2001 Solara SLE V6 Need Help Please

[BaldEagle]

Hey...Sold my 04 Corolla S and purchased and 01 Solara sle.
Original owner, 120k, garage kept for $7,500.
Was that a good deal?

Im kind of a Tacoma guy and have many posts on Customtacos.
I purchased this solara for my wife and want to make it the best it can be for her. At this juncture, I have no idea what is out there for Solara.
Im sure by reading your sigs I can learn a ton of stuff and I will do that.
I love this car and compared to my 02 es300 (sold) it is fairly close.

This car isnt where I want it to be. The lights are sub par in my book.
I will clean the lenses and evaluate again.

Im a maintenance fanatic and need someone to help me with this.
I know my way around under the hood just from doing all my taco stuff.
I just dont know much about Solara.

I do like this car though and think as you folks do in that its worth customizing to suit your taste.

I will do some searching to read about some of the most urgent issues but will post with specific and general questions.

I appreciate any help from you guys.

[BaldEagle]

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...erSideView.jpg

[Gadgetjq]

Kelly Blue Book shows the price you paid (assuming the car is in good condition, well maintained, no mechanical issues) is pretty much in the ol' ballpark. You might have paid more or less elsewhere.

Based on the mileage the first thing I'd do is change all fluids. Brake, coolant, all lubricants.

Hopefully maintenance records came with the car. Check to be sure your timing belt (assuming you have the 6 cylinder) was replaced at or near the recommended 90,000 mile mark.

Are the tires at their proper pressure with plenty of tread? Is there air in the spare tire (you'd be amazed how many are flat). When was the last time the wheels were aligned? How old is the battery? In an '01 it could be the original from the factory so you're playing with fire there. If it's a replacement you may have a receipt in the car's paperwork or the date could be written on the battery itself. If you purchased from a dealer then a safety check was probably done but if it's a private party sale you should check the condition of brake pads in front, shoes in the rear.

In short, before you start modifying, be sure all the car's basic systems are in great shape so your wife doesn't end up stranded some dark and stormy night.

If the headlight lenses have that 'old foggy look' you can polish them. Some drivers use a very fine wet sandpaper (1500 grit) on them, others a good plastic polish along with lots of scrubbing to bring them back to their original 'clear' appearance.

Cheers

[BaldEagle]

Yes maint record come with the car but she hasnt sent them yet.
She did send an email this morning saying it would be a day or two.

I changed the oil the day after I got the car.
The xmission fluid looks nice and red as new.
Engine bay somewhat dirty.

Coolant..Looks ok but figure I will change anyway.

Car cosmetics are better than most as the car was garage kept and it shows.
Damage to front end from bugs and rocks are almost non existant.
Timing belt sticker under hood shows 88k for timing belt
Front brakes look new back are worn

All in all it looks well maintained.
I plan to put the car on a lift and with brake fluid cleaner, clean the entire engine bay.

I can see its fairly messy changing the oil based on filter location.
Any comments about that?

I have read where you dont actually have to use a lift or ramps to change it and can see that its true.

My 02 taco has 170k and the engine bay looks new.
This car needs some work but will soon.

I dont plan on heavy mods.
Everything mechanical and safety are done first.
Later I may look at suspension

I have meguiers polish for the headlights.
It works good and the more you do it the better they look.

I appreciate your help.

Is this car basically the same as the 01 es300?
What are the best pads and rotors to use?
part numbers please.

I have never done a brake job but will learn.
14mm 17mm wrench i presume?

What is a pad spreader?
I can figure what it is but cant picture it.
Can someone email me a pic?

Brakes always worry me as its my wifes car....I stay on top of it.
Anyone ever done a throttle body service on this car?
Does it come with iridium plugs from the factory?

Thanks

[campfire9]

If you want a site totally dedicated to Solaras then visit "solaraguy.com". They have tutorials on just about anything you want to work on. Good luck and I know your wife will enjoy her Solara.

[BaldEagle]

Thanks Campfire9

I like it there....Think it will be my new home.