Why did you buy a Toyota Camry Solara?

[SteveB]

Q: Why did I buy a Solara?

A: Style, Toyota reputation, previous experience with Toyotas.

I looked at SAABs, Volvos, BMWs, and even drove a Corvette. I was kind of sold on a European import simply because of hte "prestige" that accompanies that sort of car. I had to have a two door, and was seriously considering a convertible.... When I went to the dealership I was going to test drive another Z3 when I saw the convertible Solaras. The roof mechanism wasn't as sophisticated as a Saab, but it seemed pretty good. The one that interested me was a 4-cyl and when the salesguy told me that, I didn't even need to test drive it.

Then a silver, 2002 SLE coupe caught my eye - the body lines are unique, stylish, sporty, luxurious, and nothing about the vehicle suggests "economy"... this particular Solara had all the "hardware" features I was interested in except a convertible roof, but it had a sunroof... I test drove it and am ecstatic with the choice(s) I made.

While waiting for the finance guy, I saw a poster for a TRD stainless steel exhaust - then saw another one for the Supercharger and asked if those items could be thrown into the deal.... That would be no problem and they reran the numbers. The rest is history.

The SC/Exhaust added about 30-40% increase in performance. The "boost" provided is exhilarating... often, after jumping on the throttle, I'm amazed that at 80-90 mph, I'm STILL accelerating (rapidly!).

When this one is paid off, I'll probably buy another one.


SteveB

[Flipside909]

A: It's a Toyota, and it would be silly of me to buy a Maxima if I run the largest Camry/Solara Owners Enthusiasts Club out there.

[cecilysolara]

wow...there are a lot of us youngens buying solaras. i don't care what they say about most buyers being middle aged men...I've noticed more and more younger people in solaras. I think it's probably b/c as the 3yr/36k bumper to bumper warranties expire all the spoiled people in the world are trading in their old solaras for new ones. you know what that means...people like me who can't afford a $31k car have to wait and buy it used. That's ok.

I'm impressed cecilysolara...your father bought you your car?? That's one nice father. I only wish my father paid for mine...I'm stuck w/ payments for 5years but that's ok, it's worth it. Besides, I can worry about serious college debt later (Boston is the worst place to pay for college!). It's kinda sad when I'm considering transferring to a state school or community college b/c then I'd have enough money to buy a brand new solara! I still kinda like the 99 model the best though...you can't improve something that's already perfect!

Haha, yeah, I was just as suprised as you sound when my parents told me that they wanted to get me a car (go figure. it's not something I wanted to turn down). That is strange that there are a few of us younger people driving around Solaras... Wow, and I hear you about college tuition! OMG! I am very scared... I agree that the '99 model's great. That's what mine is, too. What color is yours?

Kelly

[Jackass-Jeff]

I, before maturing, thought the Solara was the ugliest thing on earth (SORRY!!) but then saw it from a new point of view and, now, I own one

I'm 18, just finished my first year of college (dormed! ouch bills ouch!) so I couldn't really afford the SLE V6 as intended, but I got the 02 SE with the new improved 157 hp i4 engine hehe

I have many reasons for choosing this car
1. Looks really nice
2. Toyota's reputation
3. Previous experience with Toyota
4. Great deal
5. Looks REALLY nice!

So yea, F- the number about middle aged guys buying it! It's moving to the babies

[pro956]

actually, i'm kinda upset, i'm starting to see it more and more
sucks...
i wanted to be the only one
o well, i guess there'll be more aftermarket goodies available now

[Missay]

don't the solara's come with a 5yr 60k mile power train warranty too? basically you get 2 extra years on the powertrain portion? that's what a toyota service rep told me anyway.

Yeah, they come w/ a 3yr/36k bumper to bumper and a 5yr/60k powertrain. Trust me on the trading in when warranties expire. I work in at roadside/motor club company and I do a lot of roadsides like acura, infiniti, land rovers, rolls royce, honda, kia...and on and on and on. I would always laugh at some of the rich custs who would act all surprised when i told them they were out of roadside warranty at 50k and they would reply by saying..."wow..i'm out of a warranty already?? hahah..i guess it's time to trade in for a new one!" Too funny especially when I just pulled up at least 5 cars listed under their name in the past 6yrs. If i could give you guys one piece of advise from my job...don't buy a kia!!
kia= Killed in action
kia= Keys in automobile
just don't do it!! I don't care how good a brand new car seems for $6k w/ a 10yr/100k warranty..it covers nothing and you WILL break down before you hit 1000mi!! stick w/ toyota and honda (acuras are ok too)!! I swear they're the best...
and don't buy land rovers and bmws...for the big bucks they're not worth it! Some of my coworkers had this convo the other day. We would buy a 1982 camry or accord w/ 180,000 miles on it for $1500 any day over buying a brandnew 2002 kia rio for $5,999.
I didn't realize how many solaraguy members were so young. We can't be acused of being young and stupid though...after all we did buy toyotas...good thinking!!

[Blaze]

im only 12 na 18

[Missay]

im only 12 na 18

me too!! 10 more days to 18!! then I'm going out clubbin! (j/k....not 21 yet..not that that ever stopped anyone)
I doubt my solara will be fixed by then though so I'll have to have my b-day clubbin without luv!
wow..so there really are a lot of us youngens...we will change the toyota solara statistics!! Most common owner: 16-20s!! (no offense to anyone older than 20s driving one...i don't care if i was 17 or 60..i'd drive one)

[Blaze]

is malden any where near the ct border?

[Missay]

is malden any where near the ct border?

not really...it's almost on the coast north of boston

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

I went to the dealership to buy the 2003 Corolla S, I need an economical car. The guy gave me a BAD deal, i went to a lot of dealerships! Matrix was coming cheaper for me, because of the better interest rate and all the options that I wanted (in per month payments), then I was all set to go to the dealership on Saturday and buy the Corolla S...when my wife suggested to go to car max to see if we liked any used cars. Got my 2001 Solara for 16K with 3K miles on it (YES 3K) inclues power drivers and JBL, payments were nice too (got 6.00 interest rate), OBVIOUSLY i jumped on it, and thats why I got it....Otherwise, I'd be a Corolla guy! hehe......

[dscram71]

You really can't beat the price for everything you're getting. I looked at the 325/330ci from BMW, the Acura coupes (way too small), and I was in love with the Mercedes C230 Kompressor Coupe. I didn't want to buy the Solara even though it is sharp looking. I wanted the C230. All it took was one drive and the fact that it was $8,000.00 less than the C230 w/ alot more options!! I left with my 2002 SLE V6. I love this car more everyday!!

[Genius]

1. Great styling
2. Power
3. Rear seat room
4. Standard strut bar
5. ABS
6. It was a new model
7. It wasn't a sedan

[Jaimster]

......I just fell in love with the coinbox, then I knew I had to get a Solara....LOL!

[Missay]

......I just fell in love with the coinbox, then I knew I had to get a Solara....LOL!

lol