The weekend is here! As usual, the weather will be unpredictable – we may be called the Sunshine State, but Florida definitely gets its fair share of rain, especially in the summer. You can plan for the beach or the parks, but it’s always good to have a backup plan in case storm clouds start to gather. Toyota of Orlando has gathered a little list of contingencies for you – check it out!

#1: Orlando Science Center: The Orlando Science Center is great for kids and adults alike (and you can feel good that you’re doing something entertaining AND educational). You’ll find four stories of permanent exhibits about animals, energy, space, and more. There’s also an IMAX theatre, as well as traveling exhibits that stick around for a few months and then swap out.

#2: Dave and Buster’s: Dave and Buster’s is a sports fan’s dream. You can catch sports games on huge screen TVs, order food, have a few brews (just remember to find a DD or an Uber home), and soak up the atmosphere. If you’re not into watching sports, amuse yourself by playing the dozens of arcade games, shuffleboard, pool, or basketball located there. (Save your tickets and get prizes, too!)

#3: Bowling: Hit the bowling alley this weekend – you’ve got tons of options spread throughout the city of Orlando. Some of our favorites include Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Disney Springs and King’s Dining and Entertainment on I-Drive. Both serve great food as well as cocktails and whether you’re a novice bowler or a pro, you’ll love the atmosphere at both alleys.

#4: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium: This beautiful aquarium is located on I-Drive so if it’s rainy, you can hole up inside and wander the interactive exhibits (there’s even a playground for the kiddos). If it’s sunny, take your time in the aquarium and then head out to I-Drive to explore the restaurants and other attractions, like Madame Tussaud’s.

#5: K1 Speed: Need a little thrill in your weekend but worried rain might throw a wrench into things? Check out K1 speed! This indoor go-kart track will let you get your adrenaline rush, and you can also relax in one of the spacious lounges, check out the racing memorabilia on display, or grab a snack from the snack bar. Who cares about the rain?

#6: Monkey Joes: Looking for a way to get your little ones to expend some energy when the weather isn’t conducive to the park or playground? Head to one of the Monkey Joes locations here in Orlando, where they can run around on the huge indoor bounce house playgrounds and you can relax in the cafe. There’s even an arcade for slightly older kids.

Rain or shine, you’ve got the weekend covered… and don’t forget that we’re open no matter the weather outside! Toyota of Orlando is conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

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Are you a fan of the Toyota FJ Cruiser? This much-loved Orlando Toyota SUV had quite the run – it was introduced into the market back in 2003 and was a popular option until it was discontinued by Toyota in 2014. Off-roaders and commuters alike loved it for its versatility, its reliable and durable performance, and its unique style (it was a throwback to the original FJ40). If you miss this fan favorite, then you’re in luck… it’s rumored that a new model that’s similar MAY be coming to fruition in Japan in the year 2020!

 

What is the Toyota TJ Cruiser?

Back in 2017, the Toyota TJ Cruiser was teased as a concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show. As we all know, concepts sometimes lead to nothing – sometimes, they’re just cool ideas but never make it onto the production line. Not with the Toyota TJ Cruiser. This part-SUV, part-minivan solution is supposedly hitting the market overseas in 2020, and Toyota of Orlando has the scoop on what it’ll offer when it arrives.

The exterior of the new Toyota TJ Cruiser is boxy but slightly reminiscent of the beloved Toyota FJ Cruiser. The interior seats 4, with a fold-down rear seat AND passenger seat so you can easily maximize your cargo space. However, some rumors indicate that a third-row bench seat will be an option. While the two front doors open regularly, the two back doors are sliding (like the Orlando Toyota Sienna).

What about performance? So far, we know that the engine compartment opens in the opposite direction of all other Toyotas (kind of like a semi-truck). However, instead of having a V6 engine like the FJ, the new Toyota TJ Cruiser will offer a hybrid power train (similar to what the Toyota Prius brings to the table). A 1.8L powertrain and 2.0L 4-cylinder engine will likely be under the hood, which means this futuristic model will offer incredible fuel efficiency.

