Are you a driver who likes to keep your car around for a long time? If so, then it’s in your best interest to shop Toyota – and we’re not just saying that because those are the cars that we sell. ISeeCars.com recently did a study on cars that people keep for 15+ years – there were 15 models on the list. They examined over 750,000 cars ranging in model year from 1981 – 2003. The thing that we’re most happy about? 10 of them were Orlando Toyotas, while Honda and Subaru made up the other five.

Toyota dominates the industry when it comes to longevity

Obviously, we’re not the only ones that can appreciate the longevity that you’ll get when you own an Orlando Toyota. Let’s check out the list so you can see which Toyota models are fan favorites for the long haul.

#15 Toyota Avalon: 10.8% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.

#14 Toyota 4Runner: 11.2% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.

#12 Toyota Camry: 11.5% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.

#10 Toyota RAV4: 12.1% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.

#7 Toyota Tacoma: 13.4% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.

#6 Toyota Sequoia: 13.5% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.

#5 Toyota Tundra: 15.1% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.

#3 Toyota Sienna: 16.1% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.

#2 Toyota Prius: 16.2% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.

#1 Toyota Highlander: 18.5% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.

As you can see, Toyota dominates the list with ease. The brand is renowned throughout the automotive industry for offering exceptional resale value; in 2018 they won one of the coveted “Best Brands” resale value award from KBB.com and also took the top three overall spots on the top ten list with the Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner. Not to mention, new Orlando Toyota cars make phenomenal used cars because of their ability to hold value and quality. In fact, over 5 million Toyota Certified Used Cars have been sold to date… and that’s not even counting the used Toyota cars that weren’t certified.

There are tons of other perks to owning an Orlando Toyota besides resale value. You’ll get incredible safety technology – the company has a research facility right here in the US that is constantly designing and testing new safety features to integrate into their vehicles to make drive times safer for everyone on the road. There’s also a wide variety of options for you to explore. You can choose a Toyota sedan, hatchback, minivan, truck, crossover, or SUV, not to mention have a great selection of both gasoline-powered AND hybrid models to explore.

Shop for an Orlando Toyota today

Curious as to what a Toyota could offer you? Whether it’s short-term or long-term, don’t miss your shot to put one of these exceptional vehicles in your driveway. Come down to Toyota of Orlando today to see all of our inventory in person! We’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road, and we’re open seven days a week. Call us at (407) 298-4500 to learn more and schedule your test drive!

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Here in Orlando, we get pretty mild winter weather (thank goodness). We never have to deal with heavy snow and we rarely have ice on the roads. However, we get a handful of cold nights during the year and if the temps dip low enough and your car is parked in the shade, you could wake up to ice on your windshield. Not to mention, if you head out of town in the winter you’re more than likely to find yourself in need of some windshield de-icing. Toyota of Orlando is here with winter weather car care tips to help you de-ice your windshield like a pro and hit the road with a clear field of vision.

Tip #1: Don’t use hot water. 

DO NOT EVER use hot water to try and melt the ice off of your windshield – it can end in disaster. Hot water hitting the icy cold surface of your windshield can actually cause the glass to crack or shatter from the temperature differences. If you have to use water, use lukewarm water to try and loosen the ice a little.

Tip #2: Avoid using vinegar. 

Another common myth is that you can use vinegar to remove ice from your windshield. Our car care experts advise against this – vinegar can damage the plastic and paint on your vehicle, so you want to avoid pouring it on your vehicle at all (even the windshield).

Tip #3: Don’t try to clear ice with your windshield wipers. 

Don’t use your wipers to try and scrape frost or ice off the windshield when you face winter weather. It’s not effective, first of all, and can easily damage or shred the rubber on the wiper blades. This means they’ll be ineffective from that point on and you’ll have to replace them ASAP.

Tip #4: Run your defroster for a few minutes. 

Running the defroster in your car can help loosen up the ice a little bit, so climb into the driver’s seat and warm both yourself and the windshield up before you get to scraping out in the cold.

Tip #5: Avoid using a metal scraper – opt for plastic. 

