Did you recently rush to buy a new vehicle before tariff-related price hikes? A reporter is looking to speak with shoppers who felt pressure to act quickly due to expected cost increases; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com for more details by 4/24.
It has to come out for back seat passengers. Sorry it took so long for me to get back to you. If you fold the seat forward, you can get at the area under the net and put things there. A dog would be ok back there under the net if it wasn't too big.
I am considering a Solara convertible and have some questions after reading this forum: 1) Has Toyota yet fixed the top malfunction that seemed to be common on the 2004 models? I have seen much discussion of this, but no clear indication that it has been rectified in the two model years since-- if so, what model year incorporated the fix from the factory? 2) If the top problems are not fixed, do the earlier generation Solara convertibles (2003 and earlier) have less problems with the top? 3) I know that ASC did the earlier model tops for Toyota, whereas Toyota does the entire car (including top) for the '04s and later... it has been suggested that this will mean easier servicing, when required, and less problems, due to it all being Toyota factory parts... have owners found this to be true? 4) I know that both models have been criticized for (lack of) torsional rigidity (chassis not stiff enough)... are the earlier models ('03 and before) more or less stiff than the later models ('04 and later)? 5) Which models have more room in the backseat-- earlier or later? 6) Which are easier to ingress/egress the backseat- earlier or later? 7) For the V-6 engine (3.0L in earlier models, 3.3L in later models) which models are getting better highway fuel economy? (And by this, I mean practical driving experience of actual owners-- not the EPA rated mileage.) 8) Have you owners experienced any difference in the earlier and later V-6 engines' response to being filled with lower octane gas? 9) Last, has anyone heard or seen much about ASC's Avalon 4-door convertible concept car? I have seen pictures of ASC's Chrysler 300 C convertible 4-door show car, but can find barely any mention of the Avalon convertible. I know that Chrysler is seriously considering putting the ASC 300 C convertible (or its own version of that) into production-- I wouldn't expect Toyota to be as quick to move as Chrysler, but it would be nice to know if such a car were coming, as I would jump at the chance to buy a 4-door convertible with (hopefully) Toyota quality-- not to mention that a convertible version is almost certain to improve the rather staid appearance of the Avalon.
Let's see. 1. There is no widespread problem with the top on the '04 model. I have a very early production '04 and have had no problems with the top. 2. The top is still an ASC assembly. They build it and ship it to Toyota for installation. 3. The new bodystyle is a bigger car. Here is an idea, go find a used '03 and do the comparo for yourself rather than relying on someones observation.
1) Having read all 749 previous messages in this forum, I have seen numerous messages from different owners saying that they are having problems with some of the cables in the top (apparently due to breaking, or pulling in such a way that there is a gap which lets in noise, wind, or water, and in some cases, causing deformation of the top). I am glad to hear that your specific car has not experienced problems, but I was under the impression that many owners were awaiting some kind of Toyota Service Bulletin, that would specify a correction to what I hoped was just an early teething problem for a new model. If this is so, I would prefer to buy one that has been updated with any modification to the top design. 3) As your own messages have noted numerous times in this forum, there are not a lot of these cars out there-- it is easier said than done to find a used '03 to "do the comparo". I have rented an '05 coupe and noticed that it was difficult for my kids to get in and out of the rear seat, but that there was a lot of room in the rear seat. It was not possible to rent an '04 or later convertible, but I assume coupe and convertible (with top up) access is comparable. I hoped that someone who had owned both models (both pre- and post-'04) might be able to comment.
Just picked up a new 06 Solara SLE convertible yesterday,Arctic Frost Pearl with with Ivory top and interior, and found it to be a joy to drive.
1] I was wondering if anyone knows of a kit that I can add a reverse license plate camera that can work with the factory Nav display? I heard about it being done, but have no idea how to buy one.
2] Also, any comments on the windscreen, how much does it really help?
Congrats on your new ride, 06sle4me! I hope you'll also post in the Toyota Solara: Prices Paid & Buying Experience discussion, so that folks who are looking at Solaras can benefit from your experience and advice.
