Toyota Solara

steveb84 · April 2003

Toyota is joining the Craftsman Truck Series with the Tundra in 2004, the Camry (Solara) will follow a year or two after that.

canc · April 2003

It'll be interesting to see how Toyota and its Solara will fare with the Chevy/Ford/Chrysler boys.

cunnr · April 2003

My check engine light recently came on and I took my Solara in for a checkup. The technician said that the oxygen sensor in the emissions system had gone out and that it would cost around $300 to replace. Since they did not have the part, I think I will get it replaced at the next oil change. He also said that there was no problem driving the car without the sensor and that he has seen the sensors go out in less than 20k miles. Seems like an unreliable part. Has anyone had similar problems? Thanks

alpha01 · April 2003

I think the styling of the vehicle, even with the 'ground effects' is much improved. Doesnt look nearly as cookie-cutter. I dare to call it sexy.

~alpha

japsmkbtrcars · April 2003

O2 sensors go out all the time. Did you get the extended warrenty?? otherwisw, its a Toyota, just ignore it! Unless you got extra bucks!

dindak · April 2003

Toyota will reportedly be joining NASCAR in 2006. The similar lines the car has to the Monte Carlo are likely no accident. Since NASCAR mandates certain dimensions, Toyota had no choice but to re shape the car. I personally think they did a good job aside from the Tiburon look in the back.

jrays · April 2003

toyota.com now has pictures and more information on the new 2004 Solara.

Some interesting new and standard features:

Steering Wheel-Mounted Audio Controls
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel
Anti-Lock Brakes
Heated Seats
Side Airbags
Metallic Trim

It looks like some features that use to be options, like the sunroof, are now standard on the SLE.

rward99 · April 2003

My oxygen sensor is sporadic on my '91 Camry (80K miles). Light goes on and off, but dealer says that unless you are getting engine ping it's OK to drive. The $300+ repair is because it's in the back under all the fuel injection stuff, and they have to remove it to replace the sensor.

I'm opting to just let it alone for now. I ran a couple of cans of fuel injector cleaner though the gas and the light hasn't come on since then.

japsmkbtrcars · April 2003

Wondering if the O2 sensor wouldn't be covered under the 6 year, 60,000 drivetrain, or the longer emissions laws. If not wrong, emissions type failures are longer than manufacturers warranty.

magictmac1 · April 2003

The announcements of the '04 Camry Solara and the Toyota web site content aren't very descriptive about the transmission for the V-6. The website refers to it as "5-speed automatic sequential shifting transmission (V6 models)", while Autoweek called it an "automanual". Yet, the following says it's really the cool Sequential Manual Transmission from the MR2 Spyder -- which is a true clutchless manual, not an automatic:

http://www.mcall.com/features/all-printz0420,0,3280083.column

Does anyone know if it's really getting the SMT from the MR2, or just an auto that can be shifted up or down?

mackabee · April 2003

is an automatic that can be shifted by buttons or shift lever itself. Not like the MR2's smt, it's kind of like a combination SMT and Sportshift on the MR2 and Celica auto GT-S.
: )
Mackabee

mitchflorida · April 2003

looks like a winner . . . but, there seems to be a movement to rear-drive cars . . wonder if that is the way to go . . a la the Infiniti G35 coupe . which is better? 2004 Solara or the G35 , in terms of bang for buck?

alpha01 · April 2003

Thats hard to say without anyone having driven the Solara. Even so, I dont think they are really direct competitors. If the Solara tops out with NAV, curtains, etc. at 30K, which seems to be expected, and a fully loaded G35 tops at 36-37K, thats a pretty big gap. I think the Solara is going after a less affluent customer.

~alpha

bgtees · April 2003

I'm currently shopping for a used car, one of the cars on my list to look at is the Solara. I've found several 1999-2001 models that are either SE V4, SE V6 or SLE in the mid-to-low teens. Most of them are between 30-50K miles.

I'm just curious how reliable you would consider the Solara to be. I also wanted to get an idea of any known problems I should keep any eye out for. I'll be running a CarFax report on any car I consider.

