Blog / Used Cars

Used car inspection checklist

Clermont used cars
Are you feeling nervous about buying a used car? It's natural - after all, you're about to sink a whole lot of money into something that you want to be able to depend upon for years to come. Why not let Toyota of Clermont help you allay some of that uneasiness? We've got a used car inspection checklist that you can take along with you when you car shop. Answer the questions on it to ensure you find the right ride at the right price and drive home happy!

Shop with confidence with this Toyota of Clermont checklist!

Let's start with the basics when it comes to the inspection - here are some initial questions that our Clermont Toyota dealership recommends answering:
  1. What year is the car?
  2. What is the car's VIN number?
  3. What is the car's mileage? Does it match the CarFax report?
  4. Was the car running when you arrived? If so, turn it off, let it cool, and start it again.
Next, it's time to inspect the exterior of the car you're considering. Here are some aspects to think about:
  1. Is there body damage? This means scratches, dents, dings, or anything else marring the appearance.
  2. Do you see rust anywhere? Don't forget to check the door hinges and the trunk.
  3. Are there any spots where paint doesn't match? What about body panels that don't meet up?
  4. Does the glass (windows and windshield) have any damage like cracks or chips?
  5. Do the tires have a fair amount of tread on them? Are they damaged at all?
  6. Can you open and close all doors and the trunk without a problem?
Time to get into the driver's seat! Toyota of Clermont recommends doing an inspection of the used car's interior while you're there, taking in elements like:
  1. Is the headliner in good shape?
  2. Can you adjust the seats?
  3. Is the interior free of stains and odors? Do you spot mildew or mold anywhere? *Check the trunk too
  4. Do the power door locks and windows function?
  5. Does all of the technology work? Check the radio, lights, Bluetooth, and any other features on the interior.
  6. Do both the heat and A/C work efficiently?
  7. Do the windshield wipers and fluid work as they should?
  8. Does the parking brake work?
  9. Does the sunroof open and close?
  10. Does the key fob work to unlock and lock the car? Is there a spare key?
  11. Does the trunk have a spare tire with tire change kit?
  12. Are any of the dashboard lights illuminated after you start the car?
buying a car

Get behind the wheel of your used car!

Now it's time to hit the road - ask yourself these questions once you start the engine:
  1. Are there any leaks under the car?
  2. Does the car start smoothly and quickly?
  3. Do you see smoke coming out of the exhaust?
  4. Can you reverse smoothly without noise?
  5. Does the car shift between gears smoothly?
  6. Do the brakes work well? Do they make any noises, grinding, or vibration when you hit them?
  7. Does the car pull to one side at all while driving or braking?
  8. Does the steering wheel shake or pull?
  9. Do you smell or hear anything out of the ordinary?
  10. Does the car shudder or vibrate while in motion?
Now you're ready to shop used cars... so head down to Toyota of Clermont! We're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50. See you soon!
Posted in:

Related Posts

Over seven million Toyota Certified Vehicles sold... but why?

We know that shopping for a used vehicle can be a little unnerving, especially if you're not feeling exceptionally confident about it. After all, when you buy a new car you know exactly where it's coming from and that if it has problems, you can bring it back to the dealership to get them remedied. You don't always get that peace of mind when you buy a used car... unless, that is, you buy a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Why buy a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle? And we're not the only ones that think buying a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle is a good idea - in fact, plenty of other people do because Toyota officially just hit the 7 million TCUVs sold marker. But what makes these particular used cars so popular? Toyota of Clermont is here to explain. When you buy a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle at Toyota of Clermont, you can leave the dealership worry-free thanks to this incredible program. Here are the details: Toyota Certified Used Vehicles have certain parameters that they have to meet before they can even be considered. They must be six model years back or newer (so this year, they would have to be a 2016 or newer) and additionally, they must have fewer than 85,000 miles on their odometer. Their CarFax reports are also inspected to ensure they're in good condition in that respect and are safe to sell and drive. They have to undergo a very rigorous inspection conducted by Toyota trained technicians. It's 160 points total and stretches from bumper to bumper, inspected elements including: Interior Exterior Engine performance Suspension Brake system Electronics system Tires Transmission Transaxle Obviously, they're thoroughly vetted before they even set foot (wheel?) on our lot. But the peace of mind that you're investing in something reliable and dependable isn't the only thing you'll get if you buy a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle at Toyota of Clermont. Here are some of the other benefits you can expect to reap: Incredible warranties. You'll get not only a 12-month/12,000-mile limited comprehensive warranty but also a seven-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. Plus, extended warranty coverage is available if you're interested in it. Roadside assistance. Each TCUV sold comes with seven years/100,000 miles of Roadside Assistance to give you a hand if you find yourself stuck. A free CarFax report so you can see where your car has been before you decide where it's going. Available new car financing rates so you can get the best deal possible on your Toyota Certified Used Vehicle. Over 1,400 dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada that will honor the aforementioned warranties. The ability to apply your trade-in toward the deal. Plus, you'll benefit from the fact that your vehicle has been reconditioned to a like-new state to give you the best drive time experience possible. Shop TCUV at Toyota of Clermont What are you waiting for? Toyota Certified Used Vehicles await at Toyota of Clermont, and we're open until 10 pm every single night. Stop by and see us at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike, or call us. We can set you up for a test drive today at (352) 404-7000!

Vintage car for sale in Clermont.

