Toyota Solara

jschamberger · May 2004

Took car to the dealership Friday, they had it all day and gave it back to me with the problem fixed. No more pull... hopefully a final fix and not just something temporary.

Also, concerning gas mileage... I too am very happy with my SE Sport V6. Drove 250 miles today and still have 1/2 tank of gas left.

oxmead · May 2004

I was wondering about that light too. It's only on if the headlight switch is in the auto position. When you put the switch in one of the other spots , it goes out. Is that right?
Thanks

jschamberger · May 2004

when i move the headlight switch to another position my indicator light doesn't go out, it just dims to the same brightness as everything else.

theflow · May 2004

Wondering if any 2004 V6 owners experience the lag in downshifting.

Everytime when I slow down to like 25-30 mph and hit the gas, there will be no response for like 2-3 seconds, then it downshifts and the car surges forward. It is extremely dangerous when trying to pass or merge onto the freeway where there are cars behind you.

From the Lexus board it seems like the ES and RX 330 are both experiencing similar issues. Lexus came out with a TSB for it. But not too sure if it can be applied to the Solara.

Just to see if any V6 owners experience the same thing.

tyresmoker · May 2004

yes, i do find that in out '04 convertible. Overall i find the performance of the transmission ok at best.
I too would be interested in hearing from other owners as well as get more info from other forums on this issue.
The powertrain in the RX, ES and Solara are basically identical so a tsb on the problem should be universal.

cal gal · May 2004

Wow, I have the same problem. I have 13K miles on my beautiful new car. I've had lag problems almost from the beginning. My independent mechanic sees nothing wrong - and no tsb on this (yet). I took the car to the dealer, road-tested it with a senior mechanic who sat with his arms crossed and said if the engine light doesn't go on, there isn't a problem.

But I drive almost 100 miles a day and the lag is really dangerous in the commute traffic. When I step on the gas there is a delay in acceleration. Oftentimes I find the car "jumps" when the speed finally kicks in. Then I have to hit the brake because it's too much speed. Bizarre. This past week, I had another thing happen: twice the car actually felt like the transmission was slipping when I was going about 20 mph on a slight decline and lightly braking.

The mechanic suggested I use the sport shift whenever I want to speed up on the road. Somehow that just doesn't seem right. I'd appreciate hearing suggestions on what to do about this.

theflow · May 2004

Yeah I agree that the lag in downshifting is dangerous, especially when trying to pass or merge onto freeway. Sometimes that 2-3 seconds might be the difference between live and dead. My car just passed 7K miles and everything is the same. When I take it in for oil change at 8500 miles the dealership will also check out 1) This downshifting lag; 2) The pulling to the left; and 3) Why the heck will the recir function turn on and off by itself. I have never used the Auto function.

trekrider1 · June 2004

My 2004 Solara SLE w/only 350 miles on it has developed two deep grooves in the right rear rotor, left has a slight groove developing too. Anyone else having wear issues in the rotors? Fronts are smooth as they should be.

loucopits · June 2004

I had a Lexus 2004 RX330 loaner today and checked out the lag "problem" others have reported. There was no lag in shifting when merging onto the Interstate highway multiple times. Not sure if the transmission is really the same as the one in the Solara as some posters have stated, but I saw no problem.

automan227 · June 2004

I am looking at the Solara SLE Convt. with everything including VSC and Nav. How much should I be looking to pay realistically?

Are dealers really getting List Price, or is a few hundred over invoice reasonable?

Thanks.

AS

rbleland · June 2004

I have an '04 RAV4 with the 2.4L Camry engine. I have about 3800 miles only on it so far but I get a bit of the same type of lag when hitting the gas at city road speeds, there is a momentary hesitation, then bango!! I'm not due yet for the first service but asked the local Toyota shop manager about it today. Don't know if this is same problem as the V6s in the new Solaras, etal; but the shop manager said two things of interest: 1. my engine is a "drive-by-wire" (computerized) type (as opposed to direct mechanical throttle linkage) and it takes a while for the computer to adjust to each driver's style (this is true as I know it applies to Subarus also). I do believe the lag is less severe today than it was, say, 2 months ago; and 2. because its drive by wire, the factory sets the throttle tip-in on the "soft" side so the engine is not responding to every little wiggle of the driver's foot. The logic here is to improve overall fuel economy.
The end result for me is that if the "lag" has not gone away by my first service (ie. the computer has not adjusted to my driving style), the shop will try to adjust the computer to allow a more direct throttle tip-in.
This made sense to me but we will see what result I get at the first service. Not sure if this helps anyone here but maybe the lag problem is similar??