A metal scraper can damage the glass windshield, leaving scratches and scrapes that impeded your field of vision. Instead, opt for a plastic scraper – one with a brush on the other end is super handy because then you don’t have to use your hands to brush off the ice and frost. However, don’t scrape TOO hard – even hard plastic can scratch your windshield.

There are de-icer sprays on the market, but living here in Orlando, it’s not really that cost-effective to buy them since we see ice and harsh winter weather so infrequently. Your best bet is to buy a plastic scraper and just keep it in the trunk in case you need it!

Need more car care advice or want to grab a scraper? Ask our auto service experts at Toyota of Orlando – they’re here 7 days a week with the info you need at (407) 298-0001!

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Is your teen driver about to hit the road solo for the first time? It’s pretty nerve-wracking for any parent, and here at Toyota of Orlando we get it. That’s why we’ve gathered up the top nine tips for teen drivers so you can prep your new driver for whatever may come their way when they climb into the driver’s seat.

What should you teach your teen driver before they hit the road?

Tip #1: Choose a safe (and practical) car. 

It’s tempting fate to put your teen driver behind the wheel of a sports car or a fast truck – it’s a wiser option to put them into something practical and safe when you’re sending them out on the road solo. Consider Orlando Toyota cars like the Toyota Yaris, Corolla, RAV4, and Camry, for starters!

Tip #2: Teach them defensive driving. 

It’s good to teach your teen to obey the rules of the road, but you should also teach them defensive driving skills so they can avoid an accident BEFORE it happens. This means doing away with distracted driving, for starters.

Tip #3: No texting. At all. Ever. 

Make texting a no-no – you can even download apps that will lock their phones while the car is in motion so they’re not tempted to even look at incoming texts when behind the wheel.

Tip #4: Make seatbelts a non-negotiable. 

Set a good example and always wear your seatbelt and teach your teens that driving without one is not allowed, period. The car shouldn’t leave the driveway until everyone in it is buckled up.

Tip #5: Review the rules of the road one more time. 

Is your teen driver perfectly clear on the rules of the road? Make sure they know the basics and are competent enough to drive before you turn them loose.

Tip #6: Limit passengers. 

It’s a good idea to limit the number of passengers that your teen has in the car with them at first – passengers can be big distractions. Driving solo is your best bet for the first few months, and then you can slowly increase the number of passengers allowed.

Tip #7: Teach them basic car maintenance. 

Teach your teen how to care for your Orlando Toyota and the importance of oil changes, tire rotations, brake service, fluid checks, and letting you know if they hear or see something odd, or if a dashboard light comes on.

Tip #8: Go over common car emergencies. 

Does your teen know what to do if they get a flat tire? What if they have a dead car battery? How about an overheated vehicle? Teach them the ins and outs of common car problems and what they should do.

Tip #9: Fill them in on what to do in an accident.  

Make sure your teen driver knows what to do after a car accident – who to call, the steps to take, and how to react.

Shop safe new Orlando Toyotas today

Ready to turn your teen driver loose? Get them into a safe new Toyota today – shop Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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Fans of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser, get excited – for the 2020 model year, Toyota is releasing an all-new, limited Heritage Edition. It’s got all of the performance features that you need from this much-loved SUV (luxury + versatility rolled into one) but has a bold new look that’s sure to turn heads. If you love the durable performance, plush interior, and unbeatable reliability that the Orlando Toyota Land Cruiser offers, don’t miss this special edition.

Meet the all-new 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition

Why is it called the Heritage Edition, though? Toyota decided to take it all the way back to 1958 for their inspiration – that’s when the Toyota Land Cruiser officially joined the US lineup. This special edition model channels the versatility and off-road capabilities that the original 1950’s model is so renowned for; after all, it got its start as a 4WD military vehicle.

