Have you ever been in the driver’s seat when brake failure happens? It can be downright terrifying. After all, being able to bring your car to a quick and efficient stop is an integral part of drive time safety. Toyota of Orlando is here to help you prevent this scary situation and also give you tips on how to react if you should someday face brake failure in your vehicle.

Orlando auto service can save your brakes

There are two main ways to prevent brake failure, and they’re fairly simple (and affordable).

1. Pay attention to how your car is handling. Do your brakes seem “mushy” or non-responsive when you hit them? You should be able to tap them and get a reaction out of your vehicle. If you’re finding that you have to press hard to bring your car to a safe stop, it’s time to schedule Orlando brake service to have our techs check them out and see how they can tune them up again.
2. Get routine auto service. It’s important to change out your brake pads when the time calls for it, check brake fluid, inspect rotors, and make sure the entire braking system is in excellent shape. When you slack on car care, your performance will suffer accordingly… and potentially lead to brake failure.

How to handle brake failure

So, what if you do all of this and you still find yourself in this dangerous situation? Here are some Orlando Toyota tips to help you bring your car safely to a stop.

• Use your horn. Once you’ve realized your brakes have failed, immediately use your horn to alert other motorists that you’re headed in their direction and that you’re not able to slow your car. This will help them get out of the way and reduce your chances of a collision.
• Downshift. In a manual car, you can achieve this by using the stick. In an automatic, taking your foot off the gas will ease the RPMs and your car should automatically shift to a lower gear. Either way, it helps slow your vehicle down.
• Try pumping the brakes. 3-4 hard pumps may switch your brakes back into action if you don’t have an ABS system in your vehicle.
• Use your emergency brake but BE CAREFUL. If you’re traveling at a high speed or your brake is powerful, it can cause you to skid. Bottom line, don’t yank it or slam it – gently pull or push (depending on what type of e-brake you have) to help slow your car.
• Pull off to the side of the road to get out of the way of other motorists and bring your car to a complete stop. DO NOT try to drive it again – call a tow truck and get it into Toyota of Orlando’s service center.

And remember, if you’re experiencing brake failure you should never:

• Turn your car off – this will get rid of power steering and increase the hazard in your situation.
• Shift to neutral – this will keep your car from downshifting and slowing. You’ll keep coasting at a high speed.

 

Have questions or need to schedule Orlando brake service? Call us today! We’re open seven days a week for your convenience at (407) 298-0001.

 

 

Posted in Toyota Service | No Comments »

Your car brakes play a critical role in your vehicle’s performance. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you care for them regularly. Keeping them in top shape helps maintain your safety and the safety of everyone on the road. Our Orlando Toyota service techs recommend replacing worn-out brake components and maintaining your brake fluid levels. But it’s also crucial to monitor parts like your brake rotors and brake calipers, which are key to your car’s overall braking efficiency.

While it might seem overwhelming to keep track of all these parts, we’ve got good news! Our Toyota of Orlando service center is here to take care of the necessary maintenance and repairs. And to help you better understand how your braking system works and why regular maintenance is so important, we’ve created this detailed guide to car brakes. Let’s take a closer look at the main types of car brakes and the key components that keep you safe behind the wheel. We’re “Making It Simple™”!

 

What Are the Main Types of Car Brakes?

There are several different car brakes systems that vehicles use, but the two most common are disc brakes and drum brakes. Let’s dive into each type and explore how they work with our expert Orlando Toyota service techs.

1) Disc Brakes: The Most Common Braking System

Disc brakes are the most popular type of braking system in modern Toyotas. These car brakes use a variety of brake components to bring your car to a stop. The system includes brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, and brake fluid. Here’s how they work:

• When you step on the brake pedal, brake fluid is pushed through a hydraulic system to the brake calipers.
• The brake calipers are activated, pushing the brake pads against the brake rotors. These are large metal discs located near the wheels.
• The friction between the brake pads and brake rotors slows the rotation of the wheels. This brings your car to a stop.