The other cars I'm looking at include the Honda Accord Coupe, the VW Jetta and the Honda Prelude. Thanks.

coolguyky7 · April 2003

From what I read on Toyota's Solara mini-site, it looks like the SLE will have the option of the V6, rather than the SE.

webguyster · April 2003

Engine Sludge/Oil Gelling--Toyota's Customer Response

Just go to enter keywords to the left and type "sludge"

ezshift5 · April 2003

.........scope out CR for model years 99 thru 02.
Gel a problem only if your potential purchase had little/no oil changes. The 4 cylindro is a straight 4 (vice V4), gets the best mpg and is avail in SE form only. SE is V-6 optioned (I have one)....35,909 miles: sin problemas!! One might do worse than a used Solara. Shocks are a dissappointed when driven aggresively....I quote from Car and Driver. I hope you buy it....ez

coolguyky7 · April 2003

We have a 1999 Solara SE V6 with almost 150,000 miles and still going strong!

qibble · April 2003

Here's a very informative review on the 2004 model:

http://www.car-data.com/xpage.preview/pre.template.asp?mfg=toyota- &model=solara04

bgtees · April 2003

ezshift5 - by CR do you mean consumer reports?

As for the engine, I'd prefer the V6 since I'd like to have the extra power, but has there been any noticeable trend in reliability, breakdowns comparing the V4 to the V6?

Thanks

bgtees · April 2003

Ok, I've just skimmed a bunch of threads dealing with sludge. Is there any easy way for me to check on the sludginess factor a used Solara when I test-drive/inspect it?

tommyg12 · April 2003

Has there been any "official" mention of a convertible version of the '04? I sure hope that there will be.......

rbleland · April 2003

Owned a '99 SLE V6 since Aug.99 with zero problems. Will buy out lease and keep!!

mackabee · April 2003

There is/are Toyota salespersons on this threads but I wouldn't say we are trying to "lure people in there demographics" whatever that means. We are here mostly to dispense useful information to Edmunds readers to help them make a well informed decision when purchasing their vehicles. I have no dreams or wouldn't waste my time trying to "lure" a poster from Canada or Alaska or even my home state of Virginia to come and buy a car from me.
: )
Mackabee

silversolara · April 2003

Apparently, WebG is taking time out from his 'upscale gym' to complain about his Solara again!

Don't let his bluster fool ya - his posts should be over in Maintenance, and he has been told this several times and gotten his posts deleted for it. (I guess that means the Hosts work for Toyota also, WebG?)

Reliability? You'll find a number of owners like myself, who enjoy their Solaras with few in any probs. My only beef with was with the paint chips.

I'm still not sold of the reliability of VW (made in mexico? CR initial quality ratings for VW from '99 - 2001 should get studied.) I would recommend a 2K Solara or Honda (Accord or Prelude should fulfill be fine).

ezshift5 · April 2003

....IMHO, is right on the money. ('cept perhaps colorwise (Mine is Diamond White) Webguy seems driven by the sludge monster. Again, look at those beautiful full red circles in CU...need I say more? My sole reservation would center on suspension/shocks (handling when pushed). And after substituting larger tars (2l5/55 for 205/60), I tend to be less vocal about the bob and weave when driven aggressively. Buy the car.

babaoriley · April 2003

Buy a used Solara that you've thoroughly test driven and has complete maintenance records. I bought a used 99 SEV6 w/ 26K for my wife 2 years ago and have had zero mechanical difficulties in 22K miles. I do all my own maintenance and have always changed oil at 3K so I don't worry about sludge. My wife loves her car and won't even let me think about trading it for a G35. (I want the stiffer suspension and RWD.)

BTW, I just lurk on this board now because of the constant griping by one or two people. Lately I've noticed a marked improvement. Thanks to the voices of reason.

-Brett

cnman · April 2003

I haven't posted on this sight in at least a year but I occasionally drop in to see what the topic of discussion is. As far as buying a used Solara goes, I would carefully look over ANY car that I was potentially going to buy. Some cars are abused or not maintained properly or have sustained accident damage. An informed decision can only be made based on careful inspection and testing of the car in question. Toyotas have a great reputation for quality, that is the primary reason I bought mine, a new 2000 DWP SLE. It now has 30,000 miles on it. But its still a mass produced machine, although on the whole quite a good one. I have had only minor annoyances with mine each of which have been discussed here, a rattle in the front passenger seat cushion (repaired by the dealer), and the infamous paint chips. It is now a three year old used car and if I were in the market, I would not hesitate to buy one like it, all things considered.

japnmksbtrcars · April 2003

I was looking forward to the new Solara to replace my current car, and was hoping Edmunds could give some advice or feedback. Seems like any time someone asks a question about reliability or for opinions, there are a handful of people who give seemingly true heartfelt experiences, and those of you that just like to vulgarly bash other posters. This thread is of little use to anyone if you guys just bash people.

canc · April 2003

would have to be the paint chipping. I got a paint chip the other day and I have no idea how that got on there... right on the edge of the hood, close to the Toyota logo. Maybe a rock hit the car but since the car is so serenely quiet, I didn't hear anything! It's nothing that a good paint pen won't fix.

silversolara · May 2003

... you are the same guy, right?

