Toyota Solara

justinl1

I have one other small complaint that I just remembered. I have circles on my front and back windshield. They only show up when the windows are getting fogged up. They kind of remind you of crop circles..lol. Some are perfectly round(about 2 inches in diameter) and others are more oval or pill shaped. There are about 4 to 5 of them across the front and back. I imagine that maybe whatever machine installs/handles the windows at the factory made the marks...I don't know. I mentioned them once to a service person at my dealership when I was there for an oil change and he looked at me like I was crazy. I couldn't point them out since the windows weren't fogged up at the time. He said to bring it in sometime and they can look at it. I haven't taken it in yet but I am wondering what they may even attempt to do about them. I have already tried to wash them off with no success. Just wondering if anyone may know about them..maybe aliens have attacked my car...

fastdriver

justinll-

Most likely something was written on the window with crayon and the wax is still there. I would try some kind of mild abrasive window cleaner to see if that solves the problem.

fastdriver

halonet

My 2000 Solara SLE automatic transmission with only 19K miles on it has an occasional problem. It seems to get stuck in 1st gear. The worst happened the other night.

Driving at night in heavy rain, up a mountain, about 35 MPH, it keep shifting from 2nd to 1st and vice versa. It finally made a very loud winding out noise, the right front wheel spun freely, and it was stuck in first gear. I backed off the gas and it shifted, the wheel regripped the road, but in the meantime I nearly ran off the road. It scared me plenty.

Anyone else having this problem?

QUESTION: Since this doesn't happen with any frequency, if I take it to the dealer are they going to give me the lame excuse "could not duplicate problem". Should I wait until it completely breaks down or happens with increased frequency?

vz18wp

Use some BON-AMI scouring powder and water on your windshield (this is mildly abrasive). That should do the trick!

black00

Cliff (or anyone else who might know):
Do you know what happens when you don't return the survey?
Does the dealer/service dept. receive the "completely satisfied" automatically?
I just took my car to try and correct the left pull and these were the amazing comments (I didn't ride in the car with them).
"We didn't notice any left pull, but even though we checked the car's alignment and found that it was only slightly off specs".
My Solara is driving much better now (2000 V6 Auto with 5,300 miles). It's not perfect as other cars I've had, but it's ok. I no longer need to "force" the whell to the right to keep it straight. I'm not sure it this is related, but it seems to even be cornering better now.
Nobody in the service dept. asked me to fill out the survey, but I did get it in the mail a couple of days later and I'm about to answer.

dberti

I am approaching 15K miles. other than oil/filter change, and rotation of the tires, anything else I should consider. If I don't provide my dealer with any proof of the service, Since I will be performing it myself, will my warranty be affected.

Thanks

dberti

Can I provide some proof of the service I perform myself.

Davide

eddiesvr4

This is perhaps the most civil conference room I've visited so far. Everyone else just wants to boast about how their car smokes everyone else's while racing on the streets. Childish stuff.

Anyway, I'm in the market for a new car also. My considerations are a new Celica GT or the Solara 4 SE (or a used Lexus SC).

Can anyone offer some input as to the comparisons between these two? It seems like the biggest difference is the image portrayed. Considering I just turned 30, the boy racer image is abit outdated. The Solara just seems like a more civil car .... but does it mean I have to give up the driving experience?

Toyota's reputation has been unsurpassed and almost every publication, including Consumer Reports, exhalts Toyota's quality as vastly superior to anything in the known universe. Sounds good to me.

For the $20K you guys spent on your cars, what made you purchase the Solara over other cars, including the Celica? A used Lexus SC looks really nice also...

Eddie

ral2167

i think the celica looks ugly; i've never driven one or sat in one, but looking at how high the door sill is, i can't imagine resting your arm on the sill is going to be too comfortable in the summer with the windows open-- not sure how functional the coin box is....

i can't address a used lexus, having never driven a lexus (too rich for my blood)...

for $20K i think you'd be able to get a solara 4 cylinder or very basic SE 6 cylinder, or an accord 4 cylinder EX or 6 cyliner LX. am i nuts to suggest these 4 options?

ejy

I think you just want us to tell you that you are nuts! Does it make me crazy to agree with you?

automophile

The Solara is a much larger car than the Celica or the SC. The Solara seats 4 VERY confortably, where you will only put dogs and briefcases in the back seats of the other 2. Sit in them each for a while and see.

