Toyota Solara Convertible - 2004 and Newer

cappy4103

I incurred the same issue with my 2004 Sienna van. The computer calculated our mileage way too high...almost 8 mpg higher than actual mpg for highway driving and about 3 mpg higher than actual in city/combined driving. Service department stated that it could be inaccurate for several reasons...none of which he could correct. Also, the computer cannot be recalibrated to be more accurate. As a coincidence, I traded in my 2004 Sienna with Dunlop tires for a 2005 Sienna with Michelin tires. The trip computer in my 2005 is accurate within 3/10 ths of actual mpg. Possibly just a fluke, but I suspect the Dunlop tires had something to do with it. There is always a chance that the computer will be more accurate when you put a new set of tires on the car...as long as they aren't the same make/model that are on the car now.

dispencer1

Has anyone driven a new 2005 V6 Mustang convertible and then driven a Solara convertible? I'd like to know the difference. The car writers say that the Mustang has a "firm" ride ( this means that the ride knocks your teeth out since the Solara is supposed to have a "smooth" ride and compared to my 2001 Malibu sedan the Solara convertible ride is terrible -you feel every bump). Unfortunately nothing is currently made that competes with the Solara. For $31,000 I could probably have had somebody cut the top off my Malibu and install a fabric top. I guess I am used to the old GM ride. I drove the extended cab Tacoma the other day - the favorite of all the car writers - and I really prefer the ride of the GMC Canyon extended cab. Both are good on smooth roads but the Canyon is much better on bouncy streets.

douggreen

Convertibles in general suffer in some aspect of performance versus their sedan counterparts. A permanent roof does not just keep out the weather; it is a structural element in the design of the car. You CAN design a convertible that has a ride approaching that of a sedan, but it is an issue of performance verus cost.

So, every time my wife complains that her Solara convertible doesn't ride as smooth as my Lexus SUV (RX 300), I remind her of two things: 1. How the Mustang and Chrysler drove 2. How little space there was in the Audi and BMW 325, and what they cost versus the performance differences. I then offer to trade her my Lexus for her convertible and she looks at me like I am crazy.

WHen you buy a convertible, you have to make tradeoffs verus a hardtop of similar cost (ride, visibility, etc.). If you want the best ride for $30K, look at a Lexus or Accura sedan. If you decide that the benefits of the open sky are worth it, then you have to start comparing convertibles to convertibles. EVERYONE interested in this car should drive the Sebring and Mustang for comparison of similarly priced vehicles. They should also test drive the Audi A4 and BMW 3 series to see what the differences are with cars that cost $45-50K. It will make for a much better informed decision.

Regarding "Firm" versus "smooth", the Mustang is more of a sports/performance car. Some sports car enthusiasts prefer to feel a more direct linkage between the car, the road, and themselves. The SLE is more of a scaled back luxury car or a cruiser.

dispencer1

Thanks, Doug. I'd really appreciate your comments on a comparison of the ride of the Solara compared to the Mustang and the Chrysler. I never realized that the reason that the Solara has a bouncy ride on less than perfect streets was because it was a convertible. My last convertible was a 1984 Mustang and the previous one was a 1963 Chevy Impala and the one before that was a '56 Ford Sunliner. We had a couple of small convertibles (1968 Fiat 850 Sport Spider) and some 60's Fiat 600's. The big convertibles rode like sedans. I never remember griping about the Impala or the Ford. The Solara is frankly a disappointment. I can imagine what the Lexus convertible rides like since it is even smaller. I guess I need to get used to Toyotas and quit reading the automotive press which equates Toyotas with Divinity. Frankly the Tacoma rides like a truck. My 1997 Ranger extended cab didn't. Wonder what the difference was. I'm about to dump this Solara and see if I can find an '80's Mustang to restore.

rainh2o

Cars often ship from the factory with higher than standard pressures to prevent flat-spotting in transit or on the lot.

