Toyota Solara

ezshift5 · February 2002

...............any ideas appreciated on replacement struts/shocks to provide a firmer, more control (less bounce) ride for the next 30k.

ezshift5 · February 2002

........it's a 2000 Solara SE 5-speed.........ez

radracer · February 2002

widest tire on stock 16x6 6-spoke wheels: 215mm.

suspension...go with tokico struts...trust me, you won't regret it.

webguyster · February 2002

I think we all saw that one coming(The sludge link above), or at least any of us that have had ongoing issues with our Toyota products, and Toyota's terrible customer service. For myself, I have had nothing but repeat visits for service for the same issue. I have not had the dreaded sludge problem, yet, and hope that I do not ever have it. I change my oil about every 2,900 to 3,000 miles, never going over 3,000 miles since I heard about the sludge problem, just after buying my Solara. After 2 years of complaining, I may get a new seat track, for my rocking chair. 2 YEARS!?! This is still a MAYBE, and has not been confirmed, but after bringing the car to an independent after market upholstery dealer, who works with these seat problems or many of the dealers, I was told that Toyota would call them, to get the part number, and am still waiting for the service manager to get back to me. As for Diamler Chrysler having bad service, I too had a Dodge, before my Solara, and they had a poor quality product, but 1 phone call to their customer service, and I had my problem resolved. Toyota suggested arbitration instead of fixing my problem, the rocking seat!?!

webguyster · February 2002

Thanks for the info. As my car has always drifted left with the Michelin's, and even after numerous alignments, rotations, new Michelin's, inverting the Michilin's, etc, I am begining to believe that the tires may not be the problem, rather the struts. Anyone else think so??? I am begining to notice a chirping noise going over bumps. Toyota lubbed the bearings, or something, but the chirping continues. I have about 33,000 miles on my car, and am getting frustrated. i usually get a new car every few years, but this time around, it is not in my budget to get a new car. I desperaty want these problems resolved, especially before my warrenty is up, and I go into Toyotas Extra care, care!

2000 SE V6

tony2putt · February 2002

Webguy, I posted the part number of the Strut support on #1572. I'm really happy with the improvement. It was not the struts. It is the TOP strut support. I have been told there is a Toyota tech note about this. Push the issue with the dealer. They might have to pull the wheel off to do the inspection. Mine was more evident on the right side. The car tracks like new now. Don't give up and let us know what happens.

cliffy1 · February 2002

Yes, I'm still here. I've not responded on this topic to the sludge issue but have been very active in discussing it at the sludge topic in the Maintenance and Repair conference. There is a long background to this, and I want to be careful in how I answer this.

Yes, there have been a number of Toyota products that have developed engine sludge. Most are Sienna vans. All that I know about followed the 7500 mile interval and did not have their service done at the dealership. It is strongly suspected that people paid for oil changes that were not actually done. For this reason, warranty claims were denied.

The number of vehicles involved is less than .1% of the vehicles produced and this is roughly the same as other manufacturers. The difference is, a VERY vocal group of people have made it their calling in life to make Toyota pay for their problems. Toyota finally relented and created the SPA. The SPA relaxes the standard for Toyota to pay a claim. It is a good will gesture.

Unfortunately, there are people who don't think this is good enough and seem bent on bashing Toyota. I honestly don't know what else they want. Blood may be the only solution for certain folks.

For more information on this, you may want to check out the Engine Sludge topic.

canc · February 2002

I talked with another dealership about this and they just reiterated everything you said.

john339 · February 2002

THE MORE I FOLLOW THESE LINKS AND FIND ABOUT MORE OF THE PROBLEMS TOYOTA IS HAVING I AM AMAZED.

FOR A COMPANY THAT ADVERTISES ITS QUALITY AS SO GREAT, YOU SURE CAN'T SEE IT IN THE PRODUCTS. THIS ENGINE PROBLEM AND HOW THEY TREATED THEIR CUSTOMERS IS A BIG DEAL.

canc · February 2002

MY EYES!!!! Please press on your caps lock key before posting. It's considered as shouting.