MODERATOR
Need help getting around? claires@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
I just returned from Fla. and had a choice to rent either an '05 Solara conv. or an '05 Mustang convertible from Hertz. I was surprised to see the Solara in ragtop form in the fleets (SE w/cloth).... I do not know if you live near a large airport, if you do, call around and see if there is one to rent in one of the fleets.. Btw.I chose the Mustang (V6, at, leather)..While a very cool looking car...NO COMPARISION.... As far as backing up, I have reverse sensors on my new truck, after just a couple of weeks, it is a feature that is definitely missing from the Solara....
Just picked up my new artic frost pearl one with a black top. Traded my 2001 model. It's a much better car. Drives like a Mercedes! Even the visibility isn't too bad. Question- mine has a nav system but because of that does not have a CD changer but just a single dick player. That was a surprise. Is that normal as they don't advertise it that way?
As of today, I am still having problems with my convertible top. I have lots of shuttering and wind noise. I am in the process of filing the vehicle under the lemon law. I do not know for sure if the problems I am having is the same as last time, but it seems extremely similar. Toyota has not extended any bulletin to correct the issues, or admit there is a problem, I was told this was the first they had heard of it. But they also said that about the steering pulling left.... I cannot help you with the pre vs. post 04's sorry. All I can do is keep you posted regarding my experiences. Hope this helps.
Well, just hit 5000 miles and time for first service. First, let me start by saying I love this car. Having 3 problems though and waiting to see the outcome. Dealer will need a couple of days to resolve so I will post again when I get the car back.
1. The top will not close correctly. The passenger side is out of alignment and will not lock unless I go outside the car and force it too.
2. The rubber striping around the front windshield comes off.
3. the paint sealant form that Toyota put on is coming off the front hood. i live in Tampa which gets fairly hot but the car is garaged both at home and work so the sun does not beat down on it too often.
While the car is in the shop, I am getting the XM radio installed. has anyone done this and if so, are you happy with the results?
I'm new here and am glad to see a forum in place for this car...
I just took delivery of my '06 solara conv and I have to vent....any feedback from the group would be appreciated!
I'm noticing "jerky'"acceleration from a complete stop....feels like it shifts into 2nd too early...back to the dealer?
This car feels heavy and this provides a solid feel on smooth driving surfaces but seems to influence engine performance....
who's idea was it to put the "all window" and "top up/down" buttons where you cant see them ( behind left side of steering wheel)? This is a major design flaw.
I compared this mainly to a Sebring before deciding and...
The Solara is much better "looking" car but the Sebring was more fun to drive.
Road bumps are more pronounced in Solara.
With top up Solara is much much quieter and has more headroom and hence less claustrophobic.
sebring ergo design is superior, but materials are cheap looking
leather seats too sweaty!!!
rear seats more roomy an comfortable in Solara
I'm finding it difficult to get a comfortable driving position even thought ther a billion options in power drivers seat...just takes more experimenting I guess.
XM radio may be commercial free entertainment but there is a lot of talking, identifying songs, artists, etc. It is not just nonstop music -it is sort of like a radio dj without commercials. Some people like it. I don't and will never get XM radio again when I order a car.
I had mine a month and 350 miles. My 2001 Chevrolet Malibu with 80,000 miles rides like a Cadillac compared to the Solara convertible. Glad I'm rid of it. Thanks to Toyota's great resale value I didn't lose more than a couple of thousand dollars. Don't know what I'll get to replace it. I drove a Honda Civic EX which had a very smooth ride and handled well. I also drove the Accord Coupe which didn't ride as well for some reason. It should have because it is bigger, longer wheelbase, etc. I have learned to discount what car reviewers say about a certain car and drive it myself. Problem with the Solara convertible is that there are none around to drive before you order one. Everybody but me loves it though and it rides very well on a smooth road at 70. I didn't have lots of trouble with the visibility but no convertible is very good. The new Mustang has a good ride and no convertible flex but the appointments are not as nice as the Solara. The Chrysler has a bad reliability record but if it was more fun to drive you should have bought it. That is the bottom line as far as I'm concerned.