:shades:

anniezma

I ordered the 2005 SLE on February 20th and it's due in this week. Went to production on March 28, shipped April 5th and the salesman said he expects in on the lot sometime between April 13-18...the 18th will be 8 weeks. Well...it's now a 2006...so, I'm kind of glad it took the 8 weeks! Good luck with yours!

tyresmoker

Written proof that some folks prefer the taste of Spam over Filet Mignon....

jazzman1

It is a bit confusing to figure out the MSRP of the 2006 SE convertible, but according to Edmunds (Toyota's site still has 2005) it should be about $28,354 for the SE with sz option and cf option. I am happy that I decided to wait for 2006 with the improvement in the rear visibility that someone else talked about.

Sylvia

We have a discussion dedicated to pricing for the Solara. If you post your question in the discussion Toyota Camry Solara: Prices Paid & Buying Experiences you will get a some helpful answers.

dispencer1

I'd still like to see a comparison in ride between the V6 Mustang convertible, Sebring, and the Solara. I wonder if anyone has actually driven all three. It is obvious that the Solara has a nicer interior and seems to be better built and obviously has better resale but I'm specifically concerned with the ride and convertible flexing. I hadn't driven the convertible (a huge mistake on my part) before ordering it. I did drive the coupe and thought that it felt light and bounced on bad city streets compared to the GM cars which -regardless of size - seem to have a "big car" ride built in. GM apparentely equates a "big car" ride with customer satisfaction. The sport sedan advocates don't agree but I certainly do. Toyotas have always been bouncy compared to MB's and cars which offered a European hard ride. GM seems to be changing though. The CTS has a firm ride.
It is very difficult to explain but on these cars you can feel the tires hit a bump without the whole car reacting. On the Toyota the whole car seems to shake and bounce. I'd be interested in a consumer's (not a professional automobile tester's) opinion of the ride between the three convertibles. Anyway getting the tires down to 30 lbs of air in the Solara made the ride bearable for me. I'm not happy but I can live with it for awhile.

tyresmoker

I don't get it, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but your sample group includes a past generation Malibu? Who on the planet would even admit that, let alone use its ride and handling qualities (or lack of them) as a benchmark....
Cut the roof off of anything and you are going to get shake, I have driven most of 'em and trust me, it is there....Go rent a Chrysler or Ford at the local airport for the afternoon and you will come back skipping to the Solara....I never even drove the coupe (or even our convertible) before we owned it, and while it is not absolutely perfect, I would never think to say it rode poorly...
Admitttedly, I do not have ANY wheel time in a Malibu..perhaps I am missing something?

dispencer1

Frankly, when the 1997 Malibu came out some of the car writers considered this the best car that GM produced. It may not appeal to you but my 2001 has required virtually nothing in the way of repairs in 76,000 miles, gets consistantly over 30 mpg on the road and seems to ride and handle adequately. I don't find myself noticing bumps in the road like I do with the Solara convertible. When I can dump this Toyota I'll order a new Malibu Maxx. I'd rather have a tool box than a jewel box.

nicolem

Is it true that the only locking compartment in the interior is the glove box? My Sebring had a locking console and I believe the VW cabrio does, as well.

Thanks!

tyresmoker

The Solara has a large locking storage area right behind the rear seat...something the VW definitely does not have.

tyresmoker

What I am trying to understand is how you went from a Malibu to a Solara convertible in the first place and all you can think about is going back to a Malibu?! Shouldn't you have just looked for a leftover Cavilier convertible?

dispencer1

Well, I figured it would be fun to have a convertible. I already have an '03 Deville and an '04 Avalanche as well as my 'beater". the '01 Malibu. I discovered that the car writers didn't really like the pre-'05 Mustang convertibles and the reliability record of the Sebrings is not very good, but everybody loved the Solara. Frankly I would have preferred an XLR regardless of the cost differential but the idiots who designed this great road car neglected to incorporate any luggage space. Ditto with the Lexus which to me isn't very attractive and is smaller than the Solara. Metal roofs really cut into luggage space. Actually I did have a Cavalier -a 1989 base model that I drove to the office for several years. I didn't have any problem with the ride but liked my '94 Skylark better. I'll probably get used to the Solara eventually and in a few years GM may come up with the Buick Velite or something that hopefully will have a fabric roof and the good old "American" ride. Who knows, I may look around for another '63 Impala convertible like I had in college. I never really paid attention to the ride -I was more concerned with attracting coeds. The Malibu is my work car -it plods along very comfortably and I am sure that maintenance of the Toyota with all the stupid $100 "checks" every so often and eventually a timing belt will cost far more than it does on my Cadillac. Everybody makes mistakes and most people live with them. I will admit that for $30k the Solara is the best deal going. I'll get used to it - it just seems bouncy that's all and the 315 watt radio isn't as good as the non-Bose one in my base Deville.