About Toyota's engine problem, I look at it this way: If I knew I had 0.1% (the percentage of people reporting engine sludge) of getting hit by a car the next time I crossed the street, would I still cross it? A lot of people that have taken this issue completely out of proportion are, in my opinion, not "crossing the street".

I sympathize with the people having sludge problems with their engines, but I don't think it's appropriate by generalizing that Toyota has a huge problem with its engines.

On another note, I was talking with someone today that had a 1992 Camry 4 cylinder, which has essentially the same engine design as the 3.0 V6. He was getting his Camry getting serviced... specifically, his timing belt. He was up to 574,000 kms., and was still going strong! He maintained his car as per Toyota's recommendations, and hasn't had any major problems.

stageman1 · February 2002

Like many past posters, my OEM Potenzas are giving out after about 25k. There's little tread left and one of them has developed a dangerous bubble.

After refreshing my memory by reading many of the tire discussions, it seems like my options are:

205/60/16--direct replacement for OEM size
215/60/16--a little bigger & softer
215/55/16--a little smaller & better handling

I'd like to step to the 215/55/16 size, but I can't find anyone who's experienced this size. Will it make the car look "funny"? How does it handle? Any other insights?

Best,
Brad

pjamaku · February 2002

Hi,

I am 27, just got married and want a nice, very reliable and affordable convertible with four seats. The choice came down to Solara or Sebring convertible. Sebring looks better, and Solara is ofcourse deemed more reliable. But, I could not find any reports which compare these two head-to-head. I am not arriving at final decision and need your advice, as I am sure you all would also have compared these two to some extent.
Which one is better value for bucks keeping in mind the following things-
- Long term reliability
- Looks
- no big maintenance or repairs issues
- price
As this would be my first and only car, I need a good reliable car which I could drive all the time for all purposes and in winter too.
Thanks.

2k1trd · February 2002

Stick with the stock size tires...the 55 series will look lost on the solara as well as the 215,s will look too big trust me.I just replaced mine with some Cooper/Mastercraft Avenger LSR and they look great.The Cooper tires are a tad wider than the Bridgestones even know they are the same size tire.They are "H" rated by the way and are not too expensive and handle just as good if not better.

mustangdrew · February 2002

On motortrend.com, do a search for solara. An in depth comparison between the Solara and Sebring was made on the 2000 models. Overall, they recommend the Solara due to a better engineered car.

qhuy00 · February 2002

Does anyone know how to take out the back speakers? I'm looking to replace the stock ones with some better speakers and have no idea as to what bolt to remove to get the thing loose. There are four screws comeing down from where the speakers are, but i see no bolt to loosen. Perhaps some of you that have changed your speakers might be able to help me with this. I could take it to Best Buy, but they charge about 40 bucks to install a pair of speakers, i'd like to save my money by doing it myself. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

scsolara · February 2002

I think the quality you get all depends on the dealer! My dealer (Sterling McCall Toyota in Houston, Texas)has been OUTSTANDING. Here are what my problems have been, and their resolutions:

1)1st day I got the car - noticed a scratch in the wood around the shifter and on the side panel in the back seat from the leather install - they fixed it no questions asked.
2)Supercharger installed at 3k miles. At 10k miles, I got a check engine light - knock sensors replaced under warranty.
3)At 25k miles, S/C ate through the A/C line - They replaced and rerouted A/C line and wiring harness under warranty.
4) (This is amazing) At 38k, Check engine light came on - both knock sensors were bad - replaced both. When reinstalling S/C, they noticed it was leaking oil and was going bad. They replaced my Kazuma S/C with the new TRD S/C and dynamic belt tensioner ALL UNDER WARRANTY. I have the extended warranty with the $50 deductable, and they even waved that!

THAT IS WHAT I CALL SERVICE. Prps to Sterling MCCall Toyota.

