Toyota Solara

1…7172747677

Comments

  • mdittomditto Member Posts: 1
    After reading through these posts, I am happy to see that everyone seems happy w/their Solara. I was extremely happy w/the 2000 Solara we bought for our son back in January. Yes, it had 112,000 miles on it, but, hey! it's a Toyota. Last week we had to replace the water pump, timing belt, and everything involved there and also had to fix the cracked head gasket. Today, after having the work done, and the mechanic announcing that it was ready, we took it for a test drive and the fuse that controls the speedometer and the tachometer and the power windows keeps blowing out. I have great faith in my mechanic, but he seems to be scratching his head on this one. (in fact, he suggested that we may have purchased a lemon) He is planning on replacing the speedometer sensor (may not be the correct term) on Monday to see if maybe the sensor is bad and that is the problem. Anybody else have this problem? Any suggestions on what the problem might be? My son is leaving for college soon and I really would like to send him with a car that is in good shape.
  • 4dmoore4dmoore Member Posts: 2
    My favorite car was my '84 Prelude. Next was my '93 Prelude. I sold it because I inheirited a 2001 Solara convertible. Just traded it in because I drive in high traffic and the visibility to change lanes on the right was downright dangerous.
  • rose111rose111 Member Posts: 2
    I am having the same problem with my fuse. I keep replacing until we can figure out what the problem might be. my fuse is blowing out about every 24 hours and so does my speedometer, power windows, tachometer, and those things. Did you figure out what this problem might be? If anyone knows what the problem might be. help
  • zaken1zaken1 Member Posts: 556
    I've seen many Japanese cars with fuse blocks (and other electrical components) that are under-designed, and can't handle the full range of loads that they are exposed to in normal service. Sometimes the manufacturer recognizes and addresses the problem by upgrading the part, or the system design, in subsequent year's models. Sometimes it is never addressed.

    If your car had a short in the wiring, the fuse would blow immediately, rather than taking 24 hours. Because of the length of time it is taking for the fuse to fail, I get the sense that the problem is less likely to be a short, and it is more likely that the capacity of the fuse is borderline for the combined draw created by all the components it serves. In such cases, the problem can often be dealt with by replacing the fuse with one that carries the next larger amount of amperage.

    Fuses are marked with the amount of amperes they will carry. The cover or body of the fuse block should be marked with the recommended amperage of the fuse which belongs in each particular location. This information should also be in your owners manual. Start by making sure the fuse you're using is labeled for as much amperage as was originally recommended. If it is smaller than it is supposed to be, then replace it with a fuse of the recommended capacity. If it is the recommended capacity, then try using a fuse of one step higher amperage. A 15 amp fuse can safely be replaced with a 20 amp fuse. A 20 amp fuse can safely be replaced with a 25 amp fuse, etc. In more severe cases, a fuse 10 amps larger than the original can be used; but I would not go any larger than that.
  • blkbobblkbob Member Posts: 36
    I need a front end bra for a new Solara, does anyone make them out of leather, pleather, hide etc? I've seen them for the first generation Solaras and all I can find for the second generation are 3M's clear version which I don't want.
    It seems nobody manufactures a black bra for this generation, is it because the headlights extend too far back to design one?
  • luvumeluvume Member Posts: 4
    May i ask where you live and if you have a good amount of snow during your winter months?
  • dennis1meaddennis1mead Member Posts: 8
    That is the answer I'm lookin for. Yes I have the 2.4. Has anyone done a Supercharger on this motor?
  • dennis1meaddennis1mead Member Posts: 8
    Keep an eye out for the Lexus IS-F
  • dennis1meaddennis1mead Member Posts: 8
    The Solara is more of a luxury coupe, but drive a 5 year old of each model and the Solara wins big time in build quality
  • rose111rose111 Member Posts: 2
    okay, so my car has since then died. i had tried that trick of replacing it with different amp fuses. that still didnt work. when i was driving on the freeway one day, my whole car went dead. my hazard lights didnt work, nothing. a few secs on the side of the freeway my lights came on and the car started, then it did it again within a matter of minutes.

