Just because we’re celebrating spooky season doesn’t mean you have to feel the fear when it comes to your ride. We know that owning, operating, and maintaining your Orlando Toyota can be scary at times, especially when you find out you need auto repairs for an issue. However, we’re here to help you face your fears! Check out these 6 tips for keeping scary auto repair issues out of the picture.

Avoid scary auto repairs with these 6 simple tips

Tip #1: Stick to a car care schedule.

We know – we’re on you all the time about getting on a routine Orlando Toyota service schedule. But with good reason – routinely maintaining your car keeps all of its parts in top shape because they’re getting the attention they need. This means they’ll last longer, your car will run better, and you’ll need fewer auto repairs to keep it out on the road.

Tip #2: Think about changing to synthetic oil.

If you’re using conventional oil under the hood, think about switching to synthetic. It operates more cleanly and lasts longer, and most drivers believe it improves the performance of their vehicle. All in all, it lowers your chances of needing auto repairs. Chat with one of our Orlando auto care specialists next time you visit to learn about the perks and see if synthetic oil is right for you and your ride.

Tip #3: Take care of your tires.

Keep your tires in good shape to prevent blowouts, flats, and other auto repairs. This means getting routine tire rotations, regularly checking their condition (tread depth, wear and tear, etc.), and balancing when needed. This will not only stave off repairs but also make your tires last longer, saving you a good deal of money.

Let Toyota of Orlando take the fear out of car maintenance

Tip #4: Address dashboard lights when they come on.

It’s tempting to pretend you don’t see that dashboard light come on, but don’t give into the temptation. These lights turn on because of issues under the hood and the sooner you address the issue, the sooner you can get back out on the road. Not to mention, the longer you let a problem linger the worse and more expensive it can be.

Tip #5: Don’t ignore out-of-the-ordinary sounds.

Just like dashboard lights, odd sounds can indicate that there’s a problem with your ride. Don’t turn up the radio and wish them away – bring your car to Toyota of Orlando to let our auto service techs take care of them for you instead.

Tip #6: Deal with problems right away.

Don’t let problems linger. We know it can be scary to confront auto repairs (how much will they cost? How long will your car be out of commission?) but the longer you leave them, the worse and more expensive to fix they’ll get. Let our car care experts get you back on the road now.

Don’t let the scariness of maintaining your car ruin your spooky season – call Toyota of Orlando today to schedule service! We’re open 7 days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida at (407) 298-0001. Ask about our car care specials to save big!

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It’s November 1, which means the holidays are upon us! This is the prime time of year to hit the road to visit friends and family and celebrate the season. However, this also means it’s the prime time of year for traffic, bad weather, accidents and collisions. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips to help make holiday travel easy, no matter where the season takes you.

Hit the road for the holidays with ease

Tip #1: Plot your holiday travel route carefully and have a backup. 

Make sure you know where you’re going, obviously, and plan your holiday travel route to make your road trip easy and stress-free. Bring money for tolls and plan rest stops so you can stretch your legs. You should also have a backup route plotted out in case your main route gets clogged with traffic or closed due to weather. This can save you a lot of time AND stress – and don’t forget, you can use the navigation found in so many of our Orlando Toyotas to get the job done.

Tip #2: Check traffic and weather before you leave. 

Check traffic and weather BEFORE you leave the house the day of your trip so you don’t find yourself stuck in a bad situation. If your normal holiday travel route is backed up with traffic, you can choose another or allow yourself the extra time to get to your final destination. If there’s bad weather, you can prepare yourself and your car accordingly or decide to delay your trip for a day or so until the skies are clear.

Tip #3: Be patient and keep yourself occupied. 

Long trips combined with traffic can lead to some serious boredom and frustration. Keep yourself occupied during holiday travel! Download an audiobook, make a special playlist, or subscribe to a new podcast. Bring books, games, toys, and movies for your passengers (especially if you drive an Orlando with a DVD or Blu-Ray entertainment system). And don’t forget snacks and drinks – there’s nothing worse than being stuck in traffic with an empty stomach.

