Toyota Solara

ezshift5

..what sort of gas mileage do y'all get on your 4-cylinder standard shift Solara?

ez

jsandiego

On my 2004 4cyl/MT, I have been averaging between 31-32. my driving is about half city/half highway. My highway speeds are usually around 75-80 mph. Most of my city driving is on a Marine Corps base, and most areas are limted to 25 mph, and speeding past that is a bad idea. If I use the hills on my way to work and coast in nuetral on the freeway I can average 45mpg on a twenty mile drive.

louishenry1520

Yesterday the dealer wher I bought my Solara did the following: "Necessary to replace [oxygen] sensor gaulded into manifold. Necessary to replace sensor, manifold and gaskets needed. Clear code light out." Cost = $757.00
The "check engine light came on so I took it to the dealer. Was it necessary to replace the manifold? Last May I had to have the "break booster box" replaced at a cost of $1000.00. Last year both both rear wheel bearings had to be replaced at a cost of $1000.00. This Solara was built in the USA. Sounds like Toyota has sunk to the level of Detroit, huh?

toyotaken

I would make some inquiries about if the O2 sensor is convered under the emissions warranty on the car. Just keep in mind that although Toyota has the best reputation in the industry, it is still built and designed by human beings, and as such there will be things that either wear out or break over time. One of the reasons I have extended service contracts on both of my vehicles and have had both pay for themselves over time.

Hope this helps.

Toyota Ken

jfowler

I have a 2005 SE Solara with the same vibrating speaker noise (usually bass frequencies).
Mine just has the standard cd/radio package. Has anyone gone back to Toyota
service dept. about this? Did they fix the problem? Or do I need to replace the rear
speakers with better ones?
Thanks.

JFowler

jfowler

I have an '05 SE - 6cyl and get around 27-29 mpg. I'd check with the dealer on
your low mpg. Being under warrany, I'd think it would at no charge.

JF

trekrider1

The noise I had was from the rear package shelf and center brake light. There is a TSB out there and Toyota has come up with an insulation kit to correct this. I just took my car in for service a couple of weeks ago (10K miles) and had them make the repair. Plan on leaving your vehicle all day, they have to pull the rear seats out, etc. WOW!!! The cabin is as quiet as a mouse. Should have taken care of this sooner.

As for the vibration and noise from the JBL base... Toyota dealer will only be able to swap one crappy bass out for another. The speakers in this car just plain suck. Changed out all of mine to Infinity Kappa's all around, separate bass amp and speaker and it sounds a 100 times better. Kept the factory head unit so I didn't tear up the dash. Looks factory and clean and now my Solara rocks!

ezshift5

...your 45 mpg impressive...

..for us USNR types: recent trip to Vail, CO...East: 30/31/32. Westbound (down the face of the Rockies): 38/35/30(SLC - Lovelock, NV - - - across the Great Salt Lake and NV desert with a/c, c/c set for 78)

toddk19

I have a 2002 Solara V6, and the engine gets particularly loud between 40-45 mph and from 60-65 mph. This is a separate noise from any noise that comes when accelerating. I don't think the sound comes at a certain rpm that is in common with those speed ranges.

Any ideas on what might be causing this?

bobbyr1

I own a 2004 solara convertible that I thought was to have a radio that self adjusted when the top is down. Mine does not, and when I take it to the dealer they tell me that I have to adjust the volume control. The way the book reads, it should self adjust. Please will anyone having this problem contact me. If I am wrong tell me, but if I am right I need support of solara owners. Thanks.

rapos

Any Experts on Solaras out there?

Two questions...

I recently bought a used 99 solara with 75000 miles on it.

First question: After a only few minutes of driving, the engine heats up to half way on the theromstat. Is this normal? One of my buddies who is a apprentice becoming a mechanic said that this is supposed to happen to make the engine run at the optimal engine heat. Should I be concerned that the engine is too hot and something wrong? I have taken it on a few half hour drives and it was fine, but I did not notice the thermostat or if it ever went above half way.

Secondly, I noticed that the car pulls to the left while driving. I assumed that it was from the tires (which only have a about half a year left in them), or that the car needed a alignment. However, I noticed that other people seem to be complaining about this as well. Is this some defect with the model? Is there anything I can do to correct this problem?

Any help would be appreciated greatly.

rapos

Any Experts on Solaras out there?

Two questions...

I recently bought a used 99 solara with 75000 miles on it.

