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~alpha
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.
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.
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
~alpha
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.
Just go to enter keywords to the left and type "sludge"
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
http://www.car-data.com/xpage.preview/pre.template.asp?mfg=toyota- &model=solara04
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
: )
Mackabee
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).
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
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.
any word on the 2004 coin box?
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
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.
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.
~alpha
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.
have been following this section for over 4 years now. once again thanks to all who participated.
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.
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...
Great choice!
Good luck with the vehicle!
~alpha