Top woes

[guest]

Anyone out there having problems with the convertible top on 2001 Solora's? I am taking my 10 month old Solara back to the dealer for the 4th time to work on a problem where when opening the top the glass window hits the back seat framing. To add insult to injury, now the front passenger seat belt has sprung and is non-functional. Yes Toyota corp has been contacted and I am brushing up on Virginia lemon laws. Interested in hearing of any similar problems.

[Guest]

We took delivery of a brand-new platinum convertible last week.

We put the top down in front of the salesman and, yes, something caught on the top's way down. Salesman said nothing -- we just looked at each other, not wanting to find a problem before we'd even driven off the lot.

I've looked at this over and over. Part of the problem is the loops on the top of the back seat that the seat belts pass through. On the top, it's not actually the glass, but one of the ribs that catches.

Funny thing is, if you drive the top up and down a few times, it doesn't do it...

I'm terrified to take the car back, as I just can't see that the mechanics have that much experience of working with the convertible top...

But I'll keep you posted.

[Falcon man]

My girlfriend just bought a 2001 solara convertible. She loves it, BUT when she lowers the top it makes a loud noise, a pop. Is this the same problem others are experiencing? The dealer "claims" he doesn't hear it! Any suggestions? Do all convertibles have this problem?

[Trinity Rag Topper]

I have not had any of the problems described. I open and the close the top multiple times a day without incident. I definitely would take back the ones with problems until fixed! I too, am concerned though about the experience of mechanics with these issues.
I did not opt for the additional warranty when I bought mine - I checked and noticed it did NOT cover for problems with the top or I would have considered it, as that was one of my concerns of something most likely to go wrong.

[Puterhed]

Toyota stands by their warranty; they will fix the problem. The bugs have been worked out for the 2002 model; it's a dream. Word of advice: Use the boot as much as possible. If you don't, look at how part of the top flaps in the wind while you're driving. Using the boot will prevent that and will keep the top looking new longer.

[shank]

I guess I had the same popping noise when i had the top down, on my new 2002 solara. Actually the frame work supporting the glass has a problem..and they fixed it by replacing the glass..they actually had to use a glass smaller in size and made some modifications in the frame work,and I have had no problems since then, its just been great, no noise or sound absoluteluy.