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Driving affords drivers several luxuries that, in today's world, we can't live without. But, convenience and independence come at the price of our safety. Driving is a very dangerous activity that claims the lives of many people year after year. In fact, many children are often the victims of vehicle related accidents. According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death in children under 13.  Between 2013 and 2017 there were 3,313 child deaths in vehicle related accidents and 37% of these deaths were the result of children not being buckled. The NHTSA has established Child Passenger Safety Week to take place from September 15th - 21st every year to highlight the importance of keeping your younger passengers safe while on the road. It's never too late to provide a safer driving experience for you and your child passengers and Toyota of Clermont is here with some child passenger safety tips. Keeping Your Little Ones Safe While Driving Child passenger safety tips are not to be taken lightly. Driving is a very dangerous activity and no matter how many advanced safety features are available on Clermont Toyota vehicles, it's on you to take the extra steps necessary to protect your children from a potential accident. Here are some essential tips you should always keep in mind to ensure child passenger safety: 1) ALWAYS Use a Car Seat This should be a given, but some drivers forget this crucial first step. Car seats are designed to keep your children not only restrained, but also in the safest position possible when driving. They are tested for impact and motion to ensure that your child is protected. 2) Make Sure It's Installed Correctly Car seats can be difficult to navigate around, but you need to spend the time to make sure your child's seat is installed correctly. Pay attention to the included directions and check it periodically to make sure it still fits correctly in the seat. Never install your child's car seat in the middle of the back seats. You can always take advantage of community resources like having a certified child passenger safety technician check your car seat for correct installation. 3) Pick the Right Car Seat for Your Child To ensure child passenger safety in your Clermont Toyota car, make sure you select the right type of seat to fit your child during their respective lift stage. There are a variety of car seats available to use in your Clermont Toyota vehicle that all provide various seating types designed for children at different stages in their lives. Rear-facing seats are typically used for small children, front-facing for older children, booster seats come next, and eventually only a seat belt is required. 4) Register Your Car Seat At Toyota of Clermont, we strongly recommend having your car seat registered. Registering your child's seat with the manufacturer helps provide you with essential information like proper assembly, recall info, and warranties. Make sure to do this shortly after you purchase your child a car seat.   Ensuring child passenger safety falls on you as the driver and you need to always make sure your smaller passengers are protected when they join you on the road. For more tips, give Toyota of Clermont a call at (352) 404 - 7000 and/or check out the NHTSA's website on child passenger safety.

Oh, water. It keeps us alive, it flows rivers, and fills the oceans. But, it can also be a nuisance when it comes to your car and home. With an impending hurricane likely going to strike the Clermont area, water may wind up in places you don't expect and don't want it to. Excessive rainfall causes flooding in houses and cars all the time and the damages can be extensive and expensive to repair. It's helpful to use tools like sandbags, plastic sheeting, and other things to prevent water from encroaching on your home and causing flood damage, but what about your Clermont Toyota vehicle? Unless you're able to protect your ride in a well sealed garage it'll likely be outside throughout the duration of the storm and could suffer significant damage. Flood damage is a real threat to your vehicle and it can be difficult to avoid if you live in an area that doesn't have the best drainage. If you're worried about possible flooding and how it could affect your ride, read on! Toyota of Clermont is here with a guide to help you prevent car flood damage and how to deal with it if it happens. How to Prevent Car Flood Damage With hurricane Dorian arriving in just a few days, it's likely that you're worried about what could happen with all the excessive rainfall and high winds. If you've already boarded your house, put sand bags down, and secured your belongings then you're doing a great job! But, if you haven't figured out what to do with your ride to prevent Clermont Toyota car flood damage, then you've got some prep to do. Here's what you should do to keep your vehicle from suffering flood damage: Park Your Car Under Cover: If you have open garage space or a place where your car