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IMHO, Cats10 should check every post made by WebG and Canc. It's only fair that a decision be made with all of the pertinent info available...
However, Cats10 should keep in mind that reading about the riding/ownership experience is nothing like the real thing. Cats10, you sure you don't know anyone who owns a Solara? If not, take a long test drive in a new one. Also, since you're getting a used car, may I ask what the other cars U are on your 'counter-shopping' list?
Finally, Cats10 should check out this entire 3 yr-old forum. He'll note that peeps like me and Ral also have valid opinions of their cars that don't match up with other opiners.
g'luck!
My chugging issue would be comparable to a dashboard squeak; annoying as heck, but confident they'll find it out soon enough and fix it. It's not like it's leaking oil or the pistons are slapping. Go try one out!
The sticker was about $27K. If you're considering a used one, I might consider an offer - I guarantee that you won't find a better one. My ONLY problem with it is that I now find that I really need 4 doors.
I think that this is a GREAT car, and so do 99% of all Solara owners. It drives just like the Lexus I traded in for it, and cost a lot less.
ALL cars have some problem ones, and the ones with problems show up in the forums. Toyota has one of the best reputations in the auto industry, and deservedly so.
I was going to tell him about your car. With that beauty, all he has to do is get in, start it up and off he goes. NOTHING to do that that white beauty. SHOW HIM THE PICS!!
A picture is worth a thousand words!
fastdriver
Besides, he is really, really smart!
Do I HAVE to give away all my secrets? Let's just say that if YOU had automophile's car, you'd be thrilled with Toyota! ;-))
I think you have the worst Toyota they EVER built. Is there anything that does work right? Your Solara sounds like my former "award-winning" Chrysler 300M- Christine!! I didn't think there could ever be a Toyota Christine! ;-))
fastdriver
I think your right, I must have the WORST Toyota ever built! Maybe I should see your great car! At least I have not taken time to post a web page about my mistake, like some posters!
Anybody know if the '03 is actually available at dealerships already?
You should make a webpage about your Solara if you're that unhappy and Toyota has done nothing or little to nothing to help you. Just go to YAHOO, Geocities and start there. It's easy to do. I did it as you well know. I will NEVER let anyone forget the experience I had with my 300M AND those "award-winning 5-STAR" dealers and their factory reps! They were the WORST I have EVER dealt with in my entire life of buying new cars!
fastdriver
I will be watching to see what the '04 model looks like. I happen to like it just the way it is, but it will be interesting to see what they do to it.
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/22748.htm
in the portion "News"
Well that's about the only problem I've had with the car so far.
2000 Red SE-V6-5speed 38.5k miles, averaging about 26 mpg on premium.
.
P.S. Where are you in Canada?
I'm in Kanata, Ontario (near Ottawa). But I'll be moving out to Kingston (university-land for me this fall...) in September.
Alex
alexhho@yahoo.com
I'm no mechanic either, but from what I gather the ECM is the car's "computer". Everything from ABS brakes to sensors to traction control has to do with the main ECM (Electronic Control Module). My dealer explained that they believe the ECM is sometimes sending the wrong signals to the transmission solenoid and that's what makes it "chug".
I'll definitely give you an update on this whole thing when I bring it to the dealer sometime next week.
I'm no mechanic either, but I think your observation is correct- it's a bunch of crap! The traction control SHOULD be on all the time! Sounds like something an "award-winning Chrysler 5-STAR" dealer might say! LOL......
cliffy1- where are you?? Any suggestions?
fastdriver
Thanks. Maybe I should trade in my CL-S and buy a Toyota? ;-)) At least I know I can get honest answers here even if we don't agree on those customer surveys! ;-)) BTW- 17 months old, 18,000+ miles and not ONE problem with the Acura. Just like MOST Toyotas. VERY reliable and not the "perceived" reliability that someone in the Chrysler 300M group threw in my face one day. Guess I rubbed him the wrong way or hit him on a day when he had made one too many trips to his "award-winning 5-STAR" dealer and got no results! LOL................