Toyota Vintage Cars That are Surprisingly Collectible

If you think about it, pretty much anything can be collectible. To someone, at least. Everything from old baseball cards to classic cars, it's all desirable to someone. But, things have taken a surprising turn due to a global pandemic, some people having disposable income, and nostalgia being the biggest drug of all. Cars that were once mundane and common just about everywhere are now becoming collectors' items! Who would've thought? At Toyota of Clermont, we're astounded by this new revelation in the classic car world and we're breaking down which vintage cars are selling for big bucks and why. Let's check it out! What Was Once Common is Now Collectible Clermont vintage cars that fetch high prices are pretty well established in the automotive world. For Toyota, it's the Supras of old, the vintage Land Cruisers, the 2000GT, and a few others. Modern collecting has now done away with that formula and people are now collecting cars that we used to not give a second glance to. Here are a few that have garnered high resale prices recently: Toyota MR2 Spyder While the poor man's Porsche might seem like an obvious pickup for a collector, the MR2 was not always a sought-after vintage car choice. Not saying that the MR2 was bad, no. In fact, this mid-engine Toyota model was always beloved as a sporty and affordable option for young people and those looking for a little thrill from their drive. In 2003, this vehicle carried an MSRP of around $22,000 - $24,000. If you were to buy one with low miles and in good shape, you'd likely wind up paying MSRP or greater! Toyota Pickup Everyone loves a vintage car Toyota truck, but it's surprising that the Clermont Toyota pickup has become a hotcake-like seller recently. Even crazier is that some pickup models have sold for upwards of $30,000 via auction. While the Toyota pickup was compact and customizable, it only retailed for about $9,000 back in the 1990s (adjusting for inflation that's about $18,000 today). Toyota Land Cruiser Clermont Land Cruisers are obvious collectible vintage cars, but some model years that were once less popular are now big ticket items. 1980s Land Cruisers feature a nostalgic boxy design and are excellent options for those looking to do some off-roading or overlanding. Auction prices have been hitting into the upper $40,000 - $60,000 range which has been unheard of for this type of vehicle. Especially considering the fact that this Land Cruiser's MSRP was about $18,000. Toyota Celica The Celica is a Clermont vintage car that has long since been removed from the Toyota lineup, but it's getting a lot of love in the afterlife. In fact, some 80s Celicas can fetch upwards of $30,000 plus depending in condition and mileage.   Thinking about getting behind the wheel of a Toyota vintage car or need to service your current collectible ride? Toyota of Clermont is here to help! Visit the dealership at 16851 State Road 50 for more help and info today.

A Dive into the Most Expensive Used Car Out There

Shopping for a vehicle leaves many people overwhelmed with all the options that are available. For many, used cars are the most viable and economically sound shopping methods out there. As a buyer you can avoid suffering depreciation throughout your time of ownership, they're significantly cheaper than purchasing a new car, and they let you you choose which model year and style you want to drive. At Toyota of Clermont we're always happy to help you get behind the wheel of the vehicle you want, new or used. While used car shopping is very affordable for many drivers out there, there's one vehicle that deviates from the norm. The Toyota FJ Cruiser. Today, we're walking your through what makes this Clermont used car so unique and what's helped it to avoid depreciation all these years. What Makes a Used Toyota FJ Cruiser So Expensive? The Clermont Toyota FJ Cruiser is truly a unique blend of Toyota's history and ambition. This concept-looking SUV today enjoys a cult following and a desirability that has helped it to avoid depreciation for over half a decade. With price tags that can reach up into the $40,000 range, the FJ Cruiser is an oddity in the automotive world. Before we dive into a few of the unique and key features of the FJ, here are a few historical points concerning this special SUV: The Clermont Toyota FJ Cruiser was designed with inspiration from the Toyota FJ40 in mind. This included extensive off-roading features and additional room in the cabin. The concept for the FJ was debuted in 2003 and the production model retained a large number of the initial features that were showcased (including the iconic voodoo blue paint color). 2014 was the final year for the FJ in North America but has since become one of the most valuable used cars you can purchase. Sales of the Cruiser weren't discontinued in Japan until 2018. The FJ Cruiser Speaks for Itself As far as used cars are concerned, their value is determined by age, wear and tear, mileage, and so on. But, for the FJ many factors don't make a dent on the price people will pay. The original MSRP of a 2014 Clermont Toyota FJ Cruiser clocked in at $27,000 - $29,000 but some used car models sell for north of $30,000 - $40,000. Here are a few features that are available on the FJ Cruiser that make it truly unique: The FJ Cruiser sports unique interior designs with paint color matching panels and even a dedicated side-sun visor in the front seats. The exterior roof is painted white on some models of the FJ (a feature offered on select modern Toyota models) for a slick look and to prevent heat from building up in the cabin. Clam-shell or "suicide doors" are unique to the FJ and there's no structural pillar separating the front and rear perimeter segments from each other. While this feature is specific to the FJ, it does make for a difficult time getting into the back seats. A no-frills stereo system graces the front of the cabin along with a unique shift handle. The used car FJ Cruiser sports a 4.0-liter V6 engine similar to what's under the hood of the modern Toyota 4Runner. Shop for an Amazing Used Car with Toyota of Clermont There's a lot that makes the FJ Cruiser unique and quite an item. While we don't often have one on our lot, we can still help you get behind the used car you're looking for! Visit Toyota of Clermont today at 16851 State Road 50 or shop our inventory online anytime.