Toyota Solara

gthater · November 2001

If interested or know anyone who is, check out

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=598163689&r=0&t=0

canc · November 2001

Ok people, here's my dilemma: I'm basically looking for a solid, reliable car that would preferably be comfortably, roomy, and quiet.

Basically my choices are set on either the Sebring Sedan, the Accord Sedan, or the Solara (I know the latter is a 2-door, but I dislike the coupe versions of the Accord and the Sebring).

For the same price as a 4-cylinder Solara SE, I could get an Accord Special Edition V-6 with all the bells and whistles. I could also get a fully loaded Sebring, with a V-6 engine. My question is this: do you think that the Solara is still worth it, considering I'm not getting as much for my money (or so it seems) than the Sebring or Accord? Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

fastdriver · November 2001

hambone32-

Like people always told me when I had my 1999 "award-winning Motor Trend Car of the Year" Chrysler 300M, some bad ones are bound to get through. Mine got through alright. I couldn't wait to get rid of before it hit 36,000 miles with NO warranty. Let me just say that no matter how "bad/cheap" you think the Solara is, there are WORSE cars out there in the same price category.

As for the paint- a front bra works wonders if you do a lot of highway driving and want to avoid chips. These new cars with their aerodynamic shapes leave a lot to be desired when it comes to the front hood. I know the bra is a pain, but it does help. All depends on how much the chips bother you. As for the shine, well, you are new here! ;-)) Ever heard of Zaino? It's a polymer polish. Too detailed to go into here, but if you click on my name above, you'll see what a shine it gives. Check out the 300M and the Acura pics. Those are the cars that have Zaino. I've been using it since the summer of 1998.

The instructions at http://www.zainobros.com may SEEM complicated, but they're not. The initial steps might be time-consuming, but after that, it's a BREEZE to keep the car looking like mine. I do NOT spend 24/7 keeping it like this. Not sure what color your car is, but the darker the better, although the Diamond White looks great too. Just ask automophile to send you the link to his pics. Maybe they're in his profile too.

Anyway, rest assured, that in the long run, I think you made a good choice with the Solara.

Canc-

If you're retired and like to spend time hanging around the dealer while they TRY to fix minor and major problems, then by all means get the Sebring Sedan! They're probably the best deal out there right now with their gigantic rebates and deals, but unless you're keeping the car until it dies, their resale is for the birds!

I'd say to stick with the Solara or the Honda. Their reliability is not even in the same category as the Sebring! Just my .02 cents.

fastdriver

hambone32 · November 2001

I don't think you can compare the Solara to the Accord sedan. I tried to, and found out that the Solara is a much nicer car. As a matter of fact, I drove the Accord immediately after driving the Solara and there was no decision at that point. When comparing prices make sure you add on fog lights and a spoiler to the Honda. Because the Solara comes with fog lights and the spoiler is part of a package. Also, the Accord SE comes with the ugly black plastic "side sill" or whatever you call it along the bottom side of the car. CHEAP looking. I found that the Solara and Accord were comparbly priced, and as far as I know, you can't get a V6 SE. In order to compete with a Solara, you would have to get an EX Accord. The LX's and SE's are cheaper quality and noisier than the EX's, you can't put an LX or SE accord up against a Solara, the Solara will win. Have you driven all of these cars? That will make the decision for you. Maybe the noise and ride of the Accord won't bother you, but it bothered me.

I won't put a bra on my car, because I think they're ugly. In response to the Zaino recommendation. I don't care what you polish a car with, Zaino will not make a Soalra look like a Jaguar paint job. I used to detail cars, professionally, and I have sold them for years. I do know cheap paint when I see it. I've seen Solaras shined up really nice, and I've seen Solaras polished with Zaino. Zaino makes the fair piant job on the Solara look as good as it's going to get. However, it's still shined up low quality paint. I'd rather have better, more durable paint, and use cheaper wax, wouldn't you? The paint on Solaras, and Accords for that matter, is on the lower end of the scale. If you want to see nice paint, go look at a Jaguar, Ferrari, Corvette, Mercedes, or BMW, then take a close look at a Solara. I know these cars are expensive, but they are excellent examples of nice paint jobs. I think it's great that you use Zaino, because it's top shelf stuff, but I don't think the Solara piant job warrants the use of such a high quality product. In short, the paint is cheap, soft, and thin for that matter. For such a high quality car they should step up a bit on the paint.