tyresmoker

Let's face it...that '63 Impala trumps anything discussed on this board so far...! Add a 409 w/ a 4-speed..and as long as I am dreaming...a red interior ...and you can keep our Solara!
Agree with the XLR...great lines but a lousy interior and no storage space to think of. I actually gave up my hunt for a '93 Northstar powered Allante when I finally found one and realized it wasn't as I remembered it to be. It was a 12 year old car that had an oil leak.
Yes, the radio blows in the car, we have the nav/radio and it gets NO reception. And the nav system, you can keep it as far as I am concerned. You piloted the '63 Impala with a map or directions and I think that same "type" of navigation is still best today..

dispencer1

My '63 was turquoise with a turquoise vinyl interior and white top. Not a hot rod by any means but looked great with the top down. A local real estate broker just bought a black Allante on Ebay and for the last two weeks it has been down at the local Cadillac dealer . Some sort of sensors near the tail lights caused a massive power drain. Parts have to be gotten from junk yards and after market guys and I am sure that the work will end up costing him a fortune. I too looked at an Allante but when you realize that these were really very limited edition cars it would probably be cheaper to operate a Ferrari. At least in California -a day and a half's drive west- there are dealers for exotics. I wondered about the Nav package -my daughter has it on her new Titan. It is kind of fun watching the progress of the car but I can do without it. What happens next? I will either keep the Solara and eventually get used to it and wait for Cadillac to build a CTS convertible or Buick to build a Velite (which probably isn't going to happen judging from their sales lately - Tiger Woods is probably the only person buying them). Anyway, the CTS platform would be great for a coupe and convertible and hopefully one will come along. I'm not crazy about the ride of the CTS but it is sort of like a Mercedes . It doesn't bounce or float but when you hit a bump you notice it. I like it better than the Solara ride. I like the looks of the '06 DTS and will probably turn in the Deville on one in '07 when the certified used ones come on the market. It is kind of stupid to buy a new one for $46,000 when one at the end of the year with less than 20k miles on it costs about $26k. A friend's wife has an '01 Mustang yellow convertible with 24k miles and she wants a Lexus convertible but likes the Solara. Since the Lexus has no luggage space we might work a swap plus $15k or so. I'd be out from under the Solara and would still have a convertible to mess around with and my bank balance would be better as well. We will see this week.

sunburned

I think you all are nuts! I've had my 2005 Absolute Red SLE with Traction Control, VSC and Nav system for a week and put over 400 miles on it already. I live in Maine and the combination of a poor state economy and harsh winters leave us with some really lousy roads. I couldn't be happier with the ride of the Solara! Sure it has some cowl shake, all convs do to some extent! The ride is firm and compliant, never feels like you're isolated from the road, but doesn't beat you to death either. Some people prefer the "American Car" feel where you don't even know the pavement's there. Some people like the "Sports Car" ride where you know every stone in the asphalt personally. The Solara strikes a great balance between the two. If you like the other types of cars, you should get one of them.

Apparently, none of you have ever ridden a motorcycle. Talk about picking the nits..So you get a little rain on you when you open the door, carry a towel! So you don't have 10 locking compartments, put valuables in the trunk! So you actually have to turn your head to look around while backing up or changing lanes? Should be doing that anyway! So the stereo isn't as good as XXX. If you want audiophile, build a room on your home and drop moola til it sounds good in there. If you want to ENJOY your music, find a road you've never been down before, or one you know and love. Put in Yes-Fragile, followed by Steve Miller-Fly Like an Eagle, then maybe some Steely Dan-Gaucho or Jimi Hendrix-Blues. Drop that top, crank up the tunes and enjoy! When you're done, use the NAV and pick a different route to go home. Quit over analyzing everything and ENJOY!! Every car has positive and negative traits. Don't run the Solara down for being what it is, a mid size, mid priced, comfortable, roomy and dependable platform for dropping the top and watching the world go by! Concentrate on wringing all the enjoyment out of your Solara you can. I went joyriding Sat, Sun, and I'll be going again today. And you can bet I won't be worrying about my rearward visibility as opposed to umpty scrunch. Nuthin but highway ahead of me, nuthin behind me but history!