Tip #4: Never drive tired. 

If you feel tired, pull over and call it a night at a hotel or friend’s house along the route. Driving while fatigued is just as bad as driving drunk and puts you, your passengers, and others out on the road in serious danger. Don’t risk getting into an accident – rest up and hit the road refreshed the next morning.

Tip #5: Pack wisely. 

Pack your car wisely. This means putting the things you need – like snacks, your phone charger, medications, books and games, and anything else important – within arm’s reach. Make sure you put heavy items in the bottom of your cargo area and never stack luggage to the ceiling; you should be able to see clearly out of the back of your vehicle at all times.

Prep your car for a road trip with Orlando Toyota service

Happy holidays from our Orlando Toyota family to yours! Get your car prepped and ready to hit the road this holiday season with auto service. Call us today at (407) 298-0001.

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The end of the year is drawing near, and now’s a great time to kick your old ride to the curb and climb behind the wheel of something new. Why spend a new year in an old ride that you don’t like driving? If you’re considering putting one of our Orlando Toyota crossovers or SUVs in your driveway, we can help – check out this quick guide breaking down the differences to make your shopping experience easy-peasy.

Which of our Orlando Toyotas would you put in your driveway?

Toyota RAV4: The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV perfect for drivers who want a bit more space but don’t want to sacrifice fuel efficiency or sporty maneuverability to get it.

• You can get it in both gasoline and hybrid models with 2.5L engines, and it comes in seven models: the LE/LE Hybrid, XLE/XLE Hybrid, XLE Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, XSE Hybrid, and Limited/Limited Hybrid.
• Starting MSRP is $25,850.

Toyota C-HR: Sporty, youthful, and fun, the Orlando Toyota C-HR is the perfect crossover if you want something sleek and edgy with top tech and great fuel efficiency.

• Sporting a 2.0L inline-four engine, it comes in three models – LE, XLE, and Limited.
• It has a starting MSRP of $21,145.

Toyota Sequoia: The new Toyota Sequoia is a stylish blend of capability and family-friendliness. It’s spacious and durable, built on the Toyota Tundra’s platform.

• You’ll find a 5.7L V8 engine under the hood and five models to choose from – the SR5, TRD Sport, Limited, Platinum, and TRD Pro.
• The MRSP kicks off at $49,905.

The options are endless when you shop our SUV and crossover inventory

Toyota Highlander: Looking for the ultimate family ride but not sure you want to commit to a minivan? Check out the Orlando Toyota Highlander.

• It’s got all the safety tech, convenience features, and interior space you need for a family ride.
• You can take it home in a gasoline 3.5L V6 or hybrid 2.5L 4-cylinder configuration comes in five models – the L, LE/LE Hybrid, XLE/XLE Hybrid, Limited/Limited Hybrid, and Platinum/Platinum Hybrid.
• Starting MSRP is $31,830.

Toyota 4Runner: Get off the pavement with ease in the Toyota 4Runner – it’s decked out with everything you need to hit the trails including four-wheel drive, active traction control, and more.

• It comes in 8 models – the SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, TRDO Pro, Nightshade, and Venture.
• You’ll also find a 4.0L V6 engine under the hood.
• Starting MSRP is $36,020.

Toyota Land Cruiser: The ultimate in luxury, the iconic Orlando Toyota Land Cruiser is also pretty formidable when it comes to taking things off the pavement.

• It’s got a 5.7L V8 engine under the hood and sports features like CRAWL Control, four-wheel drive, seating for 8, and more.
• It comes in just one model plus a special edition Heritage model and has a starting MSRP of $85,315.

Which Orlando Toyota SUV will you put in the driveway this winter? Come check them all out and take a test drive at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. We’re open seven days a week!

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Just when you thought the 2020 Toyota Supra couldn’t get any cooler… it does. The 2019 SEMA show is taking place in Las Vegas right now, and in honor of the occasion the Orlando Toyota Supra got modified in a big way – in nine different ways, to be exact. Toyota of Orlando has the scoop on these incredible concept cars and what they have to offer (and we’ve got our fingers crossed that at least a few of them make it to the lot).

