Toyota Solara

canc

with the new Solara next year?

On another note, I've now put 4000 kms. (2000 or so miles) on my new Solara since December. It's still a huge pleasure to drive that car every chance I get. It's very windy today, since we're supposed to be getting a big snowstorm. Anyway, I remember it being windy before getting in the car, but on my way to work, I thought that the wind must've settled down. Arrived at work, I open the door and to my surprise, it was still very windy! It wasn't carried away at all by any wind, and it wasn't even noisy in the cabin. The car just handled like it was on rails.

I don't know what Toyota will do to make this car better. It's already just great the way it is! (Yeah, I'm happy to say that I'm a Solara 2000 SE V6 owner)

cliffy1

The new Solara will be out in the 2004 model year.

suvshopper4

I'd guess next year's model will be on the new-for-'02 Camry platform, which is supposedly a big improvement.

I saw one Solara review that was critical because the '02 Solara was not on the new Camry platform. However, in the text there was mention of the larger 2.4Liter 4-cylinder, but the accompanying data box still showed the 2.2L. So much for credibility.

canc

is them putting it on an even tighter frame, and maybe bumping the V6 a bit higher.

Although some people say that the Camry was cheapened in 1997, the Solara came out a few years later, and I don't think Toyota has cheapened the Solara as much as they did with the Camry.

8u6hfd

The Toyota Red and Prestone formulations may not be compatible with each other. This may cause widespread damage throughout the cooling system. Spend the extra money on Toyota Red.

8u6hfd

And it will be using the current Camry platform. Let's hope the 5-speed manual stays in the Solara

canc

Toyota is still reaping the praises for having a 5-speed manual for the Solara. Since it's more "sporty" than the Camry, they'd make a big mistake taking the 5-speed out. Maybe a 6-speed?

rbleland

Just want to say that my wife has a '99 Solara SLE V-6 that we got Sept 1/99 (some end-of-year deal). It is now 2 1/2 yrs old. and has less 28000 kms. It is one of the best cars we have ever owned (out of about 40 cars). It is fast, solid, comfortable, great looking (silver coupe w black leather and in winter, 4 Riken spoker mags with Blizzak snows). It has been totally trouble-free and we will, no doubt, buy it out the lease at the lease end. A great car!!

ezshift5

Webguyster: I really appreciate your help. New air filter was 18 clams installed. Then (at another Toyota dealer) I found a coupon special for replacement antifreeze/coolant....$49.95. The dealer where I bought the Solara (Placerville) will change oil/filter for $20.

So the 30k service drops from $320 to 88. I really appreciate the guidance you and 8u6hfd laid on me....ez

webguyster

You really can save quite a bit, especially as dealers will usually match other dealers offers, as a way of getting your money, I mean business. It adds up, and you maintain your vehicle at Toyota, just in case any future problems. I find that if I can go to the same service manager, I am able to just get the discount, without the coupons. Parts department is tricky, but they have coupons to, and if you schmooze enough, sometimes the guys are nice enough to give you wholesale price, or at least what they say it cost them! Good goin'!

P.S. Use Toyota RED. It came with RED, keep it RED. I had mine changed at the dealer and they put green in!?! EECH! The service manager says they are the same chemically, so I called another dealer, and he said get it flushed immeadiatly! So I insisted on a flush and RED fill! So instead of just a drain and fill I got a drain, fill, flush, and RED fill. Like getting a FLUSH for free. Hope the wear and tear of temp changes did not do any harm.

8u6hfd

The Camry I traded in was a V6 with a 5-speed. Great combo. Now I drive something much slower, handles better and gets twice the fuel economy -- VW Golf TDI, with a 5-speed, no less.

Why the Golf, instead of the 02 Camry or Solara?
- I need four doors
- The only camry I would buy needs to have a V6 & 5-speed, for driving pleasure.

- But the Golf has a ton of safety features, except for size, heated seats, & 50 mpg

canc

would not be a good option for me, since I heard that under sub-freezing temperatures, TDI owners have to start up their cars once in a while. I can't imagine running to my car 5 times a day and start it up for a while.

8u6hfd

in sub freezing temperatures. So I have to wait a minute for the glowplugs to warm up. It's usually done by the time I get the seat belt on anway.

Diesel gelling: I use a diesel additive that prevents and controls gelling.

