Toyota Solara

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Comments

  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    A funny thing happened today. A film crew came by and they are doing a story on the popularity of SUVs. They asked if one of the salesmen here would go on camera and answer a few questions. I was volunteered.

    The questions were very innocuous and I hope I seemed credible on camera. If anybody lives in Baltimore, check out the news on WBAL channel 11 between 5 and 6:30. I also think it may be on a few other stations around the country because this guy is a free lance TV reporter with ties to WKMG in Orlando, WKRC in Cincinnati, KPTV in Portland, KGTV in San Diego and KTNV in Reno. I don't know how many markets this report will be on but Ido know it will be on in Baltimore tonight.

    I don't live in Baltimore so if anybody sees it, let me know if I looked like a goober or not.
  • solara11solara11 Member Posts: 78
    Did you replace the spare with a Pilot XGTZ4??? What did you do with the old tires? Sell of junk? I was checking out the web site for Pilots, and they seem a better tire than the comp. How much per tire in your part of the country? (not to be intrusive!?!)
  • solara11solara11 Member Posts: 78
    Did you let the TV viewers know what a great car the Solara is, Cliffy???
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    cliffy1-

    Well, how'd you do? Wish I could have seen it here in CT. All they keep talking about here is the Ford SUV's and Firestone. Looks like they haven't gotten to the bottom of this yet!

    fastdriver
  • elgritonelgriton Member Posts: 67
    A few posts back, someone had inquired about the possibly of replacing their premium 3in1 head unit with the 6 disc changer that comes with the JBL system. Has anyone ever taken this route or is this even possible/feasible for their Solara?

    Thanks.
    '99 SE Flame Red ~17K smooth as ever.
  • elgritonelgriton Member Posts: 67
    '99 SE "V6" Flame Red
  • ejyejy Member Posts: 62
    No, not intrusive. I am getting (4) XGT H4's (not Z's) for $120 installed and balanced. I could have gotten them from tirerack for $89 each + $40 shipping - but then would have to come up with ~10/tire to have them mounted and balanced... so the cost is close enough to buy local. This is in Eastern NY state. It looks like I am going to have them mounted on Friday.

    The spare is just that - it will probably have the bridgestone rubber for its entire life...
  • solara11solara11 Member Posts: 78
    My 00 Solara black, is shifting kinda hard. 0 to whatever, good! Whatever to 0, clunk!!! Its a bit harsh, or slow. Its colder now, and I hate the service guys. Any suggestions??? Its intermittant.


    Ayone looked at the passenger side carpet lately? Is it sticking ot?
  • JGT74JGT74 Member Posts: 28
    Hi all,

    I have a 2001 Solara SE V6 with the cloth interior in charcoal. ANyone have any suggestions or techniques to use to help get the lint off the seats? The fabric is like a lint magnet and it doesn't come off that well. I guess something like a pet hair remover might work. Anyone have any suggestions?
  • pbcpbc Member Posts: 44
    I'm going to clean and condition the leather seats before winter and just but Lexol. I remember a post quite a while ago about not getting lexol on certain parts of the seat or the centre console or something? Has anyone had a bad experience in applying Lexol that maybe I can avoid!

    Any tips other than those in the web site for the application?

    Thanks,

    Steve
    '99 Black SLE
  • curlyqcurlyq Member Posts: 54
    I have a 2000 with Ivory cloth interior and have the same problem. I've been using a lint roller(sticky sheets rolled on a handle). It works pretty well. 3M makes a really good. They also make sticky individual sheets for those hard to reach places. You would think someone would actual test this type of material before using it in a car.
  • solara11solara11 Member Posts: 78
    I where black every day, and have the Ivory int. with no lint prob!!! But guys, what of the passenger side carpet???
  • curlyqcurlyq Member Posts: 54
    No problem yet with the passenger side carpet. However my car is only 2 months old. Now paint chips and scratches is a whole other issue. By far this car has the WORST quality paint of any car I've owned.
  • qibbleqibble Member Posts: 26
    A quick fix to that problem is to take some tape, like scotch tape.

    DON'T USE ANY OF THAT INDUSTRIAL BRAND STUFF.