Just hit 15,000 on our 2004 Solar convertible with NO problems so far. Best car I've ever owned as far as quality is concerned.
I had the XM radio installed. It took the dealer most of a day to accomplish since practically the entire interior has to be removed. Unlike my little aftermarket XM receiver (about the size of a pack of cards) this is a fairly big box. Be sure the dealer gets the one for the convertible. My dealer first got the coupe model, which mounts in the trunk. The convertible model goes under the back seat. So I had to leave the car overnight while they got the right one. (They did give me free loaner, so no real complaints.)
The XM radio, being built in, sounds much better than the one in my other car, which rebroadcasts the signal thru the FM radio. My only (minor) complaint is that the display (artist & song, etc) only uses about 1/4 of the space available so isn't as useful as it could be.
Nevertheless, unlike another comment here, I love XM and never listen to broadcast radio anymore, other than NPR. I'll never buy another car without it. Besides, where else can I listen to all those baseball games!
Is it just me or does the 06 Solara feel like it is in need of a back up camera? I been asking around and everyone tells me that you must send the factory nav radio to be modify which is not acceptable. It's strange that Toyota does not offer this feature when it is really needed. Can't see what's in back of you 1/2 the time due to the higher backend.
Has anyone had trouble with the floor carpeting? Hard to describe.. on the floor of the drivers seat to the right, where the plastic runs down, and continues to the side of the drivers seat my carpeting is buckling out?? Almost as if the carpeting was cut to short. Curious to hear if this has happened to anyone else. Thanks!
I owned an 01 Solara convertible which, by the way, I posted my two cents on that one back in probably Feb of 01, and once my lease was up, I went right back and got an 05. I'm one of those people who changes cars every 3 or so years and after 30+ years of new cars (plus cars we've bought for the kids), the Solara is the only one I never got tired of and was worth repeating. The only other car I looked at this time was the 350Z and since we already have a 2-seater, it just wasn't an option.
I never had a problem with my 01. Everything worked perfectly, including the convertible top, from day 1. My 05 had a problem where the passenger side of the convertible top was hard to close, but I took it back to the dealer and got it back in 2 days with no more problem. I have gotten caught in some really heavy thunderstorms and have had no problem. No air leak noise - nothing. Just a quiet, extremely smooth and luxurious drive.
All convertibles will have some cowl shake and compared to my previous '93 BMW 3251 convertible and '98 Firebird convertible, the Solara's cowl shake is very mild - or at least both of the ones I've owned. The one thing I have noticed, both back in 01 and back last January when I bought the 05 is that you have to test drive the one you're going to buy because there is a noticeable difference in the feel of some of the cars (quality control issue??).
The rear visibility on the 05 with the top up could be better, but no convertible has good rear visibility with the top up. I can live with that one.
Regarding the hesitation problem with the newer Solaras, I have noticed it on mine (by the way, both Solaras have been SLEs) and when I feel that I don't have time to deal with the hesitation, I simply drop it into manual shifting and the problem goes away.
Gas mileage for me on both cars has been about the same - about 20 mpg city and about 23 mpg combination. All in all, I am and have been very pleased with the Solara -who knows - when this lease is up I may end up with another one still.
Hello! Maybe I am jumping the gun here - But with the next gen Supras right around the corner, plus the fact that Toyota suddenly seems to be working hard on their HP numbres (proof: '05 Avalon, Next Gen Camry, 06-IS 350), I am curious to see if the next gen solaras will crank out more ponies? Well, that would be a given but the question is, How far would they go? I mean, they wouldn't want to overlap into the Supra range but then, with new drop tops rolling in(VW Concept C, Potiac Solstice,etc..), they have to do something? Also, since the current generation's interior is nothing short of Lexus and toyota only makes things better!!! Wonder what they would do next.... Any thoughts?? Cheers! --njexpress
i still haven't gotten my car (2006 sle convertible)...i am damn near postal. i didn't realize that to own a 2006 i had to wait til 2006 to get it. i hate my dealer (and her manager)...and i wish pattern baldness on both of them. i just wanted to vent b/c i am eager and summer is flying past us. i am "expected" to get it next week....we'll see.
