Looking to buy Solara Convertible ?'s though

[NoChevyonlyToyota]

I used to own a 99 Solara that I had TRD out, body kit, SC, wheels, the whole nine yards... I love the car but got rid of it when the miles starting getting to high... Anyway, my wife said she would like to get a convertible solara which I have no problems with but I had some questions.

1) I live in Pittsburgh PA, winters are sometimes harsh, will the top survive? I don't have a garage

2) How do you clean or maintain a convertible top?

3) Is the back window glass?

4) How is the back seat leg room?

Any information on this matter is greatly appreciated.
Mark

[JoesSolara]

Hi,
I did a lot of research before buying my Solara Conv and by far it is
the roomiest (back seat has plenty of leg room) and best cargo trunk area
for a convertible. Also it's a Toyota, should last a long time. (I don't think the Sebring could last as long plus it could be a trouble maker) Yes
the back is glass, but it is hard to see behind you..especially when
backing up...but I had my dealer install a rearview camera that helps
a whole lot! Don't know how your snow and ice will affect the top,
but hey..it's warrantied for at least 3 years anyway. It is a nice ride, heavy car(not small like a Mitsubishi or Mazda), with good power.
But I've only had mine a couple of weeks...

Originally Posted by NoChevyonlyToyota

I used to own a 99 Solara that I had TRD out, body kit, SC, wheels, the whole nine yards... I love the car but got rid of it when the miles starting getting to high... Anyway, my wife said she would like to get a convertible solara which I have no problems with but I had some questions.

1) I live in Pittsburgh PA, winters are sometimes harsh, will the top survive? I don't have a garage

2) How do you clean or maintain a convertible top?

3) Is the back window glass?

4) How is the back seat leg room?

Any information on this matter is greatly appreciated.
Mark

[Diane64]

Hi,

I have only had mine since the end of November so I can't answer your long term questions. I also live in the Northeast near Philly and I don't have a garage so I had the same questions about the roof. Everyone that I talked to said that it should hold up. As far as washing, I have been told only to use a car wash that works only with high pressure water. Some people use Raggtop on their tops. I will probably try that when the weather warms up.

Good Luck. I love having it and can't wait until the weather warms.

Diane

[PXLpainter]

I've had mine for a month as of this weekend - I love it so far, but....

There is a serious lag in the tranny - throttle response is mushy and slow - takes an average of 1.5-2 seconds for the car to downshift and respond when you mash the pedal and that's really BAD!

There was an ECM fix for 2004/2005 but dealer said they can't use it on the 2006 (which I don't get - same damn engine!) - so I have to keep taking it back to the dealer to report the problem so it goes on record - then complain through Toyota Regional to see what can be done. It's actually a dangerous problem if you're trying to pass or pull out into traffic.

Like I said - other than that, I love the car and will drive around with the heat on just to have the top down!

Jeff

[Tundraspv]

We have have an 04 Solara Convertible!! It is an awesome, awesome car!! The top holds up fantastic in winter!! We got hammered last winter with snow, and we have been getting hammered again with snow, and the top is just fine!! Yes, the back window is glass. The backroom has tons of room. We test drove all kinds of convertibles; and this one was the most comfy, has the most features, and the most safety features of everything. I LOVE this car. THAT is saying a lot, as I am a TRUCK person!! It is a FANTASTIC car!! I love the auto dimming rearview mirror AND auto dimming drivers mirror too.

[PXLpainter]

Originally Posted by NoChevyonlyToyota

I used to own a 99 Solara that I had TRD out, body kit, SC, wheels, the whole nine yards... I love the car but got rid of it when the miles starting getting to high... Anyway, my wife said she would like to get a convertible solara which I have no problems with but I had some questions.

1) I live in Pittsburgh PA, winters are sometimes harsh, will the top survive? I don't have a garage

2) How do you clean or maintain a convertible top?

3) Is the back window glass?

4) How is the back seat leg room?

Any information on this matter is greatly appreciated.
Mark

Well - I live in Sunny SoCal so I couldn't tell ya about the top in snow - but I know a lot of guys have the convertible Solaras back east and do quite well.

I just wash mine by hand (at a do-it-yourself car wash) and use the spray wax/clearcoat sealant all over the entire car - seems to keep the top looking nice a clean and a bit more water repellant as well. I've heard of a product called "Raggtop" or something - haven't checked into it yet though... its a spray-on product.

The rear window is glass with a defroster in it.

There isn't much leg room unless your front passengers are short and move the seats up. getting in and out of the back is as awkward as you might imagine.

Good luck!

(And once you buy that convertible, come check out SolaraGuy.net - they are to Solaras what TundraSolutions is for Tundra owners.

Jeff