A used SC in your price range will be VERY used, and as good as Lexus is, there is going to be some maintenance issues and costs. CHECK your insurance costs for the 3 cars! That could be a huge difference per month.

I will also say that the Solara is probably the most comfortable of the 3, with the least handling, although it is not bad.

Other than a minor alignment problem, my SLE has been flawless for 2 years. Good Luck.

automophile

If you have the work done at a shop, you can provide the receipts. If you do it yourself in your garage, it is doubtful you can prove you changed the oil, etc. to maintain the warranty.

Anakin

Since you mentioned buying a used SC, have you considered looking for a slightly used Solara? I know they aren't very common, but it might be a good way to get a nice low mileage Solara with more bells and whistles than you'd be able to afford if it were new.

Good luck.

bgerwe

i drove celica one day while sitting at the dealer...its ugly on the inside, way too small for 6'1" guy and a lot slower than i expected...and yes i drove the fast one......however, the solara IMHO is perfect...

just in case anyone was wondering about the clunking noises coming from the front wheel well, i had it fixed yesterday.. its the front strut mounts..it wasnt a recall(??) but on later 99 model versions it was changed...so unless your car was made in the first 6 months or so of the 99 model year you probably wont have the problem..

Brian

automophile

My dealer tells me that they will all be replaced, but they haven't supplied them for the '99 Solara yet. The problem is annoying, but not functional.

fastgeno

Post 263, round/oval window marks - I had these when the car was new, I could see them in certain light at a certain angle. I cleaned them off with multiple Windex attacks. I believe they were left there by rubber suction devices used to mount the glass.

solaraman

Hi. Check your CD's after you play them. Look for circular scratches. 0.25" from the outer edge.

No skipping, just scratches.

bgtees

To all who've responded to my earlier questions, thank you very much...I've just got a few more.

I'm very close to buying my SE V-6 5-speed Fairway Green 2001 Solara from one of the online sites, I've just got a few little nitpick questions.

1) Sun(moon)roof wind deflector - is it any good ?? is anyone out there happy that they got it or glad they didn't ??

2) wheel locks - what exactly are the point of these things ?? (probably the dumbest question of all time but i've never had alloy rims before)

3) 5-piece floormats/cargo cover for $100...are these fairly high quality or am I better off going with an aftermarket dealer ??

Thanks in advance
-brian

justinl1

Thanks...vz18wp, fastgeno, fastdriver , and everyone else...

After 9 months I am still quite happy with my
2000 Solara....

trptman

In response to your questions:

1) Mine came with the wind deflector already on it (dealer-to-dealer swap so I didn't have much choice). I took mine off because I wanted to let more light in and see more of the sky when I look up. With it on, it seemingly reduces the size of the opening by about 20%. It is very easy to remove or replace and I didn't notice much difference either way with wind noise or deflection.

2) The wheel locks replace one of the standard lug nuts on each wheel with one that requires a special keyed insert in order to get it off (the insert is stored with your lug wrench). The idea is to prevent a casual thief from being able to remove the wheels. IMO it is cheap insurance.

3) I can't speak to aftermarket floor mats, but I think the optional floormats are pretty high quality and I am happy with them although I think they are a little pricey.

Mike
00 Gold SLE with 7600 trouble free miles.

phelpsm

Answer to your questions:
1. I don't have a wind deflector but this is still the quietest sunroof car I have owned.

2. TRPTMAN is correct on his statements. But you can get aftermarket wheel locks that work the same (doesn't matter the look, the are underneath the wheel covers). But remember, leave the wheel lock socket in your glovebox incase you ever get a flat tire (sounds simple, but I know people who didn't do it and....)