fastdriver · November 2001

hambone32-

I guess you can sum it up by saying - you get what you pay for?? Ever since they took the lead out of car paint, they haven't been as good. The Solara paint is probably no better or no worse than any other car in the same category/price range. I also have a 94 Toyota Corolla that sits outside 24/7 and goes to automatic car washes all the time in the winter. No problem with that paint at all. Very few chips on the hood and only a few on the bumpers from OTHER people.

To each his own.

fastdriver

canc · November 2001

Thanks for your comments... what's this about the Accord SE being noisier than the EX? Unless Honda doesn't insulate their cars equally, this is strange.

Although having a V6 is very nice, the current Toyota V6 doesn't impress me. I think I'd be very happy with the 4-cylinder. From what I've read here it's supposedly far better than its predecessor, and I've tried out the 2001 Solara with a 4-cylinder. I was impressed by the torque I got from it.

It's alluring however, when you start comparing the two cars, and you can find so many more options in the Accord for just as much money.

hambone32 · November 2001

Fastdriver,

I agree with you completely. Paint on most of today's Japanese cars is not what it used to be. Toyota IS in line with the other Japanese car producers in regards to paint quality. However, would you agree with me that GM and Ford cars in the same price range have much thicker paint? I guess my real problem with Japanese cars today (and I don't mean to offend anybody who meticulously cares for their car's finish) is that how much of your time should be spent cleaning, polishing, and waxing your paint when every rock, pebble, or speck of dust that comes in contact with your car scratches the paint down to the primer? Does anybody here remember when you could rub out all but the worst scratches with some good polish? Does anybody else find these new finishes frustrating to maintain? I mean, I haven't resorted to Valium yet....

Canc,

I'm telling you, Honda doesn't insulate their cars equally for sound. Go drive an LX and an EX and see if they are the same. I know more than one Honda salesman that would state it. It really sucks, because I don't like a sunroof, so I would rather have an LX. Also, a fully loaded EX cost less than a fully loaded Solara. I think they are closer in price in their basic models, though. The new 2002 4 cyl. is good on gas and has decent power, better than last year's, try it you might like it. There is no contest in transmissions: Toyota makes a better tranny. They are smoother shifting and they last longer, don't believe me, ask your mechanic. All this being said (I know I talk to much) the EX Accord is a great car, second only to the Solara!!

canc · November 2001

Thanks again... weird how Hondas would insulate their cars differently. I guess that would make it more complicated for the people assembling their cars.

Toyota trannies are the best compared to Hondas. What about a Toyota engine? Is the 4-cylinder in the Solara as reliable as the Honda competitor?

fastdriver · November 2001

hambone32-

Well, sorry to have to disagree with you again. While you only mention GM and Ford's paint, I'm not sure if you would include Chrysler here or not. Let me tell you, the paint on my 99 Chrysler 300M SUCKED! I had chips on the hood the FIRST week I had the car! It only got worse the 33 months that I had that car! The car was red, the chips were WHITE!! UGLY! I didn't have a bra for that car.

So far, after 8 months and 10,400+ miles, on my 2001 Acura(Honda) CL-S, driving on the SAME roads/highways as the 300M, I have ONE chip at the very tip of the hood when something came flying on I-95 about a month ago and bounced off the hood and HIT the top of the car. I thought for sure from the sound of it, I would have a nice chip AND a dent on the roof! Not so. There is a slight dimple in the top, but with that Zaino shine, no one but me would even notice it. I only put the bra on the car if I'm going on a "long" trip on the highways. I think the Acura bra looks good. Fits nice and tight with no flapping.

This is only my opinion. I'm not a car detailer. I know nothing about paint thickness. I don't know if foreign paint is thinner than American paint. All I know is my experience with these latest cars. There is someone at work who details/repairs/paints cars on the side. I'll ask him when I see him what he thinks. When he fixes a car, you could NEVER tell that it was ever fixed. He's a fanatic because he loves cars too.

