Toyota Solara

suvshopper4

KThomp: I agree that the 2.4liter 4-cylinder in the '02 Solara has plenty of power.

My girlfriend was interested in buying a new Solara. I encouraged her to check out the 4-cyl, even though she is used to a 6-cyl ('96 Sebring). She was pleasantly surprised to find that, for about $2,400 less, the 4-cyl had good power.

After 2.5 hours, including the test drive, the car was hers. The whole deal went smoothly (even though she had to continually hold her ground on price), thanks to edmunds' TMV and current dealer financing info, Terry and Bill here in the "Real-World Trade-In Values" thread, and general info from others re TDA fees' legitimacy.

She got the vehicle she wanted, and we know she didn't overpay (or under-trade). She's happy, and I was happy to be able to help by doing the homework and accompanying her so she didn't have to sit alone at the desk during all the back-and-forth. She promises to let me drive the Solara someday soon.

KThomp100

The new Corolla really is a baby Lexus. Immediately when getting into you the car you can feel the quality. Doors acutally shut with a nice THUD...welcome change for this class and size of car. The Nissans we test drove just didn't feel as good as the Toyotas. And boy did we compare. I do have to give Nissan credit for their marketing though. Ordered brochures via net for my dad and they arrived promptly AND with a coupon good for a new watch or sports bag after a test drive. Sales staff at the Nissan dealer were friendly and professional and never any pressure. I told the sales person we were going across the street the the Toyota dealership to test drive the Solara and Corolla and I think he appreciated my (our) honesty. He did say that "we'd be back" though. Hmmm. Back to the Corolla. Very good power, drove nice, roomy for its size and it is a winner. Dad loved it too but he could not get over the whole idea of owning a 4 door. Yup, at 79 yrs old he still wants to be sporting around in a 2 door luxury coupe....gee...can we say SOLARA! Anyway, Seattle weather is supposed to be nice this weekend and I am looking forward to polishing dads car and Scotchguarding the interior. I'll keep the board informed on the car and advise of his gas mileage etc etc. OH yea...that JBL sound system in this car is one of the best factory systems I have heard. I have the Nakamichi system in my Lexus and I thought it was great....JBL comes really really close in sound.

8u6hfd

Anyway from 20,000 miles to 40,000 miles. I normally do it every 2 years.

I highly recommend Redline MT-90 gear oil. You need a 75w90 GL4 or GL5 gear oil.

KThomp100

Where is the remote trunk release lever on the 02 SE Solaras? Figured it would be by the fuel filler release lever but it isn't there. There is one on the remote but no other that we could find in the car? Keep in mind dad has only had this car for 24 hours now but that is one of the first things I noticed....did Toyota delete the lever or am I blind?

lenkurt

Open the glove box. There should be a black button on the left side down near the bottom. Not inside the glove box but on the side where the glovebox lid would cover it. In dim light, it looks like a bolt.

norcalmike2

Hi folks,

I have been bitten by the Infiniti G35 sedan bug. I'll be buying one in two weeks. That means I have to say goodbye to my Solara. I purchased my 2000 pearl white Solara new and it has 9,800 miles on it. Cloth interior with only two options (15" alloys and electric driver seat). I live in the Sacramento area. The car has been garaged since day one, Mobile 1 synthetic oil every 5,000 miles, NON smoker, and very pampered. I never had the alignment issues. Toyota did replace the rocking drivers seat rack. The seat was its' one and only warranty appointment. The car is flawless inside and out and never crashed (which I will certify in writing). I will be selling it for $18,000.00 if anyone is interested. mnusink@worldnet.att.net

webguyster

I just had my rocking chair fixed, 2 years, 33,500 miles later, complaining everytime I brought it in, face to face talks with service manager, refusal from PR person. I was going to get rid of it just because of the seat. Now that thats fixed, thanks to a strong worded letter to Toyota, and a prompt follow up by the dealer. I just have the drift/pull, and the passenger side carpet popping out to bug me. Well, and all the scratches in the paint from ??? Of all the probs I have had, the seat was the worst!

**** Anyone changed the steering rack end shafts on there car. I think this contributes to my drift/pull, squeek problems, but it hard enough to get little stuff fixed under warranty, let alone getting then to give me a new steering rack.