I'm having troubles with my windscreeen, on the highway it flops back and I think I've got the curtain stretched wrong. Can you please send me a pic of yours installed to kittyworld@cogeco.ca?
Thank you-- your message is very helpful-- any comment on the relative ease of access to the backseat or amount of legroom back there? Also, how is your mileage in 100% highway driving-- are you really getting over 30 MPG, as rated by EPA?
IMO, the backseat legroom is great - just as good or better than most mid size coupes. We've had 6ft+ friends in the backseat and they were amazed. Getting in and out of the back seat is a bit tricky but, keep in mind that this is a 2-door "sporty" type car.
Unfortunately, I've not had a chance to take it on a really long trip yet so I can't comment on that although on a trip from Texas to Florida with my 01, on cruise control almost the entire trip, I did get 34mpg!! So I'm hoping that the 05 should be about the same.
I went from an 04 coupe to an 05 convertible. There is more back seat legroom in the coupe. I know this because I tried to put my old mats in the back seat area and they didn't fit. Had to get new mats. I found lazer cut custom fit plastic mats at Exactmats. They are clear and cover your factory mats. You can still see the colored carpet through them. I even bought a trunk mat for the trunk (specify coupe or convertible) Your factory mats will always look brand new.
I got put in a viper aftermarket remote starter. Toyota does not do well with aftermarket parts. I got it done at the Future Shop. They never saw such a complicated security system before. You have to use your extra key in a bypass box buried in the dash. If you leave your lights on auto and the car shuts off automatically after 15 minutes, your battery dies if you forget. They don't shut off. They can't connect the door "chirp" and you have to buy an aftermarket horn to tell if your doors are open or not. Buy a system that has "aux" (extra button)so your trunk release can be programed to that, that way you don't have to carry two remotes.
Just wondering when your estimated date is/was to expect the car to be in? Also, if you hate the dealer already, perhaps you should look into another dealer, or at least let them know your frustrations, and see what they will do to help. I was not impressed with my dealer at all, (CT) after I got my car, and brought it in for service I realized how I wished I had gone somewhere else completely!!
I have a 2005 Solara SLE convertible. I have had it 4 months and just love the car. I am wondering, though, about the paint job. I have the white pearl color that I paid extra for. I have noticed a small area just behind the front driver side wheel well that has cracked. The other issue is how easily the paint seems to chip. Every time I wash the car after a long road trip, I find chipped paint on the hood or front bumper area. I am about ready to purchase my second bottle of touch up paint! This is the first car I have had where I have had this issue. The chips I got on my previous cars were from other car doors, shopping carts, etc.
I tried a brushless car wash once and water was forced through around the windows due to the strong pressure used. I wouldn't do it again. The owner's manual recommends against car washes with this car.
I have noticed the same tendency for the paint to chip on our red 2004. The front of the hood has a number on chips in one year of service with no use on gravel roads or other use that would explain the nicks. I am looking into a "bra" front cover to reduce this tendency.
Does any one have a recomendation for a bra for our cars?
2 questions regarding windscreen: 1. In photos I've seen of the car, the windscreen is shown going from the top of the front seat down to the rear of the front seat. However, the windscreen instructions that came with the packaging goes across the backseat, as you describe. Are both ways valid? If so, how would the windscreen be attached in the first case. 2. The windscreen flips down when driving and shouldn't. Do others see the same problem when driving - wind flips screen down??? Any solution for this?
Please give us more information. Was the work done by a Toyota dealer or a third party? Does the camera display on the Navigation screen? Are you happy with your system?
Many thanks Alan Duchan
ORIGINAL MESSAGE
I just had a reverse sensor installed on my 06 sle conv for $350 canadian. Rear camera is available for $800 cdn installed.
