver’s license. However, having other paperwork on hand can also help. Our Orlando Toyota sales specialists recommend keeping auto service records so future buyers can rest assured that your car was well cared for. You should also keep any receipts from parts and accessories added to the vehicle as well as warranties that can be transferred to the new owners.

Tip #2: Have your car detailed. 

If you trade in at a dealership, they’ll undoubtedly clean your car before they put it back out on the lot. But remember that appearance counts. You should detail your car before you bring it in to be appraised for a trade! Take time to wash the exterior and apply a coat of protective wax (which also helps enhance the shine of the paint). Vacuum and wipe down the interior, being careful to get into all the nooks and crannies. If your seats or floor mats are stained, shampoo them to get them looking like-new again. It also helps to clean the windows (inside and out) and give the tires a shine.

Tip #3: Take care of routine maintenance and small repairs. 

Make sure your car is up to date on routine car maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake service. No one wants to buy a car that’s going to need to go into the shop immediately thereafter. Also, think about making small repairs – hammer out dents, replace burnt out fuses and bulbs, fixing a sagging headliner, etc. Major repairs may be more money and time than they’re worth, so factor in how much the repair costs and how much it’ll knock off the value of the car if you don’t get it done. Is it worth having it fixed before you trade in to get more money for your car?

Tip #4: Use an appraisal tool to get an idea of how much your car is worth. 

We have a handy appraisal tool on our website where you can find out how much your car is worth – use it so you can get a ballpark idea of the number you’re looking for when you visit our Orlando Toyota dealership.

Tip #5: Decide what you want to get for your car. 

Do you want to take cash for your car when you trade in, or are you looking to roll that equity into another purchase? Decide before you arrive at the dealership and then shop accordingly.

Ready to trade in and get your money’s worth? Call Toyota of Orlando today to schedule an appraisal at (407) 298-0001!

Posted in Used Cars | No Comments »

The race is on when it comes to autonomous vehicles – it seems that every car maker is working on some sort of technology to get their driverless cars out on the road. However, as seen in recent news, it’s not always safe to test this technology out on the road. That’s why Toyota has announced that it’s going to be building a new testing facility for this very purpose. Toyota of Orlando has the details about this up-and-coming project and the technology that will be tested there.

New autonomous vehicle testing facility coming to Michigan

First, let’s talk about this incredible new facility.

• Toyota was doing autonomous testing on public roads, but recently halted the program due to safety concerns about testing in real-time scenarios.
• The facility is going to be located in Michigan (where a lot of the research and safety facilities are already located) and will span 60 acres, giving Toyota plenty of space to test out new technology in their autonomous vehicles.
• Specifically, it’ll be built in the Michigan Technical Resource Park in Ottawa Lake, Michigan. This facility has an existing 1.75 mile loop in it, but Toyota is taking things to the next level when it comes to testing and needs more space. They’ll be able to test a lot of different scenarios multiple times to see how they need to hone their technology to respond.
• 60 acres may sound like a lot, but it’ll ensure that Toyota has the space they need to replicate real-life scenarios with cars and pedestrians to ensure their autonomous vehicles react as needed.
• The facility will include scenarios like crowded city streets, divided highways, slippery roads, snow, fog, tight corners, and more to give the vehicles plenty of different drive time situations to contend with.
• The site will officially open in October and we predict that a lot of automakers will be following in Toyota’s footsteps – there’s been a lot of discussion about whether it’s safe to test on public roads in real-time situations.

Toyota has been working on autonomous vehicles for years; in fact, they just partnered with Denso and Aisin (heavy hitters in the world of technology and automotive research) to fine-tune this technology and get it ready for consumers. They invested $2.8 billion into their research, and our Orlando Toyota dealership is excited about the results we’ll undoubtedly see over the next few years.

Explore all the Orlando Toyota technology up for grabs now

Autonomous vehicles aren’t up for grabs anywhere in the US, but we do have some other pretty cool technology for you to explore when you visit our Orlando Toyota dealership. Here are some features we love in our current cars:

• Bird’s Eye View Camera with 360-degree views around your car
• Integrated navigation with turn-by-turn instructions
• Qi wireless charging for all of your devices
• Parking assist for tight and parallel spots
• Toyota Safety Sense P with a pre-collision system and pedestrian detection

Come test it all out in person! We’re just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road, and we’re open seven days a week for your convenience.

