Toyota Solara Convertible - 2004 and Newer

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Comments

  • robmat870robmat870 Member Posts: 11
    Well,

    Here in Minnesota, we don't have much choice in the winter besides the Car Wash. All in all, I think it's better to get the road salt off in the car wash with its risks than to not wash it at all.....
  • billcindywalzbillcindywalz Member Posts: 1
    After looking at the following vehicles in order:
    Lexus RX330
    Lexus GS300
    Mitsubishi Murano
    Kia Sorrento
    Ford Escape
    Toyota Highlander
    Toyota Camry
    My wife has decided that it's time she had the 'fun car' she has wanted since we were DINKs. While at the local Toyota dealership to test drive the Highlander and Camry we 'discovered' the Solara. After extensive research (cable TSB withstanding) I am convinced that the SLE is the best quality and value in our price range. I have starting website pinging the dealers in AL/TN/GA with offers of $29,000 and I'll buy it today for the SLE with Vehicle Stabilty Control as the only option. I think that the Toyota Protection package is nice but have no interest in paying for it unless my total comes to $29,600. I am hoping that a B/C dealer in the small/mid sized southcentral cities will (as has been indicated here) do the deal. Anyone out there having any success getting anything significant off of MSRP recently? The local Huntsville, AL Toyota dealer is selling them for >MSRP - but not to me.
  • peachespeaches Member Posts: 1
    I ordered a 2004 SLE convertible Solara in June 04, it hasn't come in yet, and recently the dealer offered me a 2005 at the same price as the 04 i had on order, although I still have to wait till the end of September. I see this happened to you. Was there a reason this was offered to you. Do you know if there are any differences between the 04 and the 05 Solara convertible ??
  • wjovelwjovel Member Posts: 17
    2004/2005 same no changes, i just hear that the SE are limited. they making mostly SLE.
  • tyresmokertyresmoker Member Posts: 266
    Scroll back a few weeks and this was addressed. First, the polyester blend material is just that, made to withstand the elements. My advice, leave it alone. Visit a marine supply store either online or b&m and buy marine canvas cleaner. When the occasional turd gets on the lid, spot clean it.
    As far as do-it-yourself treatments, you could do far more damage to the cloth than protect it. Keep it clean, and most importantly, keep it dry.
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    Wow, that is a long time to wait. I put my deposit down on 7/16 and took delivery on 8/15. The only reason it was offered to me was because he knew I knew a lot about the car business. A 2004 vehicle in August, 2004, is not worth as much as a 2005 vehicle in August, 2004, in the used market. He gave me a choice, which was great.

    There are no differences between the 2004 and 2005 convertible.
  • fred713fred713 Member Posts: 7
    I HAVE SAME WIND NOISE PROBLEM WITH 2004 CONVERTIBLE DEALER GOT CABLES BUT SAID DID NOT HAVE ANY INSTRUCTIONS TO REPLACE THEM IF CAN LET ME KNOW THE NAME OF YOUR DEALER TOYOTA WILL CALL TO GET INSTRUCTIONS
  • fred713fred713 Member Posts: 7
    anyone know about wind noise on the 2004 solara convertible dealer says needs new cables but they have no instructions on how to install them help
  • fred713fred713 Member Posts: 7
    i have the same problem with my 2004 convertible dealer ordered cables but has no idea on how to install them they said they were waiting for instructions from toyota any help please
  • bob015bob015 Member Posts: 2
    I had my cables replaced last month. The dealer sent the car to a top shop which specializes in convertibles, they came to the dealer and picked up the car on a car hauler flat bed truck and I had the car back in 2 days. I have hardly any outside noise now almost like a hard top and the top is very, very tight. The dealer also gave me a loaner while the car was being fixed.
  • cooldude1755cooldude1755 Member Posts: 22
    I've had great success with my 2000 SLE camel colored top by cleaning and using the Ragtopp stuff. The Florida rain could soak it good but the water just beads off. By the way, the material is acrylic which is not affected by UV rays. The Ragtopp protectant just keeps it dry and protected from bug/bird stuff and lets me lower the top soon after a rain. Snow don't stick either!
  • mickygmickyg Member Posts: 4
    I agree that you are waiting a long time. I was told that if I ordered from scratch it would take 90 days. But lo and behold the dealer called me back in less than two weeks and the car arrived that week. I think it's great to have a 2005 for resale value, although there are no differences. So far no wind noise, in fact I'm amazed how quiet it is with the top up.
  • fred713fred713 Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for the quick reply back. Can you tell me what toyota dealer you used so that Toyota can contact them. My dealer has no idea in how to replace the cables.
  • tyresmokertyresmoker Member Posts: 266
    Remember, you have an early '05 which means the clock is ticking...if you drive 15k miles per year, a year from now you will have a 1 year old car that is "over". If you had an '04, you would have a model that is "under" (15k/2). Also, in states with personal property tax and town mill rates that seem to be constantly climbing, one year can make a $$ difference at tax evaluation time.
  • toppertopper Member Posts: 13
    http://www.tempetoyota.com They should be able to help your dealer with instructions to get the cables fixed on your top.
  • bob015bob015 Member Posts: 2
    Miracle Toyota , Winter Haven fl sent it to a top place in Clearwater, fl to have the cables replaced.
  • maggieaprilmaggieapril Member Posts: 5
    Thanks, cooldude. Glad to hear the Raggtopp is working for you. I want to keep the top waterproof since it's in the rain almost everyday in the summer here in Florida. Hopefully I won't ever have to worry about snow!!
  • dooerdooer Member Posts: 3
    I just found this site and discovered a lot of useful info, thanks. I purchased a silver SLE in June off the lot of the only dealer that had one within 60 miles of San Jose, Ca. I paid 29500. I love the car and have had a fair # of people come up to ask about it. In 2 mos. I have only seen one other in the area. I do think that I have the cable problem though. I noticed that the top is sagging in the rear and on occaision I hear a flapping sound on the drivers side. Is that it? I am just approaching the 3K mark and feeling great about it. I had a old Merc. 380 SL and there isn't much comparison. Funny the Mercedez cost a lot more.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    FWIW, I had a similar cable break on my Miata, basically it didn't seal well after that. I had wind noise and water leaked whenever I braked and the top was wet.