I have an absolute red with black top '05 convertible and love it! i love it so much that since i bought the car in March of '05, i have put on 10k miles. there are numerous problems I have noticed and seen some of them already posted here. The problems I'm having are: 1). water coming in on the drivers side door. if i use the windshield washers to wash the glass, the water will come and run into the drivers side door, but not the passengers side. after it rains, and i open my windows, the same thing happens, water keeps coming through. i talked to my dealer and they stated they haven't heard anything about this problem, but yet, numerous people on these boards are having the same issues. 2). The carpet on the drivers side keeps coming out of the molding on the gas pedal side. i talked to toyota and they are working on the solution. i told them i can care less how they fix it since its not a major problem, but a problem that should be brought to their attention. I told them to just staple the damn thing if they need too. we'll see on what they decide to do. 3). the third and most important of all problems is the trunk lid and the gas tank lid. neither lids come with a latch type opening. meaning when you open either the trunk or gas door, you should feel a "latch" type feel as so that the trunk lid or gas lid dosn't swing back and forth. On a windy day in June, i opened the trunk lid using the remote switch inside the car. when the trunk lid popped open, the wind caught the trunk lid and slammed it open. This caused the lid to ram into the black molding trim around the rearview glass and trunk compartment. anyone else have this problem? well thats all the problems I'm having. i just hope they all can be fixed by my toyota dealer without a tug-of-war fight.
I have a 2006 SLE. 1) My car came equipped with the windscreen installed. The mounting holes are about 6 inches behind the doorjambs. This leaves a gap behind the seat and the windscreen which allows the seat backs to be tilted back without interference from the windscreen. 2) I had the same problem. The windscreen is designed to be manually flipped down to allow you a clear view for backing up. While this is a nifty idea I do not think the design is up to repeated raising and lowering. I tightened the screws on the bottom of the frame - this seems to work but I do not know why it should. I no longer raise or lower the screen and it no longer flops down while I am driving.
I have a 2006 SLE, also. WHen I purchased the car, the windscreen was already installed as you describe in #1. I was curious about an alternative way that I saw the windscreen installed in the Solara catalogue - it was mounted vertically behind the front seat vs horizontally (the way it was installed)....
Your suggestion about tightening the screws / discontinue raising or lowering screen is a good one that I will try.
Picked up the car on Friday; drove about 500 miles so far. Very comfortable; drives well, a little noisy with the top down on major highways (truck noise mostly). But I am very happy with my purchase.
The big deal is the gas mileage. The first 350 miles were a mix of country roads and highway (with some traffic). Averaged 28 mpg or so. Last night I drove 170 highway miles and averaged 31 mpg. Is anyone else having this experience.
With regard to the wind screen, I have been putting mine up and down and it is fine so far, but I know it is early. I shall be vigilant for the issues raised above.
I picked up my new Cosmic Blue convertible on July 15 and already have 1000 miles, most with the top down. I love the car and am also very happy with my purchase. The ride is very comfortable. The only problem I have found is rear visibility and large blind sports with the top up. This will take some getting used to. I did not get the windscreen. I did find the highway gas mileage to be as high as 31 mpg. I also found the actual mpg to be a little less than the trip computer. I have been washing my car manually so far. Does anyone have any experience with brushless car washes. My dealer says that it would be ok, but the manual says not to use automatic car washes.
I checked out the catalogue and saw the picture you are referring to. I suspect that the cameraman did not know how it was designed to be set up. I am not sure what it would attach to if you put it in vertically and it probably would not do much. I do not get much turbulence in the front seat with or without the windscreen but the windscreen put in directed does keep things from blowing around in the back seat (mostly). Good luck.
The directions that come with the windscreen say that it should not be used with passengers in the backseat. It covers the back seat so that the only way you could use the windscreen and have some one in the back was if the passange were to lie down.
I see a notable difference with the windscreen installed. With the windscreen and the windows rolled up, I get very little wind in the front seat. Nice on those cool morning drives with the top down. I am glad I got it. As for the back seats, it is not possible for anyone to sit back there (in an upright position) with the windscreen installed.
My wife and I just love this car. Luner mist with charcol leather seats. Compared to the 01 Sebring LXI conv, this car is a dream come true. To many trips to the dealership with the Sebring finally made us realize that the Solara is a better car and hold its value well. This car is quiet and a joy to drive. Hope to have it many years to come.