First question: After a only few minutes of driving, the engine heats up to half way on the theromstat. Is this normal? One of my buddies who is a apprentice becoming a mechanic said that this is supposed to happen to make the engine run at the optimal engine heat. Should I be concerned that the engine is too hot and something wrong? I have taken it on a few half hour drives and it was fine, but I did not notice the thermostat or if it ever went above half way.

Secondly, I noticed that the car pulls to the left while driving. I assumed that it was from the tires (which only have a about half a year left in them), or that the car needed a alignment. However, I noticed that other people seem to be complaining about this as well. Is this some defect with the model? Is there anything I can do to correct this problem?

Any help would be appreciated greatly.

toyotaken

Two answers for you. First, you'll actually notice that the engine idles a bit higher for a few mintues if you're not driving it as well. This is to let the engine warm up as well as warm up the catalyst as well. On most Toyota's, it only takes a couple of minutes to warm up so that is normal. Normal on the temp guage is half-way up so sounds like it's right in line.

Second answer. It it not usual for the car to pull, so I would have the alignment checked.

Hope this helps.

Ken

rapos

Thanks for the reply!

alan_d

I'm wondering what grade fuel people are using in their V6 Solaras.

My 2006 Solara owner's manual (page 220) says it is ok to us regular gas (Octane Rating 87), but that "For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 is recommended."

Any comments?

doode

Can anyone recommend a dealer for the vest style seat covers?
thanks in advance

canc

With gas prices these days, I'm using 87 octane, although I'll occasionally put in 91 octane once in a while, when gas prices drop a bit. You won't cause any damage by using 87 octane since the V6 has knock sensors, plus additives in modern fuels will reduce or even eliminate any deposits in your engine. As I've mentioned, I've been using regular grade gas for a while now, and haven't noticed a decrease in performance or mileage.

mdsequoia

After having owned SUV's for the last 10 years I decided to join my wife in the car world again. She currently has a 2004 Solara SLE (we bought in July 2004) and had previously owned a 2000 Solara as well. I knew the Solara was an awesome ride from the few times she lets me take hers in (usually to the dealer for service) that I decided to get my own.

I just picked up my 2006 Artic Frost Pearl SLE (also in July) in Artic Frost Pearl and of course added the black pearl emblem kit. Oddly enough Toyota has discontinued them for 2005 & 2006 so I just ordered a left over 2004 kit. It looks awesome on the pearl white. Of course both are V6's.

canc

What's wrong with you guys!? If you want to borrow the freakin' car, just do it--why worry about what "the wife" lets you drive and what she'll say? I keep reading this on so many threads on this board, I just can't believe it--many guys here are so whipped it's sad--asking permission so that she can "let you" have the car for a while, asking permission if you can buy the car you like... what's wrong; you don't earn a salary to buy the car you want, and instead plead with "the wife" for a bit of a reward? Ugh! If that's married life, I'm telling you, I want none of it!!! *gets off soap box*

Congratulations on your new purchase MdSequoia--let us know how it works out for you. The Frost Pearl with black emblems must look great, and honestly, I don't give a darn what your wife thinks about it. LOL!

oxmead

I brought my 04 V6 in for an oil change and tire rotation. The service rep came out and said that the tech said the car pulled slightly to the left ,and that the struts and other parts be replaced under warranty. I think the car drives fine, but I'm starting to get concerned. The service rep assured me that there was no safety concern. I'm wondering if Toyota is just replacing these things as cars come in for service to avoid a recall.

tmcgill

I have a 1999 Solara SE and have the same problem. I live in Atlanta, GA and I was thinking maybe it was a local problem because i keep seeing it on every Solara. I asked the Toyota dealerships about the problem and they say that they have never seen it which can not be true since 4 out of every Solaras I have seen seem to have to same problem. I plan on trying to repaint the grill myself.

andrewalfonso

I have the same problem.......
Can anyone help me pinpoint a problem on my 01 Solara (4-cyl) about a rattling noise coming from the rear right wheel suspension? I'm guessing it could be a worn out sway bar link bushing or the sway bar link itself, or a defective wheel hub bearing... don't have any idea.
What happens is that there's this big THUMP when this right rear wheel (passenger side) when it hits the smallest bumps, even just those small lane markings on the road, or concrete dividers (especially on buckled roads here in Chicagoland, it makes the horrible noise) or even just going up the garage, it has this thump....I want to ask anyone's help so I can replace the exact part myself and not guessing which one to replace. HELP!!!

loucopits

Look at post #2810 by LouCopits in this forum.

andrewalfonso

i read the message reference and thank you very much! I will look into the bolts of the strut and try to tighten them myself...where can I find these bolts anf gain access though?

loucopits

Sorry - the dealer did the work under warranty and I have no idea how it was done. I also believe they put LocTite (spelling?) on the bolt to prevent any future problems.