When will it actually arrive in Japan, though? According to a recently published article from a Japanese vehicle journalism site, Toyota has made the decision to unveil the production model (not the concent model) at the Tokyo Motor Show this October, and then roll it out of production in December for it to be sold in 2020.

We don’t know that this car will ever make it to the US, but it WILL be built on the TNGA platform, which many production Toyotas are being built on. We’d welcome it at our Orlando Toyota dealership but we’ll have to play the waiting game and see!

Explore hybrids AND SUVs at Toyota of Orlando today!

In the interim, however, we’ve got plenty of options for you. If you’re looking for a hybrid, explore our models! You can also test drive SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Highlander, and more!

Schedule your appointment today – call (407) 298-4500, or swing by 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall to see our entire inventory.

 

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Hurricane season is in full swing! It looks like Tropical Storm Dorian might take a swing at us (although you never know, it could go wide and leave us with a nice, dry Labor Day Weekend). Either way, we do live in the Sunshine State, which means we’re prone to hurricanes every year from May 1 – November 30. We figured now was a good a time as any to brush up on hurricane safety – particularly, evacuating. Check out our Orlando Toyota tips below.

6 tips to consider when evacuating a hurricane

Tip #1: Gas up in advance. There’s nothing worse than sitting at a gas station with 5 people ahead of you while the storm clouds build in the distance. And the lines only get worse as the storm gets closer – gas up now so you don’t have to worry about it before you get out town. That way you can stop once you’re clear of the hurricane’s path and top off the tank in your Orlando Toyota.

Tip #2: Know what to pack. What should you take when you evacuate a hurricane? Our Orlando Toyota dealership recommends bringing important documents, photographs, chargers, all medications you might need, cash, and supplies for your pets. You’ll also want to bring changes of clothing for everyone and snacks and drinks. Don’t forget a paper map in case you lose service, as well as a basic first aid kit.

Tip #3: Have a final destination in mind. Know where you’re going. If the hurricane is anticipated to be a bad one, you won’t be the only one getting out of town. Book a hotel or locate a shelter before you leave town so you know exactly where you’re going and have a definite place to stay when you arrive.

Tip #4: Make sure four-legged friends are welcome. When you book a hotel, choose a shelter, or ask a friend if you can crash with them, be sure that your four-legged friends are welcome, too. You should NEVER leave your pets home alone in a hurricane – no excuses.

Get your car prepped and ready at Toyota of Orlando

Tip #5: Ensure your car is ready to get out of town. Your Orlando Toyota should be gassed up in the event you decide to evacuate, but you also want to ensure it’s in good enough condition to hit the highway. Make sure you’re caught up on auto service like oil changes, coolant checks, tire inspections, and a battery inspection before you take on the open road.

Tip #6: Check traffic before you head out. Before you actually evacuate, check traffic on your route. If a lot of people are of similar mind when it comes to evacuating, then the roads could be clogged. Checking before you leave your house will give you the option of searching for alternate, less crowded routes to get out of town. It can save you both time and gasoline.

Whether you decide to stay put or head out of town this hurricane season, Toyota of Orlando has you covered. Schedule your auto service at our Toyota service department or call us for more tips at (407) 298-0001.

 

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We all know how messy the car can get in a matter of hours, especially if you’re carting kids around town. However, the mess can actually be more than just annoying to look at. Crumbs can attract bugs and other pests, things rolling around can become hazard if you’re in an accident, and spills are more likely – all of which can bring down the resale value of your ride, too. Toyota of Orlando is here with 6 simple car care tips to keep your ride decluttered all year long.

Decluttering your ride is part of car care

Tip 1: Remember that less is more. We know you want to be prepared for all eventualities, but do you REALLY need three different jackets in your car in case you get cold in the restaurant? Try to pare down what you do keep in your car so you’re prepared for everything, but don’t overdo it when it comes to supplies.