Later!
Mark(me)

tommyg12

Could not have said it better.

anniezma

Well said Mark!!! I picked my 2006 SLE up on Saturday and I've already put 300 miles on it....couldn't have asked for better weather!! I love it!

dispencer1

after years of driving GM sedans. It will be fine until GM puts out a CTS convertible or Buick does the Velite. At least the people on this forum seem to like their acquisitions. You should see the problems on the Mustang site and others. Don't get me wrong. The Solara SLE is great for the money and has anything else (even coupes) beat on interior appointments. I frankly don't like the ride but that's just me. I'll probably get used to it in time. The faster you go the better the ride becomes anyway. It would be nice if one could choose strut rigidity like you could with the old Supras -firm ride or soft ride. It would also be nice to be able to get the SE 16" tires and the non-sport suspension on the SLE. I frankly like the old GM ride with no connection with the ground. Lexis did a good job with the original LS400 ride -smoothest in the industry. At least compared to the pre-1984 Corvette, the old Trans-Ams, etc. the Solara rides like a Cadillac.

ronjcnj

1. I can't make a decision if I should get a Black or Red Solara SLE Conv. Both will have a tan soft top and tan interior. I feel black is more for a guy's car and it's classy and nice contrast with the top and black ext. The red on the other hand is more of a nice summer car, a girl's car? bec of the candy apple red?

2. Should I wait and buy the 2006 or is the 2005 good enough? What's the difference anyway?

3. Anyone know of getting a lower price than the sticker price, I was just quoted for a 05 Solara conv SLE for $31,026, I'm wondering if I should go lower and continue haggling?

I appreciate anyone's input.

sunburned

I've had black vehicles, a real pain to keep looking nice, Everything shows, scratches dirt etc. I have the Absolutely Red Solara. I waxed it on Sunday and the paint just glows. It's so red it hurts your eyes! I love it!! Be careful though, I heard they reserve the fastest engines and best transmissions for the red ones, might get ya a performance award from the local constabulary!

Every day you wait is another day without a convertible, BUY IT NOW! AFAIK the 2006 MAY have better rearward visibility and is about 60 bucks more. I heard that somewhere, I don't know for sure tho.

I bought mine for sticker, dealer wouldn't go lower, and I didn't want to hassle with it. I figure 1-2K more or less isn't gonna change my standard of living one iota. It's mind over matter-If you don't mind, then it doesn't matter! (I did get 1.5K over what I owed on my trade tho!)

Later!
Mark(me)

ronjcnj

Mark
Thank you for the advice. I actually don't mind the sticker price myself and like you I can't get any dealer to go any lower. The problem is my trade in car, I still owe a lot on it and (dealer) doesn't want to give me any more money for my trade in. I'll go to a few more dealers and see what other dealers will want to offer me for my car and I'll just have to go to the dealer that will give me the best price for it.

Still undecided about the red vs. black issue but i' m hoping that I'll be able to decide once I see more of them.

Ron from Jersey City, NJ

wjovel

Hey Ron if the dealers don't want to give you more money for your trade, try CarMax they on average will give you $1400.00 more than the dealer and sometimes even more.and them walk in with your down payment and deal with them.
whatever you pick Black or Red you will be happy both color are ok, i personally own a 2004 Lunar Mist with a black top and gray interior and I can begin to tell you how much i love the car.
Good luck with your purchase and hope you enjoy it as much as a lot people are enjoying it to date.
Bill J

tyresmoker

My opinion..black with the tan top is nasty looking...looks cheap. I wanted black/tan/black top but Toyota would not do it...settled for gray interior. Black is great but shows EVERYTHING...

ronjcnj

Bill,
Thanks for the info. I will definitely check this out. Regarding the new car I'd like to purchase some of the dealers are saying that it's harder to maintain (keep clean, and from stains) the tan top. So the dealers is definitely recommending a black top either on the red or black exterior. This would mean I would have to also get a dark gray interior.