3. I like the floor mats but they are expensive (you're paying for the "Solara" embroidery). But they do fit perfect and the driver mat has a hole in it to hold it in place to keep it from sliding under the brake (important feature).

Mike P.
99 SilverStream SE w/28K nice driving miles

radracer

I'm in the process of ordering one because mine is VERY noisy for some reason.

eddiesvr4

Thanx for the responses to my earlier posting regarding the Celica/Solara/used SC issues (ral2167, ejy, automophile, and anakin). I'm in no rush at this point as I still have to sell my current vehicle ... 92 3000GT VR-4.

Having turned 30, I think the boy-racer image is abit outdated for me. Dating ladies in their late 20's and early 30's with a sports machine gives the wrong impression. Something abit more civil is probably what I need. But then again, it's hard to give up the thrill of driving.

My initial thoughts are that the 4 cylinder Solara in MT would be my best best. Inexpensive with excellent reliability. But I was told that the 4 cylinder didn't come with MT. Shyte!

So for about the same amount of money, my other considerations were the Toyota Celica, Mitsubishi Eclipse GS, and a few other not so exciting sports coupes ... or possibly a use Lexus SC.

I quickly ruled out the Mitsu as I'm driving one right now, and it can't compare with Toyota's quality.

The Celica is a consideration, but only in the GT trim. $4500 more for the GT-S isn't worth it. I like the car and it drives nicely, though, lacks the handling and raw power of my 3000GT. What can I do???

A used Lexus SC is also a possible consideration, but as Automophile said, at twenty grand, it's gonna be USED. I don't want to deal with anymore repair costs ... my current 3000GT is taking me to the bank. $300 for a tune-up??? Holy moly!!!

Now, something Anakin said makes alot of sense also. For twenty grand, a 98 or 99 model Solara may make alot of sense. I can probably upgrade to the 6 cylinder model for the same price as a new 4 cylinder. A barely used model probably won't have the repair problems I'm trying to avoid.

Question on the 6 cylinder Solaras .... does it require premium gas? I'm utterly tired of emptying out my wallet to pay for gas. You don't know how good "Fill'er up Regular please" would sound to my ears (and wallet).

Ok, one last consideration .... and for abit of laughs ... I need a car with more roominess in the back seat for reasons other than taking passengers. A car made for two laying down would make life abit more fun... :-)

Thanx to everyone. I contacted Cliffy in Springfield, VA. I hope he responds. Perhaps I can visit him.

Eddie

automophile

Radracer -
Check to see if your internal deflector is popping up when you slide it open. Maybe it is sticking. For the rooftop deflectors, they can potentially make things worse bu altering the aerodynamics of the car, and I think they look like Taxi signs on the roof.

Eddie -
Sorry, the V6 is happier on premium. You can use regular, but you will sacrifice power and mileage. The 6 is so smooth, you should consider it. By the way, the back seat is VERY roomy.

dberti

Definitely get a Solara.

This is one of the best cars I have ever driven. Nearly everyone who gets in it comments on the styling, quiet ride, and feeling, from my friend with a BMW 540, to other friends with Lexus' and Mercedes too.

I don't think you need or want the deflector. It makes the car look ugly, it costs $, it narrows the opening, isn't really needed. The car is very quiet with the opening.

I don't think you can get a better car for 20-25K.

Davide

radracer

the bar that goes up does go up as far as it can, but it doesn't clear the roofline, making it useless. i've seen on ford taurus's that the bar goes above the roofline. does your bar go over?

automophile

No, it moves up only about an inch, so the airflow doesn't fall right over the edge. I haven't played with this one, but on my Audis it made a lot of difference.

bgtees

Thanks for all the feedback. Here are the answers to some of the questions.

1) I went to the online sites becuase all the local Toyota dealers in Atlanta told me that V6 5-speeds are SO hard to come by that they are
forced to sell them close to MSRP. None of the dealers even had a V6 5-speed in stock. Then they all tried to convince me that I would be
much happier in an SLE because it's no fun to drive a stick in traffic.