can be safely covered from the rain and wind then use it. Your vehicle will fare far better under protective cover than outside in the elements. If You Have No Cover, Park on Higher Ground: Have you ever come home during or after a summer rain shower and your street has turned into a lazy river? While it sounds tempting to swim in (DON'T), your Clermont Toyota car won't have so much fun. If you can, try to park on higher ground rather than on the street. If the water rises high enough it can enter your vehicle's interior or exhaust system and lead to a whole mess of problems. Try Not to Park Under Trees: High winds means trees can get uprooted or branches can fall and your car will suffer a lot of damage if something falls on it. Try to avoid parking under trees during the storm. How to Deal with Car Flood Damage If your vehicle ultimately suffers flood damage, don't panic. Here are a few steps to take to minimize damage to your Clermont Toyota ride and start repairs: Don't start your vehicle immediately. There could be built up water in the engine compartment or exhaust system and that could cause a total engine failure. Wait for things to dry up and then try. Check the interior. If you notice water inside the vehicle, grab some tools and start removing everything you can. Try to remove the seats, center console, and head-unit to avoid further damage to these parts. If you have one, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove water from the floors and seats. This will help start the drying process and prevent mold from growing. Start drying the interior. The easiest way to do this is to use fans to start getting air flowing throughout the interior. Check EVERYTHING! After you've finished drying the interior and reinstalled all the parts you removed, start to check everything. Try out your power mirrors, check the gauge cluster, and other electronic component that may have been affected. Make sure to prepare well for this incoming storm and keep yourself, your loved ones, and your ride safe. If your vehicle suffers any damage from the storm, we can help you fix it at Toyota of Clermont! Visit us at 16851 State Road 50 and stay safe!

So, it looks like Hurricane Dorian is headed our way. It could throw us a curveball and swing north or south, but most tracks have it affecting Central Florida near the end of Labor Day weekend. Whether you're heading out of town this time or just educating yourself for future storms, Toyota of Clermont is here to help. Check out these 6 Clermont Toyota tips on how to safely evacuate a hurricane when the time comes. Don't evacuate a hurricane without reading these tips Tip #1: Decide on a final destination. Where are you going to end up when you evacuate? You should have a final destination in mind and either have a hotel booked, let your friends and family know you're coming for a visit, or know where a hurricane shelter is located in the town. That way you can get settled once you arrive to ride out any outer effects of the storm. Tip #2: Make sure you can take your pets. You should NEVER leave your pets behind in a hurricane - no excuses. Before you book a hotel or decide on a shelter, make sure your four-legged friends will be allowed in as well. Be sure to pack their food, medications, and some toys and a bed so they're comfortable and calm when you arrive. Let Toyota of Clermont get your car road-ready Tip #3: Get your car caught up on routine car maintenance. Before you hit the highway to get out of town, make sure your car is caught up on all of its routine maintenance. You don't want to get delayed by a flat tire, a dead battery, or an overheated car. Let our Clermont Toyota service techs get you caught up on things like oil changes, battery inspections, and tire rotations before you leave. Tip #4: Know what to pack. Do you know what to pack when evacuating a hurricane? Our Clermont Toyota dealership recommends you bring clothing, medication, any important paperwork, your IDs, cash, and pillows and blankets. You should also remember to toss in a first aid kit, phone chargers, and bottled water and snacks to take to your final destination. Tip #5: Gas up BEFORE the mad rush begins. The gas stations are going to be crowded the closer the hurricane gets, so gas up a few days before you leave. That way you can quickly and efficiently get out of town and top the tank off when you're further away and the lines are shorter. This way, you're not stuck waiting in line forever when you're trying to get out of town. Tip #6: Check your route before you leave the house. Check your intended route for traffic and weather before you leave your home. Some routes get choked with people trying to evacuate and if you check yours ahead of time, you might be able to find an alternate route that will get you to your final destination faster. Stay safe this weekend! If you need to get caught up on auto service before you head out, call Toyota of Clermont to schedule today. We're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001.

