Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Toyota Solara Convertible - 2004 and Newer

18911131422

Comments

  • avatexrs1avatexrs1 Member Posts: 63
    What dealer in Houston is $500 over invoice for an SLE? Also, anyone hear anything about Dallas area prices?
  • tyresmokertyresmoker Member Posts: 266
    UMMMMM....lets think about how silly your post is...Annually, Honda builds about 300k Accords, Toyota builds about 300k Camrys and Subaru builds too many Outbacks (great car, just constantly on life support (meaning incentives))
    Now, Toyota has committed to build about 13k Solara Convertibles. More than likely one fewer unit than demand. Do I need to spell it out??
  • soonerforeversoonerforever Member Posts: 2
    that would be Mike Calvert Toyota....talk to the general sales manager there....he gave me that quote last week....still should be good...
  • tommyg12tommyg12 Member Posts: 158
    Our '01 Highlander developed a rear main seal leak with only 39k miles. The dealer replaced the seal bu t there was another leak from somewhere else. I was out of town last week so my wife took the car back in. I get home Friday night and there is a Pearl SLE convertible in my driveway. I thought, how did she pull this off as a loaner?

    Well guess what, she got me to give in. For our troubles, the dealer bought out our HL lease and let us have the Solara at the invoice cost. What a nice car, a little cowl shake at low speeds over bumpy roads, but hopefully I will get used to it. I look forward to conversing with you all.
  • tyresmokertyresmoker Member Posts: 266
    Hey, good for you! Yeah, the car does have some shake. After about 8k miles on ours, I notice a few squeaks and rattles that wern't there last spring...oh well...Still a GREAT car!
  • tommyg12tommyg12 Member Posts: 158
    Yeah, the shake could be worse. Between co-workers and neighbors we are associated with many types of cars. The Solara doesn't seem to be any worse than what I've felt in the Audi/Saab cabrios. Drop the top on a good day and you don't notice the shake:)

    Funny you mention rattles. Rattles drive me crazy (i'm talking the small ones that you can only hear sometimes with the radio off). I've had 10 new cars in the past 8 years, and have yet to find the rattle free car!!! (this includes Mazdas, Hondas, VW, and a few Toyotas). The Highlander had a few, our Matrix has a few, but no where near as bad as the S2000 I had 3 years ago. Talk about a rattle trap.....
  • tyresmokertyresmoker Member Posts: 266
    Funny, I am the exact same way....the Solara is my wifes car and I really do not ride in it or drive it much...so when I am it it I usually say "how long has the passenger door been creaking?" or "how long has that top rattling?" The usual response is "I dont hear anything"!!!
    Many cars ago, I had a loaded up '92 Camry V6, I really believe that car was as about as good as it got for a $20+k car 12 years ago..I replaced it with an Maxima, then an Explorer then a similar '96 Camry...even that was not as good as the '92..
    There have been several vehicles since, but I must say, in comparison, the Solara is a very well built car for the $$...
  • jrpsousajrpsousa Member Posts: 1
    mickyg: What's the dealership name in Asheville?
  • ms_solarams_solara Member Posts: 6
    Thank you for the details.. I finally got my silver SE solara (sz and cf options) last week at Longo Toyota in El monte, CA. So far there're no regrets...

    I got it for 26100 + 200 for the alarm.
    luve luve my conv. ;D
  • nc_tomnc_tom Member Posts: 9
    Hey mfullmer,

    Can you send me a copy of the TSB for the roof cables? My email is tombonds@yahoo.com.

    I'm not sure if it is my imagination, but seems like now that I've been driving with the roof up for the last couple of months, the wind noise is more than I remembered from last Spring when I first got the car. In the summer, the only time the roof was up was up if it was raining, so wind noise wasn't an issue.

    Thanks
  • kmodykmody Member Posts: 3
    Hello,

    I am considering purchasing Solora (SLE). What should I expect to pay?

     

    Also, I have read a number of reports about rattling and veering. I have not test driven one as yet, but wanted to know if anyone found these so annoying that ended up dumping the car?