GR Supra Heritage Edition: This Orlando Toyota sports car is a seamless blend of the current model and aspects of the exceptionally popular 1990’s model – talk about a throwback. New headlights, taillights, and an oversized rear spoiler were added, as well as Brembo brakes, 19″ HRE wheels, metallic red paint, an aluminum rear diffuser, a suspension lowered by 3″.

GR Supra Hyperboost Edition: This particular model of the popular sports car boasts a custom turbo kit that punches horsepower up to 750+. It also has a more aggressive look thanks to a custom carbon fiber wide-body kit.

GR Supra Performance Line Concept: This special concept car is decked out in carbon-fiber components designed to make it more aerodynamic, as well as 19″ forged aluminum wheels for an incredibly sleek look.

GR Supra 3000GT Concept: This concept car is a tribute to the much-loved TRD3000GT body kit that was introduced back in the 1990’s when the original Orlando Toyota Supra was in its hey-day.

GR Supra Wasabi Concept: This eye-catching sports car is sure to turn heads – it’s rocking a bright green exterior forged aluminum wheels, Five Axis aero parts, Brembo B-M brakes, and Ohlins suspension upgrades (hence the spicy name).

GR Supra Racing Concept: This concept takes things back to 2018 when this popular ride was still mere speculation and channels a competition car with both looks and performance.

GR Supra GT4: This concept actually debuted in March of this year at the Geneva Auto Show and showcases OZ racing wheels, Brembo racing brakes, a freshly-balanced chassis on an FIA compliant cage, and special racing suspension components. It’s ready to hit the track straight from the gate!

NASCAR Xfinity Supra: This Toyota was built for the NASCAR Xfinity series and is currently in the top spot for Joe Gibbs Racing.

GR Supra Pace Car: This pace car will take its place in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and showcases TEIN coil-over suspension, Project Mu Brake pads, a Whelen LED Light Bar, HRE Forged P101 Monoblok wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 tires, and more.

Can’t wait to get your hands on the new Toyota Supra? Come down to Toyota of Orlando today – we’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road!

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Are you thinking about making the switch from gasoline to alternative fuel? You’re not the only one – scores of people have made the change for better fuel efficiency and a greener, cleaner performance. However, before you take the plunge you should educate yourself so you can find the RIGHT alternative fuel car for your drive time needs. Toyota of Orlando is here to help with tips and a great selection of cars for you to choose from!

Three things to consider before you shop for a new Toyota that uses an alternative fuel source

1. You need to know the differences between the different types of alternative fuel cars – namely, hybrid cars, electric cars, and fuel-cell vehicles.

2. You need to think about the place you live and its infrastructure. Does it have the types of fueling stations you’ll need? Remember, you won’t always be able to fuel up at home.

3. Think about your drive time needs. Do you need a vehicle with a lot of towing power or off-roading capabilities? If so, this type of new Toyota isn’t right for you as they’re built around the goal of fuel efficiency and green performance.

Three types of alternative fuel new Toyota cars

There are three different main types of alternative fuel vehicles when it comes to our new Toyotas. Which one best suits your needs?

Hybrid cars: Hybrids are considered to be the most popular type of alternative fuel vehicle in the world because of their convenience factor – they use multiple energy-sourcing to power themselves. When you’re behind the wheel of a hybrid new Toyota, you’ll be able to swap back and forth between a gasoline engine and an electric motor. This drastically cuts down on the amount of gas you use AND the number of emissions your car produces. Best news? We’ve got tons of Orlando Toyota hybrids on the lot ranging from compact hatchbacks to spacious SUVs… and trucks may even be headed our way in the future.

Electric cars: Electric cars run on – you guessed it – electric power. You’ll need to charge this vehicle in order to run it, so that’s why you need to consider whether or not your city has charging stations. These vehicles run off of batteries alone and don’t produce any emissions so they’re extremely green. And automakers are continuously working on improving electric cars to give them a longer range; right now, some of them can go up to 400 miles on just one charge.