ANYONE having trouble in maintaining their brown soft top in any convertible? I live on the East Coast...and I'm planning to keep the car for a long time esp. since it's a toyota it will probably last me longer than I'd like to keep the car.

Ron from Jersey CIty, NJ

ronjcnj

That's too bad that Toyota didn't want to give you a black and black top with tan interior, I would have liked that combination myself. So since they would'nt give that option I don't think I would want the black and black top then I would think it's all black and there's no contrast at all, but then again that's my opinion and that's why I wouldn't get it.

Thanks for your input.
Ron, JC NJ

ronjcnj

Hey Bill,
Didn'trealize that the car max locations are only in certain states. The closest to NJ is VA and that's not going to work if i want themto price my car. It's a 97 Boxster/white/black interior and black top and the highest trade in i got is $13,000 so far. I 'm still going around to other dealers.
thanks again for the suggestion.
Ron, JC NJ

dispencer1

I don't have any problem with my '06. The rear window stretches beyond the headrests on both sides. They might have enlarged the window for '06. Mine is about 36" x 14". What is it on the '04/05?

scott1256

The real critical color choice with a ragtop is the interior leather. I have owned several convertibles over the years and learned this by experience.

The lighter the color the better. Even a medium gray can absorb and retain a lot of heat. Black leather requires sheepskin covers to be bearable on a sunny day - unless you put the top up every time you get out of the car.

Light tan, ivory, very light gray and white interiors are cool enough to sit on unless it is a really extreme day.

dispencer1

I have a great challenge ahead of me - to dump this 32 thousand dollar mistake and lose as little as possible. From now on if the nameplate doesn't say either Cadillac or Chevrolet it is not going in my garage. I decided not to "get used to it". Perhaps they built yours on Monday morning and mine just before quitting time on Friday but if you think this thing rides well you are probably a Toyota fan. The next convertible I buy will be an old Mustang! Adios guys!

ronjcnj

Thanks for the suggestion. I never thought about it that way. Currently I have a 97 Boxster Porsche convertible black interior and black top. When I have the top down I never thought about the heat factor in the car, color absorbing all that heat. I guess it's ok since I'm getting a tan interior anyway.
I've decided to get the black with tan interior and tan top. For my taste and personality I think the red is "not me"... Now if I can just get a dealer to pay me off a higher price on my trade in boxster. I went to a dealer yesterday and got a quote of $13K for it and today got one for $15K, I guess I should have just gone for the deal but I'd like to try at least 2 more dealers and shop around my area before plunking down my hard earned money. Not like I'm in a big rush.

Later, and thanks guys.

Ron, JC NJ

tyresmoker

The other night I was enjoying one of our first spring nights with the convertible. I had to see a client, so I decided to take the convertible rather than taking my car...As I am driving with the top down, cruising at about 70 on I95, I was thinking to myself what a decent combination of ride and handling is dialed into this car...Not too harsh, not too smooth, just decent. Like a boulivard cruiser.
I have had enough experience with (old) Mustangs to know that they are a pleasure to admire, but that is about as far as it goes...Ride and drive..you can keep it....
In fariness, he will do just fine on a trade or retail road...imagine trying to unload a three-month old $32k Caddy or Chevy..Holy drop-your-pants......

ronjcnj

Finally got it!!! What a pleasure it is to drive this Convertible Solara. I took mine home tonight a black ext. tan int tan top and what a drive on this. Enough power to get you over take some big wheeler but yet the feeling of a big cruiser as you said. I got mine for $32K which is very close to if not just about the sticker price but had to bite because they offerred to payoff my 97 Porsche Boxster which at trade in price would have cost only $13K but they offerred to pay off my remaining balance on it which is $17K. Couldn't believe it!!! Anyhow, bec. they were buying off my Porsche I didn't care anymore if I was going to get the top of the line SLE Solara Conv w/ Nav. at sticker price.