     

    Thanks,
  • tyresmokertyresmoker Member Posts: 266
    not even close. The car is as solid as anything you are going to find in the marketplace (if you can find one). I did see that Toyota City was advertising that they had four in stock a few weeks ago.

    You might be able to find one at a smaller dealership upstate but most of the bigger dealerships around ar at or very close to sticker. Regardless, the car is still a great value even at sticker......
  • koobskoobs Member Posts: 2
    After reseaching this vehicle for the past 6 months and reading messages in the discussion group, I decided to purchase a 2005 Toyota Camry Solara Convertible SLE model. I wanted Cosmic blue metallic exterior color with tan top and Ivory interior along with three options: vehicle stability control, windscreen and the carpet/mat package. I started with 6 dealers with 4 of the 6 wanting sticker or thereabouts. I worked two dealers back and forth and settled on $29,178 which is a few hundred dollars above invoice, I believe. I closed the deal on Nov. 2. The car is scheduled to be buiilt on Jan. 17 and should be in the dealership by end of Jan. I'm looking forward to delivery and hope things go well.

     

    FYI, I vacation in southern Florida several times a year. The dealers there are asking $3,ooo-$7,000 above sticker, depending if SE or SLE model.

     

    I also wanted chrome wheels but this option is not available, except after-market. I plan on ordering them from Wheel Concepts in California at a great price, even after paying for shipping.
  • herrinaherrina Member Posts: 1
    I just completed a purchase of a 2005 Solara SLE convertible in the Los Angeles area. Here are the features:

     

    Arctic Frost White Pearl exterior

    Tan top and interior

    Navigation system

    Vehicle stability control

    Carpet/Cargo mat set

    (Accessory codes: FE NV PC VS CF)

     

    Purchase price was $30,353 plus

       Sales tax ($2504.12)

       CA license fee ($262)

       CA tire fee ($8.75)

       Document fee ($45).

     

    MSRP was $32,596, so purchase price was 93.1% of MSRP. I contacted six online car purchase sites, and this was the only deal I could find below MSRP. These cars are in very short supply right now, and the dealership I used had to do a trade with another dealer to get the car.

     

    I bought from Toyota of Glendale through their Internet Sales unit. They offered the final price on their initial response. No haggling, since I couldn't find another offer even close to this one. Their standard offer on the convertible is $800 over "invoice", although their definition of invoice includes dealer holdback and wholesale financial reserve. Here's the breakout of "invoice":

     

    Base $25,795

    Navigation $1,163

    Pearl paint $187

    VSC $559

    Carpet/cargo mat $114

    Destination $540

    TDA $300

    Gasoline $6

    Holdback $593

    Fin reserve $296

     

    Total: $29,553

     

    I'm pleased with the deal...all discussions by email and phone, and in and out of the dealership in 45 minutes.
  • nc_scottnc_scott Member Posts: 13
    Bought my black on black SLE December 4th in Raleigh, NC. Got as good a deal as can be expected, even at the beginning of the cold months. I even tried going through the AAA buying service and they couldn't do much. The dealer I went to matched the AAA deal though so I can't complain.

     

    My only two issues are 1) The rear headrests as people have mentioned. They block 50% of the rear window. I had a Celica convertible before this and I'm used to the major blindspots in convertibles, but the headrests make a tricky situation worse. And 2) the acceleration hesitation that is experienced when in the process of slowing down for a yield for example and then accelerating when you aren't quite stopped. I find that to be quite annoying. I'll try using the manual shift but I really don't like the idea of having to do that as 'workaround'. I wonder what the reason is for that delay/hesitation. It's as if the gears aren't actually engaged until the accelerator is depressed and when it does "catch", there's a lurch.