One of the best advantages of this type of car brakes is that they perform well in a variety of conditions. Since the brake rotors are exposed to the elements, they can dissipate heat better. They cool off faster than other types of brakes, which means a lower risk of overheating. They also dry out quickly in wet conditions, which is important for braking in rainy or snowy weather. This means you can rely on your disc brakes to give you consistent stopping power every time you drive. Want to check them out? You can experience them in person at Toyota of Orlando.

2) Drum Brakes: An Older, Less Common Type of Car Brakes

While disc brakes are the standard in most cars, drum brakes are still found in some older or budget-friendly cars. Unlike disc brakes, this type of car brakes use a different design and mechanism. Instead of a metal disc, drum brakes have a drum that rotates along with the wheel. Inside the drum, brake “shoes” are pressed against the interior of the drum to create friction and slow your car down.

Why is this type of car brakes becoming less common? The main drawbacks of drum brakes are that they don’t handle heat as well as disc brakes. They can also suffer from corrosion. The drum design can actually trap water, which leads to rust and reduced braking efficiency. Additionally, drum brakes are less effective at dissipating heat. Overheating can cause them to lose their stopping power. This makes them a less reliable choice for modern cars, especially those that drive in heavy traffic or hot weather (like here in Orlando).

3) Anti-lock Brakes (ABS): Better Safety When You Need It

Anti-lock brakes, also known as ABS brakes, are not a type of car brakes technically. Instead, they’re a safety feature in your car’s braking system. They prevent the wheels from locking up during emergency braking situations (like when you slam on the brakes). Without ABS, if you slam on the brakes too hard, the wheels could lock. This can cause your car to skid and you to lose control. With ABS, the braking system rapidly pulses the brake pressure to each wheel. This helps you maintain traction and prevent skidding.

Here’s how ABS works according to our Toyota of Orlando team:

• When you apply the brakes hard, sensors in the ABS system monitor how fast each wheel is turning.
• If the system detects that one or more wheels are about to lock up, it reduces the brake pressure momentarily. It then reapplies it, which allows the wheels to keep turning.
• This stop-and-go process helps you maintain better control of your car and regain traction, especially on slippery roads.

ABS is a big help in bad weather conditions where roads are slick and you need more distance to stop safely. The ABS car brakes system keeps you safer and gives you traction when you need it most.

4) Emergency Car Brakes: A Backup for Safety

Your emergency brake, which you might also call the parking brake, is an essential safety feature in your vehicle. It keeps your car in place when you’re parked, especially on hills. The emergency brake is usually activated with a hand lever, foot pedal, or button.  It’s connected to the main brake system by a cable. This brake doesn’t rely on hydraulic pressure like the primary braking system, but it still gives you stopping power when you need it.

The emergency brake serves another important function –  it’s a backup if your main car brakes fail. If you have a brake failure while driving, you can pull the emergency brake to slow the car down gradually and come to a safe stop. While the emergency brake isn’t meant for regular use, it’s an important safety tool that ensures you can stop your car in an emergency. Our Orlando Toyota specialists recommend knowing where it is and how to use it in case you need it.

Why You Need Car Brakes Service at Toyota of Orlando

Keeping your car brakes in top shape requires regular brake service. At Toyota of Orlando, we recommend car care to make sure your brake components—like brake pads, brake rotors, and brake calipers—are all in good condition. Here’s a closer look at why these parts matter.

Brake Pads: These pads create friction against the brake rotors to slow your car down. Over time, they can wear out, reducing your ability to stop effectively. If you hear squealing or grinding noises when braking,  your brake pads need replacing. We offer affordable brake pad service at Toyota of Orlando, so book it before your brake system gets damaged.

Brake Rotors: The brake rotors are the metal discs that work with the brake pads to stop your car. Over time, brake rotors can become warped or scored from friction. If this happens, you might feel vibrations or hear weird noises when you’re braking. Have our Orlando Toyota service team regularly check your rotors to ensure they’re in good shape.