ONce it starts up, I drive gently until the engine warms up. To keep me warm, I have heated seats.

ezshift5

....were the TDI avail in pickup form (my non-turbo '82 Rab diesel shows > 270k miles on the clock) - - - I'd be down at the local VW place w/checkbook in hand. I don't quite get 50 (44-46), but - - over the last 17 years - - - a diesel appears to be thrifty and dependable. No sparks plugs, coil, condensor, spark plug wires.............you get the picture. ez.

loucopits

Are they on a manufacturer's web site? Dealer? Please educate me before I start car shoping for
a Solara.

loucopits

Our local paper had this in a ad from my favorite Toyota dealer. Is this a nationwide sale with an end date or is the fall clearance just starting early?

8u6hfd

I had to wait a week for delivery.

Some color combos required a 2 month wait, because it needed to be ordered from the Brazilian factory (black interiors)

ezshift5

........for #9.95/gallon. I asked a friendly tech about the Solara V-6 radiator drain and he said it's at the rear of the radiator not far from the bottom on either the right or left side.

Can anyone provide further guidance/tips prior to my waiting for a sunny day......(rain is now CH-3's prediction for Northern CA now)......to drain/refill my 2-year old/30k coolant? Thanks.......ez

marvin75

Is there any way to get rid of the thud at the back of the solara when the car gas tank is full? (when accelerating)

webguyster

Just keep driving until the gas level drops.

debrak

I've heard that noise too... what is it?? It is when I take off from a stop, like something falls over in the trunk but nothing is in the trunk! Something to do with the gas tank???? deb

ezshift5

This feels to me like the "free surface effect" of a liquid without adequate baffling. A good demonstration would be an ice tray with and without the removable metal divisions used to form the cubes.........the tray alone shows how the water movement builds up momentum and energy. Put in the metal cube-forming component and the movement and associated energy is contained and minimized. My 2000 Solara has this (lack of adequate baffling) thud or "clunk" ez..........

vz18wp

I took my 1999 SE into the dealership (here in Michigan) a couple of months afer I bought it in October of 1999. They attributed the "THUD" to my rear brakes releasing from the drums (no rear disc brakes in the 1999 SE's).

So there you have it...believe it or not...!

48k and still smoothing along.

debrak

thank you both for the explanations.. not sure which mine might be as I also have an SE w/ no discs on the back.. either way I guess I can stop worrying about it as either way it would not be a "problem" that needs to be fixed or something that is about to fall off the car. Funny how this car is so quiet you hear things like that. On our other car, a 93 Mazda the wheel could fall off and I don't think you would hear it..

canc

LOL... I like that!

webguyster

When you get a noisy car from day 1, you tend to drown out the usual noise. The Solara is/was so quite new, that you hear every little noise after a while. If it were noisy from day 1, nobody would notice anything. My 00 SE V6 chirps, over small bumps, and I have yet to get this fixed. My thud, is from a full gas tank, but I never complained before, cuz every other car I have had did this too. Just filled her up tonight, and THUD, DUNK, DUNK!!! That's the least of my worries with this car.

debrak

Webguy, can you tell me are you worried about the sludge monster with your car? When we bought this car I had ZERO worries and now lately I do have one little (okay LARGE) worry about this sludge issue. We did the first oil change at 5K according to the manual (maybe a mistake) and now we are doing all subsequent changes at 3K at the dealer. Hope we are okay but that first change at 5K kinda has me worried now. Only have 9K so far so only 2 changes so far. whaddya think? thx, deb

canc

Deb,

I was kinda worried about the SludgeMonster too, or the Jelly Man as Toyota calls it, but I haven't found anything to worry about if you're properly maintaining your engine, that is, changing your oil frequently, and believe me, I've been an active participant in the sludge thread. 3K oil changes are very reasonable, and 5k is ok, but anything beyond that is stretching it, and that applies to every car, not just Toyotas. Bear in mind that our cars are built to very tight tolerances compared to other street cars, and although this represents tremendous advantages when it comes to reliability down the road, as well as a hush-quiet engine, it also means that the engine doesn't have room for sludge deposits.

There's a lot of hype, IMO, about this whole sludge issue, and Internet threads have propagated the initial fear that some had to what I'd classify as near hysteria. So let's stop worrying, change our oil, and enjoy our Solaras.

