Help needed on 2000 Solara

[mackdiesel]

Okay,this is my GF's car. She has had it now for 4 years. When she bought it,it was a one owner with 85k on it. I don't know the repair history,but it looked pretty solid when she made the purchase. Now it has 167K on it,and i am unsure of the maintenance that has been(hopefully)done to it.

The reason i am concerned is that i am now driving this thing to work everyday 60 miles roundtrip. Not saying that it is going to break down,but--we(i)want to keep this thing running as long as possible.

Assume that nothing has been done since 85k--what needs to be replaced at this point. I know for sure that the shocks are shot--way too rough when going over even the slightest bump in the road,and feels like it is floating when going down the highway,and makes these creaking noises...?

Thanks.

[reluctantmechanic]

Originally Posted by mackdiesel

Assume that nothing has been done since 85k--what needs to be replaced at this point. I know for sure that the shocks are shot--way too rough when going over even the slightest bump in the road,and feels like it is floating when going down the highway,and makes these creaking noises...?

Thanks.

timing belt
cam seals
tensinor
waterpump
thermostat

any oil leaks? maybe valve cover

check your cv boots (inner and outer)

sounds like shocks, maybe the squeak is sway bushings

keep a very close eye on your oil consumption

[fenixus]

on top of what was mentioned above (with correction to possible valve cover gasket, not the cover itself), you can do a minor tune up (new OEM fuel filter, new Denso/NGK plugs, new NGK wires, new PCV valve and grommet from dealer, new air filter) and it should last for long after the timing job (don't forget to replace the spring for tensioner it matters a lot). check or replace the drive belts for alternator and power steering, get either both OEM or brands like Good Year, Mitsuboshi, Bando, Dayco, etc.

there is a very nice looking timing kit by Aisin on rockauto.com - it will give you same as OEM parts at much cheaper price than from dealer (even online).

get new front shocks replaced, also check the flex pipe and engine mounts for cracks (easiest to spot on the dog bone shaped engine torque rod on top of passenger side).

flush all fluids, most importantly cooling system (can be done while doing the water pump) with dealer Toyota Long Life Coolant (it's a concentrate you mix with distilled water 50/50), then the transmission AND differential drain and refill (differential on 4cyl models is separate!) and power steering with some good ATF like Castrol synthetic blend (Import Multi Vehicle @ $5/qt), flush the brake system with good DOT3&4 like Valvoline or ATE, inspect the pads thickness (consider getting new Akebono ProACT replacement and resurfacing rotors).

I know it sounds like a lot, but once you inspect/replace those items this car will serve you for long just like any other camry. solaras are sweet rides

[fenixus]

oh and that squeaking while driving might be a few things in suspension like worn out bushings, e.g. in rear strut bar (solaras come with it from factory).

also forgot to mention, once you doing the brake job, pull out the caliper sliding/guide/anchor pins and clean them with Brake Cleaner and re-grease them with fresh lube like Permatex Ultra. those pins like to stick after some time and once they do the brakes will start dragging or pads will be wearing unevenly.

at 85k you could also consider dropping the tranmission pan (15 bolts on 4cyl model) and repalcing the strainer inside (3 bolts) and putting new gasket on pan. A140E tranny like to get things dirty pretty quickly (A541E on 6cyl stays much cleaner for longer)