    Use something that won't mess up your seats in the process. Wrap a piece around your hand and stroke your seats with the tape. The tape will pull all lint off. Sounds weird but it works.
  • nrl76nrl76 Member Posts: 30
    Lexol is a great to condition and clean leather but you must only spray the leather portion of the seat. Make sure that you do not spray the leather cleaner on the dash/consol plastic. It is a real pain to wipe it off along with the spots it leaves. Also a great way to apply the Lexol is to use your hand to rub it in. Sounds funny but it is like you are massaging your seats. Also, cover the dash and consol while you spray on the leather portion of the seats.

    Neil
    '99 SLE
    Red\Grey
    26,090 trouble free miles
  • rghallrghall Member Posts: 5
    Did you ever get your new radio/amp/sub/speaker replacement done? If so, how is the sound now and what kind of equipment did you use?

    Thanks,
    Greg
  • rghallrghall Member Posts: 5
    Welcome to the chip and scratch club. I am astounded each time I clean the car at how many chips I have. I bought the car in January and I had to cover up two chips that were so deep that rust was forming on the metal already. The sad part is neither was on the hood. One was on the drivers side quarter panel and the other was on the drivers side window pillar. I have a Twilight Blue and the white primer really glows. I did finally find that clear protectant that 3M makes at www.xpel.com, but I don't know if I'm interested in dropping ~ $180 for it. Anybody out there have any experience with this stuff?
  • nrl76nrl76 Member Posts: 30
    Greg -

    I did replace all aspects of the stereo except the head unit. Here is the laundry list of components:
    - JL Audio Front 6.5" w/ 1" tweets
    - JL Audio Rear 6"x9" 3 way
    - JL Audio 10" Subwoofer (trunk)
    - Rockford Fosgate 5 channel amplifier (trunk)
    65 watts to satellite speakers and 150 watts to the sub
    - Eclipse 8 disc CD changer (trunk)

    The system sounds excellent. I have not even optimized the settings on the amplifier. I like being able to keep the stock head unit. Also, the Eclipse CD changer is made by the same manufacturer of the head unit so it integrated wonderfully. The buttons on the head unit control the CD changer and it connected by a simple plug into the head unit.

    Let me know if you have any further questions. I can get you model numbers if you want. I am totally happy.

    I hope that no one steals my car again! I would be pretty darn pissed!

    Neil
    '99 SLE
    Red\Grey
    - Remote Keyless trunk release anyone?
  • curlyqcurlyq Member Posts: 54
    If everyone on this forum that has experienced an unusually high number of chip and scratches called Toyota National Customer Service to complain and insist they note the problem in your record, maybe they would acknowledge the poor paint quality. When I called to complain, they claimed the showed no History of paint problems. No calls to complain = no history. I will surely think twice about buying another Toyota, unless of course it comes with a lifetime supply of touch-up paint.
  • ejyejy Member Posts: 62
    I am very careful about not tail-gating (unless at a football game) and am an avid Zaino user. I have very few paint chips on the metal surfaces - yes there are a few small ones, but thats true on any 2 yr old car. I always park next to a curb on preferably the highest part of parking lot away from other cars to keep the side dings to a minimum... I can't say the paint is any worse than anything else I have owned...

    Now for my complaints....

    1) The plastic bumpers are WAY WAY WAY to soft. I have countless 'chips' on the painted bumper surface. I call them chips, but they are actually impressions in the plastic.

    2) The hood, probably to save weight, is made from very thin gauge metal. I live in NY and we get small hail very often - there are three (almost unnoticeable) dents on the hood but none on the roof or trunk lid. I am not getting them fixed because you have to catch the light just right after a good Z-ing to even notice them.

    '99 Silverstream SE V6 5-speed w/ over 22k miles.
  • scsolarascsolara Member Posts: 47
    Did the installers use a RCA converter box? If so, does it effect the quality of the sound being filtered through the amp? I have an amp and sub and was looking for a head unit with RCA outs that would look good in the factory spot. If the RCA converter box works, I just might try it and keep the factory head unit. Thanks.
  • cardude4cardude4 Member Posts: 19
    You not only need a liftime supply, but a few brushes. I bought some Toyota touch up paint, used it 2 or 3 times, and the brush fell in the bottle!?! Now I need a new brush!(or time to fish it out) Not only is the OEM factory paint bad, but the touch up paint brushes stink too! The bumper covers are TOO soft for a car. I was rear ended at low speed, in a drive thru and the cover was deformed! Insurance paid $565.00 to fix.
  • nrl76nrl76 Member Posts: 30
    Scsolara -

    I have the SLE with the JBL head unit and the installer said that it has low level outs. I use to have a sub with an amplifier strictly for the subwoofer. It worked well. The only problem was that the amplifier was too powerful and there was so much bass that I had to have the amp turned down to the lowest level. I know that RCA cables were used in the installation, but I am not sure if there is an RCA converter box. I am pretty sure that there is no converter box but not positive. Let me know if you have any more questions.