    I didn't know what it was, but when I got a new top they showed me the cable had basically snapped. I paid an extra $80 for a new cable, installed.

    No more wind noise or water leak.

    -juice
  • robmat870robmat870 Member Posts: 11
    After placing an order for a Lunar Mist SLE on Aug 28th and being told that it would take 60 to 90 days, I got a call from my dealer on 9/2 that they gotten a hold of one just like the one I ordered, except it had the Nav system that I didn't particularly care about. I offered to split the $1350 difference with them, but the wouldn't budge (surprise!), but I bought it anyway since there is not a whole lot of convertible weather left here in the Twin Cities.

    So far, the car is great (only 77 miles at this point). This is my fourth convertible over the past decade (Sunbird, Sunfire, Sebring), and it certainly seems to have the best build (for the price, it should).

    The boot sure is difficult to install, though.

    Cheers
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    For the price?

    A comparably equipped (except no NAV available) Sebring cost a couple thousand more than the Solara and the Solara is 100% better as far as fit and finish goes.
  • robmat870robmat870 Member Posts: 11
    It's been my experience that Sebrings are hugely discounted. Sticker means little on that car.

    I acknowledge that the Solara has a noticeably better build than the Chrysler, but I owned a 1998 Sebring for 4 years, and didn't have any problems with it.
  • rsblaskirsblaski Member Posts: 68
    Regarding Sebring, I had a 1996 Sebring convertible as well (now have a 2001 Solara Conv).
    You are right. The first five years, I had no problems whatsoever. After its fifth anniversary, however, it seemed that everything went at once. Antilock brake system, a/c, and a few other electrical problems all hit within a couple of weeks. I didn't think it was worth putting more money into it so I checked the availability of the Solara. I was lucky enough to put dibs on an SLE V6 that was on its way to the dealer. The Toyota is a great car. We test drove a 2001 Sebring, but the Toyota is better in every respect.
  • robmat870robmat870 Member Posts: 11
    A few questions about my new SLE:

    1. The outside temp gauge seems to be pretty inaccurate. Anyone else notice this? The ones on my Chryslers always match the local radio temp announcements.

    2. Has anyone bought the accessory wind screen? Is it worth it for $395? What if someone is in the back seat?

    3. Is it just me, or is the boot a bear to put on?

    Overall, I'm totally delighted with this car. It's been a long time since I've paid sticker price, but I have no regrets thus far!

    Cheers

    Randy
  • tyresmokertyresmoker Member Posts: 266
    Stick the center "handle" in between the two headrests first, then push the clips on the outside in while feeding the rear of the boot into the soft top well. I acutally used theboot for the first time two weeks ago. It looks ok, but really not worth the hastle. When we got ours, the dealer said "i bet this boot will be in the same bag when you come to trade this car in a few years"....Close to being right!
  • wjovelwjovel Member Posts: 17
    1-I also notice that with the temp gauge, but i park indoors at home and at work and when i leave either place it happens but once i am on the road it matches the radio temp i dont know if the humidity from the east cost weather has something to do with it but most of the time is ok.
    2- i would like to know this my self, if somebody has it and if it is a do it yourself job? i test drove one with it and it did work keeping the noise down but i can tell you that when you use it you can not have anybody in the rear seat.
    3-i can tell you that i bought my 08-18-04 and i have not drive the car with the top up and i have use the boot about 8 to 10 times and i am getting use to plus the car looks so much better with the boot on, my personal opinion and several others tell me that.
  • robmat870robmat870 Member Posts: 11
    Another question: Does anyone use higher than 87 octane (better performance per the owner's manual). I'm not much of a racer, and about 6 cents a gallon can add up. Just wondering what most people do.