I have had the same problem with the water coming in from the windshield washer, along with rain. My dealer fixed it after bringing the car in 3 times, and the 3rd with photo's of the water entering the car. All the seals were replaced around the windows and windshield, since they were replaced I have not had a problem. The new seals have a lip to send the water beyond where the window meets the metal. I also have had the problem with the carpeting which I have not brought to the dealers attention as of yet. Let me know what your dealer decides to do to fix it. Thanks, Suzanne in CT
Comments
Cheers!
j
1) Has Toyota yet fixed the top malfunction that seemed to be common on the 2004 models? I have seen much discussion of this, but no clear indication that it has been rectified in the two model years since-- if so, what model year incorporated the fix from the factory?
2) If the top problems are not fixed, do the earlier generation Solara convertibles (2003 and earlier) have less problems with the top?
3) I know that ASC did the earlier model tops for Toyota, whereas Toyota does the entire car (including top) for the '04s and later... it has been suggested that this will mean easier servicing, when required, and less problems, due to it all being Toyota factory parts... have owners found this to be true?
4) I know that both models have been criticized for (lack of) torsional rigidity (chassis not stiff enough)... are the earlier models ('03 and before) more or less stiff than the later models ('04 and later)?
5) Which models have more room in the backseat-- earlier or later?
6) Which are easier to ingress/egress the backseat- earlier or later?
7) For the V-6 engine (3.0L in earlier models, 3.3L in later models) which models are getting better highway fuel economy? (And by this, I mean practical driving experience of actual owners-- not the EPA rated mileage.)
8) Have you owners experienced any difference in the earlier and later V-6 engines' response to being filled with lower octane gas?
9) Last, has anyone heard or seen much about ASC's Avalon 4-door convertible concept car? I have seen pictures of ASC's Chrysler 300 C convertible 4-door show car, but can find barely any mention of the Avalon convertible. I know that Chrysler is seriously considering putting the ASC 300 C convertible (or its own version of that) into production-- I wouldn't expect Toyota to be as quick to move as Chrysler, but it would be nice to know if such a car were coming, as I would jump at the chance to buy a 4-door convertible with (hopefully) Toyota quality-- not to mention that a convertible version is almost certain to improve the rather staid appearance of the Avalon.
1. There is no widespread problem with the top on the '04 model. I have a very early production '04 and have had no problems with the top.
2. The top is still an ASC assembly. They build it and ship it to Toyota for installation.
3. The new bodystyle is a bigger car. Here is an idea, go find a used '03 and do the comparo for yourself rather than relying on someones observation.
3) As your own messages have noted numerous times in this forum, there are not a lot of these cars out there-- it is easier said than done to find a used '03 to "do the comparo". I have rented an '05 coupe and noticed that it was difficult for my kids to get in and out of the rear seat, but that there was a lot of room in the rear seat. It was not possible to rent an '04 or later convertible, but I assume coupe and convertible (with top up) access is comparable. I hoped that someone who had owned both models (both pre- and post-'04) might be able to comment.
Just picked up a new 06 Solara SLE convertible yesterday,Arctic Frost Pearl with with Ivory top and interior, and found it to be a joy to drive.
1] I was wondering if anyone knows of a kit that I can add a reverse license plate camera that can work with the factory Nav display?
I heard about it being done, but have no idea how to buy one.
2] Also, any comments on the windscreen, how much does it really help?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
James
MODERATOR
Need help getting around? claires@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Tell everyone about your buying experience: Write a Dealer Review
Btw.I chose the Mustang (V6, at, leather)..While a very cool looking car...NO COMPARISION....
As far as backing up, I have reverse sensors on my new truck, after just a couple of weeks, it is a feature that is definitely missing from the Solara....
Ken
Ken
I cannot help you with the pre vs. post 04's sorry.
All I can do is keep you posted regarding my experiences. Hope this helps.
1. The top will not close correctly. The passenger side is out of alignment and will not lock unless I go outside the car and force it too.