    Neil
    '99 SLE
    Red\Grey
  • radracerradracer Member Posts: 96
    I have a Silver Solara with black cloth interior. I found an awesome price for a full leather interior in any color I want for $500. I was wondering if anyone owns a Solara with black leather, is it too hot? I live in CA. It's not too bad most of the time but even my cloth car can get pretty hot with the black interior. I was thinking if it was too hot I'd get the leather in another color such as ivory...I don't really care about color matching.
  • solara11solara11 Member Posts: 78
    Black makes me feel burried alive in a car. I picture a casket with gray dirt, buried alive!!! I always buy tan interoir!
  • scsolarascsolara Member Posts: 47
    I have a 2000 Black/Black in Houston, TX. When it was in the 100's for weeks the seats never got too hot. I have tinted windows and use a window shade to help. Just takes a while to cool with the AC when you first get in. The black interior looks great with the wood trim. Just my opinion.
  • pbcpbc Member Posts: 44
    Neil, you mentioned getting Lexol only on the leather portion of the seat, does that mean the entire seat is not leather?

    ________

    I posted this a couple of times now to no avail, but with winter coming ... Does anyone know of an aftermarket seat heater that looks decent! I still can't believe that wasn't an option, especially with the cars built right here in Ontario!!

    Steve
    Black SLE '99 - crappy mpg!
  • nrl76nrl76 Member Posts: 30
    The top of the seats are leather but the lower sides and back are vinyl. I have to admit that the vinyl used in this vehicle is of high quality that some may mistaken it for "bad leather." The major surface to watch out for is the dash and console. The plastic is going to be difficult to clean after spraying with Lexol. Automophile uses Lexol but in between uses Lemon Pledge. Also apply the Lexol to the seats using your hands. You must massage the seats.

    Let me know if you have any more questions.

    I have one. . .Does anyone have a 2001 SLE? I thought that I read that the 2001 SLE would have remote trunk release.

    Neil
    '99 SLE
    Red\Grey
  • jason168jason168 Member Posts: 9
    hey cnman...would u consinder selling the homelink unit? anyone know if it can just be hooked up to an SE v6? i've never seen the unit, but if all the electronics are there and all i need to do is hook up power, I'd love to see if i can install it in my SE. Thanks.
  • solara11solara11 Member Posts: 78
    Sorry to change the subjest but my Solara is finally going straight! After months of frustration with my car veering left, and an off center steering wheel, I went to Sears today for an alignment, and rotation! They broke the lug nut and the thing it screws on to, and said it was like that! I called Toyota, as they did not have the parts and couldnt find them at their parts place, and the service guy I went to last time for alignment and rotaion said that if they broke it they would have replaced it uber warenty, as they have the parts in stock and get paid for them by Toyota anyway. Made sense, so I said I would bring it right in if they could take me. He said yeah they could, and I went to go get my car from Sears. They said they already aligned the car, after I told the guy not to and rotated the tires, and wanted to charge me!?! Not wanting to make a scene, but ready to, I politely refused to pay as I felt they lied about breaking my car and I told them not to do the alignment, as I was going to the dealer. It drove better, but the wheel seemed crooked still, and I went to Schaumburg Toyota. They said it was still out of alignment!!! How many alignments and rotations does it take??? They fixed the lug nut and other thing, and said they aligned it, but did not give me any paperwork. Meanwhile I was looking at the lot for a new car and the 2001 Rav, titanium silver caught my eye. Sicker $21,000 ish(21.6) 2 wheel drive with sunroof, but they won't go lower than sticker!?! I said I would not tke less then Kelly Blue Book for trade, and they tried to accomodate me by getting the screen print of Kelly for trade in, but kept leaving things off, like ABS, spoiler, power seat premium wheels, premium sound etc. We got to $16,500 ish for trade for 2000 SE V6 15,500 miles, but they still left off some accessories. I came home and Kellys says with all the stuff in my car "GOOD" condition, $17.275. I feel it is excellent condition, as I do not even use the floor mats without another floor mat covering the OEM mats, as the interior is Ivory. The bumper cover was replaced after a low speed rear ending, repaired by them, and I dont feel this means it was in a collision. Their was no damage under the cover, it was deformed a bit. We came to $4500 plus TTL, so far, until the sales guy calls tomorrow, but still feel this is a bit much. Anyone have any suggestions, and is it unreasonable to expect Blue Book value(Trade in) for the car?
  • iforgotitiforgotit Member Posts: 11
    I have a 99 SLE with the Homelink system. I am having difficulty in getting it to work with my new Sears rolling-code garage door opener. The documentation for the Sears unit confirms that it is indeed Homelink compitable. Has anyone been successful in getting this combination to work? If so, how exactly did you do it? Thanks.
  • pomanpoman Member Posts: 46
    Hold the garage door opener near the Homelink box and push and hold the garage door opener's button. Then push and hold the Homelink button (1 of 3) until it flashes once or twice (might take up to 10sec). That's it.
  • nrl76nrl76 Member Posts: 30
    There are some garage door systems that are too complex for Homelink. I tried to program my parents rollup garage doors and it would not work. I think that the garage door had too many codes. Luckily if works for my apartment garage gate.