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles uses hydrogen as its source of energy and only produces water vapor as emissions so it’s as green as it gets. Unfortunately, only California and Hawaii offer hydrogen fuel cell vehicle charging stations, so the new Toyotas haven’t taken off here in the Orlando market due to lack of infrastructure.

Have more questions about new Toyotas that use alternative fuel? We’ve got answers at Toyota of Orlando. Come shop our inventory today and see what these unique cars have to offer your drive time! We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

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Are you getting out of town and hitting the open road to celebrate Turkey Day with family and friends? This is a busy time of year to take on a road trip – lots of travelers take to the highway, so traffic is at a peak and the likelihood of accidents is high.  Our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to help. Check out our handy list of do’s and don’t’s for your Thanksgiving road trip so you can make the most of your holiday.

The do’s and don’ts of hitting the road this Thanksgiving

DON’T drive on Wednesday between the hours of 3-7 p.m.. This is when most drivers will be on the highways heading to their holiday destinations, so it’s best to try and reach your turkey-eating spot early in the day or later at night to avoid the rush.

DO hit the road when everyone else is busy. Driving during the afternoon and evening on Thanksgiving will ensure the highways are clear, as will driving on Black Friday, believe it or not – most drivers will be out and about locally looking for deals rather than driving on the highways.

DON’T drive when you’re tired. Driving when you’re tired is just as dangerous as driving drunk. We know the holidays can be exhausting, but resist the temptation to hit the road when you’re sleepy and wait until you’ve had some time to catch up on your ZZZ’s. And remember – you should never get behind the wheel if you had any alcoholic beverages.

DO check traffic and download apps to help you navigate. Checking traffic before and during your road trip will allow you to choose the best routes and avoid backups. You can also download apps like Waze that will notify you of any slowdowns on your route (or use the apps found in the Entune Suite of our Orlando Toyotas).

DON’T wait for the whining to start to placate the kids. Instead, keep everyone occupied with games, books, and movies – some of our new Orlando Toyotas even have DVD or Blu-Ray players installed in the backseat with wireless headphones to ensure everyone is happy. And don’t forget the snacks!

DO make a schedule, but be flexible about it. It’s wise to know what time you’ll start and when you expect to arrive at your final destination (so you can make arrangements like hotels, etc.). But be flexible about it – traffic, accidents, or bad weather may delay you, so go with the flow and try not to get frustrated and develop bad driving habits (we’re talking speeding, tailgating, and being aggressive). And make sure you leave time to stop for snacks, rest, and stretching your legs.

DON’T let the car get cluttered. Have a designated trash receptacle and every time you stop, be sure to empty it and reorganize the interior so you can find everything you need and everyone is comfortable.

Happy Thanksgiving from Toyota of Orlando!

From our Orlando Toyota family to yours, happy Thanksgiving! We hope your road trip is safe and stress-free.

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The Toyota Camry has always been a much-loved car. It’s classically stylish, incredibly reliable, decked out with all the technology you need for both safety and entertainment, and offers an unbeatable performance to boot. However, Toyota isn’t about to get complacent just because this sleek sedan is a best-seller. They’re taking things up a notch for the 2020 model year and introducing a whole new element of drive time never before seen on this popular Orlando Toyota: all-wheel drive.

Up until this point, the Orlando Toyota Camry was only available in front-wheel drive. It worked – after all, it’s a sedan so all-wheel drive capabilities weren’t really expected from it (it’s a feature more often found on SUVs and trucks). However, all-wheel drive definitely has its perks and we’re excited that this convenient feature is being introduced to this already-amazing sedan.

What is all-wheel drive?

Not totally sure what all-wheel drive is? Basically, this type of vehicle uses all four wheels to power the car (as opposed to front-wheel drive, which just uses the two front wheels to power the vehicle). It’s different than four-wheel drive because unlike four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive is sending power to all four wheels all the time (not just when you choose to turn it on).