2000 Solara SE V-6 5spd Black/Black
TRD S/C with 2.6 pulley (7-8psi)
TRD Exhaust
TRD Shortshifter
TRD Springs
APEXi S-AFC
Weapon-R Dragon Intake
17in Motegi Racing Mr7 rims
215/45/17Z Kumho ECSTA Supra 712
Dual pillar pod with Boost & A/F guage
Custom sidemarkers
FUN FUN FUN

pbc · February 2002

Wow. I live in Toronto, Canada. How long would it take me to drive to Houston!!

pbc · February 2002

Is there anything else one can do to prevent this from happening. Although Cliffy makes the point that improper maintenance (or the person you're taking the car to to get an oil change is not actually changing the oil!) causes this, from the article it does appear that these engines are more susceptible to sludge due to design. Other than spending double on synthetic oil, is there any other preventative cleanings (preferrably in house!) that one can do to their engine to keep it clean?

webguyster · February 2002

It seems from all the sludge links, that 3,000 mile oil changes, may solve the problem, and DO NOT follow the recommended intervels. The arguement that some people may not be changing their oil is fine, if they are "do it yourselfers", but people who go to, say Jiffy Lube(I don't anymore), usually just sit and wait, and watch as their oil is changed. Personally I always watched the kids drain the oil, and fill the oil, attack the tires, vacuem the interior, and even spray any oil that may have spilled on the engine near the drain, so as not to have that oil burning smell for a few hundred miles, leaving that oil residue on my interior windshield from the burning oil coming through the defroster, and remove my air filter. Plus they always try to sell those air filters, and other misc. parts. I personally believe that if a customer has a reciept for an oil change, from a national chain, it is safe to assume that the oil was changed, as well as all your fluids topped off, and tires pressure adjusted(usually when tires are too hot), something that my local dealer never does, unless I ask for that service to be done. Anyone else who goes for dealer oil changes, notice they don't get there washer fluid topped off, or tires checked??? The only time my dealer checked my tires, was when they said I had a nail in the tire and removed it, w/o my consent, and later I found that I had a rusty valve stem on that wheel, possibly from another car. I only realized this because I had my valve stems changed after having alloy caps that corroded to the stems. They were all brand new. Now 3 are new. Try to tell that to the service manager!?!

canc · February 2002

To all Solara owners that drive on salted roads: did you remove your rims, and if not, what did you use to protect them?

2k1trd · February 2002

I wax my rims and they still look like new after 2 years.Of coarse i keep the car pretty clean also.(kinda anal)

automophile · February 2002

It is a good idea to replace the rear speakers with some better ones, but is is a REAL PAIN IN THE A**!

The speakers are attached to the rear metal shelf. The grilles are attached to the fiberboard cover, NOT to the speakers. Do NOT try to remove the grilles from the top, you will break them.

To remove the speakers, you must first pull out the rear seat, then remove the rear shelf cover, dealing with the seat belts going through it, etc., THEN R&R the speakers.

You know what? - I let someone ELSE do it that had the tools and experience, it was well worth it.

canc · February 2002

Good to know! I was wondering if I was the only one that had rims in the wintertime. You're not alone... my Solara has to be clean most of the time!

automophile · February 2002

It SEEMS that the 215/55s should not look too small - they are 25.3" dia. compared to 25.7" for the stock tires. Does that 0.4" really make that much difference?

Also - What happens with 225 / 55s? They are the same diameter as the stock tires. Where do they rub? Can something be done to make room for them?

stageman1 · February 2002

I've done further investigating. My local tire shop says that the 215/55s will fit fine. I didn't ask about the 225/55--but I suspect the offset would need to be increased a little bit so that they don't rub inside the wheel well.

I've decided to stick with the stock size--205/60/16. The increased summer handling with the lower profile tires isn't worth the tradeoff in the snow.

I'm thinking of going for the Dunlop Sport A2 over the Michelin and some other brand I of course can't remember now. Any input?