Happy driving to the Solara drivers and to those who are unhappy with their cars....ooopppsss that was a big mistake, should've test drove it more before your purchase.

I later found out there's a minor scratch on the back window glass on the soft top. I complained about it and Got the Customer Service person involved, he promised to have their glass guy fix it next week. I''ll keep you guys updated if they follow up on their promise. This car is from East Coast Mazda/Toyota in Woodridge, NJ.

Sylvia

Congrats! I do hope you post about your buying experience in the below discussion to help out other potential buyers:

Toyota Camry Solara: Prices Paid & Buying Experience

nc_scott

I've been looking for an interior cover for my '05 Solara and haven't been able to find anywhere that has them yet. Has anyone searched and had any luck? For those not familiar, it's a car cover just for the interior when you have your top down. I like to leave mine down when I know it isn't going to rain, but I want some protection from the sun and other elements. Here's a link for a company that carries them but alas, nothing yet for the redesigned Solara. There are 3 or 4 other companies I check online every week or so as well. The expense of having one custom made is a bit much if others will be coming out in the near future.

Thanks for any info.

http://www.autosportcatalog.com/index.cfm?fa=p&pid=1005&resetcar=on

catopa

I am considering the 05 Solara SLE in white with tan top. Where can I view a photo on-line?

ronjcnj

I went to carmax and found that the dealer's show their cars with the pictures. saw a white one there w/tan top check it out. pick any dealer.

ron

tyresmoker

Also try ebay..these cars show up there on a regular basis...My $.02...that is a pretty nice combo...

kittyj

Bought a 2006 Red SLE Convertible last week, and it didnt have door guards on it. Does anyone know if they can they be purchased after market? I've looked online and haven't been able to find the color keyed ones.

boards3700

Hello, like many of you, I consulted all online sources prior to purchasing this vehicle in the white/tan top combo. I had some fears based on comments in this forum, but simply wanted a 4 seater as oppossed to all of the two seaters I have had (TT quattro cab, Miata, and 325). I picked up the car today and drove about 50 miles. It is not a sports car, nor does it claim to be. It is quite solid, remarkably quite and loaded with amenities. The car is a great ride and unbelievable value.
I am cognizant of the fact that someone within the 5% of the population that does not like this vehicle will offer a scathing rebuttal. However, as they must work for Chrysler it should not appear until tmw's workday! Seriously, do not hesitate and I hope you enjoy your purchase.

Sylvia

Congrats! I do hope you share your buying experience to help others in the discussion Toyota Camry Solara: Prices Paid & Buying Experience

ronjcnj

Congrats! I have my O5 SLE Conv. in black tan top and tan interior and I am so happy with thepurchase. Second the motion on the value part of this. And as far as the sports car feel, it's true it doesn't handle like my traded in 97 porsche boxster, but this car has enough power to make you feel secure when overtaking or avoiding a truck barelling down behind you.
Enjoy!

a58

Picked mine up 3 weeks ago and loving every minute of it. No issues so far, getting on average 23 mpg. On thing I have noticed on posts. Mine is red with tan interior. Howver, in the past it was called Absolutly Red, still called that on the web site. On my sticker, it is call Super Red 5/Ivory. Anyone else notice that?

wjovel

Hi, did you completed the installation for the wind screen?? all the parts fit? was the wind screen you purchase was from toyota Dealer? i am interested in one , please if you can tell us obout it. Thank you in advance

jazzman1

Mark,

That was a great message. I couldn't have said it better myself. I recently sold my black 2001 Ford Mustang and picked up my red 2006 Solara SE convertible. It is fantastic and I haven't stopped grinning. Months ago I was considering getting a Subaru Outback XT and I am so happy that I completely changed my mind and got a convertible. After it stopped raining, I put the top down and enjoyed the scenery. The ride is great and the cowl shake is not bad at all. I agree that the ride is just right...not too soft and not too hard. The seats are 10 times better than the Mustang seats. Everything is easy to use and the car is wonderful. I would personally recommend red because I think that it will be a little easier to keep clean than black and it looks great in red. My wife calls it the "babe mobile." I am looking forward to enjoying this great vehicle. Solara convertibles trump them all!!

denverbrad

Just got a black 2006 SLE Convertible with a tan top. Just a great car even with 38 degree rainy weekend days like we just had here in Denver. I have a couple of questions that I think others have probably figured out:

1. Washing the car: Any bad experiences taking it through a gas station car wash or other auto car washes? I'm not a major car perfectionist but I don't want the top to wear out unnecessarily or to mess up any seals.

