Toyota Solara

fastdriver · September 2002

Canc-

"I might actually consider a Chrysler... it's what I had before."

YIKES! Talk about going from the frying pan INTO the fire!! ;-)) I'd think 10 times before doing that! You'll get a lot more than just "chugging"!! Don't believe that "5-STAR" crap for a MINUTE!!! If you're RETIRED and like to hear- "they all do that, can't duplicate the problem, it's a characteristic of the car" then by all means go for it because for 7/70,000 or whatever it is, you'll be at the "5-STAR"!!! Trust me!

As soon as you drive off the lot, it's all downhill from there!

fastdriver

canc · September 2002

fastdriver: whoa, you sure don't like Chryslers much, do you? Did you ever have a Chrysler on which to base these opinions on? I know, Neons haven't had the stellar reputation the Corolla has had for many years, but I don't think the same can be said for say, the Sebring.

I also am considering staying with Toyota if they can't fix the problem, marking it up as a lemon. If this is the case, I'd either go to a RAV4, or the Corolla S or LE. The Corolla is a huge change from the Solara, but it's very economical and practical.

I was also thinking about the Acura 1.7 EL here too. I'd rather not go with the Honda Accord, since it's a first year production model.

Silver: I've heard about some Chrysler dealers and their 5-star service, whatever that is. The point is, there are some crappy Chrysler dealers just as there are crappy Toyota dealers. The trick is to get a good one and stick with it! I know my previous dealership (Chrysler) had great service. They didn't charge too much for regular maintenance, and even lent me a loaner car if I needed to.

fastdriver · September 2002

Canc-

"Did you ever have a Chrysler on which to base these opinions on?"

ALL you have to do is click on my name above and you will get to my webpage and learn MORE than you EVER wanted to know about how I feel about Chrysler, their "5-STAR" dealers AND their factory reps!! NEVER AGAIN!!!

fastdriver

canc · September 2002

I understand your position, as you and I seem to have had similar experiences--you with Chrysler, me with Toyota. So far, I/dealer have put in over $1300 (Canadian) to solve this chugging problem, and is still there. I would assume that the next step is to replace the transmission, which I have no clue how expensive it would be, but I guess it's a few thousand dollars.

Don't get me wrong, though... I don't feel my car is a "Christine" in this respect. If they can fix this problem, I will gladly keep this car. Your Christine seemed to have so many problems everywhere that I can see why you're so fed up with Chrysler.

webguyster · September 2002

Tranny should be under the drivetrain warranty.

Sebring has nice curb appeal, and I actually drove one, when the new model came out. Interior was a bit cheap feeling, less head room, but handled better than the Solara. Being that it is a Mitsu/Chrysler baby, built at the Normal, Illinois plant, I am not sure I would want to recomend this one either. It does appear to have solid build, and replaces, and is manufactered at the same plant that made my Avenger. A plus for the Avenger was that I did not have any paint chips that I did not cause, and the sheel metal was less prone to door dings, as none were noticable, and my Solara seems to collect them. Careless neighbors, or poorer quailty materials used to build 'er??? Not sure! Fastdriver's experiances with the dealers were not that different from my Dodge dealings. O2 sensor goes, they stripped the manifold, and I go 6 days without my car, driving a Neon, which you do not automatically get a loaner, unless you buy their extended plan, if I remember correctly, or make a big scene, on a busy day!!! Don't know about your local Toyota, but that is the only reason, outside of not wanting to throw money away, that I keep the car, and will consider Toyota again. No appointment needed for any service, and they always have my part, or almost always!

P.s. My neighbor that dumped her 99 Camry, just got her first sludge letter. She asked if I got one, and what is engine gell!?!?! AHHHH!!! ;^0~

canc · September 2002

Weird thing happened to me this morning on my way to work: Today is rainy and windy, around 17 degrees Celsius, and I took my Solara. I was stopped at an intersection waiting for the light to turn green, and when it does, I press on the gas pedal and nothing happens... my car had STALLED!!! Since the cabin is so serenely quiet, I hadn't realized the engine had stopped running, so in a rush I had to start it up again. It had no problems starting back up, but what is this all about? Has this ever happened to anybody here?