webguyster

I am not so much worried about getting sludge, and my engine siezing on the highway, as I am am about Toyota's response should this happen, and my trade-in/resale value. Some have argued in other threads, that resale value is okay (for dealers/auctions), but trade-in, or me selling my car, the value may be a different story. I own this car, don't lease or have payments, so it was somewhat of an investment, as I relied on the internet, and word of mouth when making a choice to spend that much money. It was Honda/Acura, or Toyota/Lexus. I could not get an Acura salesman to come out to the lot to show me a car, so I drove to Toyota. I then thought that I made a better choice as my dealer doesn't require appointments, and has almost everything in stock that may go wrong. Honda, around here, you need an appointment for an oil change!?! I later found the sludge threads, when the other problems arose, and I could not get them fixed. I over maintain my Solara, but the few problems I have had have been trivial trim pieces, and they only got resolved after 2 years of complaining (not all resolved, yet). Have yet to resolve the pull/drift left. I think, doing the 3,000 mile oil changes will prevent problems, and am strongly considering engine flushes annually, after reading the AERA TB. I also wonder what started rattling in the exhaust. At first I thought a baffle, or heat shield, and that is not uncommon, but am now wondering if the V6 heats up sooo much that it's burning out the "cat" converter, and was shooting pieces of it out. I then found out thats why the exhaust pipes on Camrys/Lexus hang under your car, to prevent blowing debris into the muffler, like a trap under the sink. I still like my Solara, and there is hysteria about the issue, with some people. The internet may have made some over react, but then the SPA, and it's limited 12 month coverage ! EECH!!!

Canc.. I think I am going to try to get "slgmnstr" (SludgeMonster) on my plates! Maybe change my screen name too!!!

debrak

Okay I will try not to worry too much about the fact that we did the first oil change at 5K although in retrospect I think I should have done it at 1K.:) We will continue at 3K and just think positive thoughts.:) I definitely still trust Toyota more than any other car we could have chosen outside of maybe, Honda only because they seem to have no "blemishes" so far.

Webguy I know what you mean about resale, etc. This could potentially affect us much more than the probably remote chance we would actually develop "the monster". Just the possibility people may have this issue in their minds could make a difference in value. And I am also kinda upset that I even have to THINK about something worrisome (sp) with a Toyota as that is exactly why we chose Toyota, to not worry. I told him "Pick a Toyota, any Toyota, I am just tired of fixing the Mazda and I want a reliable car".
Not trying to knock Mazda, it's a cute/fun car just got tired of getting stuck on the side of the road.

Now I kinda wish he chose a Corolla, as they have no "issues" but stick a Corolla next to a Solara and say PICK ONE and well... you know....
deb

canc

Remember kiddies, don't take your Solaras out for a drive after 7 at night, or the Sludge Monster will get ya!!! Har har... SludgeMonster plates.... LOL! That would be a first.

Deb: Hondas not having any blemishes? Um, compared to Solaras, they have awful brakes, iffy transmissions, and no noise insulation to name a few. Sure, the engine is great, but it doesn't outrank the Toyota engine. The CAA's Autopinion polls always ranks the Camry higher than the Accord, except for this year because the Camry was redesigned and they couldn't award anything for a brand-new model.

I'm not sure if we'll really get affected by resale value because of all of this. Iceman on the sludge thread asked his GM dealer, and he said that the demand for Camrys is still very high, even though there's this talk of 0.1% of engines gelling.

debrak

Canc.. my mistake, I did not realize Honda's had "issues" with transmissions, brakes and noise. Well, noise, yes I think I had "heard" that. (sorry) Also heard the ride is much rougher. I guess I was just thinking of the "stuck on the side of the road syndrome" which I am trying to avoid and figured Honda's and Toyota's came in about even on that.

I guess there truly is no perfect car... sigh... they are all human. I am still very happy with our choice and still feel with proper care we definitely have a car we can trust.

deb

canc

Overall, I'd say that yes, Toyotas and Hondas are on par with each other, and I assume that neither of them will leave you stranded on the side of the road (at least I surely hope so!).

Honda has been plagued by those problems for a while now unfortunately. It's isn't uncommon for a Honda to have a brake service (pad replacement) at 30,000 kms. It's also a problem with GM cars, notably the Alero and Grand AM for some reason, and the Chrysler Intrepid. Brake pads use up abnormally. On Toyotas, as I've been told by many people (but haven't checked myself yet), that disc brakes are very thick compared to a Honda. If ever the brake pad happens to take off and you brake using the discs (EEEEEK!), the discs on a Toyota can still be sliced and machined again. Forget about in on a Honda.