jschamberger · June 2004

I have an 04 Sport with the V6 and have noticed the lag. Unfortunately, I doubt we'll see a TSB for this problem (at least not for awhile). As others have said, the lag is due to the computer throttle response and to give the car better gas mileage and make it more eco-friendly (which is why the Solara is rated with some super-low emissions rating).

I don't notice the lag as much in my car anymore. My theory is that I'm more of an agressive driver and maybe the PCM (if the computer is called that in a Toyota) has molded itself to act a little more agressively. My last car was a Grand Prix GTP. When I would drive it easy there were no problems. But, if I then would take it to the track (I used to drag race with it) it would perform very poor at first. After a few runs of really pushing the car you could feel it become more aggressive. Just a thought...

oxmead · June 2004

Just returned from a 2500 mile trip with my '04 SLE V6. The car is a great highway traveler. For prospective buyers concerning 4 vs. V6, go with the six. I was averaging 35 mpg and got as high as 37. All on regular. I'm thankful I haven't had the pulling problems some have had. I did find some problems. My outside temp is not working properly, and the trunk lid could be more substaintial. Now if someone could do something about those cicadas. You'd think they'd try to fly higher so they wouldn't get splatered on the front of cars.

decon · June 2004

I have a 2000 SLE V6 and the best gas mileage I have gotten is 25 MPG and that's highway.

The new models get awesome gas mileage.

What is everyone with 1999-2002 models getting?

canc · June 2004

Mileage varies from one person to another--driving conditions such as gusty winds, lots of traffic, having the A/C on, if it's really cold, etc.... plus your driving habits will also affect your mileage.

I went last summer on a trip with my Solara: I had the trunk fully packed, my dog, my cat, and two other adults in the car, and I consistently got 32-35 MPG on regular unleaded. The roads were flawless, and I had it on cruise going at 65 MPH all the time. The A/C also was running for most of the time since it was pretty hot outside.

canc · June 2004

Hi everyone,

A few weeks ago, I purchased a tent trailer. I had been looking for one for some time, and was able to find one for a very good price. The actual weight of the trailer with the hitch is 1200 lbs. According to my owner's manual, my Solara (2000 SE-V6) can tow up to 2000 lbs, but it does specifically state that this car is meant to be primarily a passenger car, and that towing something will basically add to the wear and tear. It sounds a bit like a contradictory statement, since Toyota's saying, "Yes, go ahead, tow up to 2000 lbs., but if something breaks, we warned you!"

I've since installed the hitch on my car, and it's a "hidden hitch"; it looks pretty good, and well concealed. I brought the trailer home last weekend, and didn't have any problems on my way back, but Toyota's statement (see above) kept nagging me.

Toyota doesn't make an OEM hitch for the Solara, but 3rd party manufacturers do.

On top of that, the place where I bought the trailer recommended me to get a small rad that attaches to my main radiator so that my transmission would stay cool whenever I go uphill in hot weather.

All of this talk is making me a bit jittery, and I'm starting to reconsider if getting a hitch on my Solara is really a good thing.

Your comments would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Mr_Shiftright · June 2004

A transmission cooler is a GREAT idea, that's good advice---as long as you get a really decent one, and installed by someone who knows what he's doing. I'd recommend an extra cooler for anyone towing anything in a passenger car.