I wonder if this is just a freak happening, or if it's related to my recent mechanical problems. If it is, then the transmission isn't at fault, is it? I don't know much about mechanics, but if I'm at a stop sign and not moving, the transmission isn't moving either, right? This is the first time my car has done this.

cliffy1 · September 2002

The engine actually stopped? Yikes. As I read your post, I assumed it was the traction control kicking in to limit the engine RPMs but that should not kill the engine, just slow it down to a crawl.

webguyster · September 2002

If that happened to me, and I posted it, I would get cyber-bashed!

Canc, it may be time to see the dealer, again. Fall, and winter season is not the time to break down, or stall, especially in Canada. Even my car hasn't stalled, yet. What is the build date of your car. I bet it came right off the line with mine! ;^)

I had a rental 2002 Cadillac Sedan Deville, pearl white, loaded, sweet, but a little mature for me, a few months ago, that stalled on me a few times, at stop lights. It too was sooo quiet I did not know it had stalled. If it happens again, see the dealer. I feel that there wont be a code for some reason, when they check for one. My car runs rough when it rains, for a 2.5 year old car IMO.

canc · September 2002

There is no excuse for a 2000-year model car to stall in the rain, no matter how hard it's pouring. It was raining pretty hard on my way to work, but nothing to the point of being torrential.

I believe my car was made in December 1999.

I phoned the dealer about it and said they'd add it to the technician's report they send to Toyota Canada.

So right now I'm looking if I can afford a new Corolla LE or a RAV4. Man are those RAV4s expensive! They cost as much, if not more, than a Solara! The new Corollas, however, are much more reasonable. I'd like to drive one to see how it drives. Of course it won't be as quiet or luxurious as the Solara, since we're talking about two completely different cars here, but with the added height of the Corolla, I'd be able to fit in properly now.

webguyster · September 2002

You are right about no reason for a 2 year old car to stall in the rain. Many service vists ago, while walking the Toyota dealer lot, I tried to bail, but they were not willing to give anyhing near what I considered a fair trade value. I looked at Rav4, but the enigne was whiney for me. If it had a V6, maybe. Had a Corolla loaner, not like driving a heavy "sport" coupe, but if I could get one for an even trade, I would do it in a heart beat. The Corolla is no frills, and for me, no expectation, other than dependable transportation. Does have a lot of headroom, but is narrow. The bottom of the line, track loaner car even had the outside temp gauge! Not a stylin' mobile, but practical!

My car is a 9/99 production date, I believe.

rubicon52 · September 2002

I know that after having a bad experience with a Toyota product, it's difficult to make yourself consider another Toyota. However...I think you're more likely to get a troublesome Chrysler than another bad Toyota. Buying a vehicle with a good reliability record just means that you're less likely to have problems. Even the most reliable cars made - Lexus, have about half the problems of the average car.

Unfortunately, when you do have a problem with a Toyota you're in a tough spot because Toyota dealers are not rated highly compared to other manufacturers.

One thing you may want to consider is buying a less complex car. For example, I have a bare bones 96 Tacoma and a 95 Camry LE. The Camry has had several minor problems - power radio antenna, power door locks. My Tacoma has had zero problems in 7 years. In my case the reason is that the Tacoma doesn't have the things that have failed on the Camry. Of course, my Solara has even more options than the Camry. Options are very nice in the first few years.

fastdriver · September 2002

rubicon52-

How true. The secret is to keep the car as long as the warranty!

fastdriver

canc · September 2002

you have a good point there. Toyota and Lexus do rank very high in initial and long-term quality scores compared to other manufacturers.

I'm more and more leaning towards the Corolla LE, if they can't fix my Solara. Like Webg said, it's a no-frills car, but I sat in one the other day and the quality has gone way up... the one I sat in even had leather seats!!! I wouldn't want that option, however, but it shows how much the Corolla has gone upscale.

