Toyota Solara

evaddave · October 2001

I have the same hiss in my JBL system. I just chalked it up to a noisy (cheap) amp. The only way to get around it is to play music.

automophile · October 2001

I remember some posts about that a long time ago. I think the amps were replaced and this cured the problem. I believe that the power amp is separate from the head in this car.

Go to the dealer, and listen to a couple more, then bug the service rep if there is a difference. They are more inclined to do something if you can show that a "problem" doesn't exist in other similar cars.

You are right - the Solara is a REALLY a quiet, comfortable car. As many here know, I traded in a Lexus ES300 that I loved because the Solara is MUCH more comfortable, and has the same drive train and feel as the ES. After I added some additional wood, it is nearly as nice inside as the ES. The only thing I really miss is having 4 doors - that will be the only reason I get another car. Enjoy it!

vz18wp · October 2001

Yes, there was a problem with the Solara's "rocking" driver's seat.

I had my "lower seat frame assembly" replaced in January 2001 on my 1999 SE (warranty).

I believe there was a Technical Service Bulletin published for this problem. (Also had my strut mounts replaced last week to remedy a clunking noise in the front end when going over significant bumps, now it rides GREAT again).

GOOD LUCK!

1999 Diamond White Pearl SE V6- 36K and still smooth...

canc · October 2001

Has anyone seen spy pics of the new Solara yet? If not, have you heard anything about it? I'm thinking about buying a Solara and was wondering if I should buy the current model or wait of the next one.

People have said that Toyota decontented the Camry during its previous generation (up to 2001). Was this the case for the Solara as well?

pbc · October 2001

If the new Solara has the same interior as the 2002 Camry, than I'd definately wait! I took a look at the new Camry the other day. Wow! The leather seats seem to provide much more support and are firmer, plus you don't slide off them! The radio looks much more sleek, not bulky like my current Solara. The fake wood actually looks like real wood, as opposed to the fake wood in my Solara now. Now the wood just looks like what it is, face plates of plasticky wood glued on top of the dash or other areas. Whereas on the Camry I was in the wood around the radio actually looks like wood (i.e. it was very nicely 'form' fitted instead of looking glued on). I'm really not impressed with the current wood package at Toyota! Also, the doors now have leather (or leather looking material) on the upper half where the door handle is, instead of the plastic we have now.

I'm not impressed with the look of the dash, but then, the look of the current dash is pretty plain anyhow.

The exterior hasn't changed much but, is still nice none the less.

The ride now is great (would have liked tighter steering and less 'bumps' whenever you hit something in the road), so if it gets any better in the new Solara that's great!

If you can wait a few months, do it. Oh well, I guess this happens with most cars! I should have leased!!

hambone32 · October 2001

The word is that the 2003 Solara will be the same as the 2002. Toyota supposedly has a five-year product lifecycle. It has been said that the 2004 Solara will be all new and will be released mid-year 2003. Unless things have changed since I heard this info, you will have to wait at least a year-and-a-half for a redesigned Solara. I just bought one, and it has improvements that are in the new 2002 Camry, such as a remote keyless trunk release, a more powerful 4cyl., daytime running lights you can turn off, and multi-reflector headlights. I also still think that the Solara has a much nicer interior than the new Camry. But if you can wait a long while, I'm sure the new Solara will be even better. Just keep in mind that they may likely get MSRP for a Solara at least 6 months to a year after that, as they are in much shorter supply than Camrys. If they are that nice, I'll buy another in few years, when I can get one at a discount. Cars are CHEAP now in this current economy. By the way, I think the Solara is the best deal out there. It is a LOT of car for the money.

tony2putt · October 2001

I just had my Solara in the shop for front-end noise over large bumps. The dealer claimed they couldn't hear anything. I'm hearing loud and clear on the right side. Is there a service bulletin for this? Why do I have to do the research? I love this car! It has some minor flaws, but this is by far the finest automobile I have owned in 20 tries! Thanks for any help!