2) Most of the online sites quoted $200-$500 over invoice. Carsdirect.com was the only site that quoted the exact dealer invoice as their price. Plus a friend of mine bought a car from carsdirect a few months ago and was very happy with the service & price she received. Right now carsdirect is trying to track down a car that
meets my request: Fairway Green (either interior), V6 5-speed,
sport/leather pkg & moonroof. I also liked carsdirect becuase they included in their price quote is everything but TTL. They factor in
the destination and the other $500 of toyota craprequired in the Southeast. Between this and the holdback they're making a decent
profit. Accoring to edmunds this is a legitimate fee. Anyone know anything about this ??

One new question...if carsdirect finds a car for me it will probably have to be driven couple of hundred miles to get here. I've heard
that with the Solaras you're not supposed to break 55 mph or the first 1,000 miles. Plus aren't you supposed to vary the driving for the
first couple of hundred miles to break in the engine ?? Somehow I doubt whoever drives the car to Atlanta will follow this. Am I being
too anal worrying about this ?? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

bgtees

Less than a minute after i posted my question about the Toyota SE fees, I found this post right here on edmunds:



The southeast Toyota distribution fees are indeed
legit. Toyotas in the southeastern US do indeed
come through that office, and what they say goes,
or the car doesn't get to the dealer.

As far as the dealer's percentage over invoice,
that is their discretion, and you may be able to
negotiate lower. Check competing Toyota dealers
and see what they're selling new Celicas for. If
your research shows 4 to 8 percent in your area,
then don't expect to get lower than that - your
specific market has dictated that price.

kcram
Co-Host - Smart Shopper & FWI Conferences
edmunds.com Town Hall

phelpsm

The internal wind deflector's most important feature isn't necessarily to be quiet. It's main purpose is to keep too much air flow from coming over the top and straight down into the car on people's heads. My deflector bairly clears the top of the car but it does clear enough to keep too much air from entering the car. You can see the difference by reaching up and pushing it down while driving on the highway (I know, not the safest thing to do). The difference is not INCREDIBLE but it's enough when you think about driving for a hour or so and having more air blowing around your head. Some people may like it and some may not. But it also does help a bit with the sound. More aerodynamic shape = less turbulence = less wind noise.

radracer

It doesn't help me at all. In fact, at 30mph, I get this helicopter sound and the air beats on my head in an annoying rhythm.

cliffy1

...and all heck broke loose. Let me clarify the survey comments I made last week. I was not defending the dealership nor the service department. A participant was trying to figure out why he got the reaction he did from his service writer and I explained it. Further, he was trying to figure out what to do from that point and I made some suggestions.

Again, I don't defend poor dealer practices. I do think that people may view the surveys differently if they fully understood what it means to us personally and that was my only goal. If you are dissatisfied, tell Toyota but be aware that your survey and your name will be made available to the offending party. If you plan on having further contact with these people keep this in mind.

I would always suggest taking up problems with sales or service before you get a survey. Try to work things out so you can honestly tell Toyota that you are now completely satisfied.

cliffy1

Those spots on the window are from the suction cups that are used to install the window. A window cleaner with ammonia does a great job of getting rid of them. I don't want to sound like a Toyota shill (again), but Toyota actually has a foaming window cleaner that I have found to be better than anything else I have tried. It also works very well on nicotine stains on the windows.

2k1trd

Just saw the new indigo ink pearl.......sweet!

ejy

Click here for tire size calculations.

215/60/R16 is your best bet. 225 is too wide. 205/55 will be shorter and may look odd. 215/60 fits just nice - I have some on my 16x6 OEM alloy wheels.

'99 SE V6 5 Speed.

decon

I just hit the 10,000 miles in my 2000 Solara.

I've gotten the 1000 mile, 4K, and 7K express lube/tire rotations thus far.

I purchased the protection plan so it only costs me about $7 for my express lube service and car wash.

Today, I decide to get the Class A service (cost me $40). However, looking over the differences between B and C...doesn't seem worth getting any of those. They want you to get those maintenances every 5,000 miles.

