New owner of 2004 SE V6 Solara

[dronek1975]

Hello everyone
Me and my wife have just purchased a "new" car for her. 04 SE V6 Solara...gosh this engine sounds sweet. Dealer wanted 12,700 for it (with 57.700 miles on the clock) after all we got this car for 11K I hope i made a decent deal(?)
I have a question though...the plastic cover under the engine bay under the car is broken in like half and part if it is hanging so i would like to get it replaced, where can i find and purchase it? Also is there anything else You guys would recommend done to the car as maintenance? Spark plugs? anything? Car seem to be driving perfectly, no click or weird noises from the motor, runs nice and smooth. Happy holidays everyone, cheers.

It was a private lease car. no scratches, dents or other paint imperfections, just wheels that are scratched but that's to be expected from 04 year car.

[dbertrand]

I was doing a search online to figure out how to fix the broken panel on the bottom of my 2004 Solara SE and came upon your thread! It seems that there's some screws holding the cover in place but over time a few of mine (enough to make it drag about an inch above the ground) loosened and fell out. There's also a plastic "nut" that should hold the screw into the metal above it, but that has also fallen out. Maybe you're having the same problem?

Also wanted to let you know that mine's been a great car so far - has about 65,000 miles on it. It's the quietest vehicle I've ever ridden in!

[Gadgetjq]

Originally Posted by dronek1975

the plastic cover under the engine bay under the car is broken in like half and part if it is hanging so i would like to get it replaced, where can i find and purchase it?

The plastic pan under the engine is supposed to be in two parts. Your Toyota dealer should have the pop screws that hold the parts together. If the panel truly is broken visit your local junkyard for a replacement. It'll be the same for the Camry so should be simple to find.

Maintenance on your car is minimal. Spark plugs don't have to be changed until 100,000 miles. Your engine maintenance light will blink as you start the engine 4500 miles after the last oil change to remind you it's time for service. If you ignore it the light will stay on solid at 5000 miles. Change the oil, reset the light and you're good for another 5000 miles. The timing belt is scheduled for change at 90,000 miles.

That's it...oh, and I think you got a great deal.

Cheers

[littlebookworm]

You can get the cover at Toyota. It's actually a splash shield to keep road dirt and water from flying up into the engine. Mine had to replaced by the local oil-change company after their technician left out the attaching plastic screws. An oil change, a check of the brakes and CVC covers, and tires, and you're good to go. My 05 Solara has 86k miles on it already and has given me excellent service. I'm on my third set of brakes (counting the originals) and third set of tires. I recently replaced the power steering and alternator/AC belts. I need to replace the floor mats, and, in two months, replace the timing belt and water pump; all normal, minimal mainenance items. Good luck with your new car. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Hy