    Neil
    '99 SLE
    Red\Grey
  • robertorrobertor Member Posts: 6
    Solara11., wait till your tires adjust to the new alignment specs and new rotation....in less than 1000 miles, check your steering again, it will be back to its old crooked ways.
    I get a temporary feeling that my Solara is going straight after each alignment(and rotation), after all, the front tires are rolling differently. I have gone thru that 6 times (57,000 miles now). Alignment......it ain't it.
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    iforgotit-

    If I am not mistaken, on garage doors with the rolling code, there is something on the garage door unit itself that you have to press. Isn't there a telephone number to call in your owner's manual? I believe this is what I had to do to program my aunt's 99 Solara SLE to make it work with her garage door opener.

    fastdriver
  • solara11solara11 Member Posts: 78
    Why did you go and rain on my little parade! I was so HAPPY that the car felt like a normal car, have even been out joy riding! I can now go on the highway and drive 60 to 90 miles per hour without 2 hands, in all lanes! It doesnt seem to be doing the jump acreoos 3 lanes in 5 seconds thing anymore, and doesnt feel like it ontipy toes, and unsure of the road like a new car should. I feel like I ave a new car again! Okay, I will wait the 1000 miles, but might be in a Rav 4 soon if Schaumburg Toyota is willing to make a reasonable accomodation for a returning customer. They sell 600 cars a month, I would hope 1 of the 600 people can get a good deal!
  • pbcpbc Member Posts: 44
    When you say rub it in with your hands, you mean just the conditioner? You don't use the cleaner with your hands right, just a damp cloth or towel? Can I use the cleaner on the vinyl?
  • AnakinAnakin Member Posts: 410
    If you're shopping for a new car, you should consider selling yours on your own. Sure, it can be a headache, but you'll ultimately get more money for it than any dealer will give you

    Good luck.
  • gdanczykgdanczyk Member Posts: 26
    I just programmed my Homelink to work with my new Rolling Code Garage Opener. It is not just as simple as holding the remote up to the Homelink and pressing the Homelink button. That is why people are having problems.

    Each Rolling Code Garage Opener is a little different, so follow the directions that are with the Garage Opener. For mine, it was a two person job. First, the Rolling Code Garage Opener remote is not used to program the Homelink. I had to press a button on the Garage Opener itself and hold it, then someone else had to press one of the Homelink buttons in the car. A light flashed on the Garage Opener and that was it!

    One thing you will notice is that the Homelink won't have a solid light when you press it once it is programmed, like when you program an old garage opener with its remote.

    Hopefully that helps.
  • ejyejy Member Posts: 62
    You still have the Bridgestone Potenza's,right? After ~160 miles, I am very impressed with the Michelin Pilot XGT H4's. They are a little louder than the potenza's and the "tar strips" are a little more noticeable - but not drastically more. Parts of my commute to work that used to make me squirmish at 20 over posted speed, are now no problem, in fact it seems to beg for more. I'm gonna get a ticket, I can feel it...

    ~100 of those miles were interstate, and just to test, I took my hands off the wheel on a level, strait portion of the road... at 75 MPH (cruise) it did not need a correction for over a mile. But, I have never noticed any pulling to the left with this car - even with the potenza's. I mention this because some people have claimed that the pulling goes away with Michelins over the BS's.
  • solara11solara11 Member Posts: 78
    I have the Michelin Energys, 16 inch. Te car is finally straight, well almost, but I am not complaining. I don't think it has been this straight since I had it. I dont know what the spacs Toyota got it to, but Sears got it from 13 percent, left toe to 0, perfect and -.01 right toe. Both camber was -.05 and caster was 2.6 left and 2.8 right. Then Toyota made it better, but did not give me a print out. I think Toyota will work with e, as I sent an email, and got a call today to phone back with good news. I said I would trade and pay 4g's plus TTL, and maybe they are going to work with e. I reminded them that their are so many of my family memebrs in their data base that when I call and they look me up by name they can't find me!?! So maybe I will be in the Rav this weekend. It is not the top of the line Rav, but its fun, and not black, so it will look somwhat clean 20 minutes after a wash. I went ot to the other delsrs on the car strip today and they said I was unrealistic, but hey, its my money, and if they want the car to sit one the lot, I am sure that is not making anyone money. About 4 grand plus TTL and I may do it. It will be new, and is kinda cute for a little SUV. Better gas mileage, and the repair guys assured me with regular oil changes I wont have to worry about the Toyota sludge problems. We will see! My latest gripe is the transmition seems harsch, from high speeds to complete stop, but did not bring this up as it is intermittant.
  • solara11solara11 Member Posts: 78
    !!!
  • nrl76nrl76 Member Posts: 30
    I was referring to the conditioner when talking about rubbing it in with your hands.

    Neil
    '99 SLE
    Red\Grey
  • rotgerrotger Member Posts: 3
    Just got the 2001 brochure and I noticed it is no longer the "Camry Solara", just Solara. And I though those marketing/brand manager MBAs had me fooled...

    Seriously though, no heated seats, no remote trunk release.... oh well
  • denniswadedenniswade Member Posts: 362
    for production purposes (and bragging rights).
  • jameso1jameso1 Member Posts: 1
    I have a new 2000 Solara and have about 3200 miles on it and have not one complaient. If you want a real driving experience try a Ford Explorer! You'll need a kidney transplant after a few thousand miles. The Solara is like being in heaven.
  • nori10nori10 Member Posts: 24
    I drove to boston with my solara and where I lost my fuel cap at the gas stand (dumb me... I know) and after that I drove ~500miles without one! What exactly does the cap do? Did I harm my car? Any answers will be appreciated.
  • solara11solara11 Member Posts: 78
    Holds gas in!?! Keeps it from evaporating, and during a rollover, prevents you from being a BBQ. Also helps pressurize the gas line(fuel system) for you do not get a false O2 sensor reading. Oh, yeah, keeps debris out of the fuel, etc, etc etc!
  • mgw1mgw1 Member Posts: 11
    I've babied my '00 SLE (Flame Red) for all of its 5500 miles, yet am very disappointed in the huge number of paint chips on the hood. My commute is the same as I did with my '95 Mystique for 5 years, yet it seems I already have more chips on the Solara than after about 80,000 on the Mercury! While the Zaino products are fantastic, it's a big disappointment to wash the car and see the ever-increasing number of chips. I have the touch-up paint, but am waiting to locate the leveler that was recommended so that the touch-ups won't give a bumpy appearance. I support your suggestion about contacting Toyota, and intend to follow through with both the dealer and national customer service.

    On a totally different subject, does anyone know why they make a point that the valet key won't open the glove box or trunk, when anyone can pop the trunk with the release next to the driver's seat?!

    Lastly, the dealer replaced the rear left strut recently and I no longer have the rattling/rumbling sounds I used to get when going over bumps.
  • radracerradracer Member Posts: 96
    isn't there a keyhole near the trunk release where you can lock the trunk? fortunately, after i washed my car, my REGULAR key no longer works in the trunk so i guess i can use it as a valet key???
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