Brake Calipers: The brake calipers hold the brake pads in place and apply pressure to the brake rotors. If the calipers become damaged or fail, your car won’t be able to stop properly. Make sure to have them checked regularly at our Orlando auto service center to avoid unexpected issues.

Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is a critical component of your car brakes. It transfers the force from your foot on the brake pedal to the brakes themselves. Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated with moisture, which reduces its effectiveness. Regular fluid checks and flushes can help ensure your braking system functions at its best.

Visit Toyota of Orlando for Car Brakes Service Today

If you’ve noticed any issues with your car brakes, like worn-out brake rotors, low brake fluid, or malfunctioning brake calipers, visit Toyota of Orlando for a brake inspection today. We can also make sure your brakes are in top-notch shape all the time! Our expert techs are here to provide every brake service, from replacing brake pads to full brake repairs. We also offer brake fluid flushes and rotor resurfacing to ensure your vehicle’s brakes are ready to stop when you are.

Call us at (407) 298-4500 or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4, across from the Millenia Mall. Our service department is open seven days a week, and we’re always ready to help keep you safe on the road!

Posted in Toyota Service | No Comments »

Having the word “auto repair” on your horizon can lead to a bad case of nerves – and we get it. How much will it cost to fix your car? How long will it take? Today we’re here to talk the worst – the worst auto repairs to deal with, that is. However, we’re not just telling you how much each of them sucks; we’re also here to tell you how to avoid them. Here’s what our Orlando auto service experts have to say about the matter!

9 of the worst auto repairs to have to deal with and how to fix them

#1: Seized engine from lack of oil 

This auto repair is necessary when – due to running out of oil – your engine has no lubrication, gets too hot inside, and all of the parts basically melt and meld together into one glob of metal. There’s no way to fix this, unfortunately, which means you basically have to call it a loss and buy a new car.

The fix: Make sure you stay on top of your routine oil changes and check the level and condition of your oil every few weeks.

#2: Failed transmission 

A failed transmission can happen for multiple reasons, including software problems, old age, overheating, or bad driving habits. The fix could be small and inexpensive or large and painful – it really just depends on the reason your transmission failed. The costs range from $300 to upwards of $5,000.

The fix: Stay on top of transmission service and get your multipoint inspections regularly.

#3: Overheated engine 

Lots of things can cause your engine to overheat, but luckily, it gives you warning signs ahead of time. An overheated engine can result in serious damage, including a blown head gasket, a cracked head, or a cracked block. Costs can range from $100 to $10,000.

The fix: Keep an eye on your coolant and oil levels. If you see your temperature gauge rising in the dashboard, don’t ignore – it – pull over and have your car towed to Toyota of Orlando so we can get auto repairs started.

#4: Blown head gasket

A blown head gasket results from overheating most of the time, and can lead to leaked coolant in other parts of your car (like the cylinders or oil passages). It can cost between $1,000 to $4,000 to fix it.

The fix: Take precautions to prevent your car from overheating.

#5: Hydrolocked engine

This auto repair is necessary when water gets inside of your engine’s cylinders and damages the pistons by creating too much pressure. The cost to fix it can be anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 – so maybe don’t drive through that puddle after all.

The fix: Avoid driving through water when you’re not aware of how deep it is.

#6: Bad timing belt

So here’s the thing: you’ll have to replace your car’s timing belt at some point in its life. That’s just part of driving. However, if you decide not to heed your Orlando Toyota service tech’s advice and change it when it’s due, it can result in a broken timing belt, which can then lead to MORE broken parts and way more expensive auto repairs. A broken timing belt can result in costs ranging from $1,500 to $3,500.

The fix: When it’s time to change your timing belt, do it – don’t delay until it’s too late.

#7:  Transmission fluid in the brake fluid reservoir

If transmission fluid accidentally finds its way into your brake fluid reservoir and into the brake lines, you’re going to be due for auto repairs – there’s no getting around it. The cost can range anywhere from $800 to $2,000.