DABurack

Old timer here, too lazy to search for the ancient and numerous postings on this subject.

What are the best quality tires you'd recommend for my (absolutely divine after 28,000 miles except the factory Potenzas are balding, like me) 1999 Black Solara SLE? ALSO, I want the widest size tires that will fit without alteration or rubbing. What would that be?

Thank you so much!

Dave Burack

DABurack

Guess that I should add that I live in northern Vermont, and there does seem to be a bit of snow around here starting... hey, who knows when?

ezshift5

...reached 36k, I replaced the stock 205/60-16 Bridgestones.

Hi Dave,

Four General Exclaim 215/55-16s were $350 of my Naval Reserve pay here in the state capital.............

...I was hoping to improve the handling - - especially breaking traction (forward to rear weight transfer) during standing start acceleration.......... (my 5M has no TCS option available). Wider tires make little difference in my Solara's case........

all the best............ez

rbleland

Don't know about widest, but for wife's '99 Solara SLE V6, replaced OEM tires last year with Yokohama Avid H4s tires and am very happy with them. They just "feel" better, particularily at speed.

abilene1

First post - I drove a 2006 Solora yesterday. I was very impressed with the quality, ride and finish of the car. It is my understanding that there may be a major body/model changed in 2007 for the Camry. My question is: does the Solora follow the Camry with model changes, etc.? Any input regarding model changes would be appreciated - I'm not even for sure when the current model changed. Thanks

suvshopper4

The 2006 you drove is the new, first-year Solara, I believe. Possibly second year. But the body style will be the same for a few years yet.

abilene1

Thank you for the information. I am seriously considering the car.

suvshopper4

Gonna maybe go for the leaping-dolphin look, eh?
Good luck. Nice cars.

rbleland

2004 was the first year for the restyled Solara, so 2006 is third MY.

abilene1

The leaping dolphin look - yea - that does describe it well! The things that really impressed me most was the interior and ride. Someone did a post about the Lexus like interior. The gas mileage is also good for the size of the car. Thanks for the info.

solara99

..Well its been almost 6 months and about 5,000 miles since I bought my new "used" 99 Solara and you know how they say the novelty of a new ride wears off in a little while? The funny thing is, I like this car more and more every day. Its the best running car I've ever had and theres just some kind of reliable feel to it. So far, this car is turning out to be everything I had hoped it would be. I have the SLEV6 and it just rocks. I can't find even one little thing to [non-permissible content removed] about and for me that is rare indeed. For what I paid for it (8,500 and a beat up Bonneville) there is nothing out there I would trade it for. Im a believer now for sure. The only test left for me is the Pennsylvania winter that is coming around the corner. Im hoping it will stay on the road here in the frozen tundra. We'll see. In the meantime, I still love getting in this car like the day I bought it.

rbleland

My wife has had a '99 Solara SLE V6 since new and she still loves it. It has been very reliable and a good driving car. We put on 4 winter tires and have had zero trouble getting around in the snow/ice. An excellant car.

DABurack

My first Solara was a '99 SLE6 and I couldn't agree with you more. One of the great-- and underrated-- cars of our era.

I bought a slightly usedf 2003 after the lease on my '99 ran out; buying the '99 back turned out not to be economical for me. Also, they were about to change the look to the current model, 2004/5, which I did not like. Toyota had worked out the few small wrinkles, made a few improvements, but thankfully it was still the luxurious poor man's Lexus that I first loved in '99. Still looks better than most newer cars.