Tony

webguyster · October 2001

The rocking seat TBS only covers specific VIN numbers. I have a 2000 made 9/99, and it doesn't fall under that catagory. My response from Toyota, and my dealer is wear and tear. Get used to it! Unless the TBS is expanded, it wont probably get fixed.

webguyster · October 2001

What does anyone think. I have just done my 30,000 mile service, with cooent change, but Toyota replaced my red long life coolent with green!?! Are they different? The advisor says its the same stuff. Any comments?

webguyster · October 2001

After getting home, reading my manual, and surfing the web I called the dealer about the green coolant. He said they are the same. I called another dealer, and the service guy said to bring it back immeadiately and get a flush and refill. I am now concerned about the possible damage, such as warping, and the reside from the green coolant may have on the alluminum radiator, and the engine. Smelled like oil burning on the way home!?! What could this do to the engine/radiator??? ANYONE THINK IT IS TOO MUCH TO CALL TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND/OR THE DEALER TO COMPLAIN???

tony2putt · October 2001

Mark, Thanks for the input. I just went over 36K. I will fight with Toyota if it becomes more of problem, than just noise. It doesn't appear to affect the handling so far.

Tony

automophile · October 2001

Tony:
Did you take the service writer with you for a drive to show him the noise?
Meanwhile, the actual movement of the strut in the tower is SO SMALL that it will never really affect the ride or handling, so don't worry about it too much. Enjoy your fine Solara.

As I was leaving the department store today, I happened to admire this great looking car in the distance in the parking lot, and it turned out to be mine! This IS a terrific car.

fastdriver · November 2001

automophile-

"As I was leaving the department store today, I happened to admire this great looking car in the distance in the parking lot, and it turned out to be mine! This IS a terrific car."

LOL....you're worse than I am! I've done the same thing!

fastdriver

ojc · November 2001

I got my 1999 SE-V6 about 6 weeks after the launch of the Solara for $1700 under MSRP. Toyota dealers unlike Mercedes, etc will deal.

ojc · November 2001

I have a loaded SE-V6 manual with extras, and it is in mint condition, with only 30000 miles. I am the original owner, it is a Southern Cal. car, and in a month, I am going to give it back to the dealer. The buyout is about $15,300, and I was asking a little more than that to make it worth selling. Not a big deal if it does not sell, because I just walk away, but I thought that the market value would have been better.

Edmunds rates this at $14,418 wholesale, $16,031 pvt party, and KBB overrates it for pvt party at $17,260, so I thought that my price was in line. What are you all finding out there?

bsproles · November 2001

The Solara was my first pick at a new car, until I saw the new 2002 Altima with its 5 speed V6. Sadly, while Nissan did a great job on the 240hp engine, they messed up royally on the interior, and after over a month of fawning over it, I think I'm coming back around to the Solara.

I'd be looking to get the V6 5 speed (or did I have to bother saying that?

with sunroof, side airbags, and the sport package w/leather.

I got to test drive a V6 5 speed once, but it was very low on gas, so they only let me take it around some back streets, so I didn't get a good feel for what it can do. Would some V6 5 speed Solara owners mind giving me a bit of a review of their cars, and especially what you think of the 5 speed.

Thanks!

-Bryan

canc · November 2001

What did Nissan do to "mess up royally" on the interior?

ezshift5 · November 2001

.......IMHO (after 18 months and 24,000 miles) is a very dependable, fuel-efficient and quiet ride. C/D puts 0-60 at 7 flat and I personally got over 36 miles per gallon Wells, NV - Sacramento, CA.

My only trouble has been weak Diamond White Pearl paint.......(extra cost).........it chips easily.

AND

The ride can bob and weave....bouncey and boundy.....under hard acceleration and braking. Incidentally, the brakes have a better feel than my previous Supra ('89 Turbo)

For 25 OTD.......here in CA tax and license are prodigious..........it's been real positive.

hambone32 · November 2001

I like the new Altima, but I bought the Solara instead. My last two cars were Nissans, and they were expensive for parts. You get tired of that after awhile.

bsproles · November 2001

Canc: It wasn't any one thing, but rather a bunch of minor things that *could* have been done right, instead of cost cutting every last little thing...