Brad

ezshift5 · February 2002

...............225/50 tires for my 16" 2000 SE V6 manual shifting Solara.......will these tars fit?

webguyster · February 2002

What do you guys think of the Goodyear HP's?

luphy · February 2002

Anyone know how Toyota determined exactly which engines were eligibile for their special rebates? Were the engines built after the stated dates changed in design or modified to address the sludge problem, or did they just determine by statistics and the distribution of problem engines based on those who submitted complaints? Odd to see Camrys go to May, Solara to May, and Lexus to July.

canc · February 2002

The May/July difference might be due to different production cycles between Toyota USA/Canada and Toyota Japan.

I think that because the total of most complaints (totaling 0.1% of engines sold, might I remind you) seem to come from Sienna Minivans and Lexus RX300. I think that's why Toyota has narrowed it down to those engines. I'm not saying that ES300 or Camry owners aren't necessarily affected, it just seems to a lesser degree, especially since I'd think the Camry outsells the Sienna by a vast margin.

webguyster · February 2002

According to Toyota Customer Service, a letter will be mailed to all effected persons (presumably, all of us), within the date ranges posted before, and we consumers will have 12 months from the date of the letter for any failure or repair. After the 12 months, we are covered by the good old 3 year, 36,000 mile warrenty, which excludes sludge! Time to trade, or what? I wonder about all the TRD people, who possibly drive more aggressively, creating higher engine temps? Are TRD car more prone, or are the TRD people draining, and flushing their expensive engines more frequently???

P.S. Toyota Extra Care excludes sludge, period.

99solara · February 2002

I replaced my *lovely* Bridgestones with the Dunlop SP Sport A2 in the stock size. While I only have 4,000 miles on the new tires, they have been solid. I am not an overly agressive driver, but they ride well, do not hydroplane in the rain and do not pull left????

cliffy1 · February 2002

Actually, the powertrain is covered for 5/60K and sludge is excluded if proper maintenance is not preformed.

Allow me to also say that I have spent a lot of time talking to our service guys about this. We have seen a number of sludged cars and vans here but every one of them showed signs of extreme neglect. I'll give you two of the most common examples of this:

1. Customer comes in complaining of excessive oil consumption and blue smoke and has 25K miles on it. Upon examination, we discover that the original factory oil filter is still on it. Some customers produce one or two receipts for oil changes but the presence of the filter proves neglect. The warranty claim is denied.

2. Same complaint but there is a newer filter on it, but there are other obvious signs of neglect. These are usually higher mileage cars (40 to 50K miles). Upon examination, it is discovered that the air filter has never been changed, nor has the transmission fluid. The engine compartment is filthy, including the area around the filter. This indicates that perhaps only one oil change was done. It tells us the car was severely neglected, as the air filter and transmission fluid are due for change no later than 30K miles. This is not proof that the oil changes were not done, but is VERY strong evidence of it. Claim denied.

We have had several cases where a customer produced receipts for oil changes, but none are from dealers. They are usually from independent garages and sometimes from quick lube places. We even had a couple that produced sequentially numbered receipts with different dates and miles which was clearly fraud. Combining the evidence of poor maintenance with the receipts, one of two conclusions can be drawn. Either the customer paid for service that was not done or the customer dummied the receipts to try to bilk Toyota.

Remember, this only my experience with this. I am not claiming anything beyond that.

webguyster · February 2002

It has been my experience, with Jiffy Lube, and even Wal-mart, the couple times I have gone, that like Toyota, these places maintain records of maintenance in their data bases. When you have service done, your service history appears on the reciepts. At Toyota, I believe the history only stays on the recipt that the cashier keeps, and in their computer. Why would this be discounted as improper maintenance? Anyone that has gone to these places, usually has nothing better to do while waiting, but to watch the oil change guys work on their car, and are always being offered new filters, and PVC valves, etc. Usually 1/2 your wait is them taking your air filter out and trying to sell you a new air filter. Then, there is the smell present, if any oil spilled and is burning away, if not hosed down after the oil change. I believe that my service records for my old cars states to hose my cars underside down, as I frequently brought my Dodge Avenger, and Chevy, to Jiffy Lube, and the configuration of the oil drain, always left residue from oil spilling out of the engine, causing the oil burning smell for a few miles. My Solara is being maintained by my dealer, and I make sure to get the internet coupons, altough I believe the dealers are still over-priced for my oil changes. I never get the burning smell when serviced at Toyota, so maybe they are doing a good job, clean and neat, or not doing it at all!?! Maybe the drain in not in a place where oil spills? Over all, lets hope this sludging is isolated to a few bad cars, and vans.

mj_techno · February 2002

Actually to remove the rear speaker is a little more involved.