For any person new to this forum, all you have to do is take the time to go over the old posts - WEbG's proclivity for making bad decisions starts from his supposed bad treatment at an Acura dealer leading to his buying a car he did absolutely NO research on, and ends with his complaining about a sludge problem HIS CAR DOES NOT HAVE.

From RAL to Canc, you would note the probs other owners have had: paint chips, left-side drifting, extra loud bass settings on the stereo, and the now-famous extremely teeny coin box. There hasn't, to my memory, been a single person who has posted here in the past three years who mentioned their own Solara had the sludge problem.

Most of the forum posters have a modicum of common sense, and can make mental adjustments as to their own cars and the entirety of the Toyota line.

Then, there is WebG.

ral2167 · May 2003

i'd make sure before you buy a used solara-- 1999-- that you first take it on a straight road with little if any crown, and see if it tracks straight... let go of the steering wheel-- seems the biggest problem i heard about the 99's was it tended to veer to the left or right when you let your hand off the wheel...mine did until they flipped a few tires around...

any word on the 2004 coin box?

silversolara · May 2003

... word has it it will fit in an inner drawer inside the ash tray, and will hold at least 4 quarters, or a live pixie.

Mr_Shiftright · May 2003

The thread may seem a bit confused because posts were deleted. To avoid this interruption of the flow of the topic, please observe the following:

Don't respond to flames
Don't respond to problem users
Don't provoke other users

Let the Host take care of everything. You should be enjoying yourself by talking about cars.

thank you

Shiftright Your Host

curlyq · May 2003

Only problem with my 2000 Red has been the numerous paint chips. Hope Toyota has figured out how to toughen up the paint on the new 2004. They need to finally address this problem!

ezshift5 · May 2003

.......deleted posts..........while censorship is not my choice of attributes, I reckon some discipline is needed. Still Comsumer Reports loves (inferentially) the Solara...........ez

webguyster · May 2003

I would prefer to TRUST Edmunds, than consumer Reports, although they are a great asset to Americana!!!! I hope curlyq did not get deleted for complaining about his chipping paint, as he has posted at least 6 times before for the same problem. 45,000 trouble free, since 36,000 miles of many problems!

Hey Ez, I will be in Freeport next week, wanna meet for Solara talk?

Curlyq, stop complaining about the same problem with the chipping paint, or others may take offense.

ezshift5 · May 2003

..........sure, Solara talk next week in Freeport sounds good. Suggest use my profile for communication as your schedule evolves. Early Tuesday, coincidentally, Solara underway for Kansas (sans Dorothy). Plan attempt to break 34 MPG point to point personal best....best..ez.

slowfoot2 · May 2003

My 99 SLE was purchased in OCT l998. I have a few paint chips after 49,900 miles and judge it to be a superior vehicle. Most of the miles were put on by my wife and are 50/50 interstate/city miles. Left drift until original tires replaced at 40,500 miles with Michs MXV4 Plus'. No drift now straight as an arrow. Oil changed at approx 3000 miles never over 3500. All service done by Dealer including wiper blades etc. I have the "something is happening noise" in the front which I believe is caused by the struts. I inquired and informed no Trouble Bulletins, probably just a loose connection. If I wanted to replace the struts it would be $520.00.

Never replaced the struts, can not detect any handling problem just the noise over some bumps.

Still have original battery and considering changing it out as part of normal up keep and peace of mind.

We both have complete faith in this car and plan to keep it for awhile. I would not hesitate to drive it a crossed the country and back. After checking air pressure of course.

I also have a 2001 Trooper Limited which has had not one problem after 28,400 miles.

I'm just a happy traveler.

alpha01 · May 2003

Does anyone have access to pics of the SLE interior? I am interested to see how convincing the wood trim is. The Camry XLE's is passable- alright, but not that great. I am hoping the Solara is a bit better in hue, finish, etc. Also, what are anyones thoughts on the ETA of a convertible?
~alpha

slanday2 · May 2003

Can anyone tell me how to remove the rear seat back to get access to the subwoofer? Mine has been buzzing ever since I purchased the car, and I want to make sure it is fastened securely. Has anyone else had this problem and gotten it corrected? What did you do?

coolguyky7 · May 2003

Perhaps there will not be a Solara convertible? Toyota may restore the convertible role to the Celica, which would be better able to compete with the Eclipse and Sebring on price, if not size.

japnmksbtrcars · May 2003

Technical Service Bulletin NV006R-01 AUG 01 Audio - Rear Woofer (Speaker) Noise

I would call your dealer and see if they will address the problem, as there is a TSB for this issue. But this might be better addressd in the Maintenance or Camry Problems forums.

cooldude1755 · May 2003

I've got a 2000SLE convertible and the subwoofer had a problem with buzzing, resulting from being blown. It is under warranty so I didn't work on it and am not sure how to perform the disassembly. However, the entire back seat was removed. The Service Bulletin covers adding foam between the sound chamber and the frame.

loucopits · May 2003

Very noticable rattle around the rear of car, passenger side over mild bumps, like the tar strips on the highway. I emptied the trunk, checked for a loose spare tire, loose jack and any loose tools. All were snug. Any ideas? Known problems? 2002 Solara SE, 15,000 miles.

