Going to look at some G1 Solaras this weekend! Advise needed

[tspinning]

Hello all, brand freaking new here to the Yota world, but have heard such great things, and am so sick of my current ride (1996 Jetta GLS *salvage) and it's no longer going to pass inspection, I have decided its time for something new (used).

I've been pouring over this forum since finding it late yesterday and have read a bit about sludge but that's about all.

I'm going to look at a few Solaras in the NH region this weekend (Friday) and would love some advise on what to watch for, any known serious issues-

I believe my old local mechanic (now I live in Burlington, VT) can do a quick once over on the car for $50.00 or so if I can drive it from the dealership to him.


My main question is, the 80,000 mile mark all the cars i see are 80-115, is there a serious service at this interval-

also, my dad test drove one in his area (NH again) this morning for me, and loved it, he did note the clutch feels a bit high and I'm not sure if this is the make, or just this car.

I've driven an e30 M3 (first car, sad to see that one go) but talk about stiff clutch, and my current 96' Jetta with a high clutch that I really don't mind (nothing could phase me after the M car's workout clutch)

Anyway the main object of my desire right now is
1999 Solara

Body Style Coupe
Mileage 78,644
Exterior Color Dark Metallic Green
Interior Color Beige
Engine 6 Cylinder Gasoline
Transmission 5 Speed Manual
Drive Type 2 wheel drive - front
Fuel Type Gasoline
Stereo Compact Disc W/fm/tape
Doors Two Door
VIN 2T1CF22P9XC112037

But ya'll knew that anyway

So w/ my POS Jetta, if this thing seems mechanically sound, i was thinking of lowballing $6800.00 and working from there. Thanks for any help! I'll be watching this board like a hawk for the next few days (years hopefully!)


Tspin

[dominoSLEV6]

You'll love the V6 5spd. The clutch is easy to work with, it has a decent amount of play, and is a bit different from most clutches I've used before, but I have no complaints. Plus the car is no slouch for being a full sized family car. The service intervals aren't much different from any other car. If the timing belt and clutch have been replaced though you're ahead of the game and much better off, however it isn't necessary, my Solara runs very strong at 86.5k right now on the original of both. I say go for it if the title is clean and what not, it's a world of difference from thwe car you're driving now. I'm looking to sell mine, and my dad is seriously considering selling his infiniti I30 and taking the Solara.

-chris

[SolaraBlue]

we hate jettas here.

the solara is an awesome car. if you can, find one with low miles and in good condition. make sure it hasnt been in a major accident and you should be fine. like any other car make sure you get oil changes on time and all that stuff. it should last you for as long as you want it to. we have owners on here with more than 200k miles.
dont expect to make the solara a race car. the jetta has a lot of aftermarket and company support you just wont find with the toyota solara. you can make it look great however not to mention its not a slow car to begin with. if you can, find one with a 5-speed. its tough but theyre out there. and itll give you a bit more performance.
post an intro in the intro section when you get a sec. and welcome!

[tspinning]

Thanks for the quick reply guys!

I have a love hate for Jetta's now too, i love to hate em!

(it had it's moments, but so did the pinto at one time)

new car MUST be 5-speed for me, (or 6.. looked at some Celica but insurance is too much.. yea the Solara is lower)

I have no interest in modding anymore, and the jett didn't get much attention anyway (drop, exhaust) I've got many bills, and it's just not in the cards, I will keep this baby spotless like the M tho!

[SolaraBlue]

^^^^ the solara looks great stock too! but soon enough youll find something you just have to have
one thing i love about the solara is that its a camry so insurance is pretty low.
get the 5-speed v6 and youll be happy.

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

Good luck on your purchase, be firm on your negotiating/bargaining skills, and keep in mind that 5 speed V6 Solaras are a bit on the rare side. Other than that, glad to hear that you're getting rid of "Yo raaaaaageddddddyy assss Jetta" (-ODB, from the song Damage)

[SolaraGuy22]

Good luck on your purchase bro.

I didn't see CP-e on that list, WHERE'S Sebastian! lol just messin with ya.

[Sp33d]

heres the car i was telling you about in the introduction portion of your post. hope it helps, its a damn nice car.

http://www.solaraguy.org/viewtopic.php?t=27765

-mark

[Sebas007]

O?% &?$*? %$?% $*& @ !!

hahah
I can see that it will stick to me for long time to go !!
No problemo I like it !!

Good luck on your purchase bro.

I didn't see CP-e on that list, WHERE'S Sebastian! lol just messin with ya.

[Akfahad]

Besides what was already said...buying a car in the North, make sure you watch out for rust. Just make sure it's minor, if that, and nothing major.

When I had my suspension work done in the South, they knew I came from the Northeast, just by looking at the amount of rust I had on the calipers/suspension.

[SolaraBlue]

you should buy turbos old solara instead..... if its still for sale...
http://www.solaraguy.org/viewtopic.php?t=27165
this thing is sick!

[steve-o]

Thanks for the quick reply guys!

I have a love hate for Jetta's now too, i love to hate em!

(it had it's moments, but so did the pinto at one time)

new car MUST be 5-speed for me, (or 6.. looked at some Celica but insurance is too much.. yea the Solara is lower)

I have no interest in modding anymore, and the jett didn't get much attention anyway (drop, exhaust) I've got many bills, and it's just not in the cards, I will keep this baby spotless like the M tho!

I was in the same boat as you. I hate automatics and having 230,000 miles on my 5-spd Camry coupe. I started looking for used 5-spd Solara's. I had no luck and at 255k decided to trade it in for a 5-spd GEN2 2006 w/ the 4 cyl engine. I love the car. I think you'll like the 5-spd V6. If you can find one with 60,000 or so, certified and get the extended warranty from Toyota that is the way to go. But it's near impossible..at least it was for me.. Good luck!!

[tspinning]

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahoooooooooooo!

Things went great, the used car store was good (for a used car store) and most important the checkout at Manchester IRA Toyota also went great. Aside from slightly worn rear swear bar busings, and very minor sludge/darkness (on par with average for the age/miles the mechanic said) things are clean!

The car was rustfree, amazing for living in new england most of its life and runs very smoothly. The timing belt has not been changed however and I know it should be due soon. Any idea how long is too long to wait? I'm thinking at 90k (80 now). It also needs a little checkout as at 65-72mph or so there is a shudder, any slower or faster and it's smooth, i'm hoping a re-mount and balance of tires (all 4 match and in good shape) and an alignment will cure this, perhaps those rear sway bushings should go now too?

Anyway, this car is wonderful to drive, has a quiet ride, surprisingly loud and clear sounding stereo, and ample power. I know you all know this, but coming from the 2.slow it's flippin great! I'm looking forward to swapping out the cd/tape setup for the Kenwood that ran my jetta. It's a fairly basic cd/mp3 job and should send out a solid signal to those 6x9 i'm hopeing to swap out soon. (christmas seems well poised to finance this)

anyway hope you like my blog-

i'm goin out for a DRIVE!

peace
Tspin

[woa_its_j3ff]

ill just say this in a really simple way.
You'll love the solara.
"Yota" haha im so easily amused.

[RichD978]

what part of NH are you from if you're any where near nashua or salem i could help you out. Rear speakers are gonna take you about an hour just to take apart the interior panels but I can do it in about 15-20