FWIW- also have a 94 Corolla, 39,000+ miles, outside 24/7, no rust, only replaced tires and battery last year. Except for oil/filter and other fluids, everything else is original- brakes, spark plugs, wires!! Great car.
fastdriver
While it is true, we should expect the new Solara in 2004 (based on the 5-year cycle) and moving to the new platform (along with the Avalon, RX300, & Sienna when they get redesigned also, as only the Highlander and Camry are on the updated platform, which the Highlander got before the Camry).
Although I still love my Celica, it is starting to get long in the tooth and I'm only really considering 2 cars as a replacement. An older Lexus SC400 or SC300 or the Solara. These really seem to be the only two upscale sport coupes Toyota/Lexus have had out in the last 10 years. I just would like to believe that Toyota is not letting their quality slip in the cars built here in North America (Solara).
I'm torn on whether to buy a 1992-1995 Lexus SC ($10-$15k) or a newer Solara V6 99-00 ($15-$18k). From what I've read and researched, they are both great cars, at least mechanically speaking. Today I found a 1999 Solara V6 SLE with every option available, it only has 10,000 miles and the dealer is asking $17,988 (before negotiation) and this sounds like a pretty good deal for what is practically a new car.
Or I can spend around $11k and get a '93 Lexus SC300 with 67,000 miles on it in great shape. I guess it matters if that Lexus badge is important to me.
I remember the Toyota dealer once telling me that the Solara is basically like a Lexus sports coupe without the price tag. I was just wondering if anyone in here has ever compared these two similar vehicles.
Thanks in advance for any input.
automophile has a car for you!! Ever hear of someone buying a house SO CLEAN and perfect that all you had to do is bring your clothes and move in! Well, automophile's white Solara is JUST like that. He's not available right now, but might be checking into this group. I can tell you that he owned a Lexus ES 300 before the Solara and thinks the Solara is better in many respects.
I'm sure he'll be in touch when he sees this discussion. Wait a few more days before you make any decisions.
My aunt has a 99 SLE V6(sand beige color) with ALL the options- spolier, traction control, anti-lock brakes, side airbags I think- except the moonroof. It only has 15,000 miles. She wants to buy a Camry because the doors are too big for her on the Solara when she gets out in the garage. She's about 85 years old and wants something easier to get in and out of. ;-)))
fastdriver
If you don't, SC300/400
I drove the 6 cylinder Solara today, and I have a question. Do Solara's naturally have a much stiffer ride than the Camry's and/or a Lexus? I am used to my Camry and compared to it and the 2 Lexus I drove today it seemed like I could really feel the bumps in the road a lot more in the Solara. Maybe this car had the sport tuned suspension, which I believe is an option on the Solara?
Price out an inside autodim mirror, a burned out bulb on the climate control, a dual exhaust replacement, A/C compressor and then make your decision. The few things I have had done to a Camry and an Avalon were quite reasonable, but I did not get a free loaner, free car wash, free coffee, nice waiting area, etc.
.
How about a used Celica?
Thanks!
For steering...number of turns of the steering wheel to go 1 full revolution of the pinion on the rack.
Transmission, gear ratios, essentially # revolutions of the gear (and engine) to a full rev of the drivewheels.
I may have things switched....
I'll ask a dumb question for sure- WHO would care what they are or what they mean unless maybe you race?
fastdriver
I would try Midas, before spending that much money on any muffler/pipe! If the quality is seemingly questionable on the Lexus, imagine the planned obsolescense of the Toyota parts!
I have 99 Olds Alero that is a piece of crap. Numerous quality problem within the past 2-3 months. So, I'm getting rid of this car and thinking of buying a Solara.
Question: When I test drive a Solara, what kinds of things should I be looking for? If 99 is the inital year model, should I look at 2000's? After reviewing the Solara postings, it doesn't look like there are alot of problems with them.
If you had a choice between a Honda Accord or a Solara, which would you choose?
Thanks for the input(s). I think this Edmunds.com forum is the best for car enthusiasts, information, etc..
Has anybody out there from Calif. used the states "secret" warranty law? If so, how did you make out?