As a parent you want the best for your kids and you always want them to be as safe as possible in every situation. Especially when it comes to riding in the back seat. Driving is a common thing that most of us do every single day, but we often forget just how unsafe driving really is. You're commuting at high speeds in a machine made of metal and you have to depend on other people and yourself to make the right decision(s) to stay safe while on the road. It can be pretty nerve-wracking driving alone, but add your child to the equation and the situation becomes even more dire. That's where car seats come in. These devices keep your child contained and safe while you're on the road and are required when traveling with a child. But, like with most things, there are numerous options to choose from when selecting your child's seat and you'll likely feel lost shopping for one. Lucky for you, Toyota of Clermont is here to help you become a professional car seat shopper with these essential tips. Follow these Tips to Pick the Right Car Seat 1) Choose the Right Seat Type Car seats can be categorized by general shape and type. These types are meant for different age and weight ranges are your child gets older and heavier. Rear facing Clermont Toyota car seats are typically reserved for smaller children like newborns and one year olds. Rear-facing/Forward-facing are used in the transition phase from a one year old to a two or even three year old toddler. Then booster seats are used until your child can sit normally in the back seat without needing an additional sear. 2) Before You Buy, Familiarize Yourself with the Seat's Features and Parts Every Clermont Toyota car seat comes equipped with essential parts like adjustable straps and anchors to hold into the seat. But, there might be additional features you might want included with your seat. Make sure to research and see which additional features you'd like for your child's car seat. At Toyota of Clermont, we advise against installing aftermarket parts to your child's seat as they can affect the integrity of the seat. 3) Read the Label Before You Buy Your new car seat will come with an attached warning label. Make sure to read this. It contains essential information like height, weight, and age limits. 4) Don't Buy a Used Car Seat While purchasing a used car is a great option if you're looking to get a quality ride and save some hard-earned money, the same can't be said for Clermont Toyota car seats. Most times you likely won't know the history of the seat and there could be components missing. It's better to buy new to make sure your child is as safe as possible. 5) Register the Car Seat All Clermont Toyota car seats come with a consumer registration card that you should fill out and send in as soon as possible. This will keep you informed about possible safety recalls in the future and where to get replacements parts and other components. Shopping for a car seat for your child and your Clermont Toyota car can be challenging. But, with these tips, you'll have no trouble finding the right one to keep your child safe!

Shopping for a used car is a very viable investment for those looking to get behind the wheel of something new or something at a more reasonable price point. Think about it. You won't have to bear the financial burden of vehicle depreciation and, if you shop right, you can find an affordable ride for much less than you would pay for a new car. While Clermont Toyota vehicles are priced affordably, used cars are always an excellent option. With all the money you could save and depreciation working in your favor, you might be thinking about sinking your money into a used luxury car. If you're looking to get behind the wheel of something fancy, now's the perfect time! But, because of the unique engineering and features on luxury cars, you need to make sure you do your research before you sign on the dotted line. Toyota of Clermont's here to help you with an easy guide so you can shop smart! Shopping for a Luxury Car Made Easy 1) Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) Done When shopping for a luxury car we at Toyota of Clermont highly recommend requesting a PPI. These inspections will help you be aware of any existing auto service issues before you commit to buying the vehicle. It's a relatively small investment ($100) and can help you better decide on a new ride or get a better price when it comes time to negotiate. 2) Perform a Diagnostic Scan Wether or not you notice any obvious vehicle red flags during your test drive or initial inspection of the Clermont Toyota luxury car you're looking to purchase, you should always request a diagnostic scan be performed. Many luxury models come equipped with a variety of computerized systems that can tell you a lot about what's going on under the hood. Diagnostics scans are inexpensive to perform and can reveal a lot of hidden issues with your chosen ride. 3) Check the Infotainment and Control System Like any other car, you should always make sure to check that all the buttons are working. Clermont Toyota luxury cars are usually equipped with a lot of bells and whistles in the control system and you don't want to purchase a ride that only half works. As soon as you sit in the driver's seat, make sure to mess around with the infotainment and control systems to ensure everything is working properly. 4) Check for Mods Vehicle mods, whether they be engineering or exterior, can make or break your ride. The previous owner installed them to customize their driving experience, but as the new owner you may not agree with some of the modifications that were made. Luxury cars are subject to a variety of mods and you're going to want to check the Clermont Toyota vehicle over for any that you might be unhappy with. 5) Think About Additional Maintenance Costs Inherently, luxury cars are not only more expensive up front but also long term. These vehicles require Clermont Toyota auto service from make specific mechanics, premium fuel, and other associated costs. While you might be able to afford the upfront sticker price, can you afford to keep up with the expenses of owning a luxury car? Shop for Your Next Used Luxury Car at Toyota of Clermont Toyota of Clermont is a frequent home to quality used cars and luxury cars. Make sure to check out our selection online or visit our lot at 16851 State Road 50 seven days a week to find your next ride!