You really have me thinking about paint now. When I have time, I'll have to research this some more. Do foreign car companies use paint other than DuPont and PPG??

fastdriver

bluescoupe · November 2001

I have a 00 SLE. First problem just occurred. The automatic temperature control is not working properly. When I press the auto button, the fan used to come on initially at low speed, then progressively increase. Now, the fan speed that initially comes on is always the speed that was on when the system was turned off the last time. This speed does not change automatically at all at that point. Anyone else experience this problem?

(Great car, but I love the 2002 taillights.)

mark

hambone32 · November 2001

Fastdriver, please note that I did not include Chrysler products in my statement, for many reasons. My comments on the low quality paint of Toyota and Honda in no way includes Lexus and Acura. Acura may be owned by Honda, but they are not the same product, nor is their paint the same quality. What would you say to me if said I had a Mercedes(Chrysler) and the paint is really nice on it? Also, I have no idea what kind of paint Honda or Toyota uses on their cars, I just know it's thin. Please ask your friend at work what he thinks, he may be able to help clarify some things.

automophile · November 2001

Sound deadening materials cost money. There is less in a cheaper model than in a more expensive model of ANY car. This is one reason a Lexus ES300 is quieter than a Camry, why a Mercury is quieter than a Ford of the same basic model.

Sound deadening is one of the first areas that the automakers cut back on with cheaper models. You can't take steel out of the body, but you can leave out the soft stuff. As fastdriver said "You get what you pay for", and automakers will do what they can to save pennies on a car.

By the way, I have also been using the Zaino, and find that the polymer is so strong, that it seems to help the paint's durability while giving it an awsome shine. It sure keeps the bugs from sticking!

fastdriver · November 2001

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy, Healthy and Safe Thanksgiving and to take a moment to remember all of those affected by 9/11.

fastdriver

mikey700 · November 2001

Spotted on Ebay! Very nice clean factory look that Toyota overlooked!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=598318850

What do you guys think?

pbc · November 2001

Canc - When I was searching here in TO back in 1999, I found the cost of a fully loaded Accord V6 EX(?) to be only $1,000 less than the V6SLE? Now you say that the cost of a 4-CYL SE Solara is the same as the V6 fully loaded Accord? Wow.

I remember also test driving the 4-CYL Accord and do recall being fairly impressed with the engine (for a 4 CYL it outperformed some 6's I've driven). Never drove the 4CYL Solara.

I did find the Acord Coupe V6 was a sportier drive, but not as luxurious or quiet as the Solara. Both engines are almost identical on acceleration, HP, etc. At the end of the day it was a hard choice. I think a major factor was the 2.8% financing on the Solara vs the 8.9% on the Acord at the time which helped in the decision to buy the Solara!

Can't go wrong either way. I didn't like the look of the 4-door Acord, but that is really a personal preference.

It's a win-win situation.

Although, I have to admit, today I'd have to take a long look at the 3.2 Type S 2 door Acura vs the SLE. I know it costs a bit more, but I like the look of the exterior and interior better than the Solara. But then I'd just be complaining even more about gas mileage b/c of the 260 HP!!!

Paint - My next door neighbour has a black Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, and I have to say even his paint looks much nicer than mine side by side. Appears much smoother, less "swirls", not as dull. We both wash and wax with similar products (not ZAINO). I really think Toyota cheaped out considerably with the paint. Hambone, I even noticed a Lincoln LS on the road the other day, the paint looked excellent on that car as well.

fastdriver · November 2001

pbc-

"We both wash and wax with similar products (not
ZAINO)."

LOL........that's your mistake!! ;-)) J/K

fastdriver

canc · November 2001

"When I was searching here in TO back in 1999, I found the cost of a fully loaded Accord V6 EX(?) to be only $1,000 less than the V6SLE? Now you say that the cost of a 4-CYL SE Solara is the same as the V6 fully loaded Accord? Wow."

