Relax, and Enjoy Buying a Vehicle                                                                                   

Applying for financing or leasing doesn't need to be complicated. In fact, with a good credit history and a simple understanding of financing terms and procedures, it can actually be a relatively easy experience. Here are a few suggestions and details to help you when applying for credit. Study this page and Click on the "Get Pre-Approved" link above for a quick and easy credit approval.

Improve Your Standing:

Establishing good credit is one of the most important steps toward purchasing a car. A solid credit history can broaden your financing options and increase the amount of money that lenders are willing to lend you. Toyota of Garden Grove can usually find a way to finance people with no credit or an adverse credit history. But, bear in mind, even a few bad marks on your credit record may lead to higher interest rates and ultimately cost you more money in the long run. Months before you buy pay down debts below fifty precent and maintain steady employment will help raise your credit score.

Down Payment:

The bigger your initial down payment, the less you will have to finance. With a lower amount to finance, your total interest charges will also be less. No one knows your personal situation as well as you do, so consider how much you can afford to pay each month, and plan accordingly. Also, do not forget to figure in taxes and other expenses when doing your planning.

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Annual Percentage Rate (APR):

The APR, or amount of interest you can expect to pay annually, varies from creditor to creditor. When buying a vehicle you can usually take out a loan from banks or credit unions, or apply for financing through other financial institutions, including Toyota Motor Acceptance Corporation (TMAC). We can help you with the financing process. Shop around for the best APR, then check with us to see what financing options are available through Toyota of Garden Grove . For your convenience, if you qualify, you can get pre-approved for financing through our online pre-approval process (click "Get Pre-Approved").

Length of Term:

Finance contracts and leases generally range from one to five years. Longer-term contracts typically have a higher APR than short-term ones, but usually offer lower monthly payments.


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Trade-Ins:

While you could sell your car on your own, trading it in offers several advantages:
· You can get immediate cash or credit.
· The dealer handles the paperwork and might pay off your current loan/lease.
· You won't have to deal with running ads, strangers in your home and car, bad checks, or liability for mechanical problems.

Bring These to the Dealership:

Come prepared with these documents, as some or all of these may be needed:
· proof of employment and salary (your last pay stub)
· driver's license
· social security number
· bank account numbers
· a down payment check
· your auto insurance policy number
· title/loan/lease papers and owners manual for your trade-in

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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT TO THE DEALER

The key to a pleasant and successful dealership experience is preparation and making sure all of your questions are answered. To avoid dealership anxiety, come prepared with questions in mind and goals for making your visit to the dealer an enjoyable experience.

Prepare Yourself

· Before visiting us, schedule an appointment for immediate service.
· If you want to trade-in a car, bring the current loan, lease or title papers.
· Be sure you've done your research: we are here to answer all your questions, but it helps if you know what to ask.

Test Driving

We recommend you test drive a vehicle before buying no matter how others may praise it. A few notes:
· Schedule a test-drive appointment, particularly for popular cars or on a weekend.
· Drive carefully but, where possible, tackle hills, rough surfaces, parallel parking and tight turns. Put the acceleration and brakes to the test. If possible, test drive the vehicle at highway speeds.
· Use the stereo, turn on the air conditioning, and generally determine how easy it is to adjust controls while you drive. Also, check for visibility or noise issues.
By taking these factors into consideration, you'll be better prepared and more likely to have an enjoyable experience while looking for your new vehicle.


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Easy There...

Most new vehicles have a 1,000-mile break-in period, so during this time you'll want to keep in mind your vehicle's recommended guidelines to help preserve quality and performance. Refer to your Toyota owner's manual for vehicle-specific instructions on break-in and care of your Toyota.

Regular Care

To ensure that your car runs well and has a higher resale value down the road, give it the regular cleaning, maintenance and safe operation a major investment deserves.
Owner's Privileges
Should you decide on a Toyota (always a good idea, we think), the Service section of this site contains maintenance advice, and details on Toyota 's extended service plans all of which can help you take control of your ownership experience.

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ASK AWAY

You've got questions, we've got answers.

General Auto Finance

· How do I decide between buying and leasing?
· How can I improve my credit rating?
· How large of a down payment do I need to make?

Selling Your Vehicle

· How much is my trade-in worth?
· Can I make more money selling my car on my own, versus trading it in at a dealer?

How do I decide between buying and leasing?

There are advantages to both, but no difference in maintenance or operating costs. Generally, leases are better for those who drive up to 15,000 miles each year, take excellent care of their vehicles, and want a new car every two to four years. You only have to pay for that portion of the car's life that you use. Buying is ideal if you drive a lot of miles, put your vehicle to heavy or rough use, and want to build equity. You can also sell, customize or trade your Toyota if you wish.

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How can I improve my credit rating?

Live by a realistic budget. Let your budget be your guide to spending, not your credit limit. Make timely payments at or above your minimum required payment. Don't overextend yourself. Maintain steady employment. Keep close track of your expenditures and your bills to guard against credit fraud. If you plan on making a major purchase on credit, order a copy of your credit report beforehand and review it for negative entries that might need to be resolved.