The weekend is finally here and, if you're a true weekend warrior, you're likely getting ready to enjoy your days off with something fun! Luckily, living near Orlando, you have a lot of options when it comes to building out your weekend plan roster. Other than driving all the way to the beach, wandering around I-Drive, or trying out craft breweries, there's a hugely fun option that we think you'll love. Theme parks! The Universal parks, the Disney parks, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and everything in between. There's nothing like a fun day in the parks to make your weekend truly memorable. But, we all know that a day in the theme parks can be exhausting and stressful. If you plan to tackle the parks this weekend, Toyota of Clermont is here with a catalog of hacks to ease the stress and enhance the fun you'll have in the parks! Life Hacks for the Theme Parks 1) Wear Sunscreen Living in Clermont, we know the sun and heat can be brutal. Most of the time we have the A/C to escape to, but the theme parks offer few places to avoid the sun (unless you want to get soaked on a water ride). To deal with the heat, we recommend wearing clothes like shorts and tank tops, but that leaves you exposed to the harsh rays of the sun all day. So, make sure to wear and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Sun burns and skin cancer are real threats and you need to make sure you and your loved ones are protected. Before you get into the theme parks, make sure you packed a bottle or two of sunscreen. 2) Protect Your Phone in a Ziplock Bag Waterproof phone cases and carriers are always great to bring to the theme parks to avoid damaging your devices. But, unfortunately, these tools are often pretty pricey and you're not going to use them as often as you think. The solution, use ziplock bags! If sealed properly, these can keep your phone protected even through the most soaking of water rides. Take a few in your bag and keep your devices protected all day. 3) Take a Picture of Where you Parked Forget long lines or unbearable heat, walking back to the car after a full day of fun is probably the worst. What makes the situation even better is getting lost because you can't remember where you parked. Luckily, you can use your phone to take a picture of where you parked your Clermont Toyota car. This will make finding your ride at the end of the day a breeze and you'll never spend hours trying to find your car again. 4) Strategize Your Waiting Let's face it, theme parks are a lot of fun but long lines and wait times easily ruin that. The solution? A full-fledged strategy to maximize rides ridden and minimize your wait times. Show up early to the park and start at the back to avoid long lines. Use single rider lines when you can and are willing and use the child swap if you plan to bring your little ones with you for the day. Follow these steps and you'll be able to get through all the rides you want in no time. 5) Have Safety Measures for Your Kids Part of what makes a day in the theme parks stressful is making sure your little ones are safe and accounted for. To help make this easier, we have a few safety hacks you might want to try. For little kids, write a phone number on their wrist or hand and seal it with a product like Skin Shield. This will ensure that they never forget how to contact you and park attendants will have a much easier time getting ahold of you. You can also establish a meeting spot in the event that your kids wander off. For older kids this is easy and lets them have fun on their own. But, for little ones, make sure they really know where to go and that they can describe the location to a park attendant if they get separated from you. From all of us at Toyota of Clermont, have a great weekend and enjoy the theme parks!

