Want to Buy Solara--Seeking Advice--1st Time Toyota Buyer
Hi all,
I just registered on this site and this is my first post. Being from Japan, I've always wanted a Japanese car but I got stuck with a 1989 Saab 900 that keeps dying on me. I figure Toyotas are one of the most reliable brands out there, and I need a reliable car. I thought it's time for me to get a newer vehicle. I can afford up to $13,000 or so for a vehicle and I've been looking around for deals. I test drove the two Scion cars but they felt like the typical cheaply made Japanese cars that could crush you bad in an accident. I want a car that drives more like a luxury car. I haven't test driven the Solara yet because the dealer didn't let me since it was almost closing time but I love the way they look. I'm not a big fan of the Toyota Camry, or the Corolla but the Camry Solaras look sleeker and I want a 2 door coupe. I wish I could afford more because I love the convertible but that is too expensive for me. For a while I really wanted the Prius to save on gas but I hate the models pre-2004. I've driven one and I wasn't impressed--it felt small inside and I don't like the exterior look (reminds me of the ECHO). I think the Matrix is nice but I see too many out there now and I don't want to be one of them. I thought about other Japanese brands but I dislike the Hondas for the way they look (there are less options on types of Hondas you can get here) and I don't want to be like everybody else. I don't trust the Mitsubishi, Subaru, or the Mazdas as much as the Toyotas for reliability.
My question to you all is whether you've encountered any minor/major problems with the Solaras. I would like your honest opinions on what you think of this car. Also, if you can think of any other alternative vehicles I could consider aside from the Solaras (and those that work with my desires) that would be so helpful. I need as much advice as I can get because I've never purchased a vehicle by myself and never dealt with dealers much.
I have a 2000 SE Solara. The 4-cylinder motor is a bit underpowered, but the car is very reliable. I drive it 100+ miles a day and have put over 110k miles on it. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a car that can eat up miles, and still give a very nice drive.
Some new Solara owners have reported problems with the car pulling to one side. I'm not sure if that problem was ever resolved. Other than that, it seems to be as reliable as any other Toyota. If I could get a new car w/2 doors, I'd get me a Solara in a heartbeat. Class, sporty, rare, affordable
Originally posted by Phi just about every stock stereo sucks though if you're into that kind of stuff. Besides, it's not that big a deal to upgrade with aftermkt equip.
im not really that picky about that sort of thing. It just happened to suck enough to stick out.
The solara is basiclly a camry with different skin. it has the same frame, same suspension, same motor and tranny options. so you get all the attractive points of a camry and a classy and sporty looking body.
I have a 2002 camry V6 my wive has a 2001 Solara V6. I like hers better because it is the deluxe model, if you want luxury and all the other things you mentioned this is the car for you. Hers has sunroof and leather seats and i really like the dark interior. Mine has the cheaper cloth seats but i couldnt find one with leather so i settled on a Camry V-6 with auto. (she wasnt having two of the same car in the household, women you know.)
Like i sadi, i like hers better. We cruised to Grand Canyon at 80 - 85 mph alot of the way, no problem, The V6 is strong, powerful and quiet. And in my opinion you really dont pay a whole lotta mieleage penalty vs the 4 compared to the extra performance you get. So check out a Solara V6.
We paid $15 0000 for the solara, thats out the door, and it had like 33000 miles on it and was like new and a toyota certified one. This was in Southern California, specifically north holloywood we got it, but So. Cal is totally a buyers market for any kind of car. But id buy that car again even if i had to pay 1 or 2000 bucks more for it, ive not driven any kind of car in that price range thats better.
I love my 2000 Solara V-6. It is sporty but rides more like a luxry car. When you start with a Camry frame, motor and than improve on the styling, what more do you need? I also like the Nissan Maxima. Lot of bang for your buck; only thing is they come only in a 4 door and are not nearly as sleek as the Solara. I plan to put a TRD Supercharer in which will boost my HP up to 70 hp. for a total of 270 hp. I have already done the air intake and exhaust trip, which I suggest you start out with; the thing is, the Solara is a relatively inexpensive car with an expensive look and assesories. So you can get in cheaper and add the mods when you can afford them. As opposed to a Infinity g-35 or the like.
With regard to Dealers, try the private market. Save about 2-3k. Just spend $80-100 for a mechanic to look at it. Take the naive approach. Most mechanics and people like to help others and they wont be hesitant to point out potential or existing problems. You can also use their inspection as a bargaining chip if you feel that the repairs are not serious. One final check. Spend $25.00 and get a CARFAX report. Tells history of car including any rebuilt titles and mileage rollbacks. jackcat
Last edited by Jack R. Bosch; 04-14-2006 at 04:50 PM.
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