Convertible Leak

[Owyhee1]

Hello, Newbie here. I am to pick up my new 2007 Solara SLE convertible in a couple days. Read some horror stories on Edmunds concerning leaking roofs, while just driving in the rain. Many seemed to think water entered underneath the side mirrors somehow. Searched Toyotanation extensively, found a few isolated posts. Is this a rare problem effecting just a few cars, or do most deal with it?

[kevdude]

Bought our 06 in Sep 2010, and haven't had any problems with leakage. Well, unless you count going through the car wash! We've driven in some pretty nasty storms, and no rain got through. Should be an isolated problem though....have fun!

[Owyhee1]

Thanks kevdude, I appreciate it!

[frank4665@yahoo]

In response to the leak question, I have a situation I'd like to share and ask about.

I bought an 06 convertible sle just a few days ago. Thought deal was "too good to be true" and maybe it was. It's been raining for the five days here in nj since I bought the car. The inside of car is totally dry, as is the inside of trunk. But, when I make sharp turns I hear water swishing around in the back somewhere (between back seat and trunk). I've noticed that the left side of the top, when up, has some space for water to get thru, so when I park it I am blocking it out (my temporary solution).

My main questions:
- do others experience this issue?
- where is that water?
- what can I do about it--how can I get water out and prevent it from happening in future?
- what long term effects might this have on car if left as is?

Thank you very much.
fjs

[Owyhee1]

Frank4665, I haven't heard of that problem. I recently bought an 08, and did quite a bit of research before the purchase. In a few isolated cases owners have had leak problems related somehow to the area by the side mirrors. I did not find any who mentioned the problem you report. The only thing I can think of is that maybe your top is in poor condition, perhaps leaking around a seal or rear glass, and water ending up in the well behind the passenger seat. New tops are a bit expensive, but might be your solution. I checked locally, and they want about $1700 installed in Boise Idaho.

[nhcycle]

having an '08 SLE convertable, haven't experienced that at all, no leaks whatosever. Two thoughts: it is water trapped in a panel (clogged / missing drain??) or sloshing in the fuel tank..... there was a limited RAV4 TSB that checked / replaced the fuel tank due to a displaced baffle asy in the tank...... there really isn't much else to check.

[frank4665@yahoo]

Thanks for your replies. When I got out of work yesterday, and checked my trunk, it was SOAKED inside. No water in back or front seats or floors. So I think it's pretty clear that it's the rear window. I called dlr because I just bought it 5 days ago. I want him to give me my money back but he won't. He's sending me to his body guy and dealer is paying for it. Hopefully sealing the back window will resolve. After fixing, I will make the guy prove to me that water doesn't leak anywhere by spraying it and showing me that there is no water trapped inside.

Wish me luck!

Frank