     

    I'm a major Toyata fan, loved my Celica and am very happy with my Solara. I couldn't wait for them to come back out after the short hiatus they took to re-vamp them.
  • tyresmokertyresmoker Member Posts: 266
    If you search the boards, I think there was a pretty active discussion on the Avalon- future models board regarding the "lag" in the trans. It is a common complaint that has to do with the drive-by-wire (throttle) that the car is equipped with. It is annoying and I do not think there is a fix for it. I do not drive ours that often so I definitely notice it every time I get behind the wheel.
  • bb1129bb1129 Member Posts: 7
    I would be interested to know if anyone has added a reverse sensing system to their Solara. Before purchasing my Solara, I read the many posts concerning limited rear visibility so I was aware of this concern. I have a Cosmic blue SLE with VSC, mats, windscreen, 18" wheels, black top/gray interior. The service manager tells me adding the backup warning system will not void the warrenty.
  • nc_scottnc_scott Member Posts: 13
    Thanks tyresmoker for pointing me to the Avalon discussion forum about the transmission hesitation/lag issue. Very interesting. It's quite annoying but I'm figuring out how to get used to it and how much and when to press the accelerator in those "not quite coming to a stop" situations.
  • scoti1scoti1 Member Posts: 676
    Based on discussion of the hesitation problem in the Highlander Problems and Solutions forum, the Edmunds hosts have opened a forum for this problem. It is supposed to be for all makes and models. Because the Solara problem is most likely the same as the Highlander, Lexus, Sienna, etc. hesitation, it may be beneficial to discuss this with owners of other models. The forum can be found at "Engine Hesitation (All makes/models)"

     

    (please ignore that the title says "engine" hesitation -- it was definitely intended to address the tranny hesitation problems)

     

    I also would like to direct you to this article about hesitation:

    http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/04345/424551.stm -- this is referencing just the Highlander and Lexus, but any resolution that Toyota comes up with for the problem should apply to all models, or so I would think.
  • dispencer1dispencer1 Member Posts: 489
    Has anyone driven both the Solara convertible and Mustang convertible or read a review comparing the two? I rented a Mustang coupe back in the mid '90's and was not very happy with it. You sat on the floor with a high dash and it was cramped and had a fairly hard ride.
  • tyresmokertyresmoker Member Posts: 266
    Depends on what you are looking for. They are completely different cars ('05 vs. '06, yes, the Mustang droptop will be introduced as an '06). For me, I would trade our '04 Solara ragtop in for a 'stang in a New York minute, but it is not my car, my wife is the primary driver. The thought of rear wheel drive in New England weather and a clutch pedal in New England traffic does not fly anymore.

    The Solara is a GREAT car, and a very good value. It offers plenty of power and refinement. The Mustang is more of a statement. The interior is great, but the materials used pale in comparision to the Toyota.

    One thing I really like about the Toyota is the relative rarity of it. Most people have no idea what it is as most have never seen one. With the Mustang, there is a very good chance that you will see yourself "coming and going" in no time.

    As a past Mustang GT owner, well, it is still not out of my system.........
  • marc6marc6 Member Posts: 1
    Trying to get a good price on an 05' solara SE conv. I live in NYC and have only seen one on the road. Can anyone give me an idea of how much I should pay here in the city and also any recommendations on dealers.

     

    Friends have told me it's not a good idea having a conv. in the city, but I cannot think of good reasons for not having one.

     

    I fell in love with the car when I saw it on the road and decided to trade in my 2002 Sebring coup. for the Toyota. Now I just have to find one.
  • nc_scottnc_scott Member Posts: 13
    Marc6, I don't live in NYC, but my family is there and I visit on occassion. The main reason your friends are probably saying it's not wise is that if anyone see's something inside the car they want, or just for kicks, they'll just slice the top. If you have private parking at home and at work that you're comfortable with, then maybe that isn't an issue for you.

     

    As far as price, they're selling for sticker or even higher because they know that if you don't buy what they have on the lot, someone else will. They're a hot commodity right now with low supply.