As mentioned, the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition will offer performance specs very similar to the original model. Here’s what we’ve gleaned so far:

• It has a 5.7L DOHC V8 engine that produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft torque
• You’ll also find an 8-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission at your fingertips as well
• This SUV offers full-time 4WD with Torsen limited-slip locking center differential and optional low range driving
• You’ll find comfort and handling are a priority thanks to a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System
• Tech is integrated to help improve performance, including Multi-terrain select, CRAWL Control, Off-Road Turn Assist, and more

And this new Toyota can also tow up to 8,100 lbs, meaning adventure is within your reach.

What about style? That’s where you’ll find the biggest deviations from the original model, and we can’t wait to lay eyes on the Heritage Edition for that very reason. Here are some of the stylistic updates it will showcase:

• Your choice of a Midnight Black Metallic or Blizzard Pearl exterior with black -accented grille
• Bronze-colored 18×8″ aluminum wheels with a Toyota centercap
• Darker headlight housings,  fog light surrounds, and side mirrors as well as dark chrome exterior accents

And the running boards and lower side body moldings have been removed to make this model more overlanding-friendly. The interior has been revamped too, coming only with two rows of seats and details like:

• A black leather upholstery with bronze-colored accent stitching throughout the cabin
• All-weather floor mats and cargo mat to improve its versatility further

And you can expect the same superior level of entertainment, convenience, and safety technology as the original model.

Expect this model to arrive at Toyota of Orlando in summer 2019

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition will make its way to Orlando in summer of 2019, but don’t miss it when it gets here. Only 1,200 models will be released so when we say it’s limited-edition, we mean it. You don’t want to miss your shot to get your hands on one!

For more information or to check out the 2019 model in person, call Toyota of Orlando today! We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

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So you’re about to start your car shopping journey. It can seem like it takes forever – you do a ton of research, explore your options online, read reviews, and finally choose a dealership so you can go check the car out. Are you exhausted yet? Some people think that doing research online is enough to make their final decision, but Toyota of Orlando is here to beg to differ. We know that some car dealers allow you to shop online and will drop the car in your driveway faster than Amazon Prime, but you’re missing out on a vital part of the process. Before you let the ink dry on the dotted line, you HAVE to get behind the wheel for a test drive, and we’re here to tell you why.

Why is a test drive so necessary?

Reason #1: You can see if it’s comfortable. 

You want to make sure the car you choose is comfortable – after all, you’ll be spending a lot of time in the driver’s seat. That’s why a test drive is important. You can hop behind the wheel and make sure it’s comfy, and you can check to see that you can easily reach all the knobs, dials, and buttons you need access to. You can also check for blind spots and make sure that the backseat is big enough for your passenger load and any car seats or booster seats you’ll need to install.

Reason #2: You can do a little inspection. 

If you take a test drive before you sign the dotted line, you can conduct a quick inspection of the car. This means things like checking the cabin for stains, smells, or damage to the fabrics and trim. You can also examine the exterior for any body damage or signs of an accident and you can pop the hood and check under the car to look for damage or leaks. Finally, you can get the car up and running so you can listen for odd sounds and be on the lookout for weird odors.

Reason #3: You can check out how the car handles. 

When you get behind the wheel and hit the road, you get your shot to see how the car handles. Does it have the acceleration you want? How does it feel when it brakes? Can you take turns the way you want? What about parking – is it easy to park in both perpendicular and parallel spots?

Give yourself options at Toyota of Orlando

Reason #4: You still have room to change your mind and explore other options. 

If you climb into the driver’s seat and decide this ride isn’t for you, you can walk away… and you’ve got a whole lot full of other options at Toyota of Orlando. Our product specialists can show you to other vehicles that are similar to the one you initially chose but might be a better fit.

Reason #5: You can ask more questions and get better answers. 

If you visit our Orlando Toyota dealership in person, you can ask our sales and product specialists in-depth questions about the car during the test drive and they can show you the answers in person… which is a lot more informative and helpful than chatting online.

Are YOU ready to take your test drive? Schedule it today at Toyota of Orlando – call (407) 298-4500.