    Thanks
  • redhotredhot Member Posts: 4
    I have been using 91 octane since we purchased the car. For the extra few dollars. it worth the performance and and engines will run a lot cleaner for the long haul. We will never the trade the car, it a keeper for us.

    P.S. Where to people buy the wind screen? Our dealership does not know about it.
  • wjovelwjovel Member Posts: 17
    New Accessory list for solara 2004 Convertible went out to dealers two weeks a go. it is a extra SRP is $327.00 for the wind screen with 15% discount if you can get it for do it yourself discount it should be around $280.00, my question is when it come from the factory it does have pre-drill holes in the side back window, I have not purchase it because i don't know what it is involve in installation. on the fuel choice matter i use to think that way to and for 4 years i use 91 oct. on my 1999 solara and i dont think it made any difference in fact i was told by a certified mechanic that the computer chip on the new cars are design to run well with 87 oct. and in reality i will be doing more harm than good to the engine and at the same time spending more money on gas. for your information only, i don't have a way to prove that my self but it make sense to me.
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    I tried 91 and 87 in the two times I have filled up. There was no perceptable difference in power delivery and I actually got higher mileage with the 87, although with any car the mileage goes up in the first 1k miles.

    "engines will run a lot cleaner for the long haul"

    Octane has nothing to do with running cleaner. Octane is simply an anti-knock indicator. Engines that are designed and have the appropriate sensors to run, knock-free, on 87 octane will gain nothing by using a higher octane. It is simply money thrown right out the window to use a higher octane than the car is manufactured to use. The only time one should spend the extra money for the higher octane is if you notice ping or knock. Otherwise it is just needless money down the drain.
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    The rear windscreen is a dealer accessory only. There is no way to order it from the factory. I have the installation instructions and the dealer has to take quite a bit of the rear seat section apart to install the holes properly.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Just curious, does Toyota put the 2.4l in the Solara drop top?

    I've been peeking around, mostly out of curiosity, and locally I haven't seen anything below $28k for a V6 (no-haggle price).

    -juice
  • uv4meuv4me Member Posts: 22
    I'm in the market for a conv. sedan that has decent room in the back seat for two kids (ages 2/3). The Solara looks great but I wonder about demand inflating the cost? Any thoughts about the Solara vs. the Sebring...325ci....Volvo C70....Pt Cruiser? Yes, cost is an issue, so I would be looking at used Bimmers/Volvos.
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    The convertible is only available with the 3.3litre 6.
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    My thoughts. I looked at the 330ci extensively before selecting the Solara.

    The back seat is plenty large. I've had a 6' guy in his 60's in the back and he had no complaints at all. I've only rented the Sebrings but I can tell you, hands down, the Solara is twice the car it is. The 325cic is much LESS car for the money. The only thing I like better about it is the fully automatic top and ability to get park distance control. In the end, I just thought it was too sporty and rough. The Volvo C70 surprised me. I really like its looks but it seemed very aged and out of date and the fact that you can't get navigation was a blocker since that is a must for me. PT Cruiser, didn't look at it seriously but I can't stand the standard crusier so I wouldn't be a good judge.

    I have to say that, for the money, a fully loaded (Nav & VSC) SLE is the best car you can get for the money. I paid MSRP for mine, the same as BMW and Volvo wanted.
  • wjovelwjovel Member Posts: 17
    Hi, mfullmer, if you can can you email the instructions how to install the wind screen. if you can let me know. thank you
  • jones111289jones111289 Member Posts: 1
    I have the same question... how does the windscreen attach to the car. I have called the toyota dealership and they have never seen the item on.

    After a 2 1/2 month wait.. I finally got my 2005 SLE. First convertible... I am hooked.
  • robmat870robmat870 Member Posts: 11
    I looked extensively at the PT Cruiser convertible (I also own a PT wagon, and it's been a good car), but at roughly the same price between the PT GT and the Solara SLE, I chose the Toyota. The Cruiser has some cool features lacking in the Solara, such as one central clamp handle for the top, outside temp readout on the rear view mirror, and the 'sport bar' reducing wind noise to almost nothing with the top down.