1 remove the driver and passenger seat belts
2 remove the plastic molding on both sides in the rear of the car. There is another fastener below the seat belt bolt which you must remove the is covered by some plastic coming up from the floor, and be mindful of the clips.
3 unscrew the three rear seat belts and remove
4 lower the rear seats
5 remove the three screw type fasteners
6 remove the rear deck
7 take out the three screw holding in the rear speakers and replace then just go in reverse.

I probably replaced my rear speaker about 3 times until I found the pair that worked for me. The Kicker brand in my opinion has the best speakers. I have the Kickers 3-way 6x9 and the Resolution 6.5 inch component set, and a Kicker 12" L7 So hopefully this is usefully. TTYL

BTW I love my '00 Solara SE

cliffy1 · February 2002

The reason you don't smell anything when leaving the dealership is that most of them spray off any spilled oil with brake cleaner. One can is good for about 3 to 4 oil changes and does keep things clean.

silversolara · February 2002

i, too, have noted that when i bring my car to a dealer for an oil change, as opposed to Jiffy/Eagle/Qwik/Whatever (tm), i do not get any burning oil smells. a guy working one of the other places actually asked me as to how I do an oil change without getting a spill-off. and i always check afterwards, regardless of who i brought the car to, to see that the oil change was completed.
as for the sludge problem, i cannot think of any engineering errors created by changing your oil every 3K.
34K in just under two years, and ABSOLUTELY no problems (except with terrorists, Olympic judging panels, Britney Spears acting/singing...)

phelpsm · February 2002

Quick question...
At what mileage should the transmission fluid be changed on a MANUAL Solara?? I know that the automatics have to be changed more often (from what maintanence books say).

Also, while under warantee I had my oil changed at the dealership and I always smelled oil when I left after getting it changed. This just shows the different level of service someone can get from one dealership to another.

qhuy00 · February 2002

Thanks for those of you who offered advice on the rear speaker replacements. Sounds like a hell of a lot of work to do on my own. Now that i see how much work that takes, i'm afraid a place like Best Buy might screw it up if i let them install my speakers, I mean if you have to remove the front seatbelts for the rear speaker replacements, that is crazy lot of work. Anyhoo, i think i'll give best buy and circuit city a call. Thanks again for your input.

Ps. That Zaino is one awesome product, i have gold dust metallic and it looks nothing short of awesome, my friend also put zaino on his regular paint and it now looks like he has clearcoat. I highly recommend it for those of you looking for a showroom look.

webguyster · February 2002

I hope you are correct. My most recent worry is that since my Solara 2000 SE V6 33,500 miles, has started to idle rough at stop light, while in gear, I am now worried about sludging. I had the throttle body cleaned and the injectors cleaned, but it made no difference. I am going to make another trip when and if they order my new seat rack, but this has been a 2 year wait, and I beginning to think they just want to get people in and out. Not hassle with warrenty issues. Perhaps they don't get paid as much from Toyota, as they would if it were a retail customer problem.

As of today I am besieged with e-mails about other people having sludge problems. Time for a new ink cartridge to print them all up. This is getting very disturbing. I heard the Rx300's are on back order for up to 8 weeks!?! Have a feeling there are no loaner cars for 8 weeks.