8u6hfd · September 2002

The most reliabile part of my parent's 93 Dodge Caravan is the Mitsubishi 3.0L V6.

webguyster · September 2002

I hope if Toyota cannot fix your car, they give you a fair trade in. I for one, am not one to put a FOR SALE sign in my car window and hope for someone to come along with several thousand dollars. The Corolla is no-frills, and is assembled at the Ontario plant, I believe, but for an inexpensive, of less expensive car, it is not a bad value, if you can get a good deal, and not pay sticker price. A no-frills car is not a bad thing. I still have no bad words for my Chevy Cavalier, which had no problems until 50,000 miles, and the A/C evaporator went. This is a car that I would recommend the top of the line model, however.

Honda Civic seems to have more interior space, and to me, feels more stable on the road than the Corolla I drove did. I had a feeling like I would "roll" the Corolla, if I turned a corner too quickly, as it is a narrow, high car, but the Corolla has more headroom, if your a taller person. Both cars have less sound dampering, so you may hear much more road noise, especially rain in the wheel wells, something we Solara owners do not have to listen too, and may have forgot about.

From a customer service point of view, which is where Toyota is lacking in the ratings, I have been lucky with my local dealer, even if I need to bring it 2-3 times for the same problems. No apointment is better than waiting 2weeks for an appointment, to hear they all do that, then going back a few more times, for the same thing.

As far as keeping the car as long as the warranty, that describes my old car buying ways, but when I look back at all the money I threw away doing that, trading cars at 36,000 miles, I should have bought a Hyundai! LOL!

canc · September 2002

Thanks for your comments. The Corolla is indeed a very good value, and I hope that the dealership would give me a very, very good deal with the Corolla if they can't fix the problem. I'd choose the Corolla over the Civic since the Civic is a very harsh ride compared to the Corolla. I haven't tried the new Corolla yet, but I'm basing my opinions on the previous gen. Corolla. I'm 6'5", so the taller roofline is a welcome change for me.

fastdriver · September 2002

webguyster-

"I should have bought a Hyundai! LOL!"

Don't laugh. Hyundai has come a LONG way! My friends have one- the 300 GL or L or whatever it's called- and they love it. I have driven it. Quiet, very smooth shifting, nice ride. They haven't had one problem with it. I also know someone who has a new Sonata. Another nice car. She loves it. I have never driven that one.

fastdriver

canc · September 2002

I heard that about Hyundais too, but the Elantra did poorly in crash tests.

I like the new Sonata's looks, but the Mercedes look is very misleading. The interior trim makes it look like all the R&D money went on the exterior.

webguyster · September 2002

I have 2 friends with Hyundais, and they do seem to be built better than my Solara, and came loaded for way less $$$!!! I was, and kind of am, somewhat brand conscience, thus my purchase of a Toyota, brand identifican at work. Didn't I learn from Marketing:101! To me, the Hyundai name brings back memories of when I was a teenager, dispatching tow trucks at a nationwide call center, and almost every call was a Ford Escort, and a Hyundai Excel! I talked my one friend into the Sante Fe, and with only 1 recall, and 1/2 the engine changed, she has had trouble-free driving, compared to me. Same for my friends Sonata. He has only complained of an air bubble in the dash! I like his fake wood better, too. It's not shiny, and isn't quite as gaudy. Go figure.

canc · September 2002

It's a very nice day today. Sunny but crisp. I arrive at the dealership, put it in park, and it stalls! Maybe the main ECM wasn't installed properly, since it never did this prior to the installation of the new ECM. Anyway, I hope to have more news about this soon. The service manager said they had no problems with any other Solaras, and that mine was just a fluke. I'd also agree with that statement, judging from personal experiences as well as owner comments on this forum.

Is a 26-year old guy like myself too young for a Camry? The Corolla's nice, but I'm afraid it would be a bit too small for my needs. The RAV4 is great but is just too expensive. Maybe the Camry, although bland compared to the Solara, would be really the best solution? Man I hope they fix my Solara!

webguyster · September 2002

26 is not too young for a Camry. IMO, I thought I was too young for the Solara, because of of it's specific demographic, I believe Edmunds said "the empty nester", or something like that. I am 32, and still a quite young, fit, athletic 32. Over 25 IMO it's time for the grown car, but I may get one of those loud mufflers, like the kids put on there 4 banger Civics, for my Solara, to continue to be one of the kewl kids.

