Just bought a 2005 Solara SLE v-6 (new member)

[jig47]

Hi all, I have had my new 2005 Solara SLE v-6 in Artic Pearl and Stone leather for about 1 week now. I traded in a 2000 Acura TL with 41000 miles on the odometer. I had the Acura back to the dealer several times and they recently replaced the transmission. Great customer service BTW. Amazingly, due to my persistence, I was able to eliminate almost all of the bugs with the car that bothered me with the exception of the seat being uncomfortable for me. This was my main reason for trading it in.
I test drove about 15 different cars, the usual suspects of course, and it wasn't until I drove the Solara, that I felt It was worth parting with my cash and my Acura. BTW, I drove a Lexus ES330 sedan, and there is a big similiarity between it and the Solara especially if the Lexus has the 17" wheels, as it gives it a stiffer ride.
Anyhow, after a week and 250 miles, this is what I have wound up with.
Luckily, the car does not pull to the left, Yay. Also, this is the first car I have ever purchased that does not have an interior rattle of any kind. The transmission is about normal with its quirkiness, basically it goes about its business on its own schedule and not yours, which I can currently live with.
My main complaint, is I have the dreaded right rear end rattle which sounds like it is coming from the shock or suspension. Whenever I go over a bump, I hear a metal to metal thumping sound which sounds like a loose jack in the trunk. As a matter of fact, when I purchased the car, I thought this was the problem, as I heard the noise from the get go. On day 2, I removed everything from the trunk and lo and behold, the noise was still there, Curses!!!.
I have checked your database, and found other members who have had this problem, but have yet to find a post explaining the fix. Before I go the dealer and have them blow smoke up my exhaust pipe I would like to be armed with some information if possible. If any of you could help me, I would be really grateful. Other than this, I would be very happy with the car. Thankx, Jeff

[michaels artic frost]

Jeff,

Welcome and congrats on the new purchase. I have an 04 Solara and have not experienced any problems as far as rattling noise in the rear. However, I have my music very loud...so, it's kinda hard for me to notice that sorta thing. But, I do drive with the stereo off on occassions and to see how the car is driving and it seems to be doing okay, with the minor exception of tire noise, since I have 20s.

Enjoy your stay.

-Michael

[shidosha01]

WELCOME!

[Astro]

welcome and congrats on an '05.

[Shoe]

if my memory serves me correctly about a year ago a guy by the name of fotodad either had this problem or suggested a fix.

Apparently the spare tire wasnt secured properly it wasnt screwed down compleatly did you check that out under the carpet?

ps I traded in an acura 2000 for the 04 sle solara as well

shoe

[junest]

Welcome

[NVDIS1]

welcome to tha site
http://members.cardomain.com/rgztoy

[mtodde]

Welcome and congrats on the car. I'm disappointed to hear you just got one with the rattle. I would have thought they'd have that fixed in a 2005!

I bought mine in May, but it was made in August of 2003...which makes it one of the first ones made. To date I have not experienced the left pull (2900 miles). I am all too familiar with the rattle, but (knock on wood) it appears to be gone at long last. I had the rear deck replaced yesterday. My problems were much worse on the driver's side; I think part of the problem is that the storage tray in the trunk keeps coming loose (there is a little plastic retainer that slides into the bottom of the tray and fastens to the frame that keeps coming loose. My rattle was most pronounced when braking. I do have a towel between the spare tire & the particle board holding the tools; I'm not sure if it helps, but it makes me feel better.

A friend of mine road in the back seat with half the seat down to help find the problem with the storage tray. I can report that the rear interior panels do not rattle when I tap them (today any way) and that about 1/4" of insulation appears to have been put in everywhere.

Take the car to the dealer and have them check everything. Even though it is on the passenger side, I was concerned about the jack rattling when I was trying to isolate the problem as it was loose. I put acoustical foam in the well around the jack.

The Acura transmission issues kept me from buying a used CL Type S.

I consider the Solara to be a coupe version of the ES330; it sounds like others do too.

Again congrats on the car! There is a ton of good info here (remember the search button) and a lot of helpful people are here too. Good luck with the rattle and please keep us posted. If I can help in any way please let me know.

Todd

[HKSV6SLE]

welcome