1. Cheap looking/feeling middle console where the stereo is located. This was my first complaint, but I could actually live with this one if there weren't other things wrong too...

2. If you push your finger up against the roof's interior, you can actually push it *in*, and it feels like some mix of carboard and light velvet. I don't expect to be able to push the roofline up that much in *any* car. Especially not if it feels hollow up there.

3. Gas tank opening lever - Not so much the lever itself, but Nissan just cut a rag-tag little square in the carpet *around* the lever. No, they didn't bother covering it with something, so it looks like extreme cost-cutting, and certainly not what you'd expect from a low to mid 20k car. (Maybe you'd see it in a $10,000 Kia or Geo....)

4. The cover on the front passenger drink holders is *ultra* cheap plastic - again, something you wouldn't expect in a $20,000 car.

5. While I liked the motorcycle guage look initially, I came around and decided that I do like the traditional dash style better.
With approximately the same options that I'd want, the Solara costs over $1,000 less at MSRP, doesn't require premium fuel, its interior is about 100x as nice as the Altima's, and even with the sunroof, has loads of headroom and legroom for someone of my height (6'1") - The Altima has nice headroom without the sunroof, but with, it gets a little uncomfortable.

ezshift5: Over 36mpg in a V6? *nice*

I guess that's mostly highway miles? I think I do more like 65% city, and 35% highway...

I'm not that experienced driving stick (I can do it, but it's not quite the *automatic reaction* that it should be just yet. However, when I drove the Solara, it felt like I'd been driving a stick forever. The clutch was very light, and extremely easy to get moving (ya know, that's the hardest part of a stick is to get the thing rolling

The Solara felt very sporty to me, and since I hardly ever have passengers in my car, I figure a 2 door coupe would be nice :-)

-Bryan

automophile · November 2001

Thanks for your analysis of the Altima. In the reviews and ads it seems too good to be true. A nice package with a big engine and refined engineering. But, as you have pointed out - they have cut a lot of corners in the places you see them the most. Too bad.

You will enjoy the Solara - I am convinced that it is really a bargain for the overall level of refinement and quality.

Also - You mentioned that the Solara does not require Premium. This is true, but the car runs a LOT better on Premium, and the increased gas mileage more than makes up for the cost difference. Don't skimp here on this nice car!

wree7777 · November 2001

I bought my 2000 V6 5sp w/ leather about 5 weeks ago with 17200 miles on it and it is awesome! The acceleration is strong and the braking is just right -- smooth and sure, not weak or grabby. A mechanic friend noted that the rpm's didn't waver at all when the car was on cruise control at highway speeds and we headed up a sorta-steep hill. The JBL stereo system that comes with the sport pkg is AWESOME, and the ride is s-m-o-o-t-h and q-u-i-e-t yet still plenty sporty. Another great benefit is the space in the backseat. I usually drive alone, but want the option of carrying adults in the backseat in reasonable comfort (while there and getting in and out). The Solara has as much room in the backseat as the 4-dr Camry!! And it's not bad at all to get in and out of. (The Solara won that contest over the Accord coupe hands down and then some.) I had told that to my 65-year-old father, and he just kind of said "uh-huh" until he tried it and was quite amazed. Recently I had a tall person in the front passenger seat and another tall person directly behind and they both had room to spare. I've also seen a ~6'4" ~300lb car salesman in the back seat looking plenty comfy. The quality of the leather seems really good (a lot better than the Accord which I've seen several 2-yr old Accord coupes with tears in the leather along seam lines and little hairs sticking out of the perforations. Mine doesn't look even close to doing either.) The seats are very comfortable (much better than the Accord). Shifting-wise, it's hard to mess up with this car -- the speed ranges that the engine seems to be content at for each gear are very, very wide. My only "problem" shifting is that it is so quietly content that it doesn't audibly "tell" me when to shift so I sometimes forget, no doubt to the detriment of my gas mileage. Gas mileage -- the highest I've gotten is 30 mostly-highway miles per gallon. (That equaled 482 miles on one tank...) Lowest is 18 which only happened once and I suspect the quality of the gas in that instance. Mostly I've been getting 26-28 in mixed city/highway driving (~40%/60%?). I was talking with a Toyota mechanic today as he put new windshield wipers on for me and he said they hardly ever have to do anything to the Solaras. My mechanic friend has a Toyota mechanic for a brother and he said the same thing. P.S. My previous car of 12 years was an Accord coupe and I loved it and completely expected to get another one, but the Solara came out miles ahead when I compared them and the Solara has the V6 with 5sp! Very cool!!!!