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We’ve all done it – you lose focus for a second or you swerve to avoid hitting something and you feel your car connect with the curb. Typically you just bounce off and drive away and after a moment of embarrassment and hoping no one saw you, you go about your day. However, hitting a curb can do more damage than you imagine and Toyota of Orlando’s auto service experts are here to explain why it might be worth bringing your ride in for a quick inspection.

What can hitting a curb actually do to your car?

Your car may seem totally fine after you run into a curb, and it really could be. However, there are a host of auto service issues that can spring from this seemingly minor incident. Here are the most common ones our Toyota of Orlando techs see:

Tire damage: Your tire hitting the curb may seem like no big deal – after all, they’re made of rubber and are supposed to be resilient. However, running into a curb can damage your tires structurally, making them weaker… and you may not see the repercussions for hundreds of miles after the accident. Consider having your tires inspected at our Orlando auto service center to ensure they’re still in it for the long haul.

Control arms damage: Basically, the control arms on your vehicle allow the vehicle’s suspension to move the car up and down (which means you stay comfortable on surfaces that are less than smooth). They also help to hold all of the suspension in place, so even jarring them on a curb can damage them and subsequently, damage your car’s suspension.

Tie rod damage: Your tie rods connect your car’s steering system to your wheels… so if they get damaged, it’s a big deal and can drastically affect performance. Hitting a curb can damage the tie rods and leave you with less-than-stellar steering capabilities, which can be especially dangerous if you’re driving on wet or slippery roads.

Steering knuckle damage: The wheel hub is contained within the steering knuckle and in turn, the steering knuckle connects with the steering elements of your car as well as the suspension. Hitting a curb can damage this component and affect your car’s handling, steering, and comfort level on rougher roads.

Let our Orlando auto service techs get you back on track

So, what should you do after you hit a curb? The first thing to do is take note of your car’s performance. Is the steering the same or are you experiencing difficulties getting your ride where you want it to go or is your car drifting to one side? How is your car riding – do you think the suspension could have been negatively affected?

Next, schedule an appointment with Toyota of Orlando’s auto service center. You’ll want an alignment check at the very least, but while our techs are working they can also check your tires, suspension, steering system, tie rods, steering knuckles, and control arms.

Want to make an appointment today? Call us – we’re open seven days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida at (407) 298-0001.

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When it comes to putting the pedal to the metal, there’s a very important part involved – your transmission. Your car’s transmission is in charge of sending power from the engine to the wheels, and it allows you to both get moving in the first place AND shift through the gears to reach higher speeds. When it’s not working properly, you’re going nowhere fast – that’s why it’s so important to maintain it. Toyota of Orlando is here to talk to you about one of the key components of keeping your car’s transmission in top shape – transmission fluid.

Do you need more transmission fluid?

Transmission fluid has two jobs – it keeps your engine cool, and it also keeps your entire transmission system lubricated so all of the parts can work together seamlessly. When the transmission fluid becomes dirty or runs low, it becomes nearly impossible for your car’s transmission to work at full capacity. Best case scenario, you’ll have a not-so-great performance on your hands. Worst case, your car won’t go anywhere… at all.

So, how do you know if your car’s transmission fluid is starting to run low or get too dirty to function properly? Check out these giveaway signs straight from our Orlando auto service techs:

1) You can’t shift gears. 

This is probably the most obvious sign that you’re out of transmission fluid. Whether you drive a manual or an automatic, your car shifts gears in order to speed up and slow down. If it can’t make these shifts, you’re not going anywhere. Like, at all. You can refill the reservoir to get things moving again, but it’s a good idea to bring your car into Toyota of Orlando to have our techs check your system out and ensure there aren’t any leaks.

2) Your shifts seem off when it comes to timing.

Does it feel like your shifts between gears are coming too soon or too late? This could mean your car is running low on transmission fluid and subsequently, can’t get the timing right. Let our techs check things out and get your fluid topped off so you can get your timing right again.

3) Your transmission is slipping. 

When your transmission slips, it feels like your car just can’t quite make it into that gear and slips back into the old one – it should be especially noticeable during acceleration. Other signs of a slipping transmission include spiking RPMs right before a gear shift, odd noises when the car is shifting, and choppiness when the car does manage to shift. All of these signs point to low transmission fluid level and if not handled, can lead to engine overheating and worse (we’re talking expensive repairs). Let our Orlando Toyota techs take a look under the hood as soon as possible.