Posted in Toyota of Orlando News | No Comments »

When the weather is warm – and let’s face it, that’s pretty much every day here in Central Florida – you have to take care to ensure your car can beat the heat and still maintain an efficient and reliable performance. One of the major problems that people face when it’s hot is their car overheating, which is why we’ve gathered information from our Orlando auto service techs that explain what this issue is, what causes it, and what to do if you experience it. Why is your car overheating? Let’s get started!

Why is my car overheating?

When you’re wondering “why is my car overheating?”, you’re basically dealing with a car that has become too hot to function so it eventually shuts itself off. Something inside the cooling system in the engine is preventing it from doing its job, so the engine will eventually shut down in order to prevent major damage. Here are some of the main reasons you may have to deal with your car overheating:

• Your water pump is broken. This is the part of the cooling system that literally pumps coolant throughout, so if it’s broken, the coolant can’t get where it needs to go to keep the temperature reasonable inside the engine.
• You have a leak somewhere. This can be caused by broken or worn hoses and results in not enough coolant making its way through the cooling system, which in turn means the car overheats. You’ll need to have the hose replaced.
• You have a hose blockage. Conversely, if your hose is blocked instead of leaking, you’re still having issues with the coolant getting where it needs to go. Our Orlando Toyota service techs will have to go in and figure out which hose in blocked and remove the blockage or replace the hose.
• Your radiator isn’t functioning properly. The radiator is the part of the cooling system that takes the old, heated up coolant that’s been circling the engine block and cools it back down again. When it doesn’t work, the fluid stays warm and can’t cool the engine properly.

And don’t forget to check your coolant – if you’re using the wrong type of there’s not enough of it, you may risk your car overheating.

What to do if you’re asking why your car is overheating

So, what should you do when faced with this situation? Here are tips from our Orlando Toyota techs:

• Pull over – driving with an overheated engine can lead to big-time issues and subsequently, costly repairs.
• Put the car in park and try revving the engine, which can force more coolant through the cooling system. Opening the hood will also help release some heat, as will running the heat inside the car’s cabin.
• Check the coolant levels to see if they’re low from not being topped off or from a leak.
• NEVER check the radiator (by removing the cap) – you can seriously burn yourself.
• If nothing seems to be cooling down, call a tow truck rather than risk driving your vehicle to an auto service center.

Wondering why is my car overheating and need to schedule Orlando auto service for your engine? Call us today at (407) 298-0001!

Posted in Toyota Service | No Comments »

When it comes to shopping for the perfect family vehicle, there are a lot of options out there. Not only do you have to pick the type of vehicle you want, you also have to choose the make and model as well as decide about things like trim-level, packages, and accessories. We can give you recommendations when it comes to make and model (hint, hint) but let’s start with the most basic question for family car shoppers – what TYPE of vehicle is going to be the best for your drive time needs?

Should you drive a Toyota SUV or a minivan?

The two most common choices for family cars are SUVs and minivans. They have their similarities, but they also definitely have their differences. We’re here to pick them apart so you can decide which is going to suit your driving needs more efficiently.

Space 

Some drivers want their family-friendly vehicle to be as spacious as possible inside; other drivers are willing to sacrifice a bit of space to have something that’s fuel-efficient and sporty. You can have either when you shop our Orlando Toyotas! The Toyota Sienna minivan is super spacious, offering seating for up to eight with 39.1 cubic feet of cargo space and gets 19/27 mpg. The Toyota Highlander can also seat up to eight with 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space and gets 21/27 mpg (although there is a more efficient hybrid option up for grabs). The Toyota RAV4 seats five and has 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space available, and gets 23/30 mpg.