    I very nearly bought the Cruiser, but settled on the Solara mainly because of the six cylinder engine and the fact that my golf clubs fit easily in the trunk (and not at all easily in the Cruiser's trunk).

    I still think the Cruiser is a good vehicle, and was impressed by its apparent build quality.
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    The Solara has an outside temp readout in the pod next to the clock. I prefer it there and having the compass in the rearview mirror.
  • robmat870robmat870 Member Posts: 11
    Yes, but the Cruiser temp readout is LED rather than LCD, which I find easier to read....Don't use the compass much (I never know where I'm going, anyhow :) ).

    Surprisingly perhaps, the Toyota V6 gets better mileage than the PT Turbo 4.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    V6 only, eh?

    It does burn regular, right? I think the PT turbo would prefer premium.

    Pity, Toyota's 2.4l now seems torquey enough to serve as a base engine and it could lower the starting price a lot.

    -juice
  • robmat870robmat870 Member Posts: 11
    The Toyota 3.3l does indeed run on regular (around here there is a 6 to 7 cent bump for the 91 octane grade). Don't know about Toyota's 4 cylinder, but I've found most 4's to be kind of noisy compared to a V6 (that 'clickety-clack' sound). The Solara 6 is whisper quiet. My wife even tried to start the engine when it was already running!
  • zed421vzed421v Member Posts: 28
    My wife and I have always wanted a convertible. We test drove a new Solara. It had no power, handled like a Buick, and was no fun to drive. On our way home, we passed a Saab dealer. We test drive the Saab and bought it on the spot. We have 1500 miles on it and love it. It handles great no rattles or squeaks.
  • tyresmokertyresmoker Member Posts: 266
    Did you actually buy it or lease it.....acutally, either way my condolences...If you leased, the payment I am sure was the deciding factor as Toyotas traditionally do not lease well due to little to no factory participation (on limited run models).
    If you bought it, you MIGHT be able to trade it even for a Solara today...if you hurry.
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    Yes, the Solara and 9-3 are totally different vehicles evident by their $10k price difference. I had a 9-3 for the 24 hr. test drive a few months ago and then decided on the Solara because I was looking for a luxury convertible ride and a usable Navigation system.

    Congratulations on your Saab.
  • tyresmokertyresmoker Member Posts: 266
    dogging the Solara for "poor quality"? Then going out and renting a SAAB? First, the Solara has been praised for its quality materials throughout...the Saab, not so lucky. ..No doubt the Solara is a cruiser, it is not marketed as a sports car.
    As far as slow? Dont think it is slow, i think it is plenty ample for the car that it is.
    Bottom line: you cannot lease a Solara ragtop for $479 a month, like you can the Saab. When you lease, you are shopping for and buying a payment, not a car. Be happy with the payment that you bought.
    I was in a different position when we were shopping, because we were purchasing. The Saab didnt make the first cut.
    Look at it this way. Either load up the Solara and put $10k cash in the glovebox, or buy the Saab. I know what most people would do......
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    I don't get it. Why the unsubstantiated conclusions? You are very wrong.

    He said he BOUGHT a 9-3 not leased, he didn't say anthything about Toyota quality in his post and I never even saw a mention about "$479".

    By the way, you can lease a Solara for under $479. In fact, you can lease an SLE Convertible with $0 down for 36 months $422.00 The Saab lease is with $1,500 down, which you should never do.

    Exactly what post did you read that made you come to all of those conclusions?
  • tyresmokertyresmoker Member Posts: 266
    easy champ..notice post #465 is missing..This was his response to my post. Here he posted that he leased and took another shot at the poor quality of the Solara.
    $422 with zero down is news to me.What are they using for a residual? Money factor? Mileage? Transaction price?
    I am looking at a $32.4 car, 60% residual, 12k, 5.9 rate, full list with zero cap cost and coming up with $491.31 plus state sales tax and fees.
  • mfullmermfullmer Member Posts: 773
    I didn't see that post. Who deleted it? (Him?)

    In any case, the Solara lease I quoted was for a SLE Convertible (no options) MSRP $29,650 36 mo. 12k, not including tax.
  • tyresmokertyresmoker Member Posts: 266
    Yeah, my guess is he did. I am pretty confident that he was a payment shopper. As my example illustrates, the Solara does not lease well due to most transactions at or close to sticker and no factory assistance.
    The question then becomes "lemme see, you mean I can lease a $42k Saab ragtop for about the same payment as a $32k Toyoter? Why that is a no-brainer, I will take the Saab"
    I personally think Saabs are junk, but their leasing (at certain times of the year) cannot be matched. They had a $299 24 mo. fees only lease a few months ago on the 9.3 sedan. At the time, you could not get an Accord for that, so I put a few people into the 9.3 because they were payment shoppers and this was the best "deal" on the market at the time.
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