99sle2 · May 2003

went to NTB for tires. decided on the mxv4s after thinking about the bridgestone touranza"s (tirerack opinions were high on the bridgestone---but the tire dealers were not.had a jingling noice from the left rear tire area. thought it was the brakes. ntb said could use (but did not need) brakes all around AND did need new tir rod (called toyota -36 months warranty) said aok do it all aprrox 1K (US). NTB calls car done BUT STILL A JINGLING NOICE IN THE REAR. it has no idea of what the problem is. Does any out there have any ideas(opther than turning the radio up?

have been following this section for over 4 years now. once again thanks to all who participated.

webguyster · May 2003

Although this is probably better addressed in the Camry problem thread, the Solara has been notorious for it's front end noises, most likely caused by the faulty strut towers. Mine groans on washboard surfaces, hitting them dead on as if merging into a turn lane. Try and cross the street, and cross the 1-2 inch raised bumps, and the car feels, and sounds like metal on metal, and always has, as if there were no struts at all. Dealer found this to be normal, and said that all Camrys, Solaras included do this. Again, I believe this is better for the Maintenance and Camry problem section. 45,500 miles and no problems, for the last 900 miles! Extra Care reimbursement pending as my local dealer doesn't like to work with Extra Care, as I brought the car in for PM service, and they couldnt get a pre auth number for the service. They were nice enough to not charge me $82 labor to install the failed part. person at Extra Care was pleasant, and I will know in 6-8 weeks, if I get reimbursed! NTB was correct, and thats probably why they put the "200" watt (lol) stereo in her! But my baby is paid for and has been since I bought her, so I put up with her, as the loss would be more than I am willling to take on a trade.

bgtees · May 2003

2002 Solara SE - $13,500 + TTL

29,000 miles
4 cylinder
Auto
Green/Tan
Cloth
JBL Sound

So far I love this thing, probably put on 100+ miles today driving around. I only went in to test the 4 cylinder since I'd previously driven the V6, but they had the exact color I wanted and came down to the price range where I wanted to be with a few rounds of negotiations and they gave me a decent price on my trade-in.

Couple of questions:

1) Keyless entry. What's the cheapest/easiest way to add keyless entry do this car? The dealer quoted me $295 for keyless entry and something like $450 for an alarm with keyless. I was planning to look at Best Buy, Car Toys, etc tomorrow and see what they have to offer.

2) Schedule maintenance. I'm almost at 30,000 miles right now, since the car has been through the dealership recently and checked out where should I pick up on the scheduled maintenance?

3) Coin box? Where is this coin box I remember reading so much about when I first started researching Solara's a few years ago? I can't seem to find one on this car.

4) Known issues? I'm aware of the 'sludge' history, this car had all its oil changes on time according to the records the dealership had. I've also read about the left-pull issue, this car definitely doesn't have that. If anything it goes a hair to the right. I'm going to have the wheels balanced in the next few days and have them check the alignment, I think it may be a touch off.

All-in-all I'm very happy with this car, especially since I'm upgrading from an early 90's SUV. So smooth, so quiet and I was impressed with the power/pep of the 4-cylinder engine. It won't give the V6 a run for the money but it was much better than I had expected. Plus I'll take the extra gas mileage.

ral2167 · May 2003

on my 99, the coin box was to the left of steering wheel on dash-- it kinda flipped down, not a pull-out deal like on the honda (and new camry)... an atrocious coin box...

i paid about $99 for a keyless entry for my 2001 accord lx-- aftermarket....

you might want to consider one of those autostart remotes-- i think many come with keyless entry-- kill two birds with one stone...

enjoy the car-- i had a green one too...

alpha01 · May 2003

The 2002 Solara uses a 2.4L 4cylinder from the redesigned Camry 4door which produces 157 hp and 162 lb. ft. torque. This engine was NEVER involved in the sludge issue, and is a marked improvement over the 4 cylinder used in the 99-01 Solara, in terms of both power and efficiency.

Great choice!
Good luck with the vehicle!
~alpha

Toyota Solara

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