When you start shopping for any big purchase, you're likely to hear the term depreciation. This term is important to consider when shopping, especially when shopping for a vehicle... but why? Our Clermont Toyota dealership is here to discuss exactly what vehicle depreciation is and what it means for your trade-in or sale down the road, as well as 5 ways to slow it. After all, a car is an investment and you want to get the most bang for your buck when you eventually trade or sell it. Learn how to do just that! What is vehicle depreciation? First - what is vehicle depreciation? This term refers to the way your vehicle loses value over time. All cars lose value, regardless of their make and model, because of routine use and wear and tear. In fact, most cars lose somewhere between 15-35% in the first year they're owned and up to 50% of their value in the first three years. As you can imagine, this takes a toll on the money you'll put in your pocket when you eventually trade or sell. Also, you can end up "upside down" if you're not careful - this is when you own more money than the car is worth. That's why you have to take vehicle depreciation into account before you buy. Toyota of Clermont's tips for slowing depreciation Some models hold their value better than others; for example, our Clermont Toyotas tend to hold value extremely well by industry standards. But regardless, you can take steps to enhance your car's resale value and slow vehicle depreciation so you can get more money down the road. Here are 5 tips to help you make it happen. #1: Get on a routine car maintenance schedule and stick to it. Is your vehicle on a routine maintenance schedule for things like tire rotations, tuneups, oil changes, etc.? It should be - a car that's been well-maintained and kept on a Clermont auto service schedule will hold more value than a car that routinely misses its service. Also, be sure to stay on top of repairs and nip them in the bud as quickly as possible (and keep any warranties that come with the repairs). #2: Research before you buy. As noted, some makes and models hold value better than others. Take that into consideration before you make your decision and sign the dotted line. #3: Think about the climate and area of the country that you live in. Certain features are more desirable in certain areas of the US. For example, people who live in the Northeast with lots of snow and ice value all-wheel drive a lot more than people who live in Central Florida, where we really only see rain. #4: Consider size and price, as well as fuel efficiency. Larger, more expensive cars tend to suffer faster vehicle depreciation, and cars that aren't neutral colors are harder to sell. You should also think about fuel efficiency - a Clermont Toyota that's economical at the fuel pump is more desirable to future buyers. #5: Be mindful of your mileage. You bought the car to drive it, but high mileage cars are harder to sell. Keep an eye on your mileage, don't overdo it, and try to sell or trade in before you hit that high mileage marker. Want more tips, need a trade-in appraisal, or want to get on a routine car care schedule? Call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7000!

It's finally Friday again and, if you're like most, you're probably looking for things to do to flesh out your weekend. There's always something going on near Orlando and the weekend is the perfect time to take advantage and kick back with some fun things to do. But, if you've ever survived a summer in Florida, you know that it's hot and most often rainy as the day goes on. Luckily, Toyota of Clermont is here to rescue your weekend with a list of things to do, rain or shine. Things to do Near Orlando This Weekend 1) Eat, Game, and Drink at Dave & Buster's With delicious food and arcade games on tap, you can't go wrong with an afternoon or evening at Dave & Buster's. As far as things to do near Orlando, this is a must. It's conveniently located on I-Drive so there's always plenty of other things to do if you're out and about. It's family and competition friendly so make sure to save your tickets for a cool prize at the end of your visit. 2) Catch a Movie Who doesn't love the movies? The summer is always packed to the brim with blockbuster movies and there are some pretty great ones playing right now. Plus, rain always makes for a great movie date. Spider-Man: Far From Home and Crawl are great if you're looking for an exciting afternoon. If you're looking for something more family friendly check out Toy Story 4 and Aladdin (especially before The Lion King hits theaters). 