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Toyota Solara Convertible - 2004 and Newer

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Camry Solara, Convertible

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#97 of 1164 325cic by tyresmoker Mar 25, 2004 (7:17 am)
Is that better? it is actually refered to as a "convertible", the Audi is refered to as a cab.
#98 of 1164 lngtonge18 Questions by hapuna Mar 25, 2004 (10:34 am)
I will get back to you tonight with answers to your questions. They are great questions and I think solid answers will benefit future readers - just can't do them justice during the day at work.   Look for info tonight.
#99 of 1164 safety question by cotmc Mar 25, 2004 (7:34 pm)
I'm no expert, but one feature the Audi, Saab, Volvo, and the "three and a quarter" convertibles all seem to have in common is some sort of head protection for all passengers, in case of a rollover. Does the new Solara offer anything of this nature?   I know rollovers are very uncommon with convertibles, but I would still be willing to pay extra $$ for that additional "safety net".
#100 of 1164 Answers by hapuna Mar 26, 2004 (5:50 am)
With the top down, the redesigned Solara is very solid - that was obviously one of the biggest complaints of the older model. The handling is very reactive - firm and well-planted. Brakes are also very solid - no issues.   I am trading in an SLK230 for this car, so the top of the Solara was an initial concern for me. But after inspecting two different models, I am very oomfortable. You do have to unlatch the top before lowering the top. There is a separate button to lower all the windows. There is no real requirement for the position of the car to operate the top. The SLE does have silver accents around the A/C and Radio - it is attractive and not too overpowering. I am not sure about the rear headrests - I did not ask if they can be removed. The backseat has plenty of legroom and headroom, no claustrophobic feeling when the top is up - actually very roomy. And I am 6'5", so that was a concern. The rear seat is not stadium style.   I think the exterior styling is very personal - but the car looks great in person and depends heavily on color. I think this car is a great option in comparison to the Volvo, Audi, BMW - the extra 10-12k you would be paying for those convertibles is purely for the brand. I will miss the convertible hard-top of the SLK, but I wanted something bigger with all the acoutriments. The Solara accomplishes this objective - you are getting a lot of car for a fair price.   Hope this helps.
#101 of 1164 hapuna by lngtonge18 Mar 26, 2004 (8:45 am)
Your comments are very helpful and interesting. So, coming from the SLK, you didn't notice any structural weakness? If that's the case, that's very impressive! A few more questions for clarification purposes. So there is 1 switch that lowers the top and a separate one that lowers all the windows at one time or does operating the top switch automatically lower all the windows? Does the switch that lowers all the windows also raise them all at once? Are you able to lower the back windows by themselves? Does the top have one central latch or a latch for each side? Lastly, you can lower the top while sitting at a stoplight with the tranny in drive or even while moving a few mph? If so, I definitely like that. I currently own a 1990 Mazda RX7 convertible which has a power top that only operates with the emergency brake on, which is a little inconvenient.   I really appreciate the helpful insights you have provided so far. I'm beginning to think the Solara may be a good choice to replace my 2 door coupe (convincing the other half that 2 convertibles isn't overkill is another story). It has the right combination of luxury, performance, room, and price.
#102 of 1164 hapuna by cotmc Mar 26, 2004 (12:13 pm)
I also appreciated your info. Thanks.   Since nobody answered my question, I'll address it directly to you:   You stated: "Volvo, Audi, BMW - the extra 10-12k you would be paying for those convertibles is purely for the brand."   Isn't it true you are also getting additional safety features with those brands? (i.e., head protection in case of a rollover?) Or does the new Solara offer similar protection? If not, then I have a difficult time accepting that safety isn't worth a certain price. I'd pay for additional safety features before all the "comfort" amenities any day.
#103 of 1164 by stickguy Mar 26, 2004 (12:53 pm)
stopped by the local dealer (in NJ) to see if they had one in yet. According to the salesguy, they might arrive in "3 months maybe", although he did admit that they had 2 scheduled for May, that were presold. Didn't seem real interested in discussing either.   Did sit in a coupe. Nice interior, and lots of room (especially leg room) in the back seat. If they convert doesn't lose too much leg or shoulder room, should be fine (probably comparable to a Sebring) for a couple of kids. Trunk doesn't look bad either.   The seats were very comfy, and the overall look/feel was pretty upscale (much nicer than a Camry sedan).   If they would just put a stick in the darn thing. maybe the autostick will be entertaining enough.
#104 of 1164 Cotmc by hapuna Mar 26, 2004 (2:16 pm)
The Solara does not have a rollover-bar - but in my current SLK, the rollover protection is minimal at best. If that car rolled, I would be in big trouble. I am confident that the variation in safety features between the Solara, Audi, Volvo, etc .. are minimal - the Solara has the front and side airbags, etc .. A bulk of the price differential is driven by brand.
#105 of 1164 Top Operation by jeffcee Mar 26, 2004 (2:59 pm)
To answer an earlier question there is one button that lowers the top and all of the windows at once. To raise the top there are two buttons one for the top and the other for all four windows. Additionally there is a latch for each side of the top. I only put the top down while in park but it was very quick.....would easily be completed during the average stop light.
#106 of 1164 NJ dealers are not willing by tikonynj Mar 27, 2004 (11:29 am)
I spent several phone conversations and a visit to a Northern NJ dealer - Prestige. They are NOT willing to negotiate no matter what.   I test drove a black with beige interior SLE, and with VS and Accessory Package at MSRP of 30,808. The drive can be compared to any large sedan's - very comfortable and stable, you forget you're in a convertible. There is plenty of room in the back and the trunk is rather big for any "topless" automobile.   The dealer only had this one with another one coming in at the end of April. They take orders but that's about it. You pay them MSRP and after the waiting time is over the car is yours.   I walked out of the dealership yesterday and told them that I'll sit on in trying to figure out if it is worth it to pay over 30K for it. They already tried to reach me today 3 times but I'm still thinking about it.   My Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder's (V6, stick shift) lease expires this April and I need to make a decision - never liked paying MSRP.   Good luck to all of you who have decided on Solara - Toyota really put a nice effort in to it.

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