Tip 2: Go through your stuff periodically. Make it a point to go through your car supplies periodically. Has that snack expired or busted open so it’s now stale? Has your charging cord frayed so that it’s almost unusable? Is it summer now so you can stash the winter boots you have in the trunk back in your closet? Routinely organizing your belongings and swapping out what you don’t need will help your car stay clutter-free.

Tip 3: Get to know your ride. Does your Orlando Toyota have any secret storage spots that you haven’t yet discovered? Give it a search to see if you’re missing out on under-seat or under-floor storage spaces where you could store things you don’t use often.

Tip 4: Decide how and where to store things logically. Do you REALLY need to keep an extra pair of shoes in the front seat with you? Store things that you need at hand (like charging cords, insurance and registration, etc.) near you, but store less-used items a little further out of reach. For example, keep the sunscreen and extra diapers in the backseat, but stash your roadside emergency car care kit under the floor in the trunk or cargo area.

Tip 5: Have a trash can on hand. Keeping a trash can or trash bag in your car will MAJORLY cut down on clutter – you won’t be tempted to stuff your empty coffee cup into the door cupholder and leave it there for a week.

Detail your Orlando Toyota routinely to keep clutter low

Tip 6: Clean your car routinely. A big part of car care and keeping your ride decluttered and high in value is cleaning it regularly! Make sure you vacuum and wipe surfaces on a routine basis, as well as treat any stains that pop up and empty the trash.

Need to shop for cleaning supplies or want to schedule a car detailing? Call our car care experts at Toyota of Orlando today – we’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001!

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The automotive world is getting hyped – the Tokyo Motor Show is fast approaching, and we can’t wait to see which new Toyotas are unveiled when it finally arrives! Everyone knows that auto shows are the prime time to release new models, upcoming events and initiatives, and cool concept cars that may or may not make it into actual production. Toyota of Orlando is here with the scoop – check out what’s rumored to be unveiled at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, taking place from October 24 – November 4!

 

See Toyota of Orlando’s take on rumored unveils this fall

The Toyota TJ Cruiser

We’ve written about the rumored Toyota TJ Cruiser before – this modernistic SUV is a part-SUV, part-minivan spinoff from the much-loved Toyota FJ Cruiser. It’s supposed that it MIGHT go into production after being officially revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show and could even make its way to the US. What do you think – do you want to see this interesting new Toyota on our lot?

The Toyota FT-4X

This new Toyota crossover has four doors AND four-wheel drive, making it a versatile option for drivers from all walks of life. It’s utilitarian with a high degree of adaptability and off-road-friendly features like low range and four-wheel drive, as well as cool add-ons like a multi-hatch that opens in two different directions and a “wet zone” where you can store muddy boots and damp wetsuits. Honestly, out of all the concepts, we think this one is the coolest and would love to see it at Toyota of Orlando eventually.

A redesigned Toyota 86 

Toyota has been talking a lot about a “performance trio”, with the all-new Toyota Supra and the Toyota 86 being the first two members. However, before they introduce the third, they want to amp up the existing Toyota 86 with a new platform and possible engineering upgrades. Additionally, it’ll still be a collaboration with Subaru so the popular BRZ will also see changes in its near future.

The GRMN Toyota Supra 

We’ve seen the new Toyota GR Supra up close and personal right here at Toyota of Orlando. However, the GRMN model is a possible new sub-model will be lighter and will include an upgraded suspension and additional new engineering features to take performance up to a new level. We look forward to seeing what it has to offer!

However, that’s not all we’ll see at the Tokyo Motor Show. The show, which takes place biennially, will showcase new and upcoming models and concepts from not only Toyota, but also other Japanese automakers like Honda and Subaru (we like to scope the competition). Plus, new technology and features are also usually unveiled, giving us a glimpse into the future of automobiles.

