Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Coupes & Convertibles Toyota Solara Toyota Solara
3934 messages, Last post on Nov 23, 2009 at 10:27 AM
You are in the Toyota Solara Forum. Your Host is claires
|
Hi everyone, A few weeks ago, I purchased a tent trailer. I had been looking for one for some time, and was able to find one for a very good price. The actual weight of the trailer with the hitch is 1200 lbs. According to my owner's manual, my Solara (2000 SE-V6) can tow up to 2000 lbs, but it does specifically state that this car is meant to be primarily a passenger car, and that towing something will basically add to the wear and tear. It sounds a bit like a contradictory statement, since Toyota's saying, "Yes, go ahead, tow up to 2000 lbs., but if something breaks, we warned you!" I've since installed the hitch on my car, and it's a "hidden hitch"; it looks pretty good, and well concealed. I brought the trailer home last weekend, and didn't have any problems on my way back, but Toyota's statement (see above) kept nagging me. Toyota doesn't make an OEM hitch for the Solara, but 3rd party manufacturers do. On top of that, the place where I bought the trailer recommended me to get a small rad that attaches to my main radiator so that my transmission would stay cool whenever I go uphill in hot weather. All of this talk is making me a bit jittery, and I'm starting to reconsider if getting a hitch on my Solara is really a good thing. Your comments would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance. |
|
|
|
|
A transmission cooler is a GREAT idea, that's good advice---as long as you get a really decent one, and installed by someone who knows what he's doing. I'd recommend an extra cooler for anyone towing anything in a passenger car. As for "wear and tear", extra weight will probably increase tire wear and brake wear, but that's the law of physics, not much you can do about it. 1,200 lbs doesn't sound excessive, especially as it states plainly in your owner's manual that the car is capable of that. |
|
| Thanks Mr. Shiftright, I thought that was a great idea too; I called my dealership to find out if I could get it, and he said that although Toyota doesn't make them, they could probably find someone that could do it. I'd probably be getting the smallest one they make, since 1200 lbs. isn't that big of a deal, considering the power of the V6. Anything bigger would be overkill, according to the parts guy at my Toyota dealership. I would also assume that if I'm getting it done through the dealership, that person has probably done this before on other Toyotas. | |
Don't forget tonight's member-to-member chat - it's open mic night, so come and discuss whatever's on your mind.  http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/townhallchat.html 6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET. Drop by for live chat with other members. Hope you can join us! kirstie_h Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host |
|
|
..2000 SE-V6 (has a real clutch) 215/55X16's.... agree with 3385: get the V6. Have consistently logged 25-27 around town (NoCal) and usually get 31-33 highway. All time best was just over 37 Bend, OR to Redding, CA. Cruise control/65/downhill. ez |
|
|
|
|
Replying to: nrl76 (Feb 10, 2003 4:34 pm) |
|
|
|
|
I'd like to hear what kind of miles people are driving before changing their disc pads? I have a 2003 SLEV6 and have 28k miles on it. In all my years of driving I don't recall EVER getting this many miles without changing the pads. I have to admit though...1) I am hard on brakes, I have moved out of the city and now do much more highway driving. In any event, I already purchased the pads from Toyota and intend to replace them at the 30k point. i realize that "your mileage may vary", but I am still curious as to how many miles others are getting. Thanks in advance !
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: solaraman2003 (Jun 23, 2004 6:25 pm)
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: speedracer (Jun 23, 2004 8:21 pm) I have typically driven American autos my whole life, with the exception of a Honda Prelude once. I don't EVER recall getting anything near 30k miles on brake pads. Is there really that much of a difference with city driving? |
|
|
|
|
Yes, there is a HUGE difference on brake wear in terms of city driving versus highway. I have been driving in/outside of Philadelphia for about 20 years, to give you an experience base. My 2000 SE V-6 (manual tranny) has about 70K miles, and the original pads. I think there was a long ago discussion in this forum (I'm talking years back) regarding the superiority of Toyota brake pads versus generic brand pads when it comes time to replace them... speedracer - wow! 149K miles! way to go!
|
|
You are here:
Forums
Coupes & Convertibles Toyota Solara Toyota Solara
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2008 Toyota Camry Solara
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