The fix: Get routine multi-point inspections and fix any issues with your transmission that your Orlando auto service tech recommends.

#8: Bad computer 

When your computer in your car goes bad, it can result in a whole slew of other problems. This is especially true if your computer gets ruined by jump-starting your car – it can result in a blown battery, electrical system damage, or even a fire. The cost to repair can range from $1,000 to… you don’t even want to know.

The fix: Be extra careful when you’re jump-starting your car, and get routine multi-point inspections so our auto service techs can check the computer in your car while they’re at it.

#9: Worn-out clutch 

Just like your timing belt, you’ll also have to replace your car’s clutch at some point in life (hopefully much, much later). As you use it, it wears down and loses friction and can’t do its job effectively. The cost to replace a burnt clutch? $1,000 to $2,500.

The fix: Learn how to drive a stick well so you’re not wearing it out fast and if you notice a burning smell, bring your car into Toyota of Orlando so our techs can take a look.

Schedule your auto repairs at Toyota of Orlando today

Have questions about any of the above auto repairs or think you’re due for them? Call Toyota of Orlando today. We’re open seven days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida – you can reach us at (407) 298-0001. You can also stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

 

Posted in Toyota Service | No Comments »

Car care – believe it or not – doesn’t have to be a budget-buster. If you keep up with a routine car maintenance schedule, pay attention to how your car looks and sounds and smells, and avoid aggressive driving, then caring for your car shouldn’t cost excessive amounts of money. One piece of car care that you NEVER want to skip is an oil change – but how much does an oil change cost, really?

How much does an oil change cost at Toyota of Orlando?

How much does an oil change cost when you schedule it at our Orlando Toyota Service Center (or anywhere else)? The answer varies. Here are some points to consider:

• If you’re getting a conventional oil change, the cost should be anywhere between $35-75.
• If you’re getting a synthetic oil change, the cost should be anywhere between $65-125.

However, the size of your vehicle can also affect the cost of an oil change. A typical passenger car will need around 5 quarts of oil to get the job done, but larger trucks and SUVs may require additional oil, which can boost the price up.

During your Orlando oil change, our Toyota service techs will drain out all of the oil oil to ensure you’re working on a clean slate (and they’ll discard the old oil appropriately – you can’t just dump it in the trash or down the drain). They’ll also replace the dirty oil filter with a clean one and add the recommended amount of fresh oil back into your engine. It’s a simple process and shouldn’t take a long amount of time, barring any complications.

Here are a few other things to keep in mind besides the question of “how much does an oil change cost”:

• The intervals at which you’ll need an oil change depend on your driving habits as well as the type of oil you use. Orlando Toyotas that use conventional oil typically need an oil change every 3,000 – 5,000 miles. Cars that use synthetic oil can go longer, usually needing an oil change every 7,500 – 15,000 miles. Check with our auto service techs to see which schedule YOUR car should be on. And remember, the more you drive, the sooner you’ll need an oil change.
• Conventional and synthetic oil changes both have their perks and drawbacks, so it’s a personal choice for you (or your car might require a certain type of oil – ask out techs to check it out).
  • Conventional oil is cheaper than synthetic; it’s made from refined crude oil. However, it doesn’t last as long and some drivers say it doesn’t offer the same performance benefits as synthetic.
  • Synthetic oil is much more refined and processed. It costs more than conventional oil, but lasts a long longer (so you can go longer in between oil changes) and helps to enhance vehicle performance.
  • You might also be able to use a synthetic blend, which is a mix of conventional and synthetic oils.
  • If your car is getting up there in years, our Orlando auto service techs may recommend high mileage oil. This special motor oil is designed to keep older cars up and running and help prevent leaks.

Bottom line, you should ask our techs at Toyota of Orlando not only how much does an oil change cost, but also which motor oil you should be using for your car and how often you should be scheduling this service. They can get you on a routine and also send you helpful reminders when you’re due to come in.