Test drive existing new Toyota models NOW

Stay tuned for updates – Toyota of Orlando has got you covered! We’ll be reporting back with news from the show after it takes place but in the meantime, test drive the new Toyota 86 or check out the Toyota Supra in person. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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When it comes to your car’s transmission, how knowledgeable do you feel? Most drivers are intimidated by this very important car part – after all, there’s a lot of bells and whistles involved. In fact, most people can tell you that transmissions come in manual or automatic, but that’s about as far as their knowledge extends.

What are the most common car transmission issues?

Whether you’re an expert or a novice when it comes to this essential part, it’s important to know how to spot trouble with it. Your car transmission is absolutely essential when it comes to keeping your car up and running so you want to be able to immediately identify AND fix any issues that may arise as quickly as possible. Check out these four common issues we often see with this VIP part.

1) Burning smell: A burning smell coming from under the hood can indicate trouble – specifically, that you’re low on transmission fluid or you’re using the wrong type. However, the best way to pinpoint the issue is to let our Orlando auto service experts take a look at it so they can ensure it’s not something else going on in the engine bay.

2) Grinding or vibrating gears: Whether you’re shifting your car manually or it’s automatically doing the shifting itself, the shift should be pretty seamless. In fact, if you’re used to driving the vehicle, you may not even notice the shift between gears at all. However, if you feel your car vibrating or grinding when it shifts, you’ve definitely got transmission issues going on. Don’t ignore this telltale sign!

3) Delayed response when your car is in gear: Does it feel like your car takes a minute to respond – or maybe doesn’t respond at all – when you’re changing gears or moving into park, reverse, and drive? This delayed or missing response indicates a clear problem with this important car part. Bring it to Toyota of Orlando for service as soon as you can.

4) Leaking transmission fluid: This one should be pretty easy to spot – transmission fluid is usually reddish in color, so if you see a puddle underneath your ride it’s pretty indicative that you’ve got a leak in this system. However, a leak means that your system will soon run out and that can lead to much bigger and more expensive issues to deal with. Bring your car into our Toyota of Orlando service center so our techs can find the leak, repair it, and replace the missing fluid.

Leave the repairs to our Orlando Toyota service experts

Another thing to keep in mind is that this part is pretty complex – like we said, lots of bells and whistles. If you’re not well-versed with what’s going on under the hood, then you should avoid trying to make DIY repairs (that could potentially cost you even more money) and leave it to the experts.

Bring your ride in today! Toyota of Orlando’s service center is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can also call to schedule an appointment ahead of time at (407) 298-0001.

 

 

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Everyone wants to be a better defensive driver. This skill, after all, can help prevent accidents and collisions from ever happening (rather than you reacting to an accident or collision WHILE it’s happening, ending up with damage to your car and possible injury to you and your passengers). It’s an important driving habit to cultivate, but even your driving can only go so far. In order to be the best defensive driver possible, you need to make sure that your car is up for the job. Toyota of Orlando’s service center techs are here with tips – consider scheduling these four types of car maintenance to take the safety of your drive time up a notch.

What car care can make you a better defensive driver?

#1: Tire rotations and inspections. 

In order to be a good defensive driver, you need tires that you can depend on. This means they need to be filled to the proper PSI and have enough traction to sufficiently grip the road, even in slick conditions like rain, ice, or snow. You also want them to be in good physical condition so you’re not prone to a blowout. That’s why our techs at Toyota of Orlando highly recommend getting on a car care schedule for your tires. You’ll want to check the PSI regularly, as well as get tire rotations and inspections as needed.

#2: Headlight checks. 

You need your headlights to light your way, but did you know you also need them to make yourself more visible to other drivers? Your headlights should be turned on in the rain and snow as well as from dusk to dawn to make you a better defensive driver. Let our techs check them out – they can replace burnt-out bulbs and broken casings, as well as offer headlight restoration if your lights are looking a little hazy from age.

#3: Brake service. 

You ALWAYS want to be able to bring your car to a safe and efficient stop (whether you’re trying to improve your defensive driver skills or not). That’s why it’s so important to schedule routine brake service at Toyota of Orlando! Our techs will gladly inspect your entire brake system, replace worn-out brake pads, fix or replace worn rotors, add brake fluid, and take care of any other maintenance or repairs you need to keep your brakes in the best shape possible.