How all-wheel drive take the Orlando Toyota Camry up another level

What are the perks of all-wheel drive? Here’s how it can upgrade your drive time:

Better traction. This means you’ll have more grip in inclement conditions like rain, snow, or ice. If one or two of your tires loses its grip, the other two can still power the vehicle and provide traction. More traction = a much safer drive time when the roads are slippery and you’re a lot more likely to get into an accident.

Better performance. Four wheel providing power means more power gets transferred to the tires immediately, making your car faster when accelerating. Additionally, all-wheel drive gives you better steering capabilities as both front wheels can be devoted to steering instead of carrying the load when it comes to moving the car forward.

Better handing. All-wheel drive systems distribute the weight better throughout the car instead of having it all up front. This means you’ll have better handling on your side every time you get behind the wheel of the new Toyota Camry.

Off-road capabilities. OK – we’re not huge proponents of taking the 2020 Toyota Camry on an off-road expedition. It’s not built for taking on rugged terrain and doesn’t have the same performance capabilities as a Toyota truck or SUV (or the height needed). However, if you do find yourself driving on sand, mud, or gravel, you’ll find that you have better grip despite the different surface and more control over your car.

As you can see, the 2020 Toyota Camry will have a lot to offer… and it’s already on our lot at Toyota of Orlando! Get into the driver’s seat today to see if it’s the right ride for you. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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When it comes to car care, you’ve probably got a solid grasp on the basic appointments you need to schedule on a routine basis. Oil changes and tire rotations are two of the big ones, as well as brake service and battery checks. However, when was the last time you got a wheel alignment? This auto service is just as important as your other appointments, but many drivers don’t know when or why it needs to be scheduled. Toyota of Orlando’s service center is here to explain.

What is this important auto service and what does it do?

First, let’s talk about what a wheel alignment actually is. Basically, this is when our Orlando Toyota service techs use an alignment machine to “square up” your car’s wheels and axles (make sure they’re all moving in the same direction). They’ll also make sure that the steering wheel is properly centered, and they might adjust your car’s suspension as well – specifically, angles like the toe, camber, castor, and thrust. Basically, they just want to make sure everything is lined up properly so your car can travel in a straight line without any adjustments by you.

How often do you need one? It varies based on your driving habits, your car, and whether or not you’ve been in an accident or collision. Generally, you can go two to three years between alignments unless you get into an accident or you get new tires (new tires have to be aligned properly before you can drive).

How do you know you need a wheel alignment?

How do you know you need one? Well, time alone – our Orlando auto service techs can remind you when you’re due to bring your car in. However, here are some other signs that you may need to schedule this important car care in the near future:

Your car is pulling to one side. Does your car drift to one side when you take your hands off the steering wheel? Does it feel like it’s pulling against you when you try to straighten it out? It should stay true to center unless you turn the wheel, so if you notice that it’s traveling to the left or right on its own, it’s a good possibility you need to schedule Orlando wheel alignment.

Your tires are wearing unevenly. Your tires should wear evenly, especially if you get them rotated like you should. If you notice that your car’s wheels are wearing unevenly then it could be a sign they’re unaligned and need auto service to get them back on track.

Your tires are making squealing noises. Are your tires making squealing noises? This could mean they’ve been knocked out of alignment and need to be fixed.

Your steering wheel is vibrating or shuddering. If your steering wheel shakes or vibrates while your car is in motion, you may have a problem with the wheels being misaligned. Let our Orlando car techs take a peek at it.

Need to schedule this essential car service? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001.

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OK. Before we get started, we want to make one thing clear –

WE’RE NOT FORGETTING ABOUT THANKSGIVING. 

But Christmas is definitely in the air in the City Beautiful and holiday events are starting to fill up the calendar. We’re here to give you some ideas to add a little holiday spirit to your weekend and we’ve even included some Thanksgiving events for you Turkey Day enthusiasts. Whichever holiday you plan to celebrate this weekend, we hope it’s the best.