    i have bought a new car since then, but have not worked on the problem with my solara. do you have any other suggestions? im trying to save some money and figure it out myself rather than spending too much at the mechanic.
  • 99solara99solara Member Posts: 51
    I need to replace the struts/shocks on my '99 Solara. Anyone have suggestions other than Toyota parts? I would not mind better handling, but have no intention of buying springs, swaybars etc.
  • zaken1zaken1 Member Posts: 556
    That's a really difficult one to sort out, without actually being there. But the experience you had with the car dying and then healing itself sounds like an intermittent open circuit in an electrical connection that is common to all those items. The most likely possibility is either a dirty or corroded connection at either or both ends of one of the battery cables, or a loose, dirty, or corroded connection at the battery "plus" terminal, where there should be a clamp on the battery post, which attaches to the positive cable and several fuses or fusible links. All those fuses and items must be clean and tight. Sometimes you can't see the corrosion without taking the clamp or fuse off, and then cleaning it, even if it looks OK. The other fix that sometimes works is to disconnect the battery ground cable, turn on the key and headlights (which of course will not operate with the cable disconnected) and then let the car sit like that for 5 minutes, to allow all the stored charges to drain off. Then remove the key, turn off the headlight switch, and reconnect the battery. But that's about all I can suggest from here.
  • zaken1zaken1 Member Posts: 556
    There is a premium quality brand of gas filled struts and shocks called KYB, which is used as original equipment on the highest priced Japanese cars. The best KYB model for your purpose is the GR2. They ride and handle far better than the standard items, and come with a lifetime warranty. KYB has their own website, and are also sold by many parts stores. Jeg's high performance parts has the best prices.

    Joel
  • skye5skye5 Member Posts: 2
    I am interested in a 2003 Toyota Solara SLE convertible with 40,600 miles on it. I have read reviews and most owners rated the car highly and said it was a great car. Now after reading the posts on this forum, it seems they shake, leak, stop playing music, etc.........Can anyone give me their opinion on this 2003 Solara I am looking at? I don't want to buy it, and then have nothing but problems. Thanks for any comments!
  • pcaltonpcalton Member Posts: 2
    I think so. I love my 2003 Solara Convertible. Only 2 drawbacks as with any convertible is noise the level. And I keep the vent on outside air, but this model did not come with the air filter. So when passing a smelly place, I have to remember to switch it to inside air. No mechanical problems. On its 5th birthday, I flushed everything. Meaning the transmission and coolants, brake fluids,etc., and got new tires. Nothing was wrong, I just do this with all my cars.