How large of a down payment do I need to make?

The bigger your initial payment is, the less you will have to finance. With a lower amount to finance, your total interest charges will also be less. No one knows your personal situation as well as you do, so knowing how much you can afford to pay each month, and planning accordingly is always advisable. Also, do not forget to figure in taxes and other expenses when doing your planning.

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How much is my trade-in worth?

It depends on a number of factors, including the vehicle model, year and condition. You can also get a general idea of your car's worth by checking independent car value guides. However, a vehicle survey by us is always necessary to determine the final trade-in value.

Can I make more money selling my car on my own, versus trading it in at a dealer?

While in some case you may be able to make more money selling it on your own, trading your car in to Toyota of Garden Grove offers several advantages. You are likely to get immediate cash or credit. We will handle the paperwork and might pay off your current loan/lease. And you won't have to deal with some of the hassles associated with selling a car on your own. No running ads, no title transfer paperwork, no strangers in your car, and no bad checks.


What does Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle mean?   Back To Top

160 Point Quality Assurance Inspection

Click any menu item below the vehicle to learn more about the 160 Point Inspection that all Toyota Certified Used Vehicles are required to pass. Place your mouse over any of the listed items within each category to view its location.
At Toyota, only the best of the best are chosen to be Toyota Certified Used Vehicles. When we choose a vehicle for Toyota Certification, we have to do a little investigative work. Not only do we put each vehicle through an exhaustive 160 Point Quality Assurance Inspection, but we also run a CARFAX Vehicle History Report to ensure it's worthy of the Toyota Certification process. Then, each vehicle is reconditioned to Toyota's exacting standards by factory-trained Toyota Technicians. We want the vehicles to look and feel as new as possible and we know you do too. We believe this helps maintain the value, as well as creates pride in ownership of Toyota Certified Used Vehicles.

Listed below are the 160 checkpoints. Only vehicles that pass all 160 checkpoints (as appropriate to vehicle content) can receive the Toyota Certified Seal of approval.