3) Take a Trip to the Orlando Science Center Located in Loch Haven Park, home to an art museum, nature park, and several theaters, the Orlando Science Center is a great choice on our list of things to do this weekend. The museum features a stat-of-the-art refractor telescope, family friendly exhibits, and unique events and exhibits throughout the year. If the weather permits, try checking out the nice sights at Loch Haven Park or drive through Ivanhoe Village around the corner for some unique shops and eats. 4) Go Shopping at Excellent Malls Near Orlando When it rains, it's time to shop! Orlando is host to several excellent shopping malls that offer plenty of things to do and deals to be had. The Mall at Millenia is right around the corner from our sister store, Toyota of Orlando, and offers several great brands and shops along with some more higher end options. If you're looking for maximum store for the space, the Florida Mall is your best bet. This mall is also home to the Crayola Experience if you're looking for a fun family activity to break up the shopping. 5) Bowling, but Better Like most, you probably remember the lame shoes, slightly smelly air, and dimly lit atmosphere of a bowling alley. But, these will put your perception to the test. Kings Dining and Entertainment offers a retro-chic setting with two bowling alleys, pool tables, and two bars to enjoy. There's also the Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Disney Springs. Along with plenty of lanes, Splitsville also features a sushi bar and a great menu of delicious offerings to enjoy while mowing down pins. You can also venture out and see what else Disney Springs has to offer (the Rainforest Cafe is definitely a cool novelty to check out). Have a great weekend and remember to stay dry!

Taking a summer road trip is a great way to explore the country and reach your vacation destination in an affordable and fun way. However, it can also be a little stressful! Long hours in the car can take their toll, especially if you're traveling with kids. Toyota of Clermont is here with tips to help make your journey safe, stress-free, and sane. Check it out! Toyota of Clermont wants to make your summer travels safe and stress-free Tip #1: Make car safety rules clear. Make sure that before you head out on your road trip, you make safety rules very clear to everyone in the car. It can be tempting to slip out of your seatbelt when you want to nap, but everyone should be buckled in at all times. You should also ensure that whoever is behind the wheel is focused on the road, not engaging in distracted driving habits like texting, turning to talk to people, or fiddling with the radio. Tip #2: Consider making your drive time happen at night. Driving at night can be tiring, but it's worth it, especially if you're traveling with small children. If all goes to plan, they'll sleep most of the drive away and leave you in peace to focus on the road. However, make sure you monitor how you feel. If you feel tired, pull over and get a hotel room. Driving while fatigued is extremely dangerous, as dangerous as driving while under the influence. Tip #3: Allow for stops and be realistic about your timeline. We know it's more efficient to just suck it up and power through a road trip so you can reach your final destination quickly, but that's not always possible with kids. You should plan to stop for bathroom breaks, for food and drinks, and to let them stretch their legs. Whether they're running around in the grass at a rest stop or checking out a roadside attraction, letting them stretch their legs during the trip will benefit everyone. Know how to prep and what to pack for your next road trip Tip #4: Bring snacks and drinks for the trip. A good way to ensure crankiness and chaos is to not eat or drink during the trip. Make sure you pack snacks and drinks for everyone; just avoid messy, sticky, or crumbly foods that will trash your Clermont Toyota's interior. Also, if you have young children in the car you should avoid any snacks that pose choking hazards. Tip #5: Keep everyone entertained... or else. Boredom is another way to ensure fighting and whining during your road trip. Keep everyone occupied so the miles fly! You can bring tablets, books, coloring items, toys, and games along to keep kids entertained as the drive progresses; if you own a Clermont Toyota with a rear seat entertainment system, then you can pack DVDs and Blu-Rays. Consider making singalong playlists and download podcasts for older kids, too. Want more tips? Call Toyota of Clermont today - we're open until 10 pm at (352) 404-7000. From our Clermont Toyota family to yours, we hope you have a safe and happy summer road trip!