     

    Good luck! I'm enjoying mine thoroughly since I got it in December.
  • rtg33rtg33 Member Posts: 3
    I live in northern Jersey and I know of a bunch of dealerships nearby that have some in stock. There is Toyota of Morristown, Hudson Toyota, Crestmont Toyota, and many others nearby. I dont have one but i'd been looking into them but decided against it b/c im not ready for a new car yet. Therefore, i won't have any comments on negotiations, but i think theyd be more flexible than an NYC dealership....good luck
  • arpmnarpmn Member Posts: 1
    I'm excited since I'm just about ready to buy a 2005 Solara SE Convertible! FE SZ option included. Lunar Mist silver color and dark charcoal interior color. The Edmunds TMV price is $28,035 so that's what I was expecting but was surprised with the quotes I've received! Best one is $26,785. I'm in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Although it's a tundra here for six months I still want the Solara convertible! I figured it's best to buy it now when it's freezing outside before everyone gets spring fever for a convertible. I'll come back and let everyone know how the deal goes down.
  • rudy331rudy331 Member Posts: 27
    I have this exact car but 2004. I purchased in April on a whim and ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. Have had alot of people stop me to ask about it and the color combination. I paid 29,500 so you are getting a pretty good price. Let me know how the chrome wheels turn out--I'd be interested as well.
  • traveling101traveling101 Member Posts: 31
    I have be shopping on internet so far, and I think what you just bought is the perfect combo. I just saw one on a lot (it was closed) and I was stunned. It was gorgeous! I haven't had a test drive yet, but I am a huge Toyota fan. I currently drive a Sequoia, and it is simply TOO BIG for our family. My kids are teens and will be driving their own cars soon. As soon as possible, I will be running to that dealer and probably snatch that one off his lot, but until then, I would like a photo of a solara convertible in white. I can only access the red color on the Toyota website. (the other colors don't seem to work) Do you know where on the web I can copy a picture of one in white? I would like to have it for a screen saver.
  • tarhe54tarhe54 Member Posts: 8
    Have had my Solara for two weeks now. Had a 99 Seville, before. Without a doubt, the Solara is quieter, no wind noise at all, and it rides every bit as good even with 17" V rated tires. My quandary is how the Select shift or S mode works. If I elect the S mode at a stop, it shows in 4th gear. Is it really in 4th and I have to manually shift it down to 1st or does it accelerate in 4th? In my opinion, the book is very unclear on several subjects, another being the operation of the lights. Then when describing the Multi-info displays, there is a Caution that says not to adjust the display while moving, only when stopped. This does not make sense when checking mileage, range and avg. speed.
  • koobskoobs Member Posts: 2
    I picked up my car on January 26th. It took 12 weeks from my date of order. My wife and I love it! Of course, there are some minor items that Toyota could improve upon, but overall it appears to be a great car for the money. It drives smooth and very quiet for a convertible and is certainly an all weather vehicle. My wife likes the heated seats. I had a Chrysler Lebaron and a 1996 Sebring. So far, the Solara is head and shoulders above the Sebring (unless Chrysler made some big improvements over the last few years).

    I'm looking forward to driving with the top down, but not yet here in Michigan. I just ordered MTK chrome wheels from Belle Tire for $572.00 complete with locks and trade in of my Toyota wheels ($40 per wheel). (Does anybody know where I could get a better price)?

    Wheel Concepts in California wanted $550.00, but the shipping would have cost $250.00 (both ways), plus $25 for locks and $30-$40 for mounting. Of course the wheels would be factory originals chrome-plated.