As for "wear and tear", extra weight will probably increase tire wear and brake wear, but that's the law of physics, not much you can do about it. 1,200 lbs doesn't sound excessive, especially as it states plainly in your owner's manual that the car is capable of that.

canc · June 2004

Thanks Mr. Shiftright, I thought that was a great idea too; I called my dealership to find out if I could get it, and he said that although Toyota doesn't make them, they could probably find someone that could do it. I'd probably be getting the smallest one they make, since 1200 lbs. isn't that big of a deal, considering the power of the V6. Anything bigger would be overkill, according to the parts guy at my Toyota dealership. I would also assume that if I'm getting it done through the dealership, that person has probably done this before on other Toyotas.

Kirstie_H · June 2004

Don't forget tonight's member-to-member chat - it's open mic night, so come and discuss whatever's on your mind.

http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/townhallchat.html

6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET. Drop by for live chat with other members. Hope you can join us!

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

ezshift5 · June 2004

..2000 SE-V6 (has a real clutch) 215/55X16's....
agree with 3385: get the V6. Have consistently logged 25-27 around town (NoCal) and usually get 31-33 highway. All time best was just over 37 Bend, OR to Redding, CA. Cruise control/65/downhill. ez

trekrider1 · June 2004

Same scratch-ring on my CD's on my 2004 SLE. JBL - Just Big Loud crappy equipment. Doesn't scratch the discs but puts a cirle 1/4" from outer edge of every disc all the way around! Installing Alpine equipment next weekend, so... my problem will be solved!

solaraman2003 · June 2004

I'd like to hear what kind of miles people are driving before changing their disc pads? I have a 2003 SLEV6 and have 28k miles on it.

In all my years of driving I don't recall EVER getting this many miles without changing the pads.

I have to admit though...1) I am hard on brakes, I have moved out of the city and now do much more highway driving.

In any event, I already purchased the pads from Toyota and intend to replace them at the 30k point.

i realize that "your mileage may vary", but I am still curious as to how many miles others are getting.

Thanks in advance !

speedracer · June 2004

I still have the original pads and rotors on my 1999 SE-V6 5-Speed with 149,000 miles. Most of my driving is highway miles though, but I generally can get 100K miles out of my brakes. Then again, I only drive manual trannys.

solaraman2003 · June 2004

HOLY SMOKES !

I have typically driven American autos my whole life, with the exception of a Honda Prelude once.

I don't EVER recall getting anything near 30k miles on brake pads.

Is there really that much of a difference with city driving?

silversolara · June 2004

Yes, there is a HUGE difference on brake wear in terms of city driving versus highway.

I have been driving in/outside of Philadelphia for about 20 years, to give you an experience base.

My 2000 SE V-6 (manual tranny) has about 70K miles, and the original pads. I think there was a long ago discussion in this forum (I'm talking years back) regarding the superiority of Toyota brake pads versus generic brand pads when it comes time to replace them...

speedracer - wow! 149K miles! way to go!

trekrider1 · June 2004

I understand the difference on break wear; city vs. highway. What about rotor wear? My 2004 SLE V6 with just 560 miles on it has developed two deep grooves in the left rear rotor and is starting to show a groove in the right rear. I am easy on my breaks, typically get 50K+ on a set of pads on my other vehicles minimum.

ezshift5 · June 2004

..well done, SpeedR.... 149k reflects good driving habits: you are "out front" with your vision sweep.

My '89 Supra Turbo had just @100k when the disc pads were changed out

My '00 SE-V6 (MT) currently has 60k on orig pads...

Incidentally...for my 60k service - FWIW - I laid out 157 to replace PPlugs, 40 for oil/filter + new air filter. My source indicated that the Toyota Red coolant is really extended life and good for 100k..........appreciate any feedback...ez

wgretzky · June 2004

Im in Canada, Im looking at Honda Accord Coupe 4 cylinder w/ leather (EX-L) which is $28,800 CAD

OR

toyota camry solara 6 cylinder SE (WITHOUT the sport package) - MSRP - $30,900 CAD

I was thinking of the V6 Accord, but the price jumps to $33495 for the 6 speed and $32495 for the auto

Which one to get!!!!?????

jschamberger · June 2004

Well, seeing as how you posted this in the Toyota section... of course everyone is going to tell you to get the Solara.

