New kid on the block

by **Chronicle** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 4:15 pm

Hi. My name is Thomas. I am 16, and currently do not own a car. Although, a few years ago, my mom bought a 2001 Solara SLE V6, and I have loved Solaras ever since. I am planning on buying a 97'-02' Solara as my first car, and was wondering how much potential it could have. That's why I joined.

by **Somedude** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 4:20 pm

SG has a few members who either turbo'ed or Supercharged their Solara V6 and the results are amazing.

But the bad part about the Solara is that the aftermarket parts for it are few compared to a lot of other vehicles out there.

by **Astro** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 4:21 pm

Welcome

Browse around the Forced Induction pages and you'll see what it's like. There's not a whole lot for this car and things are becoming hard to find - really almost everyone has just stop making things for us. But, on the looks side, I think once you drop it and put some nice rims on, it transforms it into one sweet looking ride

by **Chronicle** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 4:21 pm

That's exactly what my friend said. He thinks I should get a 90'-92' Supra, but I'm not sure if the difference in potential is enough to make me change my mind.

by **Somedude** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 4:24 pm

Chronicle wrote:That's exactly what my friend said. He thinks I should get a 90'-92' Supra, but I'm not sure if the difference in potential is enough to make me change my mind.

The performance difference between the Supra and your model Solara is huge. And the trade in value for the Supra is also higher, I checked those of a 94 turbo Supra with automatic with 19000 miles and its value came up as 17000 dollars on good condition.

by **Chronicle** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 4:27 pm

Another thing, finding a 90'-92' Supra Turbo with a Manual is a lot harder than finding a 97'-02' Solara with a 3.0L V6 and Manual.

by **NeFaRiOuS_SLE** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 4:28 pm

Welcome to our forums... Just keep in mind that there's no such thing as a '97 or '98 Solara though.

by **Astro** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 4:43 pm

If you're really looking into performance, be patient and find that Supra, I wish I did. I've noticed the average boosted Solara comes in anywhere between 220 - 280fwhp. Think about this, the Solaras wasn't made for performance, while the Supras were. Either way, just be prepared to spend a lot of dough, because you'll always want more...

by **bjkim88** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 4:54 pm

Welcome to SolaraGuy, Thomas/Chronicle. Hope you enjoy your stay. We will only eat your soul once every full moon.

Supra's are nice cars, and there are a lot of stuff out there for them, but Solara isn't bad either, though its true how there isn't much out there for us. I gotta agree with a statement that I read somewhere, "Affordable ride with class" or something like that.

And some people's Solara's on this forum look incredible. (Not mine though, 100% stock body lol)

by **Americanctm10** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 4:55 pm

Welcome! How long before you think you'll get one?

by **theprodigy79** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 6:12 pm

Welcome to the site man.

For a first car, being a 16 year old, I would highly recommend the Solara (or similar) over the Supra... It ain't a race car, but it's a solid performer (V6 models), and it's safe, dependable, low maintenance and low cost to drive.

I would never advise any first car buyers to purchase any Supra, especially a 16 year old... I currently have a MKIII as a daily driver and I HIGHLY advise against even that for anyone who doesn't have a bit of money to throw around (no matter the age). Even if you do the work on it yourself, you may have to shell out some hefty dough to rent a car while you retire the Supra for weeks on end to work on it. They're high cost, high maintenance cars that are expensive to repair and will skrew you left and right if you don't repair them properly the first time. Not to mention the newest MKIIIs are now 15 years old, and most have been beaten to hell.

Stick with the Lara or similar (Accord V6, Maxima, etc...) and you will be much better off. When you have a bit of money to throw around and a dependable main vehicle, THEN go for the Supra.

My $.02. ;-)