If you've been out on the road lately, you've probably noticed the abundance of Toyota SUVs and larger vehicles driving around. It's true, drivers prefer larger vehicles to sedans and it looks like this is a trend that's here to stay. With all the space, capabilities, and new technology, it's easy to see why. If you're looking to hop on the bandwagon, you've likely been shopping different makes and models to find the perfect one for you and your passengers. Luckily, at Toyota of Clermont, we're comparing the 2019 Toyota Highlander and the 2020 Subaru Ascent to help you make your final decision on a Toyota SUV. Highlander vs Ascent Both Toyota and Subaru are excellent auto manufacturers. In fact, they've collaborated on a few vehicles here and there (think Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86). Both the Clermont Toyota SUV Highlander and the Subaru Ascent sport great features that you'll enjoy, regardless of which you choose. But we've compiled the differences between the two models in case you're on the fence about which you should sign on the dotted line for. Exterior Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent feature rounded exterior designs with prominent front grilles. The Clermont Toyota SUV Highlander is available in 9 different colors while the Subaru Ascent is only available in 8. The Subaru Ascent is equipped with roof storage racks while the Highlander is not. The Highlander maintains a ground clearance of 8-inches while the Ascent maintains 8.7-inches. Interior Both the Clermont Toyota SUV Highlander and Subaru Ascent feature 7 or 8-passenger seating with various upholstery options like perforated leather, fabric, stain-resistant cloth, and leather. Both models also feature optional second-row captain's chairs and front seat ventilation and heating. The Subaru Ascent's cargo area is slightly larger than the Toyota Highlander's with the Ascent clocking in at 83.7 cubic feet and the Ascent at 86.5 cubic feet. Both the Ascent and Highlander feature 8-inch touchscreen infotainment displays with optional navigation. The Clermont Toyota SUV Highlander uses a 12 speaker JBL sound system in the Limited model while the Subaru Ascent uses a 14 speaker Harman Kardon Quantum system in its Limited model. Engineering The Clermont Toyota SUV Highlander offers a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine that gets 185 horsepower and 184 lb./ft. of torque, a 3.5-liter V6 engine that gets 295 horsepower and 263 lb./ft. of torque, and a hybrid variation of the V6 models. The Subaru Ascent uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer 4-cylinder engine across all trim levels that gets 260 horsepower and 277 lb./ft. of torque. All trim levels of the Ascent use symmetrical all-wheel drive while the Highlander offers it as an option. The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent get an EPA estimated 21 MPG city and 27 highway. Both the Subaru Ascent and Clermont Toyota SUV Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds off their trailer hitches. Safety The Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander both feature a suite of safety technology. However, the Highlander provides the suite standard on all trim levels while some features of the Ascent's safety suite are limited by trim level. The Winner? Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are reliable vehicles that come equipped with excellent features that make them great to drive. Crowning a winner here is difficult as they both have an equal footing overall. They both also sit at a similar price point, the Highlander having a starting MSRP of $31,680 and the Ascent at $31,995. If you still can't decide between the two, come test drive the Toyota Highlander and other Toyota SUVs today at Toyota of Clermont! We also have a great selection of used vehicles to choose from. You can find us at 16851 State Road 50 and we're open seven days a week!