I too, bounced between the Accord and the Solara. The Accord just didn't give me the styling that I was looking for (both inside and out). Look around at all the features offered in 2004/2005 vehicles. Honda's Accord seems to be about a year or two outdated.

I'm sure they'll both hold their value very well and reliability won't be an issue either. It really all comes down to personal opinion. The six versus four cylinders will probably end up being your biggest debate. Good Luck!

wgretzky · June 2004

What do the gauges look like in the SE V6 with and without the sport package. I noticed that during the day, the SPORTS gauges were Black on black, and the SE V6 WITHOUT sPort package was black on white....What do these look like at night? how do they light up?

Its weird...the gauges look better during the day without the package!

jschamberger · June 2004

SE Sport Package: "White" numbers black background day. "White/Blueish" numbers at night

SLE: "White/Blueish" background, Black numbers day and night

SE: I believe a completely different gauge cluster with the "white/blueish" background and black numbers

The Sport Package still looks good during the day because it all looks very streamlined with the black interior and "carbon fiber" look molding.

wgretzky · July 2004

Just test drove the Solara SE v6 today and the Honda Accord 4 cylinder with leather...

This is going to be a tougher decision than I thought! both cars drove well!!

howrayg · July 2004

Does anyone have experience with the install of XM satellite in the Solara coupe?

Is it integrated with the nav system? Does the title and artist appear on the screen?

curious2 · July 2004

My daughter is looking at a 2000 V6 SLE Solara, Carfax has no maintenance history, it was a leased car in Texas. It has 55,000 miles and is at a Saturn dealership. Should Saturn check to see if there has been a sludging/gelling problem (and cover the cost)or should we take the car to a Toyota dealership? Toyota Motor Sales said they couldn't guarantee the extended 8 year warranty without maintenance records, but there was the possibility...a Toyota mechanic my brother talks with said to walk away from the car if it has a gelling problem of any kind...thanks for your help

mrrogers · July 2004

The Saturn dealer should be able to remove a valve cover to see if there is oil gelling.

ezshift5 · July 2004

...manual shift, 215X55's, new pplugs, air filter, non-syn oil: 1598 miles on about 52 gallons. Close to 30.5 A/C use big time: my girl friend is heat intolerant........3.0 liter drinks fuel like a 4-cyl......ez

ezshift5 · July 2004

...on I-5 to/from Puget Sound area from California's hot central valley........

buffalonickel · July 2004

'04 Solara

I haven't looked in this discussion thread, but has anyone with a moonroof experienced the loud shuttering sound as the moonroof opens? It is in the rubber gasket and seal as it breaks open and begins its lift to retract the glass. Toyota is supposed to be working on this. When we first brought this up, our service department put some kind of rubber lubricant on it and it was supposed to end the problem.

Nice try.

Now they tell me there is a service bulletin that the service departments are supposed to use. It "scaffolds" you through a series of "solutions" that look to me like stabs in the dark.

Bottomline: They told me to hold tight and wait until Toyota figures this out.

So...am I the only owner with this optional feature?

docjohn · July 2004

I just bought a new '04 Solara SLE V6. I've been driving it for only 2 weeks and I have noticed a fairly loud single "click" sound from the steering column after I complete a turn and move the steering wheel back on center.
This click doesnt happen after every turn and has nothing to due with the turn signal canceling (it happens sometimes even when I don't use the turn signals).
Also, I notice that my steering column does NOT lock when the ignition is in the LOCK position and the key is removed. Is this normal?
I was wondering if anyone out there has experienced something similar in their '04 Solara, otherwise Im going to take the car back to Toyota and have them check it out.

docjohn · July 2004

Other '04 Solara owners have reported similar moonroof problems:
See the thread at http://www.zer0.info/solaraguy/viewtopic.php?t=10018
for details.

trekrider1 · July 2004

You are not the only one having this problem. I have had my Solara SLE V6 for two months and noticed the same shuttering problem upon opening the moonroof. Most pronounced when my car has been parked in the sun all day at work and I pop the top. Haven't been in to the dealer yet to get this checked out but will soon among a few other things that need a look on my car. It's an intermittent thing so I am sure the dealer will just chalk this up to another wacko owner.