Schedule your Orlando oil change today

Have questions or want to get your next oil change on the books? Schedule today online, by calling (407) 298-0001, or by visiting us in person at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

 

Posted in Toyota Service | No Comments »

So you scheduled a service appointment at our Toyota of Orlando Service Center. Congrats – you’re well on your way to a healthy car that lasts for miles to come! Whether you’re coming in for routine auto service or need auto repairs on an existing issue, you’re in the best hands with our trained service techs. However, we know that even the simplest Toyota service appointment can sometimes make people anxious. How much will it cost? How long will it take? What if they find a bigger problem? Here’s our guide to what you can expect when you schedule Toyota service at Toyota of Orlando – we’re “Making It Simple™”.

Toyota Service: How To Schedule

If you’ve already scheduled your Toyota service appointment at our Orlando auto service center, you know just how easy it is. If you haven’t, we’ve got good news. There are three easy ways to schedule service at Toyota of Orlando.

1. Schedule online. We have a convenient online service scheduler – just fill out your info, submit it, and you’re good to go. It’s easy and fast and you can do it right from your phone, tablet, or computer.
2. Call us. Have something specific you want to discuss when scheduling a Toyota service appointment? Call us! Our team is ready and waiting to get you scheduled and put your mind at ease. You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.
3. Stop by. We’re open seven days a week and our doors open at 6 am Monday – Friday. Stop by and chat with a service advisor – they can get you on our schedule for an appointment in no time.

What To Expect When You Arrive at Your Toyota Service Appointment

What about when you get to Toyota of Orlando – what should you expect? Here’s the breakdown.

 

• Pull into our convenient service drive. One of our skilled advisors will greet you, get your information, collect your keys, and direct you to our comfortable waiting area so we can get your Toyota service started.
• Enjoy the waiting area. We have free WiFi, comfortable chairs and couches, tables where you can work, and TVs to keep you entertained. We also have a full-service cafe where you can grab coffee, snacks, and even a meal if you’re hungry.
• Stay informed. Our techs will conduct a free multi-point inspection to ensure your car doesn’t have any other issues before they get started. They’ll also send you text updates throughout your Orlando Toyota service to let you know how things are going and keep you aware of your timeline.
• What if they find another issue? Our Toyota of Orlando techs won’t start any other repairs or services without asking first. If they find an issue that you weren’t aware of, a service advisor will explain it to you, walk you through your options, and give you an estimate. We want you to feel at ease!
• Don’t feel like hanging around? Take one of our free service shuttles over to Mall at Millenia or surrounding shopping and dining! If it’s in a five-mile radius, we can get you there (and pick you up when you’re ready).
• Get in and out. When your car is finished, your service advisor will collect you, explain the work that was done, and walk you over to our Cashier so you can pay your bill and hit the road. We want to get you back on the road in a timely manner!

Save on Toyota Service with Us

We also make it easy to save when you schedule Orlando auto service with us. We offer price matching, and we have daily Toyota service specials designed to save you money. You’ll find coupons for oil changes, tire rotations, batteries, brakes, rental cars, and more – we want to ensure you get the best possible service for the best possible price.

Not only that, all of our Toyota of Orlando service center repairs are guaranteed for one year or 12,000 miles to give you the peace of mind you deserve when it comes to car care.

Keep Your Car in the Best Shape Possible with Toyota of Orlando

Once you’re done with your service, we’ll get you on the road… but it won’t be the last time you hear from us! We can get you on a routine car care schedule and send you text and email reminders when you’re due. Stay on top of important Toyota service appointments like tire rotations and oil changes to keep your car in the best shape possible. Our trained auto service techs are here to make it happen at Toyota of Orlando!

 

Schedule Your Toyota Service Appointment Today

Ready to make it happen? We’re here – contact Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-0001, schedule online, or stop by! We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Mall at Millenia.