2000 Solara SE V6
Scratched, dinged, Black, Ivory

webguyster

Changing your oil every 5,000 miles, and have 9,800 miles. You only changed it 1 time in 2 to 3 years.(Presume build date 1999) Check out the sludge forum before telling that to any potential buyers. Just an FYI.

norcalmike2

I bought my 2000 Solara on Dec 30, 2000. The build date was August 2000. I read someplace that you are supposed to break in the engine with regular oil before switching to synthetic. My first oil change was at 500 miles, then one at 2500, then to Mobile 1 at 5,000 and again last week at 9,800. They recommend changing synthetics every 10,000 miles right? I figured cutting the recommended mileage in half would put my car in the pampered category. I don't trust the quick lube places. I do my own oil changes. Not a drop of oil stays on my motor mount after switching the filter. That's why God invented Simple Green. I know the quick lube places don't take those extra steps. Now, if you want to know about pampered, I could discuss how many times I have waxed that silly car...........

qhuy00

That's some good [non-permissible content removed] oil, I'm not much into oil of cars, but recommend an oil change every 10K sounds a little out there to me. Maybe i'm clueless as to how the oil technology has changed in the past couple of years.

2k1trd

I would never go 10k on oil no matter what i was using.Keep it simple...3k oil changes using quality brand oil.

suvshopper4

I'm new to this thread, and don't want to scroll back 1600 messages, so I'll just ask:

Has anyone had a juddering when moderately applying the brakes of their 2002 (or other year) Solara?

Doesn't seem to affect the braking, but it can be felt and causes some concern. Any thoughts on causes? Any fixes?

Thanks.

webguyster

Is it your ABS kicking in, or your steering wheel shaking?

tony2putt

If you feel it in the pedal, it is probably warped rotors. Strange on a 2002. But heavy braking or wheels over torqued could cause this to happen. ABS is a possible answer, it would really surprise me though. NorCal Mike sounds like you have a great car for sale, good luck selling it. Enjoy the G35. I love my SLE to much to give it up yet. My next will be a ES300.

suvshopper4

This 02 Solara does not have ABS.
The judder can be felt in the brake pedal (regularly) during light braking. During hard braking, there is no judder.
I don't recall if it can be felt in the steering column/wheel. (It is my girlfriend's car, and I've only driven it once so far.)
There are only ~300 miles on the car to date.

Thanks.

canc

I've never heard of a Solara without ABS. Are you sure?

suvshopper4

Yes, this US 4-cyl Solara has no ABS.
Edmunds lists ABS as an option (maybe just on the 4-cyl), and the window sticker of this one showed no such option.
Again, there doesn't seem to be any judder under hard braking (where you'd expect it with ABS).

canc

I'd just get it checked anyway, just in case. Since you're under warranty, it shouldn't cost you anything, right?

Shudders are not common with a Solara anyway, and you don't want to be stuck with premature wear on other components because of this possible defect.

webguyster

I would check it out with the dealer, and if its new, have them do it for free. I developed a steering wheel shimmy, and slight pull to the left, when braking, around 28,000 miles, and I thought the rotors were warped. I was told it was soooo minor that they coulnt not tell which wheel was causing it, and that I have maintenance free disc/disc. Go figure. At 33,500 I had new front pads and rotors machined. I hope they did not take too much off the rotors, cuz it stops perfect now, no pulling, or shimmy. I have heard through other threads if you resurface a slightly warped rotor, the warp will return, as the quick fix is just to take way too much off the plate. Again, my shimmy was soo minor that in any other car it may have been normal, but I am used to the way she used to be! NEWish!

Has anyone had a squeeking noise, or chirping noise that was attributed to the steering wheel rack ends, when going over small bumps, at slow speeds, ie, shopping mall parking lot, well paved, but a few bumps? Its in Alldata, but trying to get my dealer to fix anything that doesn't involve just greasing something up is difficult. I have trouble isolating the noise as the car is not too long, and buy the time I hear the squeek/chirp, the front and back wheels have taken the same bump, and the soundproofing in the car doesnt help, unless the windows are down. It -15 F. now, so no windows down. It seems more like the right front end, and it was suggested earlier that it could be the strut support. Dealer says sturts, and support are fine. I am beginning to realize why the dealer always write" customer staes...", as this it their way of document and diagnosing symtoms for warranty issues,w/o giving any extra input as to any known problems. I am approching my warrenty end, and Toyota Extra Care is going to kick in. EEECH!!!

dennita

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Just bought a '02 and have put the top down only twice (I live in Mass). I'm now starting to notice a crease on the roof(on the outside) - it's above the rear window but below the last rear bar. Anyone else had a problem with this??? Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks.

here's a link to a picture so you can see what I mean. wondering if this is a design flaw or an isolated problem. http://www.geocities.com/afterthisband/car.htm

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canc

I usually have an eye for detail, but I couldn't see the crease at first. I wouldn't worry to much about this, but I'd bring it to the dealer if this bothers you.