Schedule service today at Toyota of Orlando

4) There’s a delay when it’s time for your car to engage the next gear. 

Does your car seem to have a few seconds’ delay when it shifts? What about when you shift it into drive or park? It’s only about 2-3 seconds, but it’s noticeable enough. This indicates an issue with fluid levels, so visit Toyota of Orlando today!

Need service? Schedule online or call us at (407) 298-0001.

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Do you consider yourself to be a safe driver? Even if you think you’re a pro when it comes to following the rules of the road and respecting your fellow travelers, there’s always room for improvement… right? Toyota of Orlando is here with 8 tips to improve your day-to-day drive time even more and make you a better safe driver in the long run!

#1: Educate yourself when it comes to defensive driving. 

Are you well-versed in defensive driving? This method of driving teaches you to be proactive and avoid accidents and collisions rather than just reacting to them as they happen. Get more tips from Toyota of Orlando, or invest in a defensive driving class to learn these skills.

#2: Learn how to park. 

Learn  how to park properly at an angle, in a perpendicular spot, and parallel. Some tips to remember? Make sure the spot can actually fit your car (and it isn’t too small), be mindful of your doors when you get out, and always try to park in well-lit and populated areas to avoid a car break-in.

Relearn the basics to be a better safe driver

#3: Never drive when you’re tired. 

Driving when you’re tired is just as dangerous as driving when you’re drunk. Your chances of getting into an accident get much higher when you drive fatigued. Try to take a nap and caffeinate before you hit the road, or consider postponing your trip until you’ve gotten some sleep.

#4: Know how to merge into traffic. 

Merging can be tricky and stressful, and it’s also dangerous if you don’t do it right. Learn how to merge properly – use your turn signal to indicate your movements and don’t cut people off. Your best bet is to travel the speed limit and take your turn sliding into the flow of traffic, but don’t go so slowly that you hold up traffic.

#5: School yourself on how to handle difficult driving situations. 

Driving can be scary. You should teach yourself or take a course so you’re comfortable driving in heavy rain, snow, on ice, in heavy traffic, and in extremely dark conditions (like on an unlit road at night).

#6: Practice your skills. 

The best way to be a better safe driver is to practice the skills. It’s easy to tune out in the driver’s seat with a Spotify playlist or new podcast, but try to be mindful of your driving habits at all times so you sharpen your skills even further.

Use Orlando Toyota tech to help you tackle the open road

#7: Be aware of your blind spots. 

Do you know where your blind spots are and how to check them? All vehicles have them, but luckily there are ways around this danger. A lot of our Orlando Toyotas have blind spot monitors in them that will alert you to another vehicle in your blind spot, and you can also adjust your rearview and side mirrors to give you a clear field of vision in these areas.

#8: Hold the wheel correctly. 

To be a better safe driver, you need to keep both hands on the wheel at all time. We used to be told that you should keep your hands at 10 and 2 on the wheel, but now experts recommend keeping them at 9 and 3 or even 8 and 4 for better control.

Want more tips on how to be a better safe driver, or want to check out the safety tech on our cars? Come down to Toyota of Orlando today – we’re just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

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Have you ever slid into the driver’s seat, cranked the engine, and then realized that something stinks? And we’re not talking your smoothie that you accidentally left in the backseat cupholder or that wet dog smell left over from last weekend’s visit to the dog park. We’re talking a stench that can only mean one thing – trouble under the hood. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain 6 different car smells, what they mean, and why you should never ignore them.

Smell #1: Rotten eggs

If you get a whiff of rotten eggs when you start the car, it can mean that you have traces of sulfur in your gasoline, which can cause hydrogen sulfide in your exhaust. You shouldn’t ignore it because you likely have a problem with your fuel injection system OR your catalytic converter. Long story short, you’re going to need our Orlando auto service techs to get under the hood.