 

Posted in Orlando Toyota Service | No Comments »

If you’re driving a high mileage car, you know that even if it’s the best quality around (ahem, Toyota) it’s bound to have issues occasionally simply because as things get older, they wear out. However, there are ways to keep your older Toyota on the road for years to come. First, routine maintenance. We know we’re always bugging you to get your oil changed, but sticking to a routine car maintenance schedule will keep everything running as it should and also give our techs the opportunity to spot any developing issues and nip them in the bud before they become big and expensive.

What car maintenance should you be doing for an older vehicle?

On top of a car care schedule, here are a few other suggestions:

Test things frequently. If you have an older vehicle, our Orlando Toyota service techs recommend checking things frequently (and they’re not just talking about under the hood). It’s to your benefit to check your A/C, heater, defroster, radio, all of your lighting, your power-adjustable seats and any other knobs, switches, or buttons in your ride. Oftentimes if you catch issues early, they’re less expensive and time-consuming to deal with.  Our techs can give you an estimate on the repair and you can decide if you want to schedule it or if you can live without said feature for the remainder of your car’s ownership.

Get creative and find workarounds. Let’s say your car does need repairs for something non-performance-related. Do you have to shell out for it, or can you find a workaround? Aesthetic imperfections can often be cured by aftermarket parts and accessories – faded seats can get seat covers, peeling wood-grain accents can be covered or painted, and non-functioning radios can be updated to newer audio systems. However, we don’t recommend taking this course of action if you’re dealing with mechanical or electrical issues. It’s best to leave those to the experts at Toyota of Orlando so you don’t cause a bigger (and much more expensive) problem.

Do your research. Do your research before you schedule auto repairs for your older car. Is this something you can do DIY style at home? Is it an issue that needs to be addressed immediately, or can it wait a little bit? Make a list of all the auto repairs your ride needs and figure out how much it’s going to cost. This can help you narrow things down to must-fix and fix later; it can also help you decide if it’s worth it to sink the money into the car, or if it’s time to trade in and trade up (and don’t forget, our Vehicle Exchange Program can help you make that happen).

Schedule high mileage car care at Toyota of Orlando

Have questions about car maintenance for older cars or want to schedule some for yours? Whether you need car care or want to discuss trading in, Toyota of Orlando is here to help. Call us at (407) 298-0001 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

 

Posted in Toyota Service | No Comments »

Car shopping can be stressful, we know – after all, a car is a big investment so you want to be confident in your final decision. The best way to do this? Educate yourself so you feel confident before you even walk in the doors of our Orlando Toyota dealership. Today we’re talking about some of the most common words you’ll hear when car shopping – read them over before you start the process so you feel ready to roll the minute you arrive.

8 car shopping terms you should know

Term #1: Blue book value

This is basically what your car is worth. Kelley Blue Book is a tool used across the industry to give you an initial appraisal of your vehicle so you can get an idea of what it’s worth before you trade it in or sell it. It’s been in use since 1926, so it’s pretty well-respected in the automotive world.

Term #2: Down payment 

A down payment is the money that you’re going to put down on a car when you lease or sell it. It helps offset the amount that you’re going to finance, and you can usually decide how much you’re going to put down.

Term #3: Finance 

Not many people can buy a car outright with cash; most drivers finance new and used cars, which means they put down a down payment and then pay the rest on a monthly basis for a certain amount of months.

Term #4: Extended warranty 

An extended warranty is just what it sounds like –  you can purchase a warranty that stretches past the standard warranty to cover repairs and service. This is entirely up to you as the buyer, so ask our Orlando Toyota specialists what your options are if you’re interested in this type of coverage.

Term #5: Term

The term is how long you’re going to finance or lease your new Orlando Toyota. For example, you may lease a new car for a term of 36 months and then it’s time to trade in and trade up or purchase the vehicle to keep it for good.

Term #6: Trade-in 

When you trade in your car, you sell it back to the dealership. You can either use this money toward a new vehicle there, or take the money and walk away with it.

