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Comments
The car is at the dealership now because the convertible top was not operational, and the tabs which the top goes into had to be realigned. I thought this is what had caused the small leakage, but now I am beginning to wonder. I will repost after I get the car back.
Thanks to Ricj, DIMITER, and newmoo... who sent suggestions on how to find the color combo I wanted.
The two local dealers were not very resourceful in finding what I wanted (red w/dark stone) and said that absolutely none were available. It seems they were only looking in their "zone", and indeed none were available there. I got on the Internet and found Toyota dealers who use AutoTrader and phoned a half dozen in cities less than 300 miles from my home. Two matches were fairly far away, but one dealer two hours away (and not in our "zone")said he could get one diverted to his dealership if I wanted it - and this worked out.
Moral of this story - go beyond the efforts of your local dealer if he is not really looking everywhere for what you want.
Just bought my car (Toyota Solara SLE Convertible 2006) on Friday Nov 4th. WOW, what a wonderful car! Never owned a convertible but always wanted one. I went to the dealer and found two convertibles. One a 2004 (didn't want a 2004 after reading about the recalls) and one a 2006 (white.. tan top). I test drove it and just fell in love with it. However, I didn't want a white convertible but looking for the light blue with charcoal interior. Two days later it was at the dealer waiting for me to drive it away. You don't see to many of these cars on the street right now anyway. Fun to drive and worth the money!
Poofgon
I had the same problem with the rain dripping in on me as I opened the window. Please let me know if you find rain gutters!!!
I haven't had the problem with rain dripping into the car with the window down yet but it really hasn't rained very hard.
I was wondering if you treated the top of your convertible when you bought it and what you used.
Also, did you buy sensors for backing up? I heard they were about $300.00 and wonder where I should purchase them.
Any ideas?
Thanks.
Poofgon
I have a 2006 SLE with the Navigation System and 1000 miles on it.
After a lot of research here and the Solara Guy web site I found the best option for backup issues is to install the Eclipse BEC-104 camera. It's plug and play and cost me $191.00 on E-Bay. When the car is put in reverse the picture of what's behind you displays on the Nav screen display.
As to the top I first cleaned it with Ragg Topp cleaner then treated it with Ragg Topp protectant which I sprayed on in 3 coats. The kit was $30.00 on-line and is sold by 1/2 dozen places.
As to the paint and interior Zaino.
As for performance I have had no problems......no slugishness....no rough shifting....no hesitation...and my gas mileage is about 23mpg mostly in town.
The last thing is the rain dripping in. I have owned many soft top convertables and they all do leak in when you open the windows. This is something you just have to live with as there is no way to attach a rain gutter. What you have to think about is how great it is to ride around on a 70 degree day with the sun shining and the top down. This makes putting up with a few rain drops worth it.
i purchased ragtop - it is awesome!
I found backup sensores on ebay for $100
they work great
I am use to the back view now also, i just take extra time backing up and looking good
let me know what you do!!
I will check out the Ragg Topp cleaner and the backup sensors soon.
Since you also have a 2006 and navigation system your SAT must be Sirus. Correct? Did you get any "free" subscription months with yours when you bought it? I tried to use my SAT button over the weekend and it doesn't work. The dealer told me to call "XM" and they would give me 3 months free but I have Sirus. Anyway, the car is going back to the dealer for a few minor details and you bet the SAT will be up and running when I get her back.
Poofgon
Poofgon
The good thing is, it will only be cold for about 2.5 - 3 months. We get about 9 months of good top down weather here, and it rarely rains (maybe in August). The summer temps are a little too hot (100-110+) for top down driving during the day, but nights are perfect.
I'm going to take it out today (top up of course) to see how it fares in the cold. It will be it the forties (that's cold for us) today, and in the thirties when the sun goes down (burrr).
I got the black w/black top, charcoal int. What color top did you get? And, you're right, you don't see many of these out there (that's a good thing). I've only seen about six or so. and never one in light blue.
I will only drive it on a rainy day if I get caught out there, but never intentionally. I have a car that I use just for rainy days because of the way it handles in the rain, and besides, it's parked outside anyway. I wish you many top down days, and much success with your new convertible.
thebug...
The one thing that stops her, though, is the transmission. She'd like a manual-only, so has put off looking at the Solara for now, despite my encouragement.
What are your opinions on the Solara's transmission, if one wished to use it as a manual transmission? Also, there isn't a clutch pedal, is there?
I appreciate any comments. FWIW, I'd think she's grow to like the automatic transmission, but, but... :confuse:
I took it in and they said that the tires were out of balance, so they rotated and balanced them. It's better but I still feel like it bumps more than it should. Is it me? I drove a 98 civic before this for 5 years, so I don't know if there is something about the suspension that is taking getting used to? Anyone have any thoughts/suggestions?
I'm concerned to hear about the roof leaking at times and wanted to know how big of a problem that is or is it just more of a minor nuisance?
Do other people have problems with the shuddering/stability of the car at low speeds or over bumps as some of the reviews have suggested.
MANY THANKS FOR ANY INSIGHT AS A 48 Mo. LEASE IS A LONG TIME TO DEAL WITH PROBLEMS. THANKS!!!
Good luck and Happy Holidays.
I have had the VSC kick in when a truck blew a tire in front of me going about 75mph on the Howard Franklin bridge here in Tampa. For those who live here, you know it is a common for things to be flying on this bridge besides cars. Anyway, I had to make a severe move to avoid the flying rubber, the car handled unbelievably. It was has if I wasn't driving. I saw the VSC light come on and think, although not sure since I was in a little panic, heard a beep also. The car kept on the road with no sway or loss of control. It did not over steer. It felt like the moves you see watching an Indy car moving in and out of traffic.
I will not buy another car without this option.
I thought I would bring this one back up as I have yet to find one that works. Anybody had any luck? :confuse: