1999 Solara questions

[DischargedSeaman]

Hi Folks! Just bought a 1999 Solara and I love the car! I also got a sweet deal on this - but with one hitch - the car didn't come with the moonroof I so desperately wanted. But this was too good a deal to pass up. I'm wondering how much it would cost to add in a factory moonroof. Or is that even an option???

I also need to replace the strut mounts in the front. Local certified Toyota guy said that would run around 400. Is this about right?

Any help would be appreciated!

[kondo]

Laughing so hard at name I cant read the question

[Jackass-Jeff]

Struts are around that.... $400 installed sounds a little high, but not by much...

The moonroof is installed at the factory, not the dealer. The dealer may have the equipment to do it, but it usually turns out really leaky in 3 years or so (at least that's what they say)

[cdssolara]

That's about the right price for struts, but I think he said strut mounts. Those should only be around $50 each.

[hari-bhari]

well as far as i understand, in the solaras that have the factory sunroof installed, you have an inch or two less of headspace because the roof is thicker to accomodate the sliding panel of the moonroof (they slide into the roof, not out above it). but because your car didn't come with that option installed, your roof is thinner and doesn't have the extra spacing for the moonroof. as a result, i dont think installing the factory moonroof is an option at this point, at least not without a major overhaul such as a new roof or something. you could possible get an aftermarket one that slides above, and maybe even a moonroof that functions like the factory one, but i am not exactly sure. good luck

[DischargedSeaman]

Thanks for the info. Got my new "updated" quote today for the strut mounts - $350 parts and labor.

[onefiend]

Hey Seaman, why dont you register so you wont have to be a guest anymore.

[DavPak]

an aftermarket moonroof (which goes into the roof) is possible. my experience with them is they exhibit the same problems that factoy roofs do. motors blow @~50K, leaks start @~70K. lots of factors can change that, but that's a general idea.

expect to pay ~$1,000.00 for one. most have a 3yr/36K warranty on them (or more).

[DischargedSeaman]

an aftermarket moonroof (which goes into the roof) is possible. my experience with them is they exhibit the same problems that factoy roofs do. motors blow @~50K, leaks start @~70K. lots of factors can change that, but that's a general idea.

expect to pay ~$1,000.00 for one. most have a 3yr/36K warranty on them (or more).

Thanks! Know of any place around Boston that will do it?

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

Since you got a good deal, just wait out the roof! In time when you ready to move on...shop for a car w/ the roof. I've heard nothing but horror stories of people who had a roof installed after the vehicle left factory (i've got friends who are sooo sick that they didn't listen to their friends...and have sealed shut their roof's cus, any more leekage could result in rust formation!). Do the strut job, forget the roof! (thats my $.02).

[DavPak]

Thanks! Know of any place around Boston that will do it?

nope, sorry!