I do prefer the 2 door, coupe style, as I don't like be a car pool for people, or a taxi. Maybe one of Cliffy's guys can hook you up with a RAV4, if you pop into his dealship, maybe on a weekend holiday. What of pre-driven?

cliffy1 · September 2002

You're not to young for an SE model. That is the first Camry I've seen that I would own.

Unfortunately, because you live in Canada, I can't help you with the RAV, but it was nice of Webguyster to suggest it.

canc · September 2002

That made me laugh when I see so many younger people driving around with Solaras. Maybe this is why it's so quiet and comfortable.

Anyway, the SE model is really nice, but it gets pricey. Maybe the LE model would best, and supposedly the new 4-cylinder makes people wonder why get the V6.

The dealership called me this morning because they need all my keys because they need to reprogram the entire computer (?), hence why my security light was always flashing. This seems odd to me for two reasons: 1. Why didn't they do this in the first place? and 2. The security light blinks to warn potential thieves that it has an engine immobilizer, and if they steal my car without the key, it won't work. I was, however, able to drive everywhere I wanted to. It kinda puts the whole purpose of that light into question, doesn't it? Unless, of course, there was something genuinely wrong with the ECM.

Sorry for the rant guys!

cliffy1 · September 2002

Your immobilizer *probably* was working but if they re program the whole computer, none of your keys will work. As to why they didn't do this before, I have no idea. Maybe the guy from the regional office is directing them on how to handle this now.

fastdriver · September 2002

canc-

Hope they fix your Solara. As for any other car, I say buy what you like and what you can afford! Who cares what anyone else says or thinks. They're not making the monthly payments.

Good luck.

fastdriver

suvshopper4 · September 2002

One reason I bought a RAV4 was so that I could get the convenience of 4 doors (5, actually) without showing symptoms of solid-citizen sedan syndrome.

But, like the other guy said, but what you like.

canc · September 2002

If I had my way, I'd stick with my Solara... that doesn't stall or chug.

Thanks for the info about the keys Cliffy... maybe I should start asking more questions from the dealer--they just said "we need all your keys, can we get them?" More news tomorrow...

canc · September 2002

Well, I went to leave my other keys at the dealership this morning, and they asked me if I could go for a test drive with the technician that had been working on the car ever since these problems surfaced. A truly great technician. Anyway, he told me he spent over 5 hours on my car yesterday--he checked everything: computer, fuel pump, everything, and found absolutely nothing wrong. The chugging was thus caused by the faulty ECM, since I drove it again this morning for a good while and it didn't do it. As for the stalling, the technician informed me that since Solaras have an engine immobilizer, and that the computer hadn't been reprogrammed correctly, this is what caused the stalling. Again, it didn't stall, and my blinking security light was fixed. Kudos to Toyota for fixing my problem, and thanks to all of you for your comments and suggestions.

By the way, I asked the technician about premium and regular grade fuel. I know this has been talked to death before, but he's told me some interesting information about it. Let me know if this is of interest to any of you.

cliffy1 · September 2002

That's great news. I really hope this finishes this saga for you and I suspect it will. I for one would like to hear your technicians views on premium.

cooldude1755 · September 2002

Canc,

I'd like to hear your's and the technician's view.

canc · September 2002

Thanks! I told him about what I had heard, specifically that it's best to use premium since with time, the knock sensors will become ineffective because of accumulated carbon deposits in the engine with normal use of regular (87 octane) fuel. He said that:

- premium is a better fuel since it burns cleaner, and that the combustion is more efficient since the gas is more pure than the regular fuel.
- using regular fuel is fine with the Toyota V6. He went on to say that he had never seen a Toyota V6 knocking because the owners used regular, and that basically all V6 cars, regardless of make, would benefit from premium fuel. It's just a better fuel.
- He himself owns a Camry V6, and buys the cheapest gas possible. And his Camry is an 87.
- any gas is fine as long as it's not Methanol gas.