Family-friendly features 

Looking for features that can make your drive time easy, efficient, and stress-free? While Toyota SUVs have great features that can help make that happen (like Bluetooth wireless streaming, automatic climate control, and fold-flat rear seats), the Orlando Toyota Sienna has all of those features and more. With this unique Toyota minivan, you’ll find features like dual power sliding doors, Driver Easy Speak, and a dual-view Blu-Ray entertainment center with wireless headphones. All in all, the minivan takes the cake when it comes to true family features, but the SUVs are a close second.

Versatility 

For some drivers, versatility is the name of the game. We have to admit that in this category, Orlando Toyota SUVs take the top spot. You can take home an SUV like the Toyota 4Runner which is spacious and has tons of family-oriented efficiency features, but still packs a punch in terms of performance with off-road features and towing capabilities. It offers things like four-wheel drive, CRAWL Control, Multi-terrain Select, and towing of up to 5,000 pounds. It’s perfect for both work AND play, offering you the versatility you need from a family vehicle.

Test drive both at Toyota of Orlando

However, the best way to find out is to get behind the wheel – so come in for a test drive! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week until 10 pm at 3575 Vineland Road. We’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall! You can call us ahead of time to schedule your test drive at (407) 298-4500.

Posted in Toyota of Orlando's Tips | No Comments »

When it comes to buying a new ride, you want to invest your hard-earned money into a car that’s dependable and has a lot of longevity to offer. You also probably want efficiency when it comes to performance as well as technology to keep your drive time connected and convenient. But what if you could get all of that on top of innovative and sophisticated style? Good news; you already can. The 2018 Toyota Camry is at Toyota of Orlando and we’re ready to put you in the driver’s seat of this one-of-a-kind car.

2018 Toyota Camry awarded Best Interior

We’re not the only ones who were impressed with the incredible design updates that the 2018 model year brought for the Orlando Toyota Camry. It recently received an award for its updated interior from Wards, an organization that focuses on the automotive industry and its highlights. The award given? The Best Interior award, which is given to cars that push the limit when it comes to design. These vehicles typically sport designs and features that are more often showcased in concept cars. The award is based on the following criteria:

• Value
• Materials
• Technology
• Comfort
• Fit
• Creativity
• Finish
• Ergonomics
• Design harmony

Over 40 cars were judged and the Toyota Camry came out on top due to its innovative interior.

Test drive this new Toyota today

So what can you expect when you get behind the wheel of this Orlando Toyota? Here are some of the highlights that the interior is showcasing for the 2018 model year:

• Multiple trim options including fabric, SofTex, and leather. Our personal favorite is the new Cockpit Red leather interior, which takes things to a whole new level in terms of style.
• Qi wireless charging for your wireless devices, which does away with the need to carry around cords and charging equipment.
• A 10″ color head-up display, which projects important information about performance (like speed, compass, temp, etc.) onto your windshield so you can keep your eyes on the road at all times.
• A Bird’s Eye View Camera with 360-degree views of everything around your vehicle.
• Various interior accent trims including Tiger eye wood, woodgrain, chrome, and textured metal.
• The Smart Key System with Push Button Start.
• Three USB ports for charging and connectivity.
• Entune 3.0 Premium Audio with a JBL audio system, an 8-inch touchscreen, dynamic navigation, voice recognition, dynamic point of interest search, Bluetooth wireless streaming, and the Entune App Suite.
• Dual-zone automatic climate control for maximum comfort everywhere inside the cabin.
• Safety Connect Services.

As you can clearly see, not only is the Orlando Toyota Camry stylish, it also offers you a large assortment of features designed to keep your drive time safe, efficient, and convenient. That’s why we were pleased but not surprised to see that this incredible car won an award for its interior!

Ready to see for yourself how dynamic this new Toyota truly is? Come on down and get into the driver’s seat. Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. Call us ahead of time to learn more about our new car specials and schedule an appointment with one of our sales specialists for your test drive!

Posted in Toyota of Orlando News | No Comments »

Driving in different weather conditions than the ones we’re used to (a.k.a, hot and sunny) can be challenging. Unfamiliar weather throws drivers off their game, resulting in collisions, traffic, and other snags that can slow you down big-time. One of the biggest troublemakers when it comes to weather is fog. We don’t see it TOO often here in Central Florida but it does make an appearance from time to time. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips for driving in fog to help you hit the road safely and confidently.