2. Parking with the top up or top down: I was surprised to see some recommendations to park with the top down. ("If someone is going to steal the radio it's better that they not tear up the top" seemed to be the logic). Curious what others typically do.

3. Blind spot mirror on right side: Has anyone put a blind spot mirror on the right side mirror to improve visibility? Did it help?

4. Wind Screen users: does it make a difference?

A final comment on the visibility. Some have said that the 2006 made the rear seat headrests smaller. If they did, it isn't that much of a difference I don't think. I test drove a 2005 and while I don't have anything empirical, it doesn't seem much better with the 06. As far as I'm concerned it's just part of the deal.

Oh, and I got it through a broker for $500 over invoice. Out the door was less than MSRP.

Thanks, I look forward to the feedback.

sunburned

Wjovel, denverbrad et al: Congrats on your Solaras! I will answer what I can, but this is just my opinion, your mileage may vary.. I wouldn't use a car wash. Instead wash by hand, detail out all the tar and bugs, and apply a good quality wax to the body of the vehicle. For the top I use a very light bristle upholstry brush and clear water. Works well so far. For heavier or stubborn stains use a non detergent cleaner, a specialized conv top cleaner or a marine grade vinyl cleaner. Dont high pressure spray the side glass, water WILL leak in around the seals, just run water down the glass. They use a heavy alkali solution soap in the car washes to help cut the dirt, I can't imagine this would be good for the top long term. Of course neither is the environment, UV rays, folding and unfolding countless times, tree sap, bug splats, bird poop, rain, snow etc.. I try to keep mine in the garage as much as possible when I'm not using it. There are products out there to reapply the water repellent layer to your top. No direct experience though.

I'm lucky to live in Maine, not spoiled by high crime, gang violence and all that other big city crap YET! Here's my rule of thumb.. I leave my top down if I'm just going in somewhere where the car is going to be out of my sight for a few minutes, not more than 1/2 hour. I put everything out of sight in the car, lock the trunk handle, roll up the windows and lock the doors. This should be enough to keep the casual thief out of your vehicle. I put the top up for longer periods just to keep the elements out of my interior. I got a news flash for ya, NO car is safe if a thief is really determined! You ever seen a cop or tow truck driver use a slim jim? 2 seconds and your door is opened, don't think a thief can use one? Alarm? How many times you heard one bleating away in a parking lot? did you run over to see what was going on? Only takes a second to pop the hood and cut the battery lead! From there what is the thief's pleasure? I would load it on a flatbed and take it somewhere to really strip it.

A blind spot mirror is a good idea. You'll be able to see if anyone is lurking in the black hole created by the back area of your top when changing lanes. Might even be a good idea to put a little larger one on the passenger side. There are small rectangular ones that won't take up much of your regular mirror space. They aren't going to help you much when backing, they don't improve your rearward visibility, and you can't really judge distance of objects you can see in them. They're designed to eliminate the blind spot, and you aren't going to hit anything there when backing anyway. Just bear in mind, situational awareness is the only dependable way to ensure no bad things happen. DRIVE your car and pay attention to your driving, instead of doing the hundred other things people think are O.K. to do on the open road. If you are unsure of the area behind you when backing, get out and LOOK! Make sure your intended path of travel is clear. That's the best way to be totally sure it's safe.

I can't speak to the ease of the windscreen installation, mine was installed when I bought my car. It does make a tremendous difference while driving. It doesnt allow so much air to sweep in on the back of your neck and swirl around in the cockpit. This helps keep you warmer and cuts back on wind noise, making it much more pleasant with the top down. The netting extends over the back seat to the headrests, which keeps things in the back seat from blowing out of the car, althought they do still blow around. Plus it just looks cool! A worthwhile investment in my opinion!

Hope my answers help, happy driving!
Mark (me)