canc · November 2001

I think it's ridiculous for a V6 today to require premium fuel for optimal performance. Look at Toyota's competition (both domestic and import); most have more hp and torque from an engine with similar displacement, yet don't require premium fuel. For example, look at the Solara SLE V6 vs. the Chrysler Sebring LXi Coupe:

Solara: HP: 192 @ 5200 RPM
Sebring: HP: 200 @ 5500 RPM

Solara: 3.0 L
Sebring: 3.0 L

Solara: torque: 207 lb./ft.
Sebring: torque: 205 lb./ft.

Solara: gas mileage: 20 city / 27 highway
Sebring: gas mileage: 20 city / 29 highway

Yet, the Sebring gets these numbers with regular unleaded fuel. The Solara gets these numbers with premium. I think Toyota needs to take a look at what the competition offers and stop sitting on its laurels.

radracer · November 2001

Actually the Solara gets those numbers with REGULAR fuel, not premium.

ezshift5 · November 2001

...........the six develops 200HP ('cept in CA:198) not 192...........attention to detail never really hurts.

2k1trd · November 2001

is what i use in my 00 solara and it takes my nieghbors 00 maxima SE by a car length every time!
(both cars w/auto trans)

canc · November 2001

Well, I did pay attention to the details, since I got my info from Carpoint.

In any case, I think the new 4-cylinder is a great improvement, and should provide ample power.

bwiebe · November 2001

I have tried regular (89), premium, and regular with an ethenol blend (91) and fuel economy is about the same. Premium does give a small bit of a boost in preformance (or maybe its just my imagination) but certanly not worth the 15% increased cost for premium over regular. My mileage has been about 32 on average on the highway and 27-28 for mixed city/highway. (thats using imperial gallons as a measurement) I always convert from metric. I just can't get used to L/100 km. The owners manual doesn't stipulate premium so I'm going to continue to use regular.

canc · November 2001

How do you convert from L/100 km. to imperial gallons? I always wanted to know but I couldn't figure it out. Math wasn't my strongest subject in school!

pbc · November 2001

Canc - 1 litre = 0.264172 US Liquid Gallons (i.e. they refer to 18 gallon tanks vs our 70 litre tanks). 1 km = 0.621371 miles

Also, if you read the Solara brochure and manual, it quotes 200hp. Although I've also seen several places where they quote it at the Camry V6 output of 192(see the Nissan web site!)

Mileage - Every time I read people's MPG stats they blow my mind. Here is my experience based on me filling up when the tank is down to 10 liters left on Premium 91 fuel (which is a must according to the Canadian Solara brochure):

80% City/20% Highway - 520km on 60 litres translating to 323m on 15.85g or 20MPG

60% City/40% Highway - 580km on 60 litres or 360m on 15.85g or 23MPG

90% Highway/10% City - 800km on 60 litres or 31MPG driving an average 120km (75miles) an hour.

Oh, these are during the cool/warm months usually with little A/C. If I'm driving with A/C on all the time on a hot summer week or with heat on in the dead of winter, I'd say mileage drops by 50-70 km (30-40 miles). I drive a V6 Auto.

On average in mixed driving I'll get 500-580km on 60 litres.

My city drive is brutal though, say 45 minutes to 1 hour for a 22km (13.5 mile) drive. Maybe that is where I'm losing out!

