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Toyota Solara Headrests
drc28
Member Posts: 1
I am in the process of choosing between a SAAB 9-3 and the Solara SLE convertible. My major problem with the Toyota is the poor visibility out of the rear window with the headrests and the small window. Also, a recent article in Motor Trend said that the rear window turns into "jelly" and is a very difficult to see out of when that happens. I do love the style of the Toyota especially when the top is down , however, am concerned about the visibility. My current car is a sedan and the rear visibility is perfect. However, i know that it is different in the convertible. I didnt expect it to be dangerous. I have read all the posts and would still love any comments on how everyone manages to drive with it and can live with it.
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The back window does take a little getting used to, but once you're there and you know how to use the mirrors, etc, it is a breeze. My back window does not "turn to jelly." Overall, I'm really VERY impressed with how stable the windshield, dash and rear window are. Sure, there is a little shake, but not nearly what I noticed with the Volvo convertible, and the Sebring? GET OUT OF HERE! That thing felt like it was going to fly apart over every bump in the road.
I have about 700 miles on my car (with a lot of rainy midwest days) and I've never, after the first few days, felt there are ANY visibility problems. It's a learning curve, but don't let it stop you. I didn't drive the lates Saab convertible, but the Solara is much better than the last saab body!
Good luck!
Ken
I mentioned the visibility problem to a friend. He quoted a trucker friend who is fond of pointing out that the center/rear-view mirror is a luxury... just rely on the side mirrors. So the other day I let this friend drive - with the top down - and he too complained about the headrests obscuring his view!
Buy it anyway!
Visibility in the Solara is only slightly worse than other convertibles. IMO, the blind spot caused by the side of the top itself is a bigger issue than the headrests. This is part of the price you pay for a convertible.
By the way, the visibility with the top down is great. If I lived in Miami, I'd probably never put the top up unless it was raining.
thx.
I am short and the lack of visibility was a real safety issue for me. I didn't notice the problem when I purchased it because I test drove it with the top down.
I think the true bottom line for me is that I just didn't like the vehicle as much as I do the previous generation Solara. The outside package is outstanding. It's what drew me to trade my old one in in the first place. It just didn't live up to my expectations in handling, maneuverability, or visibility as well as the ' 02/03 version does.
convertibles with pop up rollover like bmw, audi, volvo, saab etc. all advertise their rollover protection but toyota does not? Do you know if toyota is safe in a rollover and where I might be able to find more info on it?
thanks.
In any case, the rear headrests are indeed rollover bars of about 1@1/2 inch tubular steel shaped like an upside-down letter 'U' with some flat sheet steel bracing for a child car seat to click into. See the owner's manual for reference.
Surprisingly with the plastic and foam headrests removed (easy), the vision out the window is greatly improved, and if the center bracing was removed (welded on) they would be no problem at-all to rearward visibility.
I'm looking at a way of removing the sheet bracing and painting the roll bars 'tan' like the seat and making the headrests slip-on-off as the case may be. 'On', if passengers are in the rear seat or the top is down, 'Off', when the top is up, especially from Nov-Mar in St. Louis.
If there were more Solara Convertibles around, I think after market suppliers would latch onto a fix. I think Toyota will eventually offer alternatives like pop-up roll bars like the 'big guys'.
Have you devised a cover for the mounting area that is exposed?
I am not an engineer. I am a toy salesman. Would you share with all us frustrated Solara convertible drivers---how do you remove the entire head rest or at least how do you remove the plastic & foam
thank you
Neil
The desperate driver.
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Please pursue an answer.
.
Thanks in advance,
.
SocalNewbie
HOW DID YOU GET THE REAR SEAT HEAD RESTS OFF?
Right now I am more concerned with the visibility aspect than with the roll bar aspect.
I hope to hear from you
Thanks in advance,
WTFAY
My reccomendation, learn to drive with your mirrors. I will admit that they are difficult to see around but you can adjust.
I have back-up sensors on my new truck and have to admit, they should be standard equipment on EVERY new car or truck produced.
I am also interested to know what else I should know when I pickup the car?
I do like the look of the solara, wish it could be a little shorter (and more Lexus-like). Am concerned about visibility - the 06 is supposed to have a different headrest but I haven't seen it.
I've read many reviews and it's pretty well rated except some find it boring. With enough hp and torque, I don't mind boring.
wknight
I read this site before I purchased, and wanted to look at and sit in one before hand, but there was none to be had. The only ones are those that are ordered, and they are off the lot as soon as they come in, as with mine. My car arrived late Saturday 9/4/05, and they told me that I'd better hurry to get it because others were offering $$$ to buy it out from under me. And really they were.
Even as I was doing the final paper work on my purchase, many still wanted me to back out of the deal. A beautiful car (black with dark gray leather) and the only one on the lot, I sealed the deal and told them to place the sold sign on it. I've been back to the dealer a few times since my purchase, and still haven't seen another one on the lot. So they are moving fast. I haven't seen many on the road though. That makes it rare, and that's a good thing.
thebug...
(I hope) about the Solara Convertible Rear Head Rests vision blockage. Go to the link below where I have posted about 15 pictures on the subject. My explanation of each one vanished just after finishing, and I'm too lazy to redo it, its pretty obvious anyway.
http://photobucket.com/albums/c351/gcadam/">link title
Joyce
Where did you do the trade? I actually would prefer an 06 (I know, call me crazy, but I don't like the redesigns front & rear :P )...maybe I can buy your "old" one!
Anyway, the 06 SLEs are disappearing fast... lots of SEs around, but I would like an SLE - with tan top and ivory interior but I don't want red or black, or cars bought at auction from a 'major car rental company' in Florida (lots of those around...hmmm...). Maybe I'm picky, but I'm driving a 1990 Maxima 5-speed that is fantastic..and still m-o-v-e-s! I've scouted dealers from NC, VA, DE, and NJ. So, after 16 years, I figure if I don't see what I really want, I'll wait. But I'm glad you & your wife like your 07...happy drivers make the world a better place!