99 Solara - First Major Service Advice

[boiphil]

I’m admittedly a n00b to both the Solara and the board. For reference I’ve got a 1999 Solara SE V6 with a 5spd manual transmission. Had it nearly two weeks, I traded in a 1998 Corolla on it. What a difference is all I can say.

So, from reading around on here, if I'm about to have the first major 60,000mile (well, 96,000km for Canadian's like myself) it looks like there's a few things I definitely want the dealer to handle.

I've seen mixed information about getting the water pump done at the same time as the timing belt, is this advisable to be done at the same time? Is there really a need to do it? (Coming from a Corolla with 190,000km and original water pump without problems, I sort of question the need, but I’ve only owned the Solara a few weeks)

Toyota’s quoted $349 for the timing belt, $676.33 for timing belt and water pump.

It also looks as if getting spark plugs done on the 1MZ is a wise idea to have dealership performed. Fronts seem like they may be okay to do, rears look nasty.

I was going to handle flushing the radiator, flushing/bleeding the breaks, changing the transmission oil, and a normally scheduled oil change.

I’m planning to use Synthetic oil for the engine, can anyone recommend or discourage the use of full synthetic in the transmission?

Is there anything else that I’m overlooking?

[sydemoid]

Spark plugs can be done on your own, with proper tools, and patience... do yourself a favor... get Denso Iridiums!, you will love the feel

Synthetic oil... I swear by it! Been using Mobil 1 for a year, since I bought my 99 Solara.

Timing belt, and water pump.... yeah Dealership material. But look and see if you can get a local mechanic to do it, Im sure it will be cheaper.

Also, get the throttle body cleaned... you will notice some difference.

[JMSinMaryland]

1. Don't go with the dealership packages, a lot of time's it's just checking and inspecting and not much work for a whole lot of money.

2. If you're not sure of the history of the vehicle, i.e. service records I suggest getting Engine Coolant flush ($100 USD), Transmission/Clutch Fluid Flush ($65), Brake Fluid Flush ($100), Power Steering Flush ($70), Tune Up ($70-$120), Fuel Filter/PCV Valve ($150 both) and that's it. Thermostat/Timing Belt/Water Pump can wait until 90,000 miles at at that point don't pay more than $500 for all 3.

3. Check out Toyotanation.com based in Canada, a lot more active members in your 'area' that can probably suggest good mechanics or good dealerships to go to

4. In the USA Toyota dealers post coupons on their websites for the above services and most will match other dealers so you can get the lowest prices if you have 10 minutes to spare looking at the various websites.

Good luck.

[boiphil]

Thank's for the great advice guys!

Any concensus on going with synthetic gear oil for the transmission?

[Solorange]

1. Don't go with the dealership packages, a lot of time's it's just checking and inspecting and not much work for a whole lot of money.

Good luck.

So what your saying is if you have a dealership replace the timing belt and water pump you pay $676 and if they inspect it and nothing is wrong with lets say the waterpump they dont replace it and still charge you the $676?

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

First off WELCOME!

Honestly, i did not do the waterpump/timing at 60k miles, i plan on doing it at 120K miles. Its a TOYOTA!

I did replace the sparks and ignition at 60K miles tho; any auto shop can do this for you..you can buy sparks from any autoparts store 9bucks a spark and NKG wires from the internet approx $50. Your install cost will be small if you have a local shop replace this for you.

Its great your going to handle radiator, brakes, tranny.

[JMSinMaryland]

If you look at most "30k, 60k, 90k" packages that dealerships offer for a set price usually $300-$600 range, you'll see most of the items are "inspecting, checking, visual inspection, etc" and not much replacement of parts. It's better to go to a dealer with a list of things that you want done and let them price it out. As I've stated I paid $500 for thermostat, timing belt and waterpump which is pretty much the major service required at 90,000 miles.