Oh, I have to admit, it does not seem to be as great a performer in deep snow (Burlington, Vermont) as one might hope it to be. But that may just be the fast-balding tires; I put a lot of miles on this baby. I am getting a new set of all weather tires now, so will know in a few months whether I have to have real snow tires to get through the Winter.

scottgb

I've got a 99 SLE that I bought new. I only have about 45K miles on it, and it's been one of the best cars I've ever owned.

solara99

I've been wondering about that now myself so I'll ask any of you users out there What kind of tires do you use in winter? It can get brutal here in PA at times but the fact is the roads are not bad MOST of the time. I was thinking about those Yoko all-seasons and was wondering if they would suffice when it does get rough?
Anybody..................................?

rbleland

All-Season tires will not provide the necessary traction in snow & ice; as the compounds in all-seasons is different than in true winter tires. A/Ss tend to get harder in the cold, whereas winter tires stay softer to provide the needed traction. That's why true winter tires wear out quicker.

As you say, it gets brutal - IMO all-seasons are NOT adequete for those conditons. You need true winter tires - 4 of them.

Our '99 Solara has been running 4 winter tires in winter, since new and we have had zero snow problems. Just get them off in the spring, once things are dry.

steve05401

I live in southern Maine, and my new, all-weather Kumho Ecsta HP4's weren't all that great last winter on my 1 hr. commute to work. I don't blame the Solara at all. I just have to bite the bullet and buy some Blizzaks or Nokians this winter.

Bought mine used 11/03 with about 40K on it, and I've been unexpectedly happy with it. A couple months ago-- when gas prices started on their way up-- I made the decision to drop my cruising speed to 60 mph on the 65 mph Maine Turnpike. Thankfully, I haven't ticked off too many other drivers-- pretty much always stay in the right lane. The pay-off: I am now averaging 33 mpg at 60 mph, compared to about 27 mpg at my old 70 or 71 mph. And I find I'm adding no more than about 1 to 2 minutes to my drive. Save money-- save gas-- maybe help save a soldier's life in Iraq, too-- sounds good to me.

jazzman1

I am planning on driving my '06 Solara Convertible this winter and getting the Blizzak tires for snow, but I'm wondering if anyone recommends a really good car cover for the winters in NY. I currently don't have a garage to store it in and need something that won't ruin the finish. Any thoughts?

kcooper

I just purchased a 2000 Solara and the odor inside the cab is sometimes overwhelming. It's worse when I turn on the heater. If I use the AC, it dissipates within a few minutes, but still there is a faint odor. I called the local dealership who said this is "fairly common" and that it probably requires an "evaporter flush." The advisor also said there is no in-cab air filter. Has anyone else experienced this? Is this evaporator flush legitimate? Is this a "fairly common" problem w/ Toyotas? I've never owned a Toyota. Any suggestions would be welcomed.
Thanks.

yoz1

I haven't been to the message board in years and don't know if this topic was covered. I just hit 35,000 and the check engine light went on. I know about the loose gas cap, so it's not that. Within the last three months I started using regular gas and wondered if it could be that. I just had the car serviced at 33,000 miles. Any suggestions besides taking an expensive trip to Toyota. Other than the idiot light, the car rides great.

Claires

Hi, yoz1! You might also want to check with the folks in the "Check Engine" Light discussion to see if they have any ideas for you.

loucopits

Several times a week I stop at a light with my foot on the brake, and hear a noise like a chopper overhead, although not that loud. If I hold the brake pedal and ease the RPMs up 100 or so the noise stops. Anyone else have this problem?

2k1trd

Check with your dealer as i think there might be a issue with the motor mounts on the 4cyl models.

cooldyood

I bought a used 2001 solara 15 months ago and have had relatively few problems with it. Since I love the car, I'd like to resolve the few problems that I have had.

My car has always been taken care of exceptionally well, had 76k miles on it when I bought it - a little too many but they were mostly highway miles - and its rear sway bar had been replaced (for fun not due to malfunction).

One thing that annoys me is that when I apply brakes at high speeds, the car "trembles". The "tremble" is slight but I can feel it in the steering wheel.

Secondly, it makes a wierd noise, kind of a shrilling sound, every morning from somewhere near the rear sway bar. The noise lasts about 10-15 mins and then its gone for the entire day. My mechanic has been unable to diagnose this problem. Any pointers ?

Thirdly, I feel that the car's grip on the road is not super good, especially compared to my wife's Audi A4 quattro. Is there a fix for this ?

Lastly, I'd like to replace the headlights with the "Euro" headlights that all new cars have. Are there instructions available anywhere so I can do this myself ?

Thanks a lot guys ! This is a great forum.

dooer

The Bridgestone tires on my 2004 Solara need replacing after 17000 miles. Has anyone else gotten such lousy mileage out of these expensive tires?