    I use it for my summer car and my pickup truck because I don't have one of those yet :). I drop the top for all large items that won't fit in the truck space. I keep the oil changed and applied a coat of protectant to the rag top only once and use the quick wax after every car wash.
  • pcaltonpcalton Member Posts: 2
    There is a knob near the steering wheel that adjust the light of the display from dull to bright.
  • katiewgkatiewg Member Posts: 2
    In March 2007 I bought a 2003 Certified Pre-owned Solara with 41,000 miles on it. I had to downsize from Lexus sedan and I feared that I would never find a car as good as the Lexus. The Solara is reliable and all I've had to do is change the oil so far. However, I don't love a two-door and might not buy one again. I chose the Toyota because Lexus is a Toyota product and I love the Lexus and hope to get another again when I can afford it.
  • loucopitsloucopits Member Posts: 103
    If you mean the knob that also resets the odometers, it only changes the dash displays (tach, speedometer, etc.), not the pods.
  • skye5skye5 Member Posts: 2
    pcalton and katie: Thanks for the responses! Can you tell me what milage you get in city driving? Going to work I go about 35 - 40 miles per hour on the roads there, but there are about 4 to 5 lights that I usually catch. So I guess I'm doing city and highway at the same time! ......... The car I was looking at is gone, but another 2003, SLE convertible has come up, with 75,000 miles on it, but garage kept and supposedly meticulessly maintained. ....... Do you know when the "timing belt" is suppose to be changed, or do you wait until it shows symtoms of having to be changed???? Just trying to figure out what I maight have to do to this car if I get it....... Thanks for any thoughts from anyone!
  • loucopitsloucopits Member Posts: 103
    I was not totally clear in my response. If the headlights are on the knob does indeed change the light intensity in the 3 pods, but my concern is when the headlights are not on. The pods are then very difficult to read unless the light is just right, and they are impossible to read with sunglasses on.
  • blkbobblkbob Member Posts: 36
    Basically the response is that the low lighting of the pods is by design and static. (I agree, with sunglasses on you pretty much see nothing.) Also, if you notice, the odometer dial that you use to increase/decrease the gage lighting goes only from off to dim, not bright. In fact I'd say the second generations have thee darkest high setting I've ever seen. Pretty much got used to it though and relieved it didn't have a burned out bulb before I bought it. I think the designers were going for the ambience lighting effect.
  • whiteknight03whiteknight03 Member Posts: 1
    Hi all, I"m looking into purchasing a 2001-2003 Toyota Solara convertible. I have test driven one, 2002 SE model and found it to be very noisy in the cabin while driving. The next day I drove a 2003 mustang GT convertible which was almost silent in comparison. Did I test drive a "malfuncitoning" Solara, or are they all extremely noisy when driving with the top up?

    Thanks

    Potential Solara Owner
  • meegwellmeegwell Member Posts: 67
    My `06 Convert. is quiet w/ the top up.
    Meegwell
  • thebugthebug Member Posts: 294
    whiteknight03 - Are you talking about environmental noise, or noise from squeaks and rattles? I have an 06 and it is noticeably noisier than a hard top but not crazy noisy. I almost always have the top open when I drive it, otherwise I use one of the hardtop cars. I keep the top up only when returning from the carwash to keep the window sills from streaking the windows.

    I love the car. Haven't had any problems whatsoever (only 16K miles at two years). I only drive it for about 5-6 months out of the year because it's too hot during the day in the summer (110-120), but night driving is okay. We get a lot of open top days here in the desert (it rarely rains) but at both ends of the year. From Feb-Apr then Sep-Nov. BTW 2008 is the last production year for the Solara.

    thebug...
  • loucopitsloucopits Member Posts: 103
    I'm still not clear on the Solara plan.

    For the 2008 model year, I know the convertible is available but what about the hardtop - did it die?

    For 2009 model year, is the Solara totally gone?
  • thebugthebug Member Posts: 294
    loucopits - All styles are available for 2008MY. The Solara will not be produced in any fashion for the 2009MY according to a local dealer in my area.

    thebug...
  • loucopitsloucopits Member Posts: 103
    Thanks for the update.

    It seems strange to me that none of the ads from 4 local dealers ever show a Solara coupe.
  • esmerelda1esmerelda1 Member Posts: 2
    I've found four 2008 Solara SLE Convertibles that are 'Ice Blue' but they aren't close enough for me to go and look at them. I can't find pictures or descriptions of this color anywhere and my local Toyota dealer is clueless since it's not listed in the pamphlet.
    Has anyone seen this color?
    Is it the same as Cosmic Blue or a recent addition/replacement?
    I don't want to end up with a color I hate!

    Thanks for any help!

    Es
  • thebugthebug Member Posts: 294
    esmerelda1 - Call the dealer that has this car, have them take a picture of it and email it to you. If you like it, ask your dealer transfer it to your location so you can buy it. They do it all the time. Not sure about this shade of blue. BTW what do you consider too far away?

    thebug...
  • esmerelda1esmerelda1 Member Posts: 2
    Hi thebug -

    A thousand miles too far to go see in person. :)

    I don't trust a picture...the picture I saw of Cosmic Blue was so much lighter than I found the actual color to be. I'm hoping someone will have laid eyeballs on the mysterious 'Ice Blue' and be able to tell me if it's the same color with a new name or a whole new color.