W.r.t. brakes, just to throw this in, I'm at 40,000km (24.5k miles) on the first set and still going. Dealer told me that they want to do something to clean our the salt and rust build up for $170CDN that will help the pads last longer, but so far I haven't dished out. How are other people faring? A friend of mine in his '97 Grand Am has to change his pads every 20,000km (12.4k miles)!!

oilers1 · November 2001

I'm at 70k km on my '00 SE V6 with the original pads. I was hearing a little squeak from the brakes last week but attribute it to some debris stuck between the pads and rotor--the sound is now gone and plenty of pad left. yes, the dealer tried to sell me a brake cleaning as well..If it ain't broke why fix it? BTW the dealer was Kingsway in Edmonton. They'll say anything to separate you from your cash.

phelpsm · November 2001

I ran across this the other day and thought it useful from www.cars.com:

Demystifying Octane Ratings

"If your car requires high-octane gasoline and you habitually use regular gas because the engine exhibits no sign of knock, you’re outsmarting yourself. Most modern, computer-controlled engines include a knock sensor that detects knock and retards the ignition timing, causing the spark plugs to fire slightly later in the cycle. This typically prevents abnormal combustion and knock, which allows vehicles specified for premium fuel to run on lower-grade gasoline if it is all that’s available. While this removes the immediate hazard, it’s a bad idea to make a habit of running a vehicle on gasoline of lower-than-recommended octane. Retarding the spark causes a richer fuel/air mixture, which decreases fuel economy, increases emissions, causes the engine to run hotter, and reduces the longevity of both the engine itself and the catalytic converter. The money you save by pumping low-grade fuel into a car that demands higher octane is lost anyway, in decreased fuel economy and possibly gradual damage."

gdanczyk · November 2001

This statement doesn't apply to our cars because they do not require premium fuel. Also, our cars are smart enough to tell the difference between octane levels and they adjust accordingly.

wree7777 · November 2001

A question for those of you who have owned your Solaras longer than I have -- How does it handle in the winter, particularly snow? Are all-weather radials sufficient for mild-to-medium winters or should I be thinking about studded tires? Thanks..

canc · November 2001

for the conversion info. Your Solara seems to be pretty good on mileage, and on par with other V6s I've known. I agree that the city commute is what kills your mileage.

On another note, will you all be trading in your Solara for the new model when it comes out in 2 years?

webguyster · November 2001

Winter driving with the 16 inch Michelins is terrible. I didnt get the traction control, and I regret it. My Solara gets snowed in easily, compared to even my neighbors, 99 Camry with 15 inch Michelins. She a nose heavy car in the snow, so give yourself plenty of distance from the cars in front of you. Mine doesnt fish tail, as much as my 97 Avenger did, that car had 17 inch Goodyears, and held the road very nicely. That was the only good thing about that car, however. I may be looking into snow tires this year, possibly from Nokia (??)Tyres, if I can get a good deal, locally.

automophile · November 2001

Yes, gdanczyk, our cars do not REQUIRE Premium, but it is RECOMMENDED. There is more power and greater engine efficiency. Plus, as phelpsm points out, the engine and catalytic converter have to work harder with lower octanes.

My own gas mileage went up dramatically when I switched to Premium, more than offsetting the cost increase as well as giving me more power. If you wnat to evaulate the differences, please use at least 2-3 tankfuls of each for each trial before you make a decision, as the computer seems to take a while to make major changes.

ALSO - the brand of gas makes a REAL difference. I will no longer use Costco gas - the mileage was much worse than using a major brand. My neighbor is in the fuel industry, and he says it is well worth using Standard or Shell, or other top brands.

radracer · November 2001

I don't see why you would want to drive in snow with non-snow tires! that's like driving in the rain with bald tires! they make snow tires for a reason. i crashed my 97 accord on black ice. it wasn't a good thing.

01solaraman · November 2001

Hello--I have a 2001 Solara V6 w/1,500 miles which slightly pulled to the Left. I brought it in for service (Cherry Hill, NJ), they did an alignment, and it STILLS pulls left.

Anyone else have this problem??