It looks great... get some pictures of the full car!

P.S. Diet Coke is bad for you

suvshopper4

Canc: Regular Coke is worse.

8u6hfd

it's possible (see one of the oil threads). norcalmike2 could have done an oil analysis and it supported a possible 10k mile interval.

My question is -- How often do you change the filter? Every 5000 miles?

canc

Well, I'll take my chances with sugar rather than aspartame!

scsolara

The dealer should have told you how to train your top. The first couple of times you open it up, you should do it in stages while you maticulously pack the top into it's holder. This will prevent creases from forming in the future. Watch how your top packs the next time you open it. You may need to help it out a few times to prevent unsightly folds and wrinkles.

Hope that helps out.

westsolara

FWIW.. Klick/Klack, the Car Talk hosts have stated
in the past that an experiment conducted on cabs in
NYC seems to indicate no need to change oil but for
each 5000 miles, at which time you would also change
your filter. I usually change mine on the 1st of Nov
and then the 1st of April, unless I exceed the 5000
miles during those time periods.

suvshopper4

Not sure, but I think the Click 'n' Clack test taxi cabs were big-engined American cars.

fastdriver

To all-

Just got this link from the author. Better than nothing if you didn't save your pictures.

http://www.photopoint.com/statusupdate.html

fastdriver

radracer

Would anyone be interested in used TRD struts? BTW they have a lifetime warranty.

webguyster

Why are you getting rid of them???

dennita

hey webguyster,
I just bought a 2002 (got about 890 miles on now) and have noticed that my seat does tend to shift a tiny bit (on the right side) when stop-and-going. It's not a big deal now, but it will probably start to annoy me if it's not fixed.
Is that the problem that you started out with and got progressively worse? Just interested in hearing more about your seat...
I guess I'll have to mention it to the dealer when I bring it in.

webguyster

I don't remember it when I purchased the car, but may have over looked it for the first few dealer visits. Mine moved on the right side. It became more frequent, as opposed to progressively worse, as I noticed I could move the seat back and forth, and it would seem to lock in place. It started to pop out of place more frequently, and bacame a pain, literally, when I fractured a rib, and the seat would move, ever so slightly and exacerbate my pain. It took 2 years of complaining, and a letter to Toyota, and numerous phone calls to get a new seat rack. There is a TBS out on both the drivers and passenger seats, and a cable may be to blame(dont know if it is for 2002), at least for the passenger seat, making a lose spring noise while driving. Both seats fixed, for now. Tell your dealer, and hope he is proactive about fixing it. Mine needed to be sent to an after market place, as the dealer does mechanical work, not too much trim, but most other people in these threads have had no problem getting it fixed. The dealer kept saying that some play is normal, but it's not if you have ever driven any other car before. If you notice the problem, then you have the problem. Good luck!!!

earlgrey_44

My '01 4 cyl SE also had a shudder when braking lightly, but not when braking hard. It was on the list for the dealer's boys to checkout, but then it cleared up on it's own at about 1000 miles.

ezshift5

with 29,875 miles....how come - for the 30K service - the dealer wants $320 American to change oil/filter, change the air filter, transmission fluid and coolant. Any and all input mucho appreciated (Thanks....) ez

webguyster

30,000 mile service at my dealership is $342.95, but if you have V6, subtract $93.40 for platinum spark plug replacement. Don't forget internet coupons, and maybe spread it out over a few visits, if they won't let you use more than 1 coupon at a time. You can get 30,000 mile dealer service done in a few visits, oil change and filter, one coupon day, next day maybe a 10 percent off coupon, etc.

ezshift5

......sounds like incrementalism......a little bit at a time.......thanks again. ez

suvshopper4

Thanks to all who responded, esp earlgrey_44.

I'm leery about taking the Solara in for this condition just yet; I expect they'd machine the rotor, and that would shorten its life.

If it works itself out in the first thousand miles like it did for eg_44 (fingers crossed), that would be most excellent.

vz18wp

Will someone please show me where to go to find internet coupons that I can use when taking my 1999 Solara SE to the dealership for service?

Thanks in advance for your help!!!!

webguyster

Look for your dealers web page, and see if they have any under "parts and service" or "internet specials", or just tell'em you forgot yours and see if you can get the sale price. They still charge more than other places, but at least your maintaining your vehicle at Toyota! Oh, what a feeling!!!

canc

are a myth in Canada. I don't see why Toyota dealers don't charge the lowest price (ie: the price after the coupon) in the first place. Not everyone has Internet access, or knowledge that such coupons exist.