Audio & Alarm Systems Battery System Braking System Emissions & State Inspection Engine Compartment Engine Coolant & HVAC System Exterior Condition & Appearance Frame, Structure & Underbody Hybrid Components Instrument Panel & Electronic Systems Interior Condition & Appearance Lighting Systems Steering System Tires & Suspension System Transmission/Transaxle Trunk Compartment & Spare Vehicle History Additional Items, Where Applicable AUDIO & ALARM SYSTEMS Audio/cassette/CD system working normally, CD cartridge present (if equipped) Antenna is present and functions properly Radio speakers do not rattle at high volume Remote entry system works properly Theft-deterrent system works properly Back To Top    Back To Certified Battery in good condition, has proper cold cranking amps and reserve capacity Battery proper size and secure Battery posts free of corrosion Cables in good condition Back To Top    Back To Certified Inspect brakes, calipers, lines and hoses No excessive vibration during braking ABS operates on "panic stop" Parking brake sets and holds vehicle Brake pads/shoes must have minimum of 50% wear remaining No excessive grooving or heat checking of rotors or drums Parking brake releases completely Brake pedal free play and travel is normal Back To Top    Back To Certified EMISSIONS & STATE INSPECTION Perform emissions test and/or state inspection, if required Back To Top    Back To Certified ENGINE COMPARTMENT Change engine oil and filter Check for evidence of sludge Inspect for fuel, oil, coolant or other fluid leaks Engine cold high idle correct No abnormal engine noise at cold start Throttle does not stick shut on cold start Drivability OK during warm-up Hot drivability OK Engine reaches normal operating temperature Engine fan functions properly No excessive drone or vibration from engine Drive belts and hoses free of cracks or damage No damage to engine mounts Check under-hood labels and decals Engine compartment is clean Under-hood heat insulator pad is clean Engine free of excessive dressing Inspect air filter Oil, brake, clutch, transmission, transfer case, washer and power steering fluid levels OK Under-hood fluids clear and uncontaminated Back To Top    Back To Certified ENGINE COOLANT & HVAC SYSTEM Engine coolant at proper hot and cold levels Coolant specific gravity to -31° Fahrenheit A/C cooling operation normal A/C refrigerant sight glass clear Heater operation normal Back To Top    Back To Certified EXTERIOR CONDITION & APPEARANCE Exterior is clean and free of road residue No cracked or broken lenses of exterior lights Outside rearview mirror operates/lens is good Glass free of cracks, stars and large chips Glass is free of improper repairs Bumpers are free of cuts, gouges and scratches Body is free of all dents Body is reasonably free of dings Paint is reasonably free of scratches and chips Vehicle is free of improper paint repairs or mismatched color Hood and trunk latches working Free of water spots Paint is free of swirl marks Paint has even, high luster Paint is free of buffable scratches Free of wax residue Wheelwells are clean Acceptable aftermarket items checked Removal of unacceptable aftermarket items Back To Top    Back To Certified FRAME, STRUCTURE & UNDERBODY Frame/Unibody check Inspect body surface Inspect panel alignment and fit Inspect lower body and underbody for damage Check exhaust systems and hangers Back To Top    Back To Certified HYBRID COMPONENTS Hybrid Vehicle Immobilizer System Multi-Information Display Inverter Coolant Level Engine and ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission) ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) EMPS (Electric Motor Assisted Power Steering) CCS (Cruise Control System) SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Airbag HV ECU (Hybrid Vehicle Electronic Control Unit) HV (Hybrid Vehicle) Battery Perform "Onboard Equalizing Charge" of HV Battery using Intelligent Tester Fully charge 12-Volt Auxiliary Battery Clean or replace Air Refiner Filter (A/C or evaporator filter) Check Transaxle "Park" Mechanism Back To Top    Back To Certified INSTRUMENT PANEL & ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS Master key is present Fuel gauge reads correctly Battery voltage gauge reads correctly Horn works Airbag deployment/replaced airbag Speedometer and odometer work properly Cruise control operation normal Clock keeps time All wiper speeds work correctly Windshield washer operates Wiper blades are in good condition and work Wipers return to correct position when OFF All mirrors have full range of adjustment Windows operate normally Window locks operate normally Power windows operate from master switch and all door switches Memory seat control operates properly Back To Top    Back To Certified INTERIOR CONDITION & APPEARANCE Day/night mirror operates and lens is good Window tinting clear and free of bubbles Cigarette lighter is intact and operates Ashtrays function and are in good condition Ashtrays and lighter are clean; no evidence of use Headliner, sun visors, dash pad, upholstery, console, cup holders, trim panels, floor mats and carpets are in place and in good condition Cup holder extends completely and sturdily Doors open and close correctly Door locks, including child safety locks, work properly Seats, including all position adjusters, work properly Headrests function properly Rear defogger grid lines intact Interior leather, vinyl, plastic, carpet and fabric surfaces are free of holes, rips, tears, excessive wear or fading No evidence of previous improper repairs Inspect seatbelt condition Seatbelts have full range of extension and smooth operation Seatbelts lock up per specification Inside remote release operates normally Interior is free of debris Dash and vents are clean and properly dressed All crevices are clean Doorjambs are clean Glove box and console compartments are clean Seats, carpets, floor mats and headliner are free of stains Free of odor, including heavy perfume Glass is clean and free of streaks Back To Top    Back To Certified LIGHTING SYSTEMS Warning lights function High and low beams OK Headlight aim is OK Taillights work Brake lights work Side marker lights work Backup lights work License plate lights work Instrument lights work Heater lights work Dash light dimmer works Turn signals operate correctly and self-cancel Four-way flashers work Defogger indicator light turns on with switch ON Dome/courtesy lights operate with door cycles Back To Top    Back To Certified STEERING SYSTEM Steering has normal feel in lock-to-lock turning Steering wheel centered in straight line driving Vehicle tracks and drives straight on level surface Tilt steering wheel adjustment works properly No excessive wind whistle or buzz No excessive tire vibration or steering wheel shimmy at any speed Interior free of significant squeaks or rattles Inspect steering rack, linkage, bushings, control arms and dust boots Back To Top    Back To Certified TIRES & SUSPENSION SYSTEM Inspect tires for defects, damage and inflation Minimum of 5/32" tread depth remaining across tread width All four tires must be of same brand, model, size, tread design, speed and load rating Wheels are clean and free of brake dust Tires are dressed, not greasy Wheel cover caps secure with no damage Inspect struts/shocks for leaks and wear No damage to CV joints/boots Back To Top    Back To Certified TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE Transmission/clutch operates smoothly Automatic transmission in "ECT" power mode shifts properly Transmission gear ranges engage promptly while shifting when warmed up Transmission shift lock and key interlock system OK Transmission does not shift into overdrive when button is in OFF position Inspect transmission case and pan for leaks No damage to drive and axle shafts Differential fluid level correct Back To Top    Back To Certified TRUNK COMPARTMENT & SPARE Trunk is clean, free of debris, no stains Trunk light and trunk trim appearance Jack and tools are correct, present and secured Fiber board tire cover is not broken/warped Spare tire present Spare tire and storage areas are clean Spare tire is securely fastened No signs of damage to spare tire Minimum 5/32" tread remaining on spare Spare tire has correct air pressure Back To Top    Back To Certified VEHICLE HISTORY Run and print a CARFAX Vehicle History Report /Check for outstanding Special Service Campaigns Back To Top    Back To Certified ADDITIONAL ITEMS, WHERE APPLICABLE "Fade-away" dome light works properly Sunroof/convertible top operates normally through full range of positions Convertible top lockout function operates Radio security codes cleared Navigation system works properly Transfer case smoothly switches from 2WD to 4WD and back from 4WD to 2WD Truck bed is in good condition Truck bedliner is in good condition and secured Tailgate functions properly Rear bumper is in good condition and secured Back To Top    Back To Certified