hambone32 · July 2004

Is there any word on XM receivers coming as part of a stereo upgrade or in one of the option packages for the 2005 Solara? I want one for my next car, but I heard they are around $800 now from Toyota. There is no way am I spending that on a radio. Honda offers it in their leather equiped Accords (along with a better stereo than my current Solara's JBL system) and I don't see why Toyota only offers XM as a dealer-installed item. Quite honestly, Toyota could lose my business on with this one.

steveb84 · July 2004

There is going to be a PPO XM option coming this fall. Not sure on pricing but I certainly hope it will be less than the current dealer-installed price.

dd79 · July 2004

I just got a 2004 Solara SE 3 weeks ago. However, made a mistake.. got one without the moonroof (dealer was giving a heavy discount, so just got dragged into it).

Anyways, has anyone had any experience with aftermarket moonroofs installed on their cars ? Staying in los angeles, i feel it is something i should have and am seriously considering in getting one installed.

A lot of pple say that its a "bad idea", just wanted to know your experiences.

dd79 · July 2004

Everyone has said a lot of great things about the 2004 solara, and it is totally justified. I just got a 2004 Solara 4 Cyl. SE and am really happy with it.
The solara is is a amazing car. However, just to keep things balanced, here are the few issues i would like to point out:

1. The car did dragged a bit on the left.. however, was not always. I noticed it once on freeway, and came home and checked the forum to find out that a lot of pple have that problem. however, it suddenly disappeared on its own.

2. The stock CD player skipped a a few of CDs. It also couldnt read many of the (original+new) CDs i own, and sometimes when i started the car, it went away somewhere. Had to eject and reinsert the CD to make it work. The dealer has told that they will change it and have ordered it from the company (9 days and still havent got it).

3. The audio system that came with my car isnt all that great, though being a 6 speaker system (i dont think its the JBL one) gives no impression for any surround sound, or even a good quality audio system.

4. I am getting a mileage of around 23 (mainly city driving with 35% of freeways). I feel this is low for a 4 Cyl engine. I use the regular chevron gas. (have read enough to convince myself that higher grade gas wont help). The trip calculator shows my average Miles/Hour as 28.

5. Though some pple have complained the brakes not being powerful, I found them pretty okay, specially when i had almost broken a red signal if the brakes would have worked properly. Though i dont know about their life and all.

Other than these issues, i simply love the car.

blumenthal · July 2004

1) what happened to all of us that had 1999s? Are most of you (them) on to newer cars?

2) I have 48k miles on mine. Recently the transmission feels funny. Clunkish almost. Especially around 20 mph. Toyota was supposed to change the fluid @30k.(I know i paid them to do that) Any thoughts?

3) Usually after the gas light comes on i put in gas. Often it is 16.5 gallons. The light was on a little longer and all of a sudden my air bag light went on. I put a little more gas than usual: 16.65 gals and then the airbag light went off. Is there any connections between the lights? Between the gas and airbags?

Car is still a great car, but still not a BMW, but i did not pay for a BMW (and probably alot more reliable.

Thanx for any input.

kgw707 · July 2004

howrayg - read all my previous posts on this. Hope this helps!
(Click on my ID to get all my listed posts)

vz18wp · July 2004

Hey blumenthal,

No, haven't moved on to any new car yet...thinking about a new 2004 Solara though. My 1999 SE V6 has just rolled over 100,000 relatively problem free miles. I have not experienced any of the tranny problems you have. Never had your gas light/airbag light problem either. Sorry, no help here!

cooldad24 · July 2004

Does anyone get this fix by the suggestion from the link? Please post your result(s). Thanks.

silversolara · July 2004

1. still on my 2K SE V-6 w/manual tranny. 75K miles - no probs.

2. you'd best check the color of your tranny fluid. also try the maintenance forums here, or possibly Camryman.org if you need more help.

3. is there a particular reason as to why you let your gas run so low? also are you putting in good gas ie. the right octane and a decent brand of gas? if yes to both, once again, look to Edmunds' maintenance forums, or try Camryman.org.

hope this helps!

4.

Toyota Solara

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