Term #7: Trim-level

OK, stick with us on this one. Basically, cars are broken out into make (Toyota, Nissan, Honda, etc.) and model (Camry, Sentra, Ridgeline, etc.). But from there, each model is broken out into a trim-level. For example, the 2020 Toyota Corolla is available in 8 trim-levels – the L, LE, Hybrid LE, SE CTV, SE manual, SE Nightshade Edition, XLE, and XSE.

Term #8: Window sticker

A window sticker is just that – it’s a sticker located on one of the vehicle’s windows that helps give you quick info on the car. If you’re car shopping at Toyota of Orlando and walking our lot, these stickers will give you quick facts regarding things like MSRP, fuel efficiency, make/model/trim-level/year, features, and more.

 

Start your car shopping today at Toyota of Orlando!

Have more questions or want to get car shopping? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

 

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

It can feel stressful when you buy a car, especially if it’s your first time making such a large purchase. However, an easy way to remove some of the stress from the occasion is to do away with uncertainties – i.e., preparing yourself ahead of time. Making a list of your drive time needs and picking a make and model is a good start, but it also helps to know what you should bring with you when you actually head to the dealership. Check out these tips from our Orlando Toyota dealership!

6 things to bring when you buy a car

Your driver’s license. You’ll need your driver’s license to test drive a car, first of all. But you’ll also need it to verify identity so we can do all of the necessary paperwork when you buy a car. Make sure you have your license on hand the minute you walk in the door and make sure that it’s not expired.

A way to make payment. You’ll be making a payment when you buy a car before you even leave the dealership as you typically will make a down payment before you can call it yours. Make sure you check with whoever you’re buying from to see if they accept all forms of payment (credit cards, debit cars, personal checks, cashier’s checks, etc.).

The title to your vehicle. Are you trading in your current car? You’ll need proof that you own it, so be sure to bring the title with you when you buy a car. If you have a co-owner on the vehicle, make sure you get their signature on the title before you try to trade it in! If you’re confused, our Orlando Toyota sales specialists can help you get it sorted out.

Your current registration. You’ll need to bring the registration for your current car in order to trade it in. Make sure that the registration is current (not expired) and that you also have the sticker on your current ride’s license plate.

Insurance information. You’ll need proof of insurance to take your new car home since it’s illegal to drive without it. Bring your insurance card to show proof of insurance as well as contact information (if it’s not on the card) for the insurance company so you can call and add your new ride to your policy before you hit the road.

Verification for rebates. Are you going to be taking advantage of any rebates? If you’re planning on cashing in on military, student, or other rebates then make sure you have the proper documentation to do so. You can call Toyota of Orlando to find out what you need for the Toyota Military Rebate or College Grad Rebate.

A few other things we recommend bringing when you buy a car? Empty bags to clean out your current car (if you haven’t already), a drink and a snack, and a phone charger. Purchasing a car can take a few hours from start to finish and you don’t want to be hangry or stuck with a dead phone.

Buy a car with our help at Toyota of Orlando today

Ready to buy a car? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We’ll get you set up for a test drive and answer any other questions you have about what to bring. You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

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

Are you considering taking the plunge and buying the ultimate in family-friendly vehicles? If you’re thinking about putting a minivan in the driveway, great decision. Minivans are versatile, performance-driven, safe, and designed to give you an efficient and family-friendly drive time every time you hit the road. And gone are the days of the “soccer mom” mobiles – today’s minivans, especially the Orlando Toyota Sienna, are sleek and stylish. Toyota of Orlando is here with a quick car shopping guide to help you navigate the purchasing process – check it out.

What should you know about car shopping before buying a minivan?

Before you head to Toyota of Orlando for a test drive, here are some things to consider about your next ride.

Seating: Typically, you’ll find minivans that seat either seven or eight passengers (the Orlando Toyota Sienna offers configurations for both). Decide which is going to be better suited for your drive time needs before you sign the dotted line.

Access: Minivans nowadays have incredible access points. You’ll have options like single sliding door, dual sliding door, and dual power sliding doors, as well as the choice of a standard or power rear liftgate. Decide how much convenience you need when you hit the road and choose the model with the best access points.

