A 99-00ish Solara

by **Looking at buying...** » Wed Dec 03, 2003 10:01 pm

I need a new daily driver. I'm looking into the Solara, among a few other cars, and was looking for information and advice on these cars. I'm looking at most likely a 99-00 Solara, maybe a '01 if the price is right (I'm at the $12k price range).

I can't find a whole lot one way or another regarding any specific problems they might have. Anything special I should be looking for / at when I'm out looking at these? Any quirks or irritating nuances I should be looking for (i.e. uneven tire wear, transmissions, overheating issues, etc). I saw the TSBs, but those are normal for about any car. I didn't find anything in the way of recalls, however. Anything I should look for there?

What's the consensus of you guys that own these? Any regrets? I'm looking at these, a similar year Acura 3.0CL, and maybe a Maxima. I'll be driving a solid 50 miles of mixed highway and city driving daily. I'm looking for comfort, reliability, and sanity here. I'm in the middle of the desert, in Southern Arizona, and it will be driven in 100+ heat in the summertime, I need it to be reliable.

Any input is welcome. Thanks.

by **TadS** » Wed Dec 03, 2003 10:08 pm

I drive my 2000 100 miles a day during the week, and more on weekends. Very reliable, and well it would be comfortable if I raised it, and put the comfy seat back in

.

by **LifeguardSLE V6** » Wed Dec 03, 2003 10:09 pm

I have a 99 SLE, and during the summer I drive a minimum of 60 miles a day to work on interstate and streets, to the beach. The gas is great, and the ride, even after being lowered is still smooth. A few things that are typical from what I've seen among Solara's is the passenger seat rattling from not being bolted down tight enough, the floor mat behind that seat likes to bend backwards and stick up, but that's about it. These are just minor problems, and for the most part are the only things that plague the car. I love performance cars, and things that go fast, but I love the Solara for it's classy looks and beautifully smooth ride. For the price range you're looking in, nothing is really going to come close to being this high of quality.

by **hari-bhari** » Wed Dec 03, 2003 10:13 pm

LifeguardSLE V6 wrote: For the price range you're looking in, nothing is really going to come close to being this high of quality.

couldn't have said it better myself. for 12k you wont find a nicer car. im personally not a fan of the previous generation CL which would be in your price range. one of my friends bought his right after i got my solara. in my opinion they're ugly and small, and our sound systems are better.

by **HKSV6SLE** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 3:06 am

i have almost 90K on my 99 and still runs good even in the 100+F summers out here in so cal. no reliability issues yet and my car has been on trd springs for 98% of its life.

by **HKSV6SLE** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 3:06 am

i have almost 90K on my 99 and still runs good even in the 100+F summers out here in so cal. no reliability issues yet and my car has been on trd springs for 98% of its life.

by **Guest** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 10:26 pm

The sound system is the only thing that doesn't concern me. I work at a car audio shop, so that's the first thing to go (after the alarm, anyway).

I am looking for flaws in general I should be wary of more than anything else. Stuff that an abnormal amount of people seem to have go wrong or something. But as soon as I FIND one (figures - as soon as I have the cash to buy a car, I can't find one anywhere near me) I'll probably get one.

I don't want it to be fast. I'm building my 6th or 7th turbo DSM, but I need to park it for extended periods of time - that's the whole reason I'm buying a 3rd car. If I want fast, I'll have around 400hp of badassness in the Talon. That's not the issue. Daily livablity is. I don't need another project car, that I'll be constantly fiddling with. I want a car that I can just drive, and not think about. Or have to give people a 15 minute prep session if they want to drive it (like when family visits or something). And I want to look cool when driving it. That's why I'm down to the 3.0CL and the Solara.

The CLs do have very nice interior and room and all that (it is based on the Accord, after all), and I like the lines alot, but I still think I'm leaning toward the Solara. So the search continues.

by **HKSV6SLE** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 12:45 am

get the solara convertible...

by **lupous** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 1:07 am

absolutely go with the solara...i've had mine for a year now, and there have been no problems.

and to tell you the truth, i don't think there are too many people here that have had problems. just from what you've listed, the solara is the car you're looking for...well in my opinion anyway

by **Guest** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 5:22 am

#1 i hate about sloara is COVnt.

by **Mudd** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 9:13 am

Me = topic starter (not sure why it logged me on as a guest. Admin?)

A convertable is out of the question. No need, and too much money. But I think I'm settled on the Solara. Thanks for the input, guys.

by **HKSV6SLE** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 1:22 pm

heheh...good choice..i like the convertible cuz i've always wanted one and besides so cal weather is pretty good most of the year...

by **Mudd** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 8:38 pm

Well, the weather here now is great for a convertable. But during the other 8 months out of the year when it's 100+ outside, all it's good for is 1st degree burns on the leather. Funk dat.

by **ezshift5** » Sat Dec 20, 2003 6:28 pm

...2000 with 50k odo. Stick routinely produces 32 highway MPG. Oil/filter changes less than 25 bones at the dealer....

One repair (fixed under factory warranty) to date: inop driver's window switch. You almost can't go wrong.....ez

A 99-00ish Solara

A 99-00ish Solara

99 - 01 Solara: good pick.......

Who is online