What type of Maintenance are you guys performing outside of oil and filter changes?

nori10

Thanks for all of your inputs on the tires
I guess I'll get myself the Michelin tires, since I think the Brigestone I have on is a BAD handler.

cheme74

Well after doing my research and test driving both the Accord Coupe EX and the Solara SE V6 5sp, I think I am going to go with the Solara. I have wanted an Accord for awhile and I think it has a sportier look to it. I just got a better feel from the Solara SE V6, however.

I do have a question for everyone.

Do you think that resell on the Solara will be as good as with the Accord Coupe?

Is there a break-in period?

Is there a noticeable decrease in performance when Premium gasoline is not used?

Do any of you have the pinstripes? I would have order the car and the dealer would put the pinstripes on. What is a reasonable price?

I was reading the November 2000 issue of Car and Driver. TRD has an underbody spoiler kit. It is packaged with some other things for about $4500. Has anyone gotten an underbody spoiler? If so, how much did you pay? It does make the car look a bit sportier.

Thanks,
Cheme74

radracer

You can get the body kit alone for $1400 from toyotaparts4u.com ..they also have many other TRD parts.

The break-in period is 1000 miles. I don't really notice much of a difference between premium and regular gas.

bugaboox

Can anyone give me an idea as to what a good price goal would be on a Solara SE V6 automatic? I read where CarsDirect quoted someone very close to invoice on a Solara, but I live in Houston, and CarsDirect quotes me $1500 over invoice here and in Southwestern Louisiana. I can't use CarsDirect in Texas other than for comparison purchases. Any ideas out there? Thanks.

solara11

Any suggestions? My 00 has been making a rough shift from 2nd to 1st gear when in stop and go traffic, and now is making a slight lurch forward when stopped at a stop light, almost as if the A/C compressor came on or turned off, and has been dropping RPM's when at a constant acceleration, only momentarily, then resumes the RPM's like nothing happened. Have not gone to dealer, as I was just there a few weeks ago for the rough shifting they said was normal, but wanted a good survey. Anyone have any input before I go talk to the nice service advisors???

curlyq

Try invoicedealers.com. I used them in Chicago and was directed to a dealer that sold me my 00 Red for $100 over invoice!

solara1

well i have had my SLE V6 for over two years and i still love it....with about 50 coats of zaino on it it absolutely glows!!!! FLAME RED METALLIC yes i have some chips, but chips happen...and with a zaino finish, they are not noticable to most, only the shine is. a while back someone noted that they were looking for a used solara...i am in a lease, but need out to get a tundra....if that person is interested, feel free to contact me.... i am in ATLANTA
thanks for all the good solara owners in the us...!!

waynee

I hope you have better luck with selling your car than I have experienced. I have been trying to sell my '99 for 2 months here in Seattle - so far, 2 calls and one looker. I have had it priced at $2000 less than published KBB and NADA resale values. My car is a SLE V6 with sport package, sunroof, etc., low mileage (13K) and in perfect condition - no dents, scratches or even door dings. I have never had so much trouble trying to sell a car in my 35 years of auto ownership.

automophile

This is a notoriously bad time of the year for selling cars - if you can wait 2-3 months it will be better.

vitahawk

Wow. I am out of town for a while and you guys have been busy posting! Occasionally, my check engine light comes on. I have had it into the dealer 3 times. They blame the gas cap not being on tight enough. When I fuel my car, I always tighten it until the rachet noise kicks in. The dealership has to reset something to make the light go off. They say that if it continues, they will need to investigate further. Any thoughts?

cliffy1

The other things that can cause that are overfilling the tank and letting your engine run while fueling. They would cause the same codes as the gas cap. Don't top off your tank.

2k1trd

I have put fuel in my 00 solara many times with the engine running with no problems with the light coming on.

automophile

My friend had the same problem with her '97 Accord. First Honda replaced the gas cap, then the filler neck. The problem came back a few months later, and this time they dropped the gas tank and replaced some sensor. It has been 2 weeks and so far it is OK.

akmorris2000

I know where to get them. now