Newbie Solara Owner! =D Need some tips!

by **SolaraFTW** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 12:25 pm

Hey guys i just purchased a 2003 solara 4cyl. The miles are pretty good, which is around 75000. I got it because it was a great price, good miles, and of course its a toyota.

I used to own a 2003 Subaru WRX, and i was able to learn a lot from the guys on the wrx forums. I wanted to do the same here.

A couple of things, if someone can answer them,
1- I just got this car, so what is a FULL list of things i should do to the car (maintainence etc) to get a good baseline. Heres my list so far.

---Noticed that the hood shocks are out ----
Hood shocks
Drive belt
Oil/oil filter
Coolant/thermostat
Brakes/Rotate tires/Brake fluid
Fuel treatement
Air Filter
Cabin filter (talked to toyota and there isnt one for a 03 solara?)
Glass Polish (I want my lights to look nice =D)

---- Any other suggestions? i would want this car to last me for a while so mechanical maintainence is the majority of the question---

Anyone add anything else?

Thanks again everyone -
Russ

by **SleeperSolara** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 5:06 pm

Welcome to SG.com
I would add Seafoam and changin' the transmission fluid.
Check the struts also.

by **Akfahad** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 5:11 pm

welcome

by **PearlSLE** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 8:59 pm

WELCOME.

by **ToyoSolV6** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:10 pm

welcome and have fun with the solara...
wonderful car!

by **(K)** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:23 pm

Hey welcome.

Definitely need to check the struts like Sleeper said. Yes, we have no cabin air filter. Outside of that it looks like you have everything down.

Oh and the trunk latch is in the glove box. Don't ask me why, they decided to do that to us 2002/2003 owners.

by **TLMNICK** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:50 pm

Welcome to SG. Withe only 75K on it....it shouldnt need anything other than the general maintenance that you're already planning for it.

As mentioned above, your trunk release it strangely located in the glove box....but cout your blessings beecause at least you have it....my 2001 only came with the manual cable type.... i had to add the power trunk myself.

by **Jakecallun20** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:54 pm

Welcome, And the Solara doesn't have a cabin filter at all? or just the gen 1.5?.......Anyways,

Things I personally would check.

Gear oil (manny or auto)
Coolant
Power steering pump
Water pump, and since your 03, with the 2AZFE you don't have a timing belt, but a chain. So your good there.
Drop a K&N filter in there, or an intake system.
As said earlier, seafom wouldn't be a bad idea.
I'd have the rotors machined and add some new pads.
As far as any kind of aftermarket parts go, check the sticky for gen 1/1.5. It has a list of pretty much any and all parts made for our cars. Here is a link to the thread. http://www.solaraguy.com/viewtopic.php?t=37723

by **rewmomi** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:14 pm

welcome to sg bro, you should be good on the charcoal canister and I would also check your power stearing fluid and you master cylinder, may be the axles as well cv boots tend to rip easy. A good investment would be an oil catch can?

by **LEE337** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 12:26 am

Welcome to SG :evilbat:

Newbie Solara Owner! =D Need some tips!

Newbie Solara Owner! =D Need some tips!

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