Cargo: How much cargo space do you need for your gear when you and the family hit the road? Many models offer under-floor storage in both the cargo area AND in the cabin of the van, as well as a spacious cargo area under the liftgate. Some even offer tie down points, and you should also take into consideration how easy it is to fold flat/stow or remove interior seats for more cargo space.

Performance: What performance features do you need for your next vehicle? Some minivans (including the Orlando Toyota Sienna) offer all-wheel drive for superior traction in slick conditions. You’ll also want to look into fuel efficiency (and whether or not you want a hybrid vehicle), as well as features like towing (what’s the max weight?) and engine size (should you go with 4-cylinder or V6?).

Safety: We know that in every family vehicle, safety is the #1 feature on the must-have list. Minivans don’t disappoint in this arena, especially if you take the Toyota Sienna into consideration. They usually offer top-notch safety features like backup cameras, advanced airbag systems, rear backup alert alarms, and other advanced crash avoidance technologies. You should also ensure that the minivan you choose has the right hookups for your carseats – most have the LATCH system in place to make installation easy.

Entertainment and connectivity: What features are highlighted in the cabin to make your drive time efficient AND enjoyable? Look into features like the audio system you want and its accessories, such as Sirius XM Satellite Radio. You’ll also want to consider features like a rear-seat entertainment system (with wireless headphones, of course), Bluetooth streaming for devices, steering-wheel-mounted controls, Driver Easy Speak, and other features designed to make your job as chauffeur that much easier.

Shop all of our Orlando Toyota options today

Have questions about car shopping? Make it easy on yourself – call us today! You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-4500, or stop by and see us in person at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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

In the wake of COVID-19, the health of our customers and employees is our number one priority. We want everyone to be safe, and we also want to be able to fulfill your automotive needs as efficiently and affordably as possible. That’s why Toyota of Orlando has launched a suite of digital retailing tools on our website! You can now complete over 95% of your car shopping process online without even leaving the comfort of home. Check out the tools in more detail below.

5 easy ways to shop for a car online

New and Used Inventory

Did you know that you can see all of our new and used cars without even leaving the couch? We host ALL of our new and used cars right here on our website. When you peruse our inventory, you’ll be able to see detailed photos and video of each Orlando Toyota for sale, as well as get important information like:

• Mileage
• Owner history
• MSRP
• Fuel economy
• Vehicle specifications

And any other essential details regarding the ride you’re interested in. Find the car you want before you come to our store!

Value Your Trade

Have a vehicle you want to trade in? You’re in luck – not only do we offer top-dollar cash for our trade-ins, we also have a handy digital tool to help you find out just how much your car is worth. Use the Value Your Trade tool to enter information like make/model, mileage, condition, and your VIN number to get an estimate of how much your car is worth.

Get Pre-Approved 

Save time spent in the store and get pre-approved for financing with our convenient Get Pre-Approved tool. Here you can enter relevant information about yourself and your vehicle to help expedite securing financing.

Online Shopper

Of all of our digital retailing tools to use when you shop for a car, Online Shopper could very possibly be our favorite. When you use this tool you’ll be able to put in information regarding yourself, the vehicle you want, the vehicle you want to trade in (if you have one), how much money you want to put down, and how long you want your finance term to be in order to customize your deal and monthly payment!

Website Chat 

And don’t forget, we’re always here to help. You can use our website chat tool to speak to a sales associate to get any of the information you need when you shop for a car. Get real-time answers to any and all of your questions.

 

And don’t forget, we’re still here onsite to help! You can call us anytime at (407) 298-4500 if you prefer to speak to someone on the telephone rather than work with our digital retailing tools.

Toyota of Orlando is committed to your safety when you shop for a car

Toyota of Orlando is open for all of your automotive needs, and you can rest assured that when you arrive to finalize your deal, your safety is still our #1 priority and we’ve taken every precaution to ensure it. Schedule an appointment to shop for a car today – you can visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

Posted in Toyota of Orlando News | No Comments »