    I've already had two compliments on the car and I haven't put the top down yet.
  • ckb2004ckb2004 Member Posts: 11
    I have a 2004 solara Convertible and the top is falling apart, but according to a regional manager this is normal wear and tear for a car that is 6 months old. I now have to go to the dispute board to have the top fixed/replaced. The liner is pinch pleated, the cables are broke, the outside top is pulling up and away and the back window is coming unglued from the material. Normal? Not really impressed with Toyota. They now want to fix the cables due to the tsb report. Not letting them touch this car. Was hoping some of you would share your work order information for when I go to the board. Thank you.
  • dispencer1dispencer1 Member Posts: 489
    I just ordered a SLE convertible and the radio is Satellite capable but you have to buy a tuner which ran three hundred and something and is dealer installed. Look at the Toyota web site that lists costs for options. That's what I paid. I learned many years ago that options -even dealer installed ones - are a lot less if you buy them when you are buying the car.
  • dispencer1dispencer1 Member Posts: 489
    The only real competition that the Solara Convertible has is the Mustang convertible which is new for 2005. It looks pretty nice and I wonder if I did the right think by ordering a Solara SLE. Has anyone actually driven one of the Mustang convertibles and compared it to the Solara? The Solara has more luggage space, probably rides softer, and will be more reliable (I've had several Ford lemons) but it would be interesting to see a real test of both cars.
  • damnedandydamnedandy Member Posts: 1
    I have 2005 Solara SLE convertible in white, tan top and love it. If you still need a picture, I have a few good one's I can send you. This car really gets the looks and reminds me of the Lexus SC 430. Great car so far (7500 miles).
  • rossadrossad Member Posts: 6
    I am currently looking at getting a
    Solora XLE Convertible. I live in upstate
    NY. How does this car handle in the snow
    and different weather conditions? I am also
    looking at Honda Accord and Mazda 6. I would
    like to get a convertible, if I could drive it
    year round.
  • dispencer1dispencer1 Member Posts: 489
    then spend a couple of minutes looking at the comments on the Chrysler 300 forum. This car is actually a competitor of the Camry and Accord and the car writers and car magazines love it. Test drives are all highly positive. It is interesting to see what real owners say about it -transmission problems, electrical glitches, pulls to one side, suspension problems. Typical Chrysler Corporation junk. Perhaps this is why Camrys are the the best selling mid size cars in the US.
  • kevinc1kevinc1 Member Posts: 1
    I am currently shopping for an SLE with everything but navigation and I have received a firm lease price of $399/ mth including tax and GAP Insurance. Rate sounds pretty good to me. I passed on the SAAB because I think the interior is so drab. The dash is too plain for my taste.
  • dispencer1dispencer1 Member Posts: 489
    Solara competes with the Mustang convertible and the Sebring Convertible. Has anyone driven these and then the Solara to compare them? It would be interesting to get feedback.
  • mcdaddymcdaddy Member Posts: 3
    The recent issue of CR gives a nice review of the Solara until the last sentence . . ." The convertible model suffers from pronounced body shake." There is no further detail.

    I did not see that comment with any other convertibles. Has anyone experienced this?
  • dispencer1dispencer1 Member Posts: 489
    What issue are you referring to? I checked Jan, Feb, and Mar, and none have anything about the Solara unless I missed something.
  • mcdaddymcdaddy Member Posts: 3
    Just got it a couple of days ago. It is the April 05 issue - Annual Auto Issue. The New Mustang is featured.
  • douggreendouggreen Member Posts: 10
    Consumerreports online has the same information, but doesn't have a full road test report like it does with most models. I am wondering if they have done a complete road test on the latest models.

    I just bought a Solara SLE convertible and I just don't see what they are talking about. I test drove and Audi S4, BMW 325, Chrysler Sebring, and the Solara SLE. The smooth ride and lack of noise of the SLE was very comparable to the Audi and BMW (and my 6'1" teenage son can actually sit in the back). The handling and features were certainly nicer in the $50K cars (price when you add navigation, etc.), and it would be nice to have a completely automatic top. If I didn't care about money and didn't need to cary anyone in the back seat, I'd take the Audi. However, I would put the performance and quality of the Solara much closer to the Audi and BMW than it is to the Sebring.

    If you want a convertible for $30K, the Sebring simply cannot compare. The engine noise was pronounced, and the interior was not finsished nearly as nice. I like the exterior styling of the Sebring better, but I spend more time looking at the interior :)

    If price is your main consideration, then you may want to try to pick up one of the 2004 Sebrings that are still on the lots. Dealers are being told that they can't have 2005s until they clear them out. It's still a good looking car and a decent value.
  • mcdaddymcdaddy Member Posts: 3
    I am just beginning my search for a car and have never owned a convertible. I definitely like the quality of Toyota products. I'd stick with my '01 C class, but I've had enough small problems to be concerned about the quality long term. I'll probably stay away from Chrysler for the same reason.