    Es
  • thebugthebug Member Posts: 294
    esmerelda1 - Another option is to go to a collision repair shop and ask them to show you this color on their computer generated (very accurate) color match charts. Just a thought.

    thebug...
  • dlk6003dlk6003 Member Posts: 8
    Just picked my new '08 SE V-6. Blizzard White with Ivory leather. This is the best car I've ever driven. Had a '99 Camry LE with 130K but this is so much nicer. Love the interior room, only wish is that the armrest would slide forward. My dealer said they will continue to produce the Solara in '09 - not sure he knows what he's talking about - but it would be a shame to discontinue this wonderful vehicle.
  • mitsurobmitsurob Member Posts: 38
    I have a 2008 solara brochure and there is no mention of a color of "ice blue". Was thinking this might be a color choice on the Avalon. The Solora brochure lists the cosmic blue as a choice.

    I really think Toyota is missing the boat if this vehicle is discontinued for 09. At this point, I plan to trade in ~1-2 years and the Solora appeals to me more than any other. However, several enhancements are needed to make this car more desirable. These would be very minor tweaks that Toyota could make easily. For example; Make the Sport package lower body mouldings standard across the line or least available as an option on the SLE. These under body mouldings really help the looks of this vehicle. If you notice the brochure pictures always show a "sport" . Also, dump the standard alloy's for some more classy good looking wheels. Often, it's the wheels that make or break the looks. Add electric seat option to the passenger seat too. If those things were available I would seriously consider this car right now.

    Just wish Toyota would update this vehicle a little and keep it for 2009.
  • thebugthebug Member Posts: 294
    dlk6003 - Congrats on the new car, I know you will enjoy it. I have the 06 SLE Convertible and it's awesome. Two + years, and only 16K miles. The dealer that called me (trying to get me to upgrade to 08) is in the mind set that it's not gone for good.

    He thinks Toyota wants to make serious changes to the body style as it is viewed as dated. Specifically the convertible version, currently ragtop, while everyone else has moved to hardtop. Toyota may be the first one to produce a hardtop convertible with actual trunk space. That will take some doing. If they do, I will be the first kid on my block to have one.

    I've also heard a couple of other reasons that the Solara is coming off line. Some have said that it's competing with their flagship, and that's probably true. One other reason is that Toyota wants to add a total replacement, as their history has shown. I'm just glad that they didn't change the body style (because it has a cool retro look) before discontinuing it. Cadillac is cutting the STS because it's too close to the DTS.

    thebug...
  • thebugthebug Member Posts: 294
    mitsurob - If they did all that, it would be another Avalon, and for less money.

    thebug...
  • portraitistportraitist Member Posts: 5
    What I do know is they have an blue color that is very distinct in contrast to the other color which is more pleasing- dusty type blue(which is Cosmic Blue) . I have a hunch this color is ONE IN THE SAME, I recently purchased 2008 Toyota Solara Convertible with Cosmic Blue. I do remember hearing another color name being the same color.
  • portraitistportraitist Member Posts: 5
    Please Help Me: I don't like the treatment I'm getting from Toyota. I purchased brand new car quality 2008 Toyota Solara Convertible on September 20, 2007. The car was brought to Indiana dealership from Ohio dealership. Once driving the car off the Indiana dealer lot several problems were noticed with the car's appearance. 1) holes were drilled into the front bumper where dealer screwed dealer advertisement plate 2) DENTS in the Drivers side rear quarter panel--in full view of Driver's door rear view mirror 3) clicking noise in drivers seat 4) threads loose in leather back seat 4) dealer damaged nearly $1000.00 steering wheel AND WANTED me to put it on the list to get Toyota to re-purchase this car.(dishonest advise?)