I don't find my Toyota dealer to be charging a whole lot more than other places. An oil change at Canadian Tire may amount to about $22-24, whereas Toyota charges $26.95, regardless of how many litres your car takes. Plus they wash the car where I go, which is nice with all the salt we have on our roads at this time of the year.

webguyster

It adds up. If you save 10%, everytime you have service done, recommended or maintenance, you may save a few $100 a year. One example, is the dealers brake inspection. $49.95! EECH!!! $5.95 with coupon. While the wheels are off, ask" Would you rotate my tires, while you have the wheels off, please???". See if they charge ya' for a rotation! Or if your/my dealer charges, $24.95 for an oil change, and you can get it for $19.95 plus tax, disposal, etc, thats lunch at a fast food place or gas in you tank, or those wiper blade inserts that always need to be replaced. The dealer already made mucho money from me, and will continue to, especially if they charge me competitive prices, with the cheaper places, and I get OEM parts. Print a few up for yourself or friends, keep them in the glove box if you can, if you guys have 'em up in Canada!

canc

Well we do have coupons, but they're sent in the mail along with the Toyota Gazette (the Toyota bi-yearly newspaper), and they're usually "get an oil and filter change and get a free keychain".

My point is, why not offer the lowest price in the beginning, without having to hassle with the coupons?

webguyster

EECH, I said it! I am becoming the people I work with! They are in business to make money for their shareholders, and their company. It is like a casino, or a movie theather. Get you in and get your money, as much as they can, without giving much back in return. Business people are not into charity, too much, except at tax time!?!

canc

I still can't believe the huge price difference for a brake service with and without the coupon!

webguyster

And I was victem to it 1 time. Brake light came on, fluid was low. Toyota topped it off, and charged me $49.95! Now if I had the Inspection coupon", then I would have saved! They said my pads were fine. A few months later I was told I needed new front brake pads. The inspection charge would have been waived at the time, if they said" Hey you need new pads". But they didnt. I am starting to get better acquaited with the workings of the dealerships.

canc

Sounds dishonest. You really have to be careful!

Do you guys get a "package deal" when going in for service? Here's what $26.95 CDN gets you:

Every lubrication includes the following operations: Replace engine oil & filter. Remove & inspect air filter element. Lubricate locks, latches & hinges. Confirm lights, horn & wipers function properly. Check coolant, brake & washer fluid levels. Check tires and adjust pressure as required.

They also top off fluids if necessary.

For $99.95 CDN, here's the maintenance package:

32000 KM
Maintenance Service

Replace engine oil and filter. Remove and inspect air filter element. Lubricate locks, latches and hinges. Confirm lights, horn and wipers function properly. Check coolant, brake and washer fluid levels. Inspect drive belts for damage, adjust belt tension if required. Check steering gear box, linkage and shock absorbers for looseness, damage or leakage. Inspect ball joints and dust covers, driveshaft and steering rack boots, chassis nuts and bolts for looseness or damage. Remove wheel and brake drum, check pad/shoe thickness. Examine brake calipers, wheel cylinders and brake lines for proper function, leaks or damage. Adjust rear brakes as required. Inspect exhaust system for leaks or damage. Rotate tires*, examine for damage and wear, check and adjust pressure, includes spare. Road test. *Tires may require more frequent rotation depending on alignment, driving habits and road conditions.

Is this comparable to what you get?

webguyster

It sounds like you guys up north have better service/dealers. Keep in mind, I am outside Chicago, "The Windy City", "The Machine", "Al Capone", etc. We pay for everything! Maybe if I purchased pre-paid maintenance, but otherwise, their are no packages around here, that I am aware of, other than the 5,10,15,20,25, etc packages. And those are still very expensive. When I replaced my front pads, the service guy didn't even go for a test drive. The car port guy, drove it from the service bay to the lot. As far as inspecting everything, they have never topped off my windshield washer fluid, without requesting it.

canc

It's fascinating to see how the same company, in two different countries, under the same philosophy, have completely different offerings. You guys get coupons, but we get packages. Maybe it's your dealership?

I think the most remarkable example of the same company operating differently in different (but very similar in many respects, in our case) countries is with Honda. Honda actually markets the Honda Civic EX completely different here, and the car is actually an Acura EL. Same car, but they put wood trim, and the front grille/rear are completely different.

radracer

why not

ezshift5

.......at 30k. They offer $60 drain and refill. AND they offer ($100) a flush entire system and refill. I'm thinking of buying two gallons (Manual sez capacity is 9.something quarts and they recommend 50% ethylene glycol/water mix) of Prestone and doing it myself. Only I'm not sure how to drain the radiator. All guidance mucho appreciated. 2000 SE V-6 5-speed............