Hunter’s Creek Turkey Trot: Trying to get a little burn in before the big day? Make room for the mashed potatoes and hit the road for the Hunter’s Creek Turkey Trot this Saturday, November 23. Registration is $25 and the race kicks off at 8:30am at Osprey Park (5100 Town Center Blvd.).

21st Annual Vegan Thanksgiving: Are you a fan of Turkey Day but not so much the turkey? Check out the 21st Annual Vegan Thanksgiving at Mead Botanical Garden (1300 S. Denning Ave in Winter Park) this Sunday, November 24. The potluck is $5 if you bring a vegan dish to share and $15 if you don’t, and dinner kicks off at 2 pm.

Jingle Eve 2019: Get into the holiday spirit in Ivanhoe Village this Saturday, November 23 from 5-10 pm. This holiday street party includes a wine tasting with the 12 wines of Christmas, biergartens, live music, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and a craft table where kids can make Christmas cards for other children who are spending the holidays in the Advent Hospital system. The evening ends with a fireworks display over Lake Ivanhoe!

Light Up UCF: It’s opening weekend for Light Up UCF at the University of Central Florida! This holiday event is open from 5pm – 12am and features photos with Santa, an ice skating rink, a ferris wheel, a choreographed lights show, a kids train, a carousel, and other carnival rides. Entry is free but it does costs vary for the different rides and attractions, so bring your cash.

Festival of Trees: Visit the Orlando Museum of Art (2416 N Mills Ave) this weekend to explore a winter wonderland of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. You’ll also find decorated wreaths on display as well as intricate gingerbread houses AND a magical winter wonderland where kids can play and meet Santa. There’s also live music and holiday shopping!

Dino in Lights: Have a dino fan in the family? Check out Dino in Lights at the Orlando Science Center this weekend. This Osborn Family type light show will thrill fans of all ages as it incorporates the cool fossils on display. The show runs multiple times between 11am and 3:30pm and tickets to get into the science center start at $14.95.

Have a happy holiday weekend, Orlando!

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When it comes to finding the absolute perfect ride, it can take a little bit of leg work. This is especially true if you’re looking for an older model or something incredibly specific. This type of purchase can take you out of your local area and sometimes out of state or even out of the country. However, long distance car buying is a different ball game than buying from your local dealer or a private seller in your city! Toyota of Orlando is here with tips to make your long distance car buying experience a breeze.

3 Orlando Toyota tips to help with your long distance car buying experience

Tip #1: Do your homework before you buy.

When you buy a car long distance, chances are you may only see it in photographs and video (unless you spring for a plane ticket to get to where it is). This being said, you need to be thorough when it comes to researching the vehicle. Make sure you ask for photos and video so you can see every inch of it, request service and repair records, and run a CarFax report on the car. You should also come up with a list of very specific questions to ask the seller so you cover all of your bases. Remember, you won’t get to take a test drive unless you actually go see the car in person, so it’s essential to be as thorough as possible. If you CAN get out to where the vehicle is to see it in person, we highly recommend it!

Tip #2: Check fuel and safety standards in your city and state.

Fuel and safety standards vary from state to state, and they can be different here in the US from other countries. For example, Florida has specific rules about fuel efficiency and vehicle safety features. Make sure your ride will be up to code when it arrives or you may not be able to hit the road in it without making modifications and having to pay even more money. This is especially true if you’re buying internationally!

Tip #3: Figure out how to get it home.

How are you going to get your new ride home? Long distance car buying adds a whole new component in this arena – are you going to drive your new ride and put all those miles on it? If you’re buying from another country, this may not even be a possibility. If you’re going to ship your car, make sure you choose a reputable company and price it out so you have the money set aside. Our Orlando Toyota dealership also recommends that you set aside a little bit of money for repairs that might spring up – sometimes damage can occur when a car is shipped.

Have questions? Our Orlando Toyota sales associates can help!

Have questions? We can help! Our knowledgeable Orlando Toyota sales associates have the answers to your questions. Give us a call at (407) 298-4500. We’re open seven days a week until 10pm!

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