Toyota of Orlando tips for driving in bad weather

Tip #1: Slow down. 

Slow your speed in foggy conditions so you can have more reaction time should you need to come to a sudden stop or make a sudden maneuver. Also, be sure not to tailgate or ride too closely to the vehicle in front of you just in case they come to a sudden stop.

Tip #2: Turn on your headlights (but not your brights). 

Turn on your headlights to help you cut through the mist when driving in fog; this will also help other drivers see you better on the road. However, avoid using the brights in your Orlando Toyota because the light will reflect off of the fog, making it difficult for you AND other drivers to see around it. It can be very disorienting. And never drive with your hazard lights on; it’s actually against the law.

Tip #3: Use markers and technology to guide you.

Having a hard time seeing where you’re going? Use the right side of the road (and the painted lines there) to keep you where you need to be when driving in fog. You can also set your navigation to inform you ahead of time when you need to make a turn or take an on/off ramp to a highway.

Driving in fog is simple with these 6 tips

Tip #4: Don’t pull over. 

Try to avoid pulling over when you’re driving in fog. Other drivers won’t be able to see you and you run the risk of being struck by another car. If you HAVE to pull over because of car trouble, be sure to pull well off the shoulder and turn on your hazards once your car is in park so it’s more visible.

Tip #5: Watch out for wildlife. 

Animals tend to be a bit braver in the fog, but they’re also harder to see in this type of weather. Be on the lookout for animals crossing the road so you can maneuver around them.

Tip #6: Use your wipers and defroster. 

Using your wipers and defroster will help to keep your car’s windshield clear when you’re driving in fog. Be sure to implement both!

And don’t forget to keep your car up on routine Orlando auto service that helps it take on foggy weather like a pro. Schedule service for your brakes, have your headlights checked, make sure your defroster works, and don’t forget to change out your wiper blades.

Want to schedule Orlando auto service to get your car prepped? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001!

Posted in Toyota of Orlando's Tips | No Comments »

Have you ever seen a puddle under your car and wondered where it’s coming from? It can cause a brief moment of panic as you begin to imagine all the costs associated with the auto repairs that are sure to come out of it. However, there is a quick and easy way to put your mind at ease and identify where the leaks are coming from – and you can actually do it without training to be a mechanic. Toyota of Orlando is here to help! Check out our tips for deciphering car leaks and what they mean.

What kind of car leak are you experiencing?

Gas leak

Everyone knows what color gasoline is – a yellowish-brown hue. However, the best way for you to identify this type of leak is by using your nose. Gas has a very strong and distinctive odor that you’re sure to recognize. Leaks could be coming from the lines, and this isn’t something you want to ignore! Not only is it dangerous to drive around with a gas leak as gas is very flammable, you’re also losing money every time you get behind the wheel. We all know how expensive it is to fill up at the fuel pump.

Oil leak

If your car has an engine oil leak, the first thing you’ll probably notice is oil under the car. It won’t be a large puddle, but it’ll still be noticeable. It’s anywhere from caramel to dark brown in color (depending on how clean it is) and is viscous and syrupy. You can also check your oil levels to see if they’ve dipped down, and use the fluid on the dipstick for comparison. If you have an oil leak it’s important to bring your car to our Orlando Toyota service center so our techs can remedy the problem. It could be leaking from a lot of different places and since oil is what keeps your engine running properly, you don’t want to run out.

Let Toyota of Orlando fix your leak issues today

Coolant leak

Think your car has a coolant leak? You’ll notice puddles of green or blue liquid under your car (it can even sometimes be reddish-orange, depending on which coolant you’re using). It’s a pretty common car leak and not TOO serious, but you don’t want to delay in getting it fixed. Remember, your coolant keeps your engine from overheating so if it’s leaking, the levels are going down and it won’t be able to do its job properly.

Brake fluid leak

Brake fluid is similar in appearance to cooking oil and if you see it under your car, you need to get to your latest Orlando Toyota service center ASAP. When you’re leaking brake fluid, you’re slowly chipping away at your ability to safely bring your car to a stop.