Yeah, the SE costs $28,500 in Ontario, and the SLE is around $33,000. For $28,500, I could get an Accord SE with a V6. After what I've read on the Accord forums, however, this is another case of "you pay for what you get".

hambone32 · November 2001

It's sounds like you really want an Accord. I almost bought one. When they are completely loaded, they are really nice. Does that price you got on the Honda include foglights and a spoiler? They would come on a fully loaded Solara, right? Oh, also keep in mind that an all-new Accord will be out within a year. I have read it will be released earlier than the typical September/October new models. The word is that it could come out as early as late spring. I wouldn't count on it, but I just thought I could help complicate your decision even further. I was ready to buy a Solara in the Summer and I am glad I waited for a 2002 because I got more horsepower, a more modern grill, headlights, and tailights, and also a power trunk release. Good luck, you really can't go wrong with either car.

canc · November 2001

I went to a local Toyota dealership today and they had a 2002 red SLE V6 right there... I told the dealer I wanted an SE, but he still offered for me to sit in it to see how I could fit. I have to say that I did fit... and very well too. Wow this car is great. It really feels like you're getting in a Lexus or similar. Anyway, I have to say that the Accord has taken a backseat to the Solara. The latter has more distinctive styling, and seems to be better built, with better quality materials than the Accord. The Accord is less expensive, but I'd like to spend a bit more on this car to get what I want, since I'd like to keep it for a while.

ojc · November 2001

I had my Solara for 3 years and 32000 miles and rarely used premium. The times I did, my mileage was the same, 23-24 mpg, combined HWY/CITY in a SE-V6 5-speed. I am by no means a snail but not a flogger either. Nailing 4500+ rpm while passing/accelerating was a daily event. I was quite impressed with the mpg, AND the great (quiet) power, but unimpressed with the premium (91 oct) fuel as compared to reg (87 oct); there was no noticeable difference. Would the premium have saved an injector or piston job 60000-10000 miles from now? Maybe.

At a cost of 18% more (our local Mobil is $1.12 reg and $1.32 prem), there was no increase in mileage by any degree, let alone going from 24 to 28 mpg. Certainly no increase in power from 197 HP to 223 HP (or from 167 to 197, if you will). By the way, that 18% increase in gas cost over 60,000 miles at 24 mpg would cost an extra $504, which could pay for an injector problem IF it occured and IF you had the car that long.

My $0.02

hambone32 · November 2001

I think Canc has finally seen the light!

canc · November 2001

Thanks buddy... guess the "light" was "solarizing"!

graham8 · November 2001

I am looking for a 2002 SE 4 cyl. with ABS and side air bags. The dealer says it is nearly impossible to find with this configuration. I don't want to pay for 6 cyl. just to get what should be on any vehicle these days. Anyone with luck finding this combination? Thanks

hambone32 · November 2001

Nope, I don't think you will find it. They pretty much come one way. I wanted a 6 cylinder without a roof. Nope, not happening, they're not building them. That really sucks, doesn't it? The side airbags are bogus, anyway. They're not the side-curtain ones that protect your head, they're real little ones that blow up near your hip. Also, anti-locks are highly overrated. If you don't believe me, next time your on ice press the pedal to the floor and see if you stop. All they do is send you flying front-end first into something. I hate them and don't want them. If you don't know how to stop a car in emergency situations, they are better to have. Race cars don't have them, do they? Anyway, the Accord EX 4 cyl. has both. Get the 6 cyl. Solara, it's REALLY quiet, smooth, and quick. You'll love it. Have you driven the six?

canc · November 2001

"Race cars don't have them, do they?"

Probably not, but airplanes do...

canc · November 2001

I know we probably talked about this before, but the Honda people in their forums have been saying that Honda has gone down in quality recently. Would you say the same for Toyota? I'd say my current car, a 2001 Corolla, is a fine car, probably the best in its class, but that's just my opinion.

Anakin · November 2001

probably depends on who you ask.