2. The rubber striping around the front windshield comes off.
3. the paint sealant form that Toyota put on is coming off the front hood. i live in Tampa which gets fairly hot but the car is garaged both at home and work so the sun does not beat down on it too often.
While the car is in the shop, I am getting the XM radio installed. has anyone done this and if so, are you happy with the results?
I just took delivery of my '06 solara conv and I have to vent....any feedback from the group would be appreciated!
I'm noticing "jerky'"acceleration from a complete stop....feels like it shifts into 2nd too early...back to the dealer?
This car feels heavy and this provides a solid feel on smooth driving surfaces but seems to influence engine performance....
who's idea was it to put the "all window" and "top up/down" buttons where you cant see them ( behind left side of steering wheel)? This is a major design flaw.
I compared this mainly to a Sebring before deciding and...
The Solara is much better "looking" car but the Sebring was more fun to drive.
Road bumps are more pronounced in Solara.
With top up Solara is much much quieter and has more headroom and hence less claustrophobic.
sebring ergo design is superior, but materials are cheap looking
leather seats too sweaty!!!
rear seats more roomy an comfortable in Solara
I'm finding it difficult to get a comfortable driving position even thought ther a billion
options in power drivers seat...just takes more experimenting I guess.
Reverse parking sensor a MUST HAVE
:confuse:
I had the XM radio installed. It took the dealer most of a day to accomplish since practically the entire interior has to be removed. Unlike my little aftermarket XM receiver (about the size of a pack of cards) this is a fairly big box. Be sure the dealer gets the one for the convertible. My dealer first got the coupe model, which mounts in the trunk. The convertible model goes under the back seat. So I had to leave the car overnight while they got the right one. (They did give me free loaner, so no real complaints.)
The XM radio, being built in, sounds much better than the one in my other car, which rebroadcasts the signal thru the FM radio. My only (minor) complaint is that the display (artist & song, etc) only uses about 1/4 of the space available so isn't as useful as it could be.
Nevertheless, unlike another comment here, I love XM and never listen to broadcast radio anymore, other than NPR. I'll never buy another car without it. Besides, where else can I listen to all those baseball games!
It's strange that Toyota does not offer this feature when it is really needed.
Can't see what's in back of you 1/2 the time due to the higher backend.
Thanks!
I never had a problem with my 01. Everything worked perfectly, including the convertible top, from day 1. My 05 had a problem where the passenger side of the convertible top was hard to close, but I took it back to the dealer and got it back in 2 days with no more problem. I have gotten caught in some really heavy thunderstorms and have had no problem. No air leak noise - nothing. Just a quiet, extremely smooth and luxurious drive.
All convertibles will have some cowl shake and compared to my previous '93 BMW 3251 convertible and '98 Firebird convertible, the Solara's cowl shake is very mild - or at least both of the ones I've owned. The one thing I have noticed, both back in 01 and back last January when I bought the 05 is that you have to test drive the one you're going to buy because there is a noticeable difference in the feel of some of the cars (quality control issue??).
The rear visibility on the 05 with the top up could be better, but no convertible has good rear visibility with the top up. I can live with that one.
Regarding the hesitation problem with the newer Solaras, I have noticed it on mine (by the way, both Solaras have been SLEs) and when I feel that I don't have time to deal with the hesitation, I simply drop it into manual shifting and the problem goes away.
Gas mileage for me on both cars has been about the same - about 20 mpg city and about 23 mpg combination. All in all, I am and have been very pleased with the Solara -who knows - when this lease is up I may end up with another one still.
Hope I've been of some help.
MODERATOR
Need help getting around? claires@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Tell everyone about your buying experience: Write a Dealer Review
Maybe I am jumping the gun here - But with the next gen Supras right around the corner, plus the fact that Toyota suddenly seems to be working hard on their HP numbres (proof: '05 Avalon, Next Gen Camry, 06-IS 350), I am curious to see if the next gen solaras will crank out more ponies? Well, that would be a given but the question is, How far would they go? I mean, they wouldn't want to overlap into the Supra range but then, with new drop tops rolling in(VW Concept C, Potiac Solstice,etc..), they have to do something? Also, since the current generation's interior is nothing short of Lexus and toyota only makes things better!!! Wonder what they would do next....