    Dealer says I own the car and will not take this car back. KEEP in mind I did my part to notify dealer within 35 hours of taking the car off the lot.

    Toyota says the limit of their liabilty is to repair the car- not replace the car.

    Toyota asked for my business in acknowledging my Indiana University graduationin 1995. Since, this is the fourth Toyota titled in my name in 12 years.

    Toyota USA Presidents Office has wanted to sand the quarter panel and paste the dents-imperfections in the metal AND REPAINT the car.

    I did not want the new car sanded and pasted, and repainted. I purchased a brand new car, NOT A REFURBISHED 2008. I believe I was sold a factory defect from the Georgetown, KY plant. The paint is not been harmed. If I could post the picture I would, can I?

    DEALER insisted on doing PAINTLESS DENT REMOVAL. Dealer said Toyota did not approve of this method.

    Like I have said 'who would want a new car sanded and painted' within days of purchasing the car?

    Dealer promises me to once again 'trust' them--paintless dent removal works.

    DEALER performs Paintless Dent Removal with Toyota Presidents Office knowledge.

    WELL, Most of the dents/imperfections have been lightened up. HOWEVER, there still exist a crease, waves and the pits, pits, pits. Although not as pravalent as before , they are still there AND I CAN SEE THEM right out of my Driver's side rearview mirror!

    I WANT MY NEW CAR. IS Toyota punishing me by forcing me to accept their LACK OF QUALITY. This car could not have passed any 'ORDINARY' quality control INSPECTION BEFORE BEING DRIVEN OFF THE LINE - AND OUT THE DOOR.

    On November 28, 2007 DEALER OFFERS TO TRADE ME CARS AND SELL ME ANOTHER NEW 2008 TOYOTA SOLARA CONVERTIBLE.

    I'm in disbelief.

    Any thoughts?
  • suvshopper4suvshopper4 Member Posts: 1,110
    "On November 28, 2007 DEALER OFFERS TO TRADE ME CARS AND SELL ME ANOTHER NEW 2008 TOYOTA SOLARA CONVERTIBLE. "
    Sounds like they are trying to work this out, not just ignoring you.
    Are you agreeable to this?

    Also, did you not inspect the car before accepting it and driving off the lot?
  • portraitistportraitist Member Posts: 5
    Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., AGREES to RE-PURCHASE this car at 9:30 A.M. Friday, November 30, 2007

    Car RETURNED to Indiana dealer at 3:10 p.m. today, November 30, 2007
  • blkbobblkbob Member Posts: 36
    Portraitist, unless we read your post wrong you said YOU drove it off the lot when you received the car. We're all wondering how did you not see the holes and dents when you first picked it up. (Toyota is asking the same questions to Solara convertible owners who complain about the backseat headrest limiting the rearview.) Is there a Toyota Buy Sight Unseen Sale-a-thon going on I don't know about?
  • njexpressnjexpress Member Posts: 170
    Hi,
    I picked my Blizzard white SLE conv on 3rd Dec.
    The sales person swore it takes regular.I know it has teh same engine as the RX 330's which need Premium. Even the manual says to use Octane 87 (research octane 91). I am confused. Please help.
    I drove 300 miles yesterday on regular and since it is still in break in, I didn't push it, period, consistently staying around 2200 RPM at all conditions. I averaged 24.8 MPG, all highway, in snowy weather.
    Please advice.
    Cheers!!
    --njexpress
  • solara31solara31 Member Posts: 14
    NjExpress,

    The Solara takes regular octane gasoline (87). I have an 06 SLE V6 and have only used 87 octane in my car.
  • blkbobblkbob Member Posts: 36
    Never, ever trust a salesperson nor any other person that is not driving a Solara. Your bible is pretty much the owner's manual, period. You're good to go with 87 octane; by all means go as high as 91 if you want but DO NOT go below 87--your engine will start knocking like a Suzuki Verona.