Of course if you put premium in your car, expect a performance boost, lower emissions, and a smoother running engine. Otherwise, happy driving with regular fuel.

canc · September 2002

Honda states in their brochures for the new Accord that their V6 still requires regular gas (just like the Toyota V6), even with the added 40-hp. performance boost, which is partly due to a higher compression ratio (10:1, compared to I believe 9.5:1). Honda says this is still possible due to "better knock sensors". Would this mean that it also would very much like premium as well... if not, then why have "better knock sensors" in the first place?

cliffy1 · September 2002

That pretty much matches what I have said here before and what I have heard from my own technicians.

canc · September 2002

From my understanding, the V6 would more or less "adapt" to carbon deposits in the engine, since the knock sensors wouldn't be as efficient, but then again, neither would the engine itself.

decon · September 2002

I was driving on the highway and all of a sudden I hear a rattling noise above me. I opened up the sunroof cover and saw the left corner of the visor come loose and swing backward.

When I pulled over, the screw must have came loose. Or someone may have been tampering with it. The right screw was loose too.

webguyster · September 2002

At least it did not fly off while you were driving with the roof open, and smash into someones windshield, or fall on you, and startle you while in traffic. Lucky!

loucopits · September 2002

Under the console lid on my 2002 Solara is a space for something. It is too small for a CD case, too big for a cassette case and does not appear in any of the material and books that came with the car. None of the salesmen had ever noticed it and had no idea what it was. The service manager had never noticed it and had an idea that it was for a package of tissue, but was not sure. Have any of you ever noticed this 'feature' and figured out exactly what it is designed to do?

canc · September 2002

I think it is a tissue dispenser... either that or a sunglass holder. I personally use it to hook my garage door opener there. That way, I don't have to look around everywhere for it. It's a good thing. ;P

silversolara · September 2002

Yep - it's the tissue dispenser. Canc - hopefully your car will work correctly now - g'luck!

webguyster · September 2002

Didn't your come with a box of tissue?

loucopits · September 2002

box of tissues installed, I would have figured out what the holder was for.

It would have been more useful if they had included a bottle of Lunar Mist touchup paint. I drive on stone-free streets, but have two chips on the hood in 4 months. The Toyota 1C8 touchup paint is a poor match.
My previous car, '99 Cougar, came with touchup paint, but had no chips in 3 years. My wife's GS300 has no chips in 2 1/2 years.

webguyster · September 2002

At least your on your first bottle. I was on my 2nd, before the hood got repainted. My 1997 Dodge Avenger, no noticable chips other than what I did, putting my bike rack on the car wrong, in the rear.

bwiebe · September 2002

Since it is widley acknowledged that there is a problem with chipping paint has anyone tried, either the bra or the smoked plastic deflector that is affixed to the front of the hood. I had a bra on my last car and I had no chips and it looked great. My Solara is black so I'm not sure if black on black (two blacks are never quite the same color) would look that great. any thoughts or experiences out there.

webguyster · September 2002

Although I have not used a bra or deflector on my Solara, I know that many people end up with scratched paint, when the bra is not properly maintained, debris and moisture can get under the bra, and ruins the paint. Good for the weekend, garaged sport cars, IMO, but not practical for the everyday car. As for the deflector, EECH, that would ruin the lines of the Solara! Is there even a company that makes a deflector for the Solara???

Saw the new Nissan 350Z or whatever number they gave it, at my gym the other day, and did a double take. SWEET!!! Real sweet. Starting price $4,000 more MSRP than my Solara, this may be worth taking the HUGE trade in loss on my Solara, or just taking on the dreaded car payment.

IMO, if everyone here likes the curb appeal of the Solara, and I believe we all do, some of us might be at Nissan, really soon!!!

ezshift5 · September 2002

.....with the 350Z, that is. My '00 5-speed SE-V6 and I have never really bonded (despite the quite, almost zero trouble, low maint. profile). Now should the dealer feeding frenzy abate by next spring........ez

curlyq · September 2002

I have the 3M Scothcal clear bra material on my 2000 Red Solara. It has helped the chipping, but by no way eliminated it. Although I have enjoyed my car, the paint is the WORST of any car I've owned. Toyota should fess up or start spending some money to develop an additive to improve the paint's durability. Curly

evaddave · September 2002

I never could describe how I liked my Solara. It was a good car, but something was ummm... missing. You hit the nail on the head when you said you never bonded with the car.