#4: Wiper replacement. 

Your windshield wipers are essential for ensuring you have a clear field of vision even in the worst of weather, but they do wear out. Part of being a responsible driver is ensuring that you replace them as needed. Our Orlando auto service techs are happy to inspect them for you and let you know when you’re due for a new set; then you can shop in our parts store for the right pair for your budget AND drive time needs.

Schedule your car maintenance at Toyota of Orlando

Ready to improve your defensive driver skills? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001 to schedule your test drive, or stop by to talk to one of our techs at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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Have you ever taken a look at the history of the Toyota Land Cruiser? It’s pretty illustrious – after all, it’s one of the original Toyota models from the very beginning. This versatile SUV first came to fruition way, way back in 1951, when it was developed to provide a rough-and-ready offroad ride for Japan’s military. Since then it’s evolved into a majorly adaptable SUV that offers not only the same exceptional off-road performance but also luxury features to ensure your drive time is everything you need it to be (and more). Needless to say, it’s been a popular fan favorite for decades and we don’t see it going anywhere soon.

Toyota Land Cruiser hits major milestone

And we’re not the only ones – Toyota recently hit a major milestone when it comes to the Toyota Land Cruiser. As of this month, 10 million units have been sold worldwide! The SUV has been in production for 68 consecutive years and is Toyota’s longest-selling model, even surpassing other popular options like the much-loved Corolla and Camry.

What’s not to love about this Orlando Toyota SUV?

So what gives this Toyota SUV so much longevity? Here are some of our favorite features on this exceptional new Orlando Toyota:

It’s rugged. You’ll find a 5.7L V8 engine under the hood, which guarantees 381 horsepower and 401 lb of torque. Additionally, the Toyota Land Cruiser offers features like an 8-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission, full-time four-wheel drive with Active Traction Control, a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, Torsen Limited-Slip Differential, and Multi-Terrain Select with CRAWL Control and Off-Road Turn Assist.

It’s luxurious. Sure, you can take it pretty much anywhere on OR off the pavement… but did you know the interior is about as luxurious as it gets? This Toyota SUV seats up to 8 and showcases a plush leather interior with four-zone and rear automatic climate control, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones, LED accent lighting, a center console with cooler box, and all-weather floor and cargo mats.

It’s stylish. This sleek SUV includes stylistic enhancements like LED exterior lighting, a chrome grille and other chrome exterior accents, 18″ split-spoke alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and roof racks, aluminum running boards, and optitron instrumentation with turquoise lighting.

It’s got the best of the best in technology. Staying entertained and connected is simple with features like an enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor, Qi wireless charging for devices, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, the Smart Key System on all doors and the liftgate, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, and a Premium JBL Audio System with integrated navigation, Siri Eyes Free, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, advanced voice recognition,

As you can see, the Orlando Toyota Land Cruiser has everything you need for an above-the-board drive time… and Toyota seems to think so, too, because it only comes in one trim-level with all of the above-listed features.

Want to see for yourself? Take a test drive in the new Toyota Land Cruiser today! Toyota of Orlando is located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road and you can schedule your appointment ahead of time by calling our internet sales team at (407) 298-4500.

 

 

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It’s a terrible, sinking feeling when your check engine light comes on – how much is THIS going to cost you? That little amber light can cause a huge amount of anxiety, but before you start panicking, you should try to figure out WHY the light is on. Toyota of Orlando is here to give you some pointers straight from our auto service techs. Check them out below!

5 reasons you may see your check engine light come on

1) Your gas cap isn’t tightened all the way. 

This is the simplest (and cheapest!) reason that your check engine light may illuminate in the dash. When the gas cap is loose, your fuel tank loses much-needed pressure AND gas fumes can be released into the atmosphere. If the cap isn’t screwed in all the way, the light will come on to warn you. Before you do anything else, try tightening the cap to see if the light turns off.

2) You have a bad O2 sensor. 

If you have a bad O2 sensor, you’ll also notice that in addition to the check engine light being on, your fuel economy isn’t what it should be. This is because the O2 sensor actually measures the unburned oxygen in your fuel system and helps to regulate it. When it goes bad, your car won’t get the right fuel efficiency AND you run the risk of doing damage to your spark plugs and catalytic converter. Schedule Orlando auto service to get things back on track.

3) You have faulty spark plugs. 

Your spark plugs actually ignite the fuel inside your engine to get your car up and running. If your dash light comes on and you notice signs like reduced fuel efficiency, your car stalling out or refusing to start, or any other performance issues, it’s time to schedule Orlando Toyota service. Ignoring bad spark plugs can result in damage to your catalytic converter, which can be expensive to replace.

4) Your mass airflow sensor needs to be replaced. 

The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air being pulled into the engine to figure out the correct fuel/air mixture to get things up and running for your vehicle. You’ll see your check engine light come on but also notice reduced fuel efficiency and poor performance from your vehicle. Get this important part fixed immediately because if you don’t, you can do costly damage to your O2 sensors, catalytic converter, and spark plugs.

5) Your catalytic converter has gone bad. 

If you have a bad catalytic converter, you’ll find that your car not only has reduced fuel economy and performance but also tends to run hotter than normal. The catalytic converter is essential because it converts harmful carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Schedule repairs for this part ASAP if it goes bad!

Let Toyota of Orlando get you back out on the road

Still not sure why your check engine light is on? Let our techs check things out for you – we’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. Call to schedule an appointment ahead of time at (407) 298-0001!

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When it comes down to an emergency situation – and we’re talking a big one, like a trip to the hospital for someone who was injured – should you drive? Is it worth taking to the highway to get someone to the hospital when they need treatment, or should you call for an ambulance and emergency transport? Toyota of Orlando is here to help you weigh out the options and make an educated decision.

Know what questions to ask yourself when deciding if you should call an ambulance

Typically, you can ask yourself a list of questions to decide if it’s necessary to call an ambulance. Here are the main ones you should pinpoint:

• Is the person’s condition life-threatening?
• Will their injuries be aggravated if you move them?
• Is their injury or illness something that could potentially get worse on the way to the hospital?
• Could you be delayed by traffic, bad weather, or other unforeseen complications on the way there?
• Does the person need the emergency services available on the ambulance in terms of medicine or equipment?

Weigh out your emergency situation

If you answer “yes” to ANY of the above questions, then you need to dial 911 and request an ambulance for the situation. It’s not worth risking the drive to the hospital in your own vehicle. Why? Here are some of the main reasons:

• You could be delayed by traffic, rain, snow, an accident, and other things that you can’t necessarily predict, slowing your estimated arrival time and possibly making the person’s condition worse.
• You may find yourself rushing, which means you’re more likely to slam on the gas and brakes, forget basic road rules (like using turn signals and coming to complete stops at stop signs), and drive aggressively. All in all, rushing means you’re a lot more likely to not use safe driving habits and you can get into an accident on the way there, which can injure you AND make the person’s injuries significantly worse.
• When you call 911 and an ambulance arrives, the EMTs can start treating right away and treat the person all the way to the hospital. If you drive the person to the hospital yourself, you’ll have to go through the triage process and possibly wait to be admitted, losing crucial time that the person could already be getting treatment during.
• Additionally, the EMTs will know exactly where to take the person who needs treatment. What if the person is having a heart attack but the necessary equipment to treat the condition is out of commission at the hospital you would normally go to? The EMTs will know and can take you the right place to get the fastest, most efficient treatment.
• Emergency vehicles have sirens and lights in them to alert other drivers to get out of their way and clear a path. EMTs are also trained to drive in emergency situations without panicking… you probably aren’t.

Have more questions about driving in an emergency situation? Call us today – Toyota of Orlando is here 7 days a week at (407) 298-4500 for your convenience!

 

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