Thank you.

hambone32 · November 2001

Did you buy it from Tony? I just bought a 2002 Solara (not from Tony) and I think that the JBL system is weak. It hisses and the speakers rattle. It has WAY too much bass. I like a lot of bass, and I usually cut the bass down to -3 or -4. I think it sucks as a stereo upgrade. Does anybody else feel this way?

webguyster · November 2001

If your car is pulling to left, I presume it always will. I have had multiple alignmments, and rotations, which even included inverting the 16 inch Michelins(outsidtations turned inside on wheels), and nothing seems to resolve the issue. GET USED TO IT! You may get the car a little straighter, but it wont last more than a few hundred miles. I have now found, my car drives straighter, without the alignments, and rotation. I guess the tires are broken in, at 31,000 miles in the rear and the 2 front tires have about 9,000 miles on them, after hitting a small pothole that ripped through the tire, and $480 rim. Earlier postings suggested many people have this problem, I beling one the the first, and will always have this problem. I think there may be a steering rack problem, like Toyota's trucks have/had, or just BAD geometry of the front end, due to design, or poor build quality. You can think of it as a safty feature, cuz if you take your hands off the wheel for even a second at highway speeds, your dead. So remember to use both hands, positioned at 10 and 2, and get used to the ongoing battle with the steering wheel.

ROCKING CHAIR....I recently got a phone call from The National Highway and Traffic Admisitration, and he said that the 2000 Camry/Solaras are covered by TBS, BO... SOMETHING OR OTHER, GOT DELETED FROM MY VOICE MAIL!?! I have had ongoing problems getting this resolved with Toyota Customer Service, and my local dealer. If any of you guys or gals have a rocking chair, reply, or give me any info you have about getting it resolved, please!

STEREO... I have the JBL system that came with option #4, 2000 Solara's,(didnt get alloy rim, like was in brochure) and I think it is the best factory stereo I have ever had, sound quality wise. The head unit is weak, but not a priority of mine. If you think it has too much bass, turn the bass down!?! Increase your treble.

SNOW TIRES...It is a good idea for anyone in snowy climates too have snow tires, as those of us who reside in cold climates, know that all season tires, do not refer to SNOW!!! Black ice, is another story, as even snow tires won't help at all when you start to hydro-plane over the ice. Of course, we all know that black ice is "almost" invisable, until you are driving on it, usually at way too fast speeds, for conditions, and when you hit it just hold your breath and wait for the car to regain control itself, or with your assistance. Even ABS won't help, maybe even make it worse.

bwiebe · November 2001

I have the michelins on my 2000 SLE V6. I have actually found them to handle quite well on snow and ice. In the past I have found michelins rubber compound to be too hard. Great for being long lasting but tend to just slide on ice and snow. Must have softened the rubber compound. The ABS has saved me a couple of times, this last Saturday the most recent. I hit some black ice on a bridge and while everyone was doing 180's I slowed down under control and steared around a car that had "parked" itself up on the curb.

I have started to experience a slight rocking in the drivers seat, especially when I get in and lean back to adjust myself in the seat. I hear and feel a creaking or give in the seat back. Will be bringing the car in for the 24,000 km servicing next week and will get them to check it out. May be out of luck on warranty though as I had heated seats installed and they may claim this will void the warranty.

No Pulling left, thank the car gods for that as previous posts haven't found a solution.

Stereo sounds good to me although a slight hiss when volume is down and car is parked.

I have noticed that the brakes have a slight squeel when backing up. Usually noticable when first starting up car and it is slightly cold or damp out.

tshaffer03 · November 2001

My 99 Red Toyota Solara SLE's battery just died. Since the car is only 2 1/2 years old, it seems a little early for the battery to die.

Anyone else experience this or have any other types of electrical/alternator problems??

Thanks!

decon · November 2001

I recently took my car into service for 30K.
I told them about the rocking seat problem. They took it for a test drive and said there is a problem. I have a 2000 SLE. They are ordering the part and will fix it when it comes in. The reason it is loose is due to a loose seat rail. Only way to fix it, is to order that new part.

vz18wp · November 2001

Hey webguyster...

I have a 1999 SE V6 that had this problem. Took it into the dealership and they replaced the "lower seat frame assembly" under warranty. This was done back in January 2001.