Maybe it's just something with the '00 5-speed SE V6, though.

ninja88 · September 2002

I was looking for some help and a used Solara, maybe 99/00. The engine sludge problems worries me and so do the structural faults in the rear suspension and the pulling to the left problem as well as the paint chipping. I sat in a couple and absolutely loved the feeling. I was looking for a Black or silver on black and was wondering if the paint chips just as easily on these cars. Also If I could get some advice on checking them out. ie what to look for and price. I saw a Silver one and when I looked in the engine oil filler cap I notice grit. This car has 80k km or around 50k miles. I think the previous owner never changed his oil once. Can this be cleaned out, by the dealer and has it harmed the engine? I was buying this car from a dealer and also wondered about buying the extended warranty? Cliffy can you give me some thoughts. I have a 88 Buick LeSabre T-Type with 315k km and only have 2 or 3 paint chips. Must be the lead paint. I not too worried about the other things as long as they will be covered by Toyota. Either That or I'm going to look at the Accord coupe

canc · September 2002

The Solara is a fantastic car. Let me address your concerns:

1. Paint chips. Buy any car today and you'll get them, regardless if it's a Toyota, Honda, or GM. Buy a bottle of touch-up paint with Langka (blob remover), or invest in a 3M film or car bra.

2. Engine sludge. How do you prevent this? Change your oil when you're supposed to, or a bit before. You can push it up to 8000 kms. as Toyota recommends, but I believe that's too much. I change it every 6000 kms.. Oil changes are $26.95 at all Toyota dealers, which covers the oil, oil filter, greasing of door hinges and a few other maintenance points. That's a pretty good price. The grit you saw when you opened the oil filler cap is oil that has sat there when the guy changed his oil. That part of the engine doesn't mix in with the oil, so the little bit of oil that sits there eventually cooks with the engine temperature. It's not an indication of sludge. If the previous owner, however, hasn't changed the oil in 80,000 kms., then yes, you have sludge...

3. Left steer. I don't have problems with that, so I can't comment on it. Maybe some here will be able to offer their advice on it.

4. Extended warranty. Most used car books say that it's not necessary.

5. Structural faults in the rear suspension. Can't comment on that.

Hope this helps you out!

webguyster · September 2002

The Solara is a nice looking car. Let me give you my experience...

1. Paint chips. Have had more chips, and scratches with this car than any other car I have purchased, ever, and I usually changed cars every 1-2-3 years, depending on my likes, styles, and my needs. Spoke with Toyota person in Torrance, when sludge-mania was at it's peak, and this (poor paint quality) is a known problem with the car. My 2 cents, maybe too many enviromental laws in Canada, as that is where it is built and assembled.

2. Engine sludge. How do you prevent this? Change your oil every 3,000 miles, regardless of what the owners manual says, and do it at the dealer, to prevent Toyota from saying that all you have is reciepts for oil changes, not proof that you paid for them, and they may not have been done.

3. Left steer/pull/drift. If it is present when you drive it, keep looking for a different car, as it will never go away, and you will spend more time at an authorized tire places, swapping, rotating, inverting, etc, and having seemingly endless, costly alignments to correct the problem.

4. Extended warranty. I bought 1, heck, then upgraded, at my expense because I was having soooo many problems with the car. I had paid cash for this car, and saw it as somewhat of an investment, not a liability, because the interest rates for car loans were higher in 2000, than my money was making in the bank. Thus my reason for not wanting to take another financial loss on the car. I do not want to trade it, lose money, and have Toyota sell it, making double profit. I believe the dealer I traded my last car too, made about $8,000 profit, cash, plus whatever they make with the finance deal, according to a salesman I spoke with, that said he believes he sold it.

5. Structural faults in the rear suspension. One little recall. I did see a Solara at the dealer, while strolling the lot waiting for service, that collapsed on the rear end, both sides, waiting in the back of the dealer for service. No idea if this was what may have happened from the recall problem. I was strolling the lot with one of my Hyundai owner friends. Quite the embarrassment.

~

Hope this helps you make YOUR decision.

Toyota Solara

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles