Newbie- Looking to Buy Solara

by **drock03** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 9:53 am

I'm in the market to pick up a 99-02 solara and just wanted to see if anyone had any feedback. No huge issues jumped out at me skimming through the threads. I'm think of picking up a 5spd. Anyone have any issues with these especially in the cold weather? I'm also trying to figure out the difference between an 01 and 02. I noticed the 02 has a slightly different nose/lights than the 01. Any engine differences?
Thanks for any help!

by **ChargedSolara** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 9:59 am

good choice, you should be able to pick up a 99-02 for a decent price these days, i'm out in cali so i can't speak for the folks w/solara in cold weather. yes the 02 is the gen 1.5 model with different tailights/front fascia. no major differences between the two to my knowledge.

by **Fletch** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 10:56 am

Try to find a 5MT that already has a S/C, they have been showing up every few months for less than $10k usually.

Obviously, the more power you put to the front wheels, the worse it is getting going in the snow, I have managed with $hitty stock size, all season yok's for 2 winters though. The only other cold weather issue I have had is snow/ice build up in the rear wheel well with lowering springs. Even in the garage on the coldest days it doesn't melt and then the rear tires hit the ice build up and it is annoying.

Thinking about snow tires this winter...

by **drock03** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:52 am

Stupid question but what is an S/C. 5MT is a 5spd manual right?

by **ChargedSolara** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:58 am

supercharger

by **cdssolara** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 12:00 pm

S/C means supercharger. Toyota Racing Development (TRD) offers a supercharger for the first generation Solara V6. A lot of people on this forum have them. They offer some decent additional power, especially for the 5 speed versions. You'll find that many people here have done a lot of additional modifications to their cars to maximize the supercharger's benefits. There are some with over 300 fwhp, but they've had to spend a lot of money to get there.

by **drock03** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 12:33 pm

What are we talking about $$$ to buy one? Install is no problem.

by **Mandarinsolara** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 2:12 pm

im thinking that a gen 1.5 (2002 model) with the 4 cylinder motor and a 5 speed would be more fun.

I have a 2000 (ugly gen 1) SLE V6 and its just not exciting enough for me.

by **ChargedSolara** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:22 pm

drock03 wrote:What are we talking about $$$ to buy one? Install is no problem.

i believe you can get them new for 2,500ish? used you can get it in the 1500 range i'm guessing..check around though.

and someones definition of "more fun" could simply be the fun of shifting gears? then sure..a 5sfe could be more fun then a SLE V6..pound for pound in my opinion if you want some power, you gotta go for the v6 to get our heavy cars moving. throw in the 5 speed and you get might get "more fun"..it depends what you lookin for tho.

if you are going for the 5speed and want the TRD s/c your going to have to find a SE V6, cuz s/c is not offered for the 4 banger unelss you go with rippmods, do a search and you can read all about it.

by **drock03** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:39 pm

In order to get a 5spd V6 I would have to pick up a 99-01 SE right??? The SLE doesn't come in stick nor does anything after 02??? Prices around here (Mass) are pretty steep. I don't think I could touch one without a supercharger for 10K...

by **dominoSLEV6** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:56 pm

Mandarinsolara wrote:I have a 2000 (ugly gen 1) SLE V6 and its just not exciting enough for me.

Didn't you get your car for free? I'm super excited about my car and I still owe 6 grand on it, I'd probably be through the roof if I got it free.

-chris

by **RichD978** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:59 pm

what part of mass are you from? im from lowell if you want to check out how a 99 looks like. (no test drives though haha). I can also explain to you things i've experienced

by **ChargedSolara** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 8:45 pm

yes i beleive you can get gen 1.5 with a v6 5 speed. look around.

by **StockSolara** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:21 pm

drock03 wrote:In order to get a 5spd V6 I would have to pick up a 99-01 SE right??? The SLE doesn't come in stick nor does anything after 02??? Prices around here (Mass) are pretty steep. I don't think I could touch one without a supercharger for 10K...

99-02 SE V6 came in a 5 speed manual. . . Just take some more time to search for one with a supercharger because you will be much more happier with it. . .

by **ccrotty** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 8:55 am

I have an '02 Solara SE V6 5 Speed...I love it! It's such a fast, smooth ride...easily my favorite car ever

Unfortunatly, I just had a baby so I plan on selling it pretty soon...Need something a little easier to cart the baby around in

In fact I'll probably be posting it pretty soon....Its ashame too...I just found this forum!

But if you are looking I would definalty reccomend the V6 5 speed...Its SO much fun to drive...Lots of power!
-Cheri

Newbie- Looking to Buy Solara

Newbie- Looking to Buy Solara

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