Smell #2: Like you’re parked at a gas station 

If you smell gas inside the car and you’re not actually parked at a gas station, you have a problem. Typically, this smell can indicate a leak from a fuel injection line or a fuel tank vent hose. Either way, your car is leaking a flammable liquid (and one that’s harmful to inhale, too). Bring it into Toyota of Orlando to have our auto service techs check it out.

Smell #3: Sweet maple syrup

If you’re getting a sweet, syrupy smell inside the cabin of your car, it means you have ethylene glycol leaking, aka coolant. You may have a hose leak or a leak in the radiator itself (or even a leaky radiator cap). Regardless, you’re losing the fluid that keeps your car running cool and you don’t want your ride to overheat.

Smell #4: A gym locker room

If your ride smells like a humid gym locker room when you turn on your air-conditioning, then you probably have mildew or mold inside the A/C system – most likely in the A/C condenser. The system needs to be dried out and our auto service techs can help you do it.

Smell #5: Burning carpet

If you smell burning carpet, it means your brake pads are working overtime and are overheated. Make sure your handbrake (or foot parking brake) isn’t engaged, and then bring your car to our Orlando auto service center because it could mean an issue with a brake caliper piston.

Smell #6: Hot oil (and not the good, fried food, lots of calories type oil) 

If you smell hot oil – and not oil like the inside of a McDonald’s – then you likely have an oil leak under the hood. You’ll find that this often stems from a leaky valve or seal and requires expertise to put things right.

Ready to schedule Orlando auto service? Just call us today – we’re open seven days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida at (407) 298-0001!

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Engine damage is a scary thought. It can mean expensive repairs, time in the shop (which means rental car fees) and an overall big inconvenience to your daily life. However, you don’t need to stress – with the proper maintenance and precautions, engine damage is avoidable! Check out these tips straight from our Orlando Toyota service techs on how to prevent this situation from occurring under your hood.

Use these 4 tips to prevent expensive auto repairs

Tip #1: Never ignore your check engine light. 

Your check engine light comes on for a reason – it doesn’t just light up for fun or to make your dash look brighter. When you see the light come on, your first step should be to check your gas cap. Sometimes if it’s not tightened enough, the check engine light will be triggered. However, if it’s screwed in tightly and you’re still seeing the light glow, it’s time to bring your car in for Orlando auto service. You may have an issue with your fuel injection system, your emissions system, your ignition, and more… and the longer you wait, the worse the damage can get!

Tip #2: Don’t turn up the radio to drown out off sounds. 

Don’t try to ignore troublesome sounds by turning up the music (it’s tempting, we know). Your car typically runs smoothly and quietly, and odd noises can mean something is going on under the hood. Rumbling, knocking, squealing, hissing, and rattling can all mean big issues in terms of engine damage and ignoring them isn’t going to help the situation. Remember to periodically turn down the music and see how the car sounds so you can pinpoint anything that seems out of the ordinary immediately.

Tip #3: Pay attention to smells inside the car. 

The interior of your car should smell good (especially if you’re doing your due diligence and detailing it on a regular basis). If it smells like gasoline, hot oil, mildew, syrup, rotten eggs, or burning carpet, then you’ve got an issue with your auto service that should be addressed immediately to avoid engine damage.

Tip #4: Handle smoke or steam immediately. 

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Don’t ever ignore smoke or steam coming out of your engine bay. It can mean your car is overheating, oil or gasoline is leaking, or there’s a problem with your emissions system. Bring your ride into Toyota of Orlando for service today.

Let Toyota of Orlando get you on a routine car maintenance schedule

On top of being vigilant about all of these things, keep your car on a routine Orlando car maintenance schedule to avoid engine damage. By keeping all the parts well-maintained and getting routine multi-point inspections, you’re a lot less likely to have problems throughout ownership. Let our techs get you on a schedule based on your vehicle’s needs.

Have questions about engine damage or want to get your ride on a routine maintenance schedule! Call Toyota of Orlando’s service department today. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 – don’t forget to ask about our service specials to save money.

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