Is this a good deal for used Solara?

[cconquest]

2000 v6 SLE solara convertible 35K miles for $8,000, new tires new brakes. Salvage title, evidently had front end repaired, car was in Alaska & garaged for 6 months out of the year. Also curious on member experience with noise from convertible top, w/or not I need to use premium fuel, and mileage experience. Thinking of checking it out this weekend if still available, seller had initially asked for $10K. Top would be up for all of Missouri winter, so I'd like to know if noise is acceptable. Have a 94 camry v6 xle w/188K miles so (if it all checks out) seems like I could get a car I could keep for a LONG time that is reliable for not that much $$$. Maybe some pointers on what to look for on repair as well, although I was planning on seeing a body shop if I was still interested after 1st look. Any help greatly appreciated. Happy Thanksgiving.

[MCOjerry]

That seems steep for an unclean title.

There are some Gen1 convertible owners that I'm sure will chime in, but I have a Gen2 and my top effectively seals out much of the noise. Of course, ALL convertibles WILL be noisier, no matter what.

[Gangis]

Well it doesn't sound bad but definitely have a mechanic look at it first. Cars with a salvage title carry a stigma which lowers its resale value faster, but it shouldn't really be a problem especially with Toyotas since they last 300k, maybe 400k with regular maintenance.

What you may notice is scuttle shake/cowl shake, though. The Gen 1 Solara convertible is a "california chop", they chopped off the roof with little reinforcement to the body so it kind of twists while driving so the car shakes a tiny bit. The Gen 1.5 like mine is better reinforced so there's little shaking. As for wind noise, I wouldn't know since I'm hearing-impaired but I remember one night I was driving my father to a restaurant and he said that there was some wind noise. We looked around a bit and found the problem - my top wouldn't close all the way on the driver's side. Every time I close my top, I have to pull down on the handle so it "snaps" into place. I know it's misaligned but I don't feel like spending the money to correct it.

I reiterate, definitely have a mechanic pay special attention to the car since it has a salvage title. The Solara convertible is a wonderful car and I'm sure it'll last very long, but there are admittedly a few lemons here and there.

[TadS]

I would want to see an alignment printout to make sure everything is strait. If the caster is off that can’t be fixed without some major work. If everything looks good on the printout then you’re probably ok. I have bought cars with repossessions on the title, they generally need a little more recovery work, but they have been good cars for cheap.

[lilmike2069]

mine is a salvage title... its a 99 that we bought in 2000. It had 26K on it when it was wrecked, everything was fixed to restore and its got 90K on it now. Never done a thing to it other than oil changes. I wouldnt necessarily let the unclean title get to you. If you think its worth 8K then it is. It almost sounds like a new car with only 35K miles