webguyster

I had my fronts replaced at around 32,000 miles. They were not completly worn, and I do not ride the brakes, usually do mostly non-stop17 mile each way driving, 2 tolls, 3 lights, each way. I'm the guy in front of you that "doesn't" do 50 mph to the next red light, and watch ahead, so as not to wear the pads. Almost all my cars need new pads aroung 30,000 miles, except for my 1997 Chevy Cavalier, 55,000 miles before new pads. The Solara discs are noticably thicker than my 1997 Dodge Avenger. Noticable differences between sheet metal, Cavalier, and Solara seem about the same with resisting door dings, not so great. Solara paint way to soft. Avenger had some design problems, under powered engine, brakes, and numerous O2 sensor problems. Avenger handled way better than both. Even Cavalier had a tighter road feel than Solara. Solara is WAY more comfortable ride, but steering is always sloppy. Have not had a Honda, but a friend just bought a Civic, and the build quailty seems very good, no rattles, squeeks, carpet fits on passenger side, tracks the road very well, and the transmition is actually more smooth then my Solara. He has a 4 banger, and I have a V6, so maybe that contributes to the smooth shifting, plus his is new. My neighbors 99 Camry LE tracks better than my Solara, and the tranny is soooo smooth you cannot feel most shifts. Still like Solara, but have this feeling like everything is going, and going fast!

tony2putt

I have a 99 SLE pearl white. I have 40K plus miles and don't have any concern about sludge. I take it in for oil change around 4-5k. I think my life is too busy for "Every 3K". I pray that I'm right about Toyota. The ride and handling were greatly improved when I had the top of the front strut tower brace repaired (under warranty). I love this car and look forward to another 70k. Although I love to shop and you never know what will happen.

webguyster

How was your car driving before they replaced the strut tower brace? I have a 00 V6 SE, dusty black, with chips, lots of touch up paint, and have always had an unsteady feel about the car. My first visit back to the dealer was about a week after driving off the lot for the drift/pull problem, after gathering all my service reciepts, in case of the sludge monster, I notice I complain about this frequently. Last time I went in and had an alignmnet, again, I asked about the strut tower, and the TBS, and the service guy seemed to think the TBS was BS, and said it was only for Camry's. I did notice, or should I say a friend noticed, my wheel well had been pulled out, and installed outside the well or fender, indicating to me they had inspected the strut, although they made no mention of it in my "customer states...". and put it back in wrong. I think it may be a problem with the steering rack, as there was a replacement part for people complaining about squeeking over washboard surfaces. I get chirping over cracks in the road. Might be related???

chirpy_yota

I just started reading these posts again. My 99 Solara SE V6 makes chirpy nioses over small bumps and cracks in the road. These noises seem to be coming from the front end, lower front end. I have checked everything except the brakes. Are the brakes making these noises? I have 53K miles...time for new pads? maybe rotor turning?

mgw1

HELP!! Anyone have a suggestion as to what is causing my headlights to stay on after ignition is turned off and headlight switch is also in the off position? I had the windshield replaced today, and the problem surfaced when I picked up the car.

Is there some process involved in the windshield replacement that could trigger this situation? I disconnected the battery for the night to avoid the drain, but obviously need to address the problem asap.

Thanks for any advice anyone can offer.

webguyster

There was a part changed, but I have yet to go to the dealer and re-complian. I believe it is...

Power Steering Rack - Squeaking Noise

STEERING

ST004-00

June 16, 2000

Title:
STEERING RACK END NOISE

Models:
'97 - '00 Camry (NAP) & '99 - '00 Solara

Introduction

Some 1997 - 2000 model year Camry (NAP) and 1999 - 2000 Solara vehicles may experience a squeaking noise from the front suspension. To improve this condition, production parts have been changed.

Applicable Vehicles

^ 1997 - 2000 model year Camry (North American Produced)
^ 1999 - 2000 model year Solara





Production Change Information

HEADLIGHTS...

EECH? Look for a dealer that's open late!?! Sorry!

chirpy_yota

Your right. I took it to a very reputable front end guy several months ago and he told me it was the power steering rack slapping against a strut/or the lower arm (I don't remember) Back then the noise was subtle...it has progressed to very loud and worrysome noises, as if the front end is about to fall out. I may be out of warrantee, but this should be covered...documented change of part! I will present this info to the dealer, can you tell me where you found this? Thanks for the help.

webguyster

Alldata.com

mmccloskey

Greetings:

I have a 2K SLE and took it in for service about a month ago. They inspected the car and said the emergency brake wasn't releasing and the rear brakes were dragging/rubbing against the rotor. I was not aware of any problems before that time. Now when getting underway, I can hear the right rear brake rubbing against the rotor. I raised the car w/emergency brake off and spun the wheel around and it does, in fact, make a rubbing/scraping sound. I did this same procedure on the left side and it does rub slightly but not nearly as much on the right. Anyway, is there a remedy to this problem or must I take it back to the dealership again and have them hopefully resolve this and cause something else to go wrong. BTW, this is the first issue I've had with my Solara that now has 37,800 smooth and creamy miles on it.