Have a car leak? Need it fixed? Whether or not you’re able to tell what the leak is and where it’s coming from, you probably need help fixing it. Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001!

Posted in Toyota Service | No Comments »

Are you thinking about hitting the road this summer? July 4th is coming up fast and Labor Day Weekend isn’t far behind. Plus, it’s summer and the perfect time to hit the highway is when the kids are out of school. Toyota of Orlando is here to help you with one of the most tedious parts of a road trip – packing the car. We’ve got tips on how to safely and efficiently pack your ride so you can get to the fun parts of your summer vacation.

Do you know how to pack a car?

Tip #1: Put the heavy stuff on the bottom. 

When you pack a car, you want to put all heavy items in the cargo area of your car and obviously, stack them on the bottom of the pile so they don’t smash anything else (put fragile items somewhere else or at least on the top of the pile). Also, be sure to put the heavy items toward the center of the vehicle to keep weight distributed equally when you pack a car. Always avoid putting heavy items in the roof racks of your car; this throws off your vehicle’s center of gravity and can up your chances of the car tipping or rolling over in an accident.

Tip #2: Pack separate bags.

It’s a lot to pack a car with separate bags, we know. But packing special bags can save you a lot of time and money! First, you should pack a bag that has your road trip necessities in it. This means snacks, drinks, chargers, maps, and anything you need to keep you and the kids occupied. Also, don’t forget to pack a first aid kit and any medications you need to have on hand. You should pack one of these bags for your four-legged friends, too. Second, you should pack an overnight bag if you’re planning to stop and stay in a hotel during the course of your road trip. Pack this bag with the essentials, including changes of clothing, toiletries, etc.. Put it at the top of your luggage so when you stop, you can easily grab it and take it into the hotel without having to lug ALL your luggage.

Tip #3: Keep your field of vision clear. 

It’s tempting to stack luggage to the ceiling of your car in order to maximize space when you pack a car… don’t give into the temptation. This impedes your field of vision and is very dangerous (and you can actually get into trouble for doing it, too). Be sure to leave a clear field so you can properly use your rearview mirror and check your blind spots.

Use these Orlando Toyota tips to pack a car with ease

Tip #4: Check the specs if you’re towing or hauling. 

If you’re going to be using roof racks or towing something behind you, be sure your car can handle the weight. Our Orlando Toyota sales specialists can help you figure out the specs or you can check your owner’s manual. Also make sure you’ve installed the racks or tow hitch properly so you can get to your final destination safely – our Orlando auto service team can help you with that!

Want to make sure your car is ready to hit the road before you leave? Visit the Toyota of Orlando auto service center to check  your tires, brakes, headlights, wipers, battery, and fluids! We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

Posted in Toyota of Orlando's Tips | No Comments »

When it comes to shopping for a new Toyota truck, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There are so many options for you to consider and it can be challenging to narrow them down AND make sure everything fits in your budget. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips to help streamline the process and make you feel more confident in your decision. Let’s get started!

Tip #1: Be prepared for the price tag. 

Trucks are just more expensive than cars no matter where you buy them from – they’re designed with specific performance abilities in mind, like towing, hauling, and off-roading. This means bigger engines, more performance features, and more going on under the hood. Subsequently, they tend to cost more than your run-of-the-mill sedan or hatchback! Be prepared before you consider buying a Toyota truck so you’re not thrown off by the higher price.

Tip #2: Outline WHY you need the truck. 

Why are you buying a Toyota truck? Will you be using it for towing a boat or trailer? Taking it off the pavement to hit the trails? Or maybe hauling heavy supplies for a job? Whatever your needs, be sure to outline them before you start shopping. This question can narrow the field of options very efficiently for you. Make a list of the specific features you’ll need to achieve your performance goals.

Tip #3: Decide on an engine as well as duty type. 