Any thoughts??
Cheers!
--njexpress
Unfortunately, I've not had a chance to take it on a really long trip yet so I can't comment on that although on a trip from Texas to Florida with my 01, on cruise control almost the entire trip, I did get 34mpg!! So I'm hoping that the 05 should be about the same.
Also, if you hate the dealer already, perhaps you should look into another dealer, or at least let them know your frustrations, and see what they will do to help. I was not impressed with my dealer at all, (CT) after I got my car, and brought it in for service I realized how I wished I had gone somewhere else completely!!
Does any one have a recomendation for a bra for our cars?
1. In photos I've seen of the car, the windscreen is shown going from the top of the front seat down to the rear of the front seat. However, the windscreen instructions that came with the packaging goes across the backseat, as you describe. Are both ways valid? If so, how would the windscreen be attached in the first case.
2. The windscreen flips down when driving and shouldn't. Do others see the same problem when driving - wind flips screen down??? Any solution for this?
Rear camera is available for $800 cdn installed.
Many thanks
Alan Duchan
ORIGINAL MESSAGE
I just had a reverse sensor installed on my 06 sle conv for $350 canadian.
Rear camera is available for $800 cdn installed.
1). water coming in on the drivers side door. if i use the windshield washers to wash the glass, the water will come and run into the drivers side door, but not the passengers side. after it rains, and i open my windows, the same thing happens, water keeps coming through. i talked to my dealer and they stated they haven't heard anything about this problem, but yet, numerous people on these boards are having the same issues.
2). The carpet on the drivers side keeps coming out of the molding on the gas pedal side. i talked to toyota and they are working on the solution. i told them i can care less how they fix it since its not a major problem, but a problem that should be brought to their attention. I told them to just staple the damn thing if they need too. we'll see on what they decide to do.
3). the third and most important of all problems is the trunk lid and the gas tank lid. neither lids come with a latch type opening. meaning when you open either the trunk or gas door, you should feel a "latch" type feel as so that the trunk lid or gas lid dosn't swing back and forth. On a windy day in June, i opened the trunk lid using the remote switch inside the car. when the trunk lid popped open, the wind caught the trunk lid and slammed it open. This caused the lid to ram into the black molding trim around the rearview glass and trunk compartment. anyone else have this problem?
well thats all the problems I'm having. i just hope they all can be fixed by my toyota dealer without a tug-of-war fight.
1) My car came equipped with the windscreen installed. The mounting holes are about 6 inches behind the doorjambs. This leaves a gap behind the seat and the windscreen which allows the seat backs to be tilted back without interference from the windscreen.
2) I had the same problem. The windscreen is designed to be manually flipped down to allow you a clear view for backing up. While this is a nifty idea I do not think the design is up to repeated raising and lowering. I tightened the screws on the bottom of the frame - this seems to work but I do not know why it should. I no longer raise or lower the screen and it no longer flops down while I am driving.
Your suggestion about tightening the screws / discontinue raising or lowering screen is a good one that I will try.
The big deal is the gas mileage. The first 350 miles were a mix of country roads and highway (with some traffic). Averaged 28 mpg or so. Last night I drove 170 highway miles and averaged 31 mpg. Is anyone else having this experience.
With regard to the wind screen, I have been putting mine up and down and it is fine so far, but I know it is early. I shall be vigilant for the issues raised above.
and already have 1000 miles, most with the top down. I
love the car and am also very happy with my purchase.
The ride is very comfortable. The only problem I have
found is rear visibility and large blind sports with the top
up. This will take some getting used to. I did not get the
windscreen. I did find the highway gas mileage to be as high
as 31 mpg. I also found the actual mpg to be a little less than
the trip computer. I have been washing my car manually so far.
Does anyone have any experience with brushless car washes.
My dealer says that it would be ok, but the manual says not to
use automatic car washes.
I also have had the problem with the carpeting which I have not brought to the dealers attention as of yet. Let me know what your dealer decides to do to fix it.
Thanks,
Suzanne in CT