    I understand convertibles lack the structural support supplied by the roof, I was just concerned that I didn't see the comment in other convertible reviews.

    As you did, I plan several test drives of several makes and what the actual driving experience is.

    Question: can you be more specific on your comment of not having a "completely automatic" top? Thanks.
  • douggreendouggreen Member Posts: 10
    To open the top on the Toyota (and other sub-$40K cars), you release two levers/latches on the roof and push a button to automatically retract the roof. You then have the option of manually cover the retracted roof with a piece of fabric/leather that makes it look nicer and protects the folded roof against wind. When you close the roof, you have two re-close the latches once the roof deploys to complete the attachment. No big deal.

    On the Audi and BMW, there are no levers (they are automatic). What is really nice, however, is that a compartment opens up to swallow the roof when it retracts, eliminating the need to put on a cover. It is covered automatically with a pannel that looks like part of the body. Also no need to carry the cover in the trunk. Really cool, but perhaps not worth $15K extra.

    The real deal killer, however, was that neither the Audi nor BMW had room for my teenagers in the back with the front seat set where I like it (I am 5"10"). The back seats were for emergency use only. Perhaps in 3 years when they are both gone :)
  • maceemanmaceeman Member Posts: 2
    i also live in upstate ny and was lucky to find an '04 demonstrater red with tan top. you cant buy a better bad weather car. handling great on ice and snow, very quiet, heats up quickly. only drawbacks are no rear visibility(I just bouught some backup warning sensors) and disapointing gas mileage on the 6(tops out at 25 mpg)
  • maceemanmaceeman Member Posts: 2
    there are many aftermarket products that are easy to install. i just bought a simple sensor beeper after i backed into a car. look on ebay
  • jazzman1jazzman1 Member Posts: 13
    I am looking to buy a 2005 SE convertible with the sz and cf options. I have contacted several dealers and the best offer so far is 26,700. (they're quoting MSRP of 28,221). I live in the NY area and wonder what others are paying. I also wanted to know how much installing a back-up sensor helps and whether installing that and the wind screen after purchase would void anything in the warranty.
  • douggreendouggreen Member Posts: 10
    The windscreens that I have seen on the Internet appear to be Toyota parts, so warrenty should not be an issue (it shouldn't be even if the parts were not Toyota). Backup sensor probably depends on how it is installed.

    WInd screens are available online for less than $300, while the dealers charge around $400. I ordered one for $270 (they are available for less, but I used a site that had a few more references). When it arrives I'll let you know if I recommend using the site.
  • sosuesosue Member Posts: 3
    I too had the "pronounced body shake" problem with my car, an '04 purchased June '04. After two sets of tires, a front and rear alignment and balancing the wheels on the car, it finally rides fine. There was a service bulletin out on the car that they were coming out of the factory totally out of alignment, but the first Toyota dealer I visited paid no attention. Ended up with Goodyear Eagles on the car and they ride much better than the standard Toyota tire.

    Love the look of my car, but not too happy about maintenance issues....on my 3rd or 4th go round with my check engine light coming on...problem with the gas cap seal that the dealer can't seem to get fixed. Visors need replacing because they rattle. Driver window switch needed replaced and now the window itself rattles. Also doesn't have the gumption I hoped for....hit the accelerator and the car has to think about it for a second before it responds...I've become quite the conservative driver!

    But, when it's 70 and sunny I forget about all that!
  • jazzman1jazzman1 Member Posts: 13
    Two questions...What are people paying for SE convertible with the sz option and cf options. Is $26,700 reasonable for the NY area? Does the wind screen help and is it loud? Someone posted saying that they would rather not have it and I am curious to know more.
  • dispencer1dispencer1 Member Posts: 489
    Thanks - I haven't gotten my issue yet.
Sign In or Register to comment.