Asking yourself “why” you want the Toyota truck in question will help you answer this question. Your towing and hauling needs (in terms of how much weight) will help determine what size engine you need, as well as whether you need a light-, medium-, or heavy-duty Toyota truck. Obviously, light can handle the least amount of weight while heavy handles the most. Numbers vary by make and model, but you’ll be able to sit down and look at the specifications for the truck you’re considering to determine what you need.

Tip #4: Choose your trim-level and other options. 

You’ll also need to choose things like bed size (at Toyota of Orlando, they come in long, regular, and short) as well as cab size – how many people do you need to fit inside the cabin? Trim-level is another option, and it determines which features you’ll have in terms of style, technology, convenience, and more. Making these decisions should help you pinpoint a specific Toyota truck.

Tip #5: Figure out your registration and licensing. 

Once you’ve signed the dotted line, will anything change in terms of your license or registration – bigger trucks sometimes require extra fees or special licensing! Your insurance costs could also go up. Be prepared for the increased finances and do your due diligence to ensure they can fit into your budget.

Are you ready to shop for a new Toyota truck? Call Toyota of Orlando today to schedule your test drive – we’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500. Explore our selection AND our specials today!

Posted in Toyota of Orlando's Tips | No Comments »

Do you know how to thoroughly inspect a used car before you sign the dotted line? Some people are unnerved by buying pre-owned, but the best way to get peace of mind and ensure you take home a reliable ride at a great price is to do a little legwork. Toyota of Orlando is here to help you educate yourself AND find the perfect pre-owned solution – check out our used car inspection checklist and be sure to take it with you when it’s time for your test drive.

Toyota of Orlando has a checklist for used car inspections

First things first – let’s talk about initial appearances of the used car in question.

1. Is the body of the car free from damage like dents, scratches, and dings?
2. Do you see any mismatched paint or uneven panels?
3. Do all of the doors and trunk open and close properly?
4. Do you see rust anywhere on the body or the car? Check everything, including the trunk.
5. How is the glass on the car – are there any cracks or chips?
6. Are the tires in good shape? Do they have any damage? Do they have the right amount of tread?

Now let’s talk about the interior since that’s where you’ll probably be headed next. Here are our Orlando Toyota tips for inspecting the cabin:

1. Is the upholstery clean and odor-free?
2. Is the headliner still attached to the ceiling?
3. Do the windows all work properly?
4. Do the power door and window locks work?
5. Do you see any dashboard lights that stay illuminated after you start the car?
6. Do the A/C and heat turn on and blow efficiently?
7. Does the technology work? We’re talking audio, Bluetooth, interior lights, turn signals, and headlights.
8. Test the windshield wipers and wiper fluid to ensure they all work.
9. Can you easily adjust the front seats in the car and fold down the back ones?
10. Does the sunroof open and close?
11. Does the parking brake work?
12. Is there an inflated spare tire with a kit in the trunk?
13. Does the key fob work to unlock the doors? Is there a spare if the key fob gives out on you?
14. Are there signs of mildew or mold anywhere on the interior, including the trunk?

And we can’t forget performance – this is one of the most important things to consider when shopping used cars. Make sure you check these points:

1. Pop the hood – do you see any rust in the engine bay?
2. Are the battery terminals corroded or rusted?
3. Look under the car – do you see any leaks?
4. When you turn the car on, do you see any smoke coming out of the exhaust?
5. Do you smell or hear anything odd when the engine is running?
6. Does the car shake or vibrate when it’s in motion?
7. Are the brakes responsive? Do they grind or make noise when you hit them? Do they cause the car to pull to one side when used?
8. Does the car shift smoothly in between gears?
9. Does the car reverse smoothly and without noise?

And finally, don’t forget to take note of elements like:

1. The car’s mileage – does it match the CarFax report?
2. Does the owner have the title for you if it’s a private sale?
3. What year is the car?
4. Was the car on when you got there? If so, turn it off and then start it again.

Shop all of our Orlando pre-owned inventory today!

When you’re ready to shop Orlando used cars, bring this list with you – it’ll help you stay organized and get answers to all of your questions. Give us a call when you feel prepared to hit the lot – we’re ready and waiting at (407) 298-4500 to schedule your test drive!

Posted in Used Cars | No Comments »