    BTW, are you talking about the Lexus RX? RXs come with a 3.5-liter V6 putting out 270 ponies, not the 3.3-liter V6 that you might have under your hood putting out 210 horsepower.
  • njexpressnjexpress Member Posts: 170
    Thanks,for getting back, Solara31 and BLKBOB.
    Blkbob, The confusion was from the fact that owner's manual was ambiguous, not from taking the salesman's claim on it's face value. The manual said 87, research Octane 91 - I didn't know what to make of that, prompting my initial call to 1-800-GO-TOYOTA.That was the reason I was reaching out to as many sources as possible. I called Toyota Customer experiece and they confirmed it is good to go with 87.
    By the way, the RX 330 was launched as a redesign of RX300 back in 2004, rated at 225 HP (prior to the recent SAE updates). It ran as a 330 from 2004 to 2006 and then got bumped up to be RX-350.

    Thanks for the input again. I am just going to go with 87. If it is a tad slower, I am just going to live with it - If speed had been my only criteria, I would just have stuck to my S2000.

    The vehicle is unbeleivably quiet and soft riding and I am enjoying every moment of seat time.
    Cheers!!
    --njexpress
  • njexpressnjexpress Member Posts: 170
    Hi,
    Does anyone use any specific products for the covertible top care? Toyota customer care says to use "Mild soap and water, with MINIMUM minerals". Since this will be my family car, I intend to keep the top up 70% of the time and I am not quite sure soap and water is goping to cut it for durability and looks in the longer run.
    Any thoughts?
    Cheers!!
    --njexpress
  • thebugthebug Member Posts: 294
    njexpress - I haven't had to treat my top yet because it doesn't rain here, (and it still looks good after two years) but I use a professional all hand carwash/detail shop, and I have seen them apply a protectant of some sort to other convertible tops while there. Find a reputable professional auto detail shop in your local area to see what they recommend, and or have used on other tops that works well for conditions in your region of the country.

    thebug...
  • rich1980rich1980 Member Posts: 2
    Mine makes that sound I had the mechanic look at it and he said it just needed some grease so he put some on and it was fine for 3 days. Months later it still does it except for when it rains :)
  • rich1980rich1980 Member Posts: 2
    I bought my 04 V6 SE a few months ago and I love it! I got it used and was surprised to find the manuals were all there. I flipped through it trying to find out about the SAT button on the radio but saw nothing. Im assuming it is for satellite radio. If it is for satellite radio can anyone tell me what I need to do to get it turned on? do I just call Sirius or XM and buy it or do I have to do something else?
    Thanks :D
  • thebugthebug Member Posts: 294
    rich1980 - I have an 06 that has the same button which does nothing when you push it. The owner's manual does say that you have to purchase special equipment (from the dealer of course) and subscribe to one of the SAT providers.

    I'm sure you can get an aftermarket system from one of the local audio shops and have it installed, but I would check with Toyota to see what would work best with existing radio. I have XM in one of my other cars and it's so, so. I'm still in the free trial period, but I think I will purchase a years subscription when it's up. I checked on line, and for XM a one year package is $147.

    It gets cheaper if you buy more time, but I think I will just get one year at a time. I do this because sometimes (the company bottom falls out) these guys will just dry up and go away without notice. You never know, and this way, if it does, I'm not out of a lot of money.

    thebug...
  • magpie11magpie11 Member Posts: 6
    I've had numerous little problems with my car:

    1. Convertible top leaking a lot of water in
    2. Sun visor breaking
    3. Heated seats not working
    4. A piece that was covering wires (between the windshield and driver side window) falling down while I was driving.
    5. The windows are now becoming loose and are rattling while I drive.

    And some other very small problems here and there.

    I'm just curious to find out if anyone else has had a similar experience. My family has been buying Toyotas and Lexuses for over 30 years and have always been really happy. My last car was a 99 Camry and I loved it, but just decided to get something sportier. I've been so disappointed in the quality of the car I got.

    My main reason for posting this is to find out if it is this model or if it just the car I happened to get.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.