I think it is part # 72020-06020.

Good luck.

1999 DWP SE V6 with 37,000 smooth miles.

webguyster · November 2001

2 1/2 years is as good as it gets with the cheap battery they give you with the car, especialkly with all the parasitic drain from the security system, and alarm, if you have one installed. I had 2 replacements the first year, and I am headed for another. When my lights start to dim at stop lights, I know it time to go in again, and get another $39 replacement battery. When I am out of warrenty, my Toyota Extra care deductible is $50, so I will replace with a better battery myself. My dealer installs Interstae batteries, an although they seem to be good batteries from the web sites, I would rather chance it with a Sears Die Hard, or some other large company that has a bigger selection than the dealer, and will be more customer focused when it comes to replacing the battery. I was amazed that Toyota replaced the batteries, as Dodge, aka. D/C, did not cover batteries or tires under bumper to bumper. They did reimburse me after a few phone calls, but it was a hassle. I will try to replace the seat frame b4 36,000 miles, as they have it documented since almost the day I bought the car. My problem has been that I cannot get the service guy or manager to sit in the car, and the mechanics find no problems and dismiss it as wear and tear. I weigh 165lbs, and I am not too big for the seat, where it may cause wear and tear. It has become more noticable to me since I have bruised/fractured a rib, and every little rock back and forth HURTS alot! I hate to we whiney, as the dealer I use is open until 12 midnight, and all the other dealers are about 15-20 miles away and require appointments.

automophile · November 2001

My car has always had a slight left drift. The dealer has improved it, but it is still there, and I don't reallly notice it anymore. I am trying a different dealer for my next service, we'll see what happens. This is the only "defect" or problem I've ever had with the car in nearly 3 years.

The JBL stereo is not the best I've heard, but I would never say it has too much bass. The relatively small speakers can't gereate much real bass anyway.

If you think the JBL system has WAY too much bass then 1. The system is defective, or 2. your previous system had no bass and you got used to it.

marvin75 · November 2001

I recently replaced my stock paper air filter with TRD's, and so far I am happy with the change. You really notice the difference more at highway speeds--acceleration is smoother and stronger. Not much difference on city streets, but idle coasting speeds are a bit faster, with less "resistance" to slowing. My concern was that there would be increased engine noise (I like the already quiet ride), but so far I am not bothered by any increase in noise. Has anyone else out there tried this upgrade?...Will see how it affects gas mileage, too.

A side note: Does anyone feel and hear an intermittent mild "thump/jerk" when initially accelerating from stop? It is not a big deal, but I wish accelerating from stop would be smoother. I've got the rocking seat, too, and will take it into the dealer soon. Otherwise, great car!

Marvin
2001 SLE V6 DWP
8000 miles

webguyster · November 2001

Mine gives a thump when coming to a stop at a red light. It feels like the tranny shifting too hard.Makes a DUNK noise. If it is night, the lights will dim when this happens. It is usually only when in 1 and 2nd gear back to 1st. It almost feels like the A/C compressor is on, but is is not. Is this the same thump you refer to??? Good luck with the rockin' chair...

00 SE V6 Solara package #4, no alloy rim,:^( Black/Ivory

P.S. Got an invite from a company probaly through Edmunds, for $75 for opinion on car designs. Anyone else go to one of these???

hambone32 · November 2001

I don't even have 1000 miles on my car and I think I have the rocking chair problem. It squeaks and moves a little when I lean back in it. About the comments made here regarding bass, the stereo has more bass than the little speakers can handle. My previous systems were Nissan Bose and were of much higher quality. The JBL speakers distort way too easily, in my opinion. That is with the bass cut almost to the max. When the bass is flat (at zero) it should sound natural, and that is simply not the case with the JBL. I also feel that the car wanders a bit on the highway. The steering is definitely not tight on my Solara. The paint is average at best, it's a "regular guy car" paint job which is ok because it's not an expensive car. I wanted to put a really good shine on it, but it's just not going to happen. I guess I'm being critical, but I'm starting to notice the car's weaknesses at this point. Still the best for the price.

Toyota Solara

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