You have to remember that people often come to these forums to share problems, so naturally the ones having problems are going to complain about quality. So reading these forums will give you a sort of skewed perspective.

canc · November 2001

I completely agree with you, but then again, there are very few problems posted on the Corolla, Camry, and even Solara board. If there are any problems, I consider them to be minor (such as rocking seats, or the flimsy plastic used for cupholders). I haven't heard of anyone that had a failed transmission or that the car blew up.

Consumer Reports gives a very good rating to the Accord, and to the Camry, Solara and Corolla as well. I wonder if Consumer Reports is really the best source out there for an objective study of cars.

canc · November 2001

Hey guys (and girls),

I went to a dealership in the city today, and happened to come across a beautiful 2000 Solara V6, with 30,000 kms. on it. The dealer told me it was an end of lease car that they just got a few days ago. The car seems to have been meticulously cared for, and they even added the wood accents package to it. It comes with a sunroof, fabric seats, alarm system, plus every other option standard on Solaras. It also has the diamond white pearl paint, which on quick inspection doesn't have any chips. The tires are not worn-out (they're Michelins btw), and the dealer is asking $23,900 CDN for it. I'm thinking I could make him an offer for $23,000 CDN. What do you think about all of this?

I've been studying and drooling over Solaras for a long time now, but please let me know if something sounds fishy here, or if I should watch out for something. Many thanks in advance for all your help.

ejy · November 2001

I think that is reasonable. My Solara's trade in value is USD $13,630 and its a '99 with the same options as what you describe (except it is silverstream and has more miles)...

Get a NADA (or equiv.) at your local bank and look the value up for your area.

Good luck - these cars are like the energizer bunny, they keep going and going...

'99 SE V6 5-Speed, 34k flawless miles and still like new.

canc · November 2001

Thanks Ejy for your comments... I hope this car will last for a very long time.

Does the Toyota 3.0L V6 use a timing belt or chain? I know this has probably been talked about before, but I didn't really pay any attention to it until now!

2k1trd · November 2001

Belt.

canc · November 2001

Is it then a non-interference engine?

gpolt · November 2001

FYI,

In late September, 2000, my sister was successful in "custom" ordering a 2001 4 cyl gold Solara auto with ABS and side air bags. The car came in before Thanksgiving. So, it can be done. Keep in mind that the rear brakes are still drum, not disc. With the increase in hp and torque to the 2002 year, this would be an even more desirable model. Good luck.

hambone32 · November 2001

What about the new 4 cyl.? I heard it has a timing chain, but I'm too lazy to open my hood and ATTEMPT to check for one. What the heck is a non-interference engine? Also, I don't care if airplanes have ABS, you still don't need 'em. Airplanes have all kinds of stuff you don't need in a car. Canc, do you have antilocks on your Corolla? I used to have a Corolla, and let me tell you, you are roughing it buddy. A Solara is a HUGE step up. Heck, the prestige alone of owning a Solara is worth the extra few thousand.

canc · November 2001

Still laughing over that "roughing it in a Corolla" statement. Nah, I'd be roughing it if I had one of the new generation Civics. Boy those things ride like Ma and Pa's caboose in the ol' country!

The Solara really IS a huge step up, and whenever I sit in one it's like I'm in a Lexus.

I do have ABS on my Corolla--I had it ordered from the factory because I insisted on having ABS. I'm glad the Solara has ABS as standard equipment. I definitely wouldn't need ABS if I lived in warmer climates, but here in Canada, Land of Snow, it's practically essential when roads are slippery. We've been getting our first snowfall today, and we're expecting 3/4" of freezing rain by tonight. ABS came on this morning on one of the slippery spots on my daily commute. With all this stuff coming down from the sky though, I won't be able to test drive tonight the Solara I saw yesterday. I guess it'll have to wait until tomorrow or Saturday.

canc · November 2001

I'm not a mechanic, but a non-interference engine is an engine design that if the belt ever does come off for some reason, it won't ruin your engine. Any mechanic would be able to reinstall the belt and you'd be off on your way again.