Thanks for any input -

Michael J. McCloskey
2K SLE - Silverstream/loaded

webguyster

That's a dangerous first problem! Lucky for you that you have not had the other minor problems! I would not even drive the car, as you may cause more damage to your pads and rotors, as well as placing yourself in harms way! Get a tow truck ASAP!

Mr_Shiftright

This doesn't add up Michael. If the rear brake pads were truly binding your rear brakes would go up in smoke. The fact that you can spin the wheels suggest this is not a problem at all. All brake pads will rub a little when you spin them. It sounds like there is nothing wrong with the car at all.

You could easily test this by parking the car down hill and applying the emergency brake while the car is in neutral. Then release the brake and see if the car rolls. The engine will have to be running for you to do this. If the car rolls freely, you are probably fine.

I would however, ask the dealer what they meant by this "rubbing emergency brake". Maybe the emergency brake mechanism needs some lubrication? I'd have them pull the wheel if you are concerned.
But again, if it were truly dragging, you'd notice it, believe me!

8u6hfd

THe E-brake is not built into the caliper. Instead, there's a "drum brake" assembly that acts as a parking brake. There's an adjusting screw on the rotor for the parking brake.

Just get it towed to the dealership.

Another clue is check to see if the rear wheels are excessively hot. If they are, you got a problem (you'll need to replace the brake lines also).

cliffy1

8u6hfd is correct. My '91 MR2 has 4 wheel discs and I discovered that it too has a drum behind it for the e-brake. I learned this because a cable broke and engaged it on cold morning. I pulled to my first traffic light and noticed smoke pouring from it. I really had no choice but to drive it and fortunately, it was cold enough and I had very few stops to not damage it too badly. The cable was replaced and no other damage was done.

decon

I'm having problems with my driver's side window. I've had the pitch adjusted, the regular fixed, the height adjusted, etc. I've brought it into the dealer 5 times.

When it's really cold outside, the top of the window hangs on the outer molding. Also, when I bring the window all the way up...a second later it makes a popping sound.

Anyone have problems with their windows?

suvshopper4

I once had this problem with an Accord. Several trips to the usually-good mechanic: new regulator, new glass, remained a pain in the *ss.

There may be some dressing you can put on the seal / weather-stripping track, so that the glass moves more freely. Check into it. Once the glass jumps out of the seal, it may need a new seal.

Hope this helps.

webguyster

If I read your post correctly, your window is too high, even though it has been adjusted? Is the popping noise the window popping back into place, from the silver trim above the window? My 2000 Solara had this problem, and was only noticable when the passenger door was closed, and hit the trim. The dealer pulled the door panel off and adjusted the window on the track. It doesnt hit the trim anymore, took 20 minutes, and it whistles. Probably needs a new seal, but that is not a "warrenty" covered part, according to my dealer, and I was told to try some silicon spray to put some life back into the seal, or buy a new one. Doesnt leak as the trim over the door controls water run off.

luphy

Okay, I know there's a very active thread regarding this issue....but I don't want to hear all the whining from that thread. ;-) Another reason I'm posting here is because...well, it's been so quiet here!

Anyways, I just did a scan of all complaints filed at the NHTSA for all year model Solaras, and I could find only one complaint of sludge having occured in any Solara. Have any of you seen any references to any sludged Solaras anywhere else? Just wondering cuz, as we all know, Solara owners seem to be quite compulsive about maintaining their vehicles *grin*, and well, if there aren't more than a handful of sludged Solaras, maybe engine design isn't the biggest factor. DON'T even go into arguments about all the factors PLEASE!

I am curious though as to the driving habits of other Solara owners, and what type of oil/filter you use, and how often you change your oil.
I would classifiy myself as semi-severe in my driving habits because I drive less than 8 miles to work (though the engine temp meter does reach the halfway point halfway into the trip so I'm hoping/assuming my engine has warmed enough to burn off the condensation/fuel in the oil).
I use Mobil 1, PureOne filter, and change my oil roughly every 6 months-which comes out to 3-4K miles cuz I only put in 500 miles a month on this thing. Overkill? Maybe, but what's a few bucks. I've used Mobil 1 TriSyn since my first oil change. No problems yet at 11K miles except for some fool backing up and denting my rear quarter panel.

Oh, any Solara owners thinking about or have placed the Fram SureDrain on? Just bought one and am planning to install it at the next oil change. I'll write back if I have any problems like running over something and bleeding my engine dry *chuckle*.