Fireworks, cookouts, and a long weekend is almost here! 4th of July is next week and we're excited to see all the fireworks and celebrate. In fact, Toyota of Clermont is celebrating with our 4th of July Sales Event where you can get the best prices of the summer! If you're planning on celebrating Independence Day with a bang, check out these events going on near Orlando! Fireworks at the Fountain July 4th, Lake Eola Park from 4 pm - 10 pm Right in downtown Orlando, Fireworks at the Fountain provides the scenic backdrop of Lake Eola with colorful sky fire. Food trucks, games for kids, live music, and cold drinks from the Relax Bar and Grille and World of Beer. The fireworks show starts at 9:10 pm so make sure to get there early to set up your viewing spot. Independence Day at Magic Kingdom July 4th, Magic Kingdom in Disney World Disney is the go to for fireworks near Orlando and you can bet that 4th of July is going to be big. The park will be having a special fireworks display on both the 3rd and 4th at 9:15 pm along with Independence Day themed dance parties. You can also catch the muppets reenacting important American history moments in Liberty Square all day. Red, White, and Boom July 4th, Waterfront Park, Clermont 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Back for its fourth year, Clermont's Red, White, and Boom is a perfect local event for families looking to catch some amazing fireworks. This year you can catch live music, pie-eating and costume contests, food, drinks, and more! The 4th of July fireworks are set to go off on 9:15 pm. Smoke on the Water and Fire in the Sky July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, Port Canaveral/Cocoa/Cocoa Beach Three different cities and three nights of nonstop 4th of July fun! For July 2nd you can catch a street party with live entertainment and kids' activities along with a fireworks show around 9:30 pm. On the 3rd, Cocoa Beach will host a fireworks show at 8:45 pm on the beach. For the 4th you can expect another street party, family activities, and fireworks in Cocoa's Riverfront Park. Baldwin Park Independence Day Bash July 3rd, 3710 Maguire Blvd., Orlando, FL 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm Baldwin Park, near Orlando, will be hosting a free Independence Day Bash complete with kids' activities, food trucks, a beer garden, and more! There will be live music, a battle of the bands, and a choreographed fireworks show at 9:15 pm.   There are plenty of wonderful and fun events going on during this long holiday weekend so make sure to get out there and check them out. From our Toyota family to yours, have a happy and safe 4th of July weekend!

Fireworks, cookouts, and fun are aplenty of July 4th and it's just around the corner, if you can believe it! But, with all the great things to be had on this holiday, it's still one of the most dangerous times of the year to be out on the road. If you need to brush up on your driving safety, you're in luck! Toyota of Clermont is here with a quick and easy guide on driving safety tips for this year's July 4th. Check out these Driving Safety Tips for July 4th Tip 1) Watch out for Motorcycles Excessive rain in Clermont aside, summer is arguably the best time for motorcyclists to cruise the roadways and enjoy the open air. This means that those driving cars need to be extra cautious to avoid a fatal or serious accident. For our driving safety tips, we recommend always checking your blind spots before changing lanes and not following motorcyclists while on the road. A fender bender may not harm the driver of a car, but it can be fatal to a motorcyclist. Be vigilant and watch out. 2) Never Drink and Drive Drinking and driving is one of the worst things a driver can do. Impaired judgement, slowed reaction time, and diminished vision are sure to land you in an accident or with a DUI. On July 4th people are traveling more frequently and an accident is bound to happen. Plus, you could run into a DUI checkpoint and land yourself in a bad spot. Make sure to have a reliable designated driver or call an Uber or Lyft if need be. You can always return and pick up your Clermont Toyota vehicle later. 3) Get Home or Where you Plan on Staying Early Drunk drivers will likely be out despite the driving safety hazard they pose and the later it is the more likely they'll be out. Make sure to get to where you plan on staying early to avoid a run in with a drunk driver. 4) Don't Get Distracted by the Fireworks You need fireworks on July 4th, you just do. But, they can pose a distraction while on the road. Those who have driven by Disney in the evening know what we're talking about. Even a small glance from the road can get you into an accident. If you want to watch, pick a safe spot along the road to park your Clermont Toyota vehicle and watch the show. 5) Be Watchful for Pedestrians and Pets In suburban areas it's likely that people will be out and about visiting friends, neighbors, and trying to see fireworks. If you have to drive through any heavily populated areas on the night of the 4th of the July, be very careful. This driving safety tip is essential and will help you make sure no one gets injured during your commute. Stop and look at stop signs, obey crosswalks, and don't run red lights. You'll also want to watch out for any pets that may be out with their owners as they get spooked because of the loud fireworks. Driving on July 4th has no shortage of hazards so make sure you follow these driving safety tips to protect yourself and your ride while on the road. If you have any questions on how you can stay safe during the holiday give Toyota of Clermont a call at (352) 404 - 7000 today!