webguyster · November 2001

That seems REALLY high. What did Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds say??? What was the MSRP? Invoice origanally??? My 00 SE V6 package 4, sticker $25,000, plus $600(!?!) for keyless, no moonroof, with JBL, demo with 4,000 miles, was $22,000. i bought the fake wood, BIG MISTAKE, add $125 ish. I don't think your getting a good deal. I feel robbed at $22,000. Although I have had every minor problem with this car in the forum, I still like my car. Look over it well. Make sure you drive highway speeds, and look for pull to left, check for rocking chair, meaning, move to various positions, and adjust yourself for comfort, and see if it gives a bit. Also look at the carpet on the passenger side, near the glove box, and see if it fits properly, or pops out, after driving. Glue will help, but I have noticed that this is common in every Camry I have been in. I would also ask if the dealer will show you maintenance records, since it was leased, and they may have, or have not maintained it. The V6, as we all know, has a sludge problem, when not maintaned well, and is NEVER cover under warrenty, according to all the posts. A new, or rebuilt V6 is near 6-7 thousand dollars for this car. I usually change my oil b4 3,000, to head off this problem. Look good at the paint on the hood, cuz this car is a pro at chipping for any little rock, or dus, even. It cleans up well, but be aware. Also, I would make certain that the 30,000 mile maintanence was done, and not just an oil change. Toyota is very perticular about maintenance, when you get into the warrenty stuff, according to the ather posts, in the other forums, like the Sludge forums.

hambone32 · November 2001

My past two nissans had that type of engine, except they had chains. I have never heard that Toyota has a non-interference engine. And, I also did not know they were called that.

hambone32 · November 2001

webguyster, that's Canadian, you know.

fastdriver · November 2001

hambone32-

I finally saw my friend at work who does body work on the side and asked him about the paint. He said that the Toyota/Lexus paint would be the same and the Honda/Acura paint would be the same and the Mercedes/BMW paint would be the same. He mentioned different paint names other than DuPont and PPG.

I'm sure he's right because like I said, he is a fanatic. When he does a repair job, you'd never know it was repaired.

fastdriver

hambone32 · November 2001

I just cannot go along with that. Ask him if there is absolutely no diferrence between the paint job on a Honda Civic and and Acura NSX, because that's what you just stated. Fastdriver, do you believe it? I can clearly see a differnce between the paint quality on a Nissan Sentra and a Q45 or an I30 for that matter. Maybe my mind is going..........

canc · November 2001

Hambone: Just a thought here, but aren't all Lexuses (or Lexi) made in Japan, and if so, do the Japanese use lead in their paint? This would account for a difference between Toyotas and Lexus cars.

What's this about the engine sludge in a V6? I read posts 1-550 or so, and found just a few mentions about this. Does the Toyota V6 need more care and maintenance than a competitor's V6?

automophile · November 2001

It may be that, while it is the same paint, the more expensive model has more of it, and a thicker clear coat. It is also possible that a little more time and care is used for the application, so the overall appearance is better. You DO have to get something for your extra dollars, yes?

hambone32 · November 2001

automophile, I agree. You get better application and thicker paint on higher end models. However, you used to get better paint on average-priced cars, now it's really thin and chips very easily. You will notice constant complaints on this forum an others about how thin and cheap everyone's paint is. You did not hear this years ago. Now, you have to pay some big money for decent paint.

Canc, I'll take a Japanese car built in Japan any day over one built in North America. It's one of the things that makes an ES300 worth so much more than a Camry.

oilers1 · November 2001

That seems like a good price. The recommended replacement interval for the timing belt is 150000km and the dealers advertise a replacement cost of $240 which isn't too bad. I am selling my 2000 SEV6 and am asking $24500 which is pretty comparable to what the dealer is asking --of course I don't charge GST (or PST).

canc · November 2001

Hey, that's just like the car I'm hoping to get. Can I ask why you're selling it? Did you have any of these supposed "sludge" problems I've read a bit about?

You must be in Edmonton right? The name kinda suggests it.

hambone32 · November 2001

Did anyone find out if the new toyota 4 cyl. has a timing chain or belt yet?

canc · November 2001

now has a chain.

graham8 · November 2001

Does anyone know when the Solara is due for a major revision vs. the Accord Coupe? Thanks

Toyota Solara

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