New Owner in New Mexico saying Hey

[Rancho5]

Just picked up an 06 Vert. SLE, Pearl with Tan top, and tan leather. Beautiful car! has 93k on the clock and I gave 11,000 for it.

Don't know what the history is but it looks brand new. I've got a quote from my local mechanic on the timing belt/idler/tensioner/H2o pump job for $547 inc. labor. Also he says that the tranny fluid needs a change so $100 for that.

Anything else I need to be aware of?

It is making a small clunk at the front right when going over a speed bump.

[GzNutz]

Welcome to SG!

[99BlackSandv6]

Welcome!!! PICS!!!

The small clunk is probably nothing.
Our cars are well known for their random (and persisting) clunks and rattles.
It's when the noise becomes major that you need to look out for issues.

[Bluesolaradude11]

Welcome Aboard!

[DSM_Lara]

As we say in Hawaii "E Komo Mai" (Welcome) to Solaraguy.

[rg456]

welcome!! I have that same clunking noise too im my 03 se but in the right rear though

[Rancho5]

Anyone know how to post pics? Do I need permission to post from the mods?

[EkiMucH]

Welcome! Upload to some site like photobucket and after uploading copy the IMG code option.

[Jabraltar]

Welcome! and like EkiMucH said go to photobucket.com and setup an account (it's free) and upload pictures and just insert the image code when you post (copy and paste it). You don't need permission from the mods to post pics.

[Rancho5]

OK. I just cleaned her up and took some pics. Comments welcomed!

http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy13 ... CN1915.jpg
http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy13 ... CN1916.jpg
http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy13 ... CN1914.jpg

[Jabraltar]

That thing looks brand spanking new! I hope you didn't bring any of that sand in with you when you got back in lol Are you planning on doing any mods or upgrades?

[Rancho5]

Are you planning on doing any mods or upgrades?

I used to have an e30 BMW 325is, which I modded quite a bit and, frankly, I'm kind of tired of modding cars. I bought this for my wife because I sold her 64 VW Beetle vert back in the day to get us through college. And 64 Beetle verts are not very safe.

As far as modding goes, I'd be open to doing a few things to her as long as it looks stock. I've got quite a bit of faith in Toyota and their engineers (my Corolla has 265k) so I really don't want to be messing with her much.

Any experience with chips to improve mileage/performance?

[Jabraltar]

Fair enough as far as the modding goes. I guess once you sink a bunch of money into cars throughout your life and probably have never got as much out of it as you put in, it could get pretty tiresome. As far as the performance chips I don't have any experience with them but I was thinking about getting one this summer. I hear great things about them but I'm sure someone on here could provide us with some information.

[parkc96]

What kind of chip is it? if its one of those cheap $70 ones dont do it they are crap and will probably just screw your car up if anything. I dont have much experience with solara's but if its a good well known brand then it should be fine. Don't cheap out though it will just cost you in the end.

[Solarasian]

hello and welcome!