My speakers, JBL, work great for OEM. Wouldn't change for anything!

canc · February 2002

Good to know Zaino is working well for you. Did you use other products on your Solara before buying Zaino?

webguyster · February 2002

Maybe we should use it in our engines!?! It seems to work wonders!

qhuy00 · February 2002

Actually, I bought the Solara used with about 40 thousand miles on it. I don't know what they had on it before but i was reading some forums and seems like many were recommending Zaino so my friend and I decided to give it a try. The result is pretty awesome and i just had my first coat on there, they say it gets better as you put on more layers, I can't wait!.
Ps. It was a 2000 Sle with traction control for 16.6 out the door, good price?

webguyster · February 2002

Seems about average for retail, but depends on where you live, just don't expect a return when and if you try to sell it. You might get half, if it looks mint/cherry!

ramblinon · February 2002

Service Dept checked my 99 Solara SLE, 38845 miles, for any signs of Gel. Was informed of the following: 1. Dealer had complete records of my vehicle and all services had been done. 2. The burnt substance, dark and hard, was the result of oil sitting on top of the ledge as viewed when the oil cap is removed. Was informed this was not a problem. 3. Informed that Toyoto was only concerned with engines burning a large quantity of oil and the engine smoking (vi sable exhaust of burning oil). 4. Based on the service history of my vehicle is would be nearly impossible to Gel. 5. Recommended that I continue to have my service done according to the manual (I however change oil/filter between 3K and 5K). 6. While there I had my oil changed and watched the fairly clean oil flow freely from the engine. 7. The dealership has been swamped with calls and visits from concerned people.

tony2putt · February 2002

Where can I learn more about this engine sludge problem. I have over 40k on my 99. I have not had any problems. But this does concern me. Tony

webguyster · February 2002

Everyone who loved their Solara, headed for the Sludge forum, or what??? Nobody is trying to sell anymore Zaino?

fastdriver · February 2002

cliffy1-

Thanks. Just got back from FL last weekend. Trying to catch up on all these messages. Sludge problem only seems to be a problem if you neglect your car. I also have a 94 Corolla with 38,000 miles. The ONLY things that aren't original are the battery and the tires that I just replaced last summer! Other than that, NO problems! Oil and filters/wipers changed, but that's it

Starting to get worried though. Should anything be changed simply because of its age? Never had one problem with this car. It has the smaller 4 cyl. engine. Does it move on the highway. NO shake. rattle or roll! Should I change the spark plugs?

Thanks.

fastdriver

PS My 85 year old aunt still has her 99 Solara SLE with all the options except sunroof- Lt. Beige with about 11,000 miles on it! ;-)) No problems there either. She wants to get a 2002 Camry because her doors are too big on the Solara for her when she gets in the garage! Any idea what it might be worth in So. CT?

KThomp100 · February 2002

After test driving the 2003 Corolla (VERY NICE), the New Altima and Sentra, I suggest to my dad we go drive a Solara. Love at first drive, and that was a 2001 4cyl used one. Then went and drove a 2000 SE V6 with 21K on it. Dealer wanted $19,999 (Seattle area) and although the V6 sure made a difference, I found a 2002 SE with Sport Appearance Group, Auto trans, JBL, Power Seat and just a few other options in Indigo Ink Pearl with charcoal cloth. STUNNING! Before we test drove it with the new 4 cyl engine I called the dealer, asked for the sales mgr and told him we would pay $600.00 over invoice, TODAY. He immediately said come in, done deal. Car stickered for $21,737 and dad paid $20,400 plus T&L. Showed us the invoice and it was at $19,8**. Anyway, car is beautiful, has TONS of power, drives and feels like a Lexus (I have one to compare it to) and my 79 yr old dad is happy. I am going to put 3 coats of ZAINO on it this weekend and that color should be awesome when all polished. Enjoy your cars....I know dad will!

fastdriver · February 2002

KThomp100-

Congratulations! That color will look SUPERB with Zaino!

fastdriver

canc · March 2002

Congrats to your Dad for his Solara... by your enthusiasm in your post, I just have to ask: when are you getting one?

)

Seriously though, how is the new Corolla?

Toyota Solara

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