Just bailed out of an 06 Accord for an 07 Solara

[PXLpainter]

Woo-hoo! Another Honda owner has seen the light! (J/K)

Welcome to SolaraGuy!

Congrats on your purchase. You will love it. The people here are awesome. You're already familier with posting pics. (That's better than most.) If you have any questions, feel free to PM a Mod.

So what does that mean for Mazda owners?

[iinokturnolii]

welcome aboard bro!

[ItsaToyota]

Thanks for the welcome! I'm quite familiar with message forums, I joined my first forum back in 1996 and later moderated it until the web owner pulled the plug on us. I've gotten used to the Vbulletin setup, but this one looks easy enough to master.

As far as modifications go, I'm not too big on aftermarket mods. I usually just add factory accesories to dress up the car a bit, but nothing major. Later on I think I'd like a decent OEM style body kit and perhaps some different rims.

I had the windows tinted on my Accord (20% all the way around) but I don't think I want traditional tint on this car. I really like the tint Mercedes uses... I believe it's huberoptic (sp??) it has a bluish tint to it, but it's not darker than the glass. Anyone know if and where I can have this tint put on? IMO, The huberoptics would really enhance the upscale appearance of the car.

I do have several other questions, but I'll post them in the appropriate forum when I get home tomorrow. I'm too tired tonight.

[iinokturnolii]

^^^ yeah i think the blue tint would look clean. i havent seen it on other cars beside from the Benz. good luck lookin' for'em!

*edit* please post pics when you get'em done... gotta check'em out.

[ItsaToyota]

I'm in Orlando too. You live out by Disney? I'm by Universal, off Conroy Rd.>>>>>>

I live near the Orlando Inti. airport, close to Tradeport/Jetport and Sandlake. We'll have to meet up some time.

[Down2TheC]

Welcome and congrats on your "Awakening". You should post that on the Honda forums

And I think you'll find the Toyota engine every bit as reliable and easier to get to if you ever need. Honda's are not meant to be touched. (3 hours to get a flippin' alternater out of a Civic once... I almost got caught! )

[steve-o]

I Concidered an Accord when looking. Had great deal on a 6-spd 6 cyl.
I Chose the Solara for many of the reasons you did. You get a lot for your money compared to other cars in the same price range. Congrats - Enjoy the ride.

[lilm]

welcome welcome

[DrakkkarDarkbladE]

Welcome the forum. You have made a very nice choise with the Solara. Don't worry about the reliabilty. If you follow all the scheduled maintanace the car should last into the 200k range easily.

[ItsaToyota]

You should post that on the Honda forums>>>>


Haha, I made it very clear why I left Honda for Toyota. A few of them told me that they liked the Solara, but thought of it as a 'woman's car' so decided on the Accord. Whatever. I don't know what would make the Solara a woman's car, but not the Accord coupe? Or any other coupe for that matter. Seems like the majority of owners on here are guys.

I think you'll find the Toyota engine every bit as reliable and easier to get to if you ever need>>>

That's good to know. Right off the bat, the headlight bulbs will be MUCH easier to replace than the Hondas!

Don't worry about the reliabilty. If you follow all the scheduled maintanace the car should last into the 200k range easily>>>

Also good to know. Is the 3.3 the same engine as the 3.0 that has been used in the 92+ Camry and ES300s?

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

Welcome to SolaraGuy! I know I'm comparing limes and pineapples here, but my co-worker has a 5MT '91 Accord EX that I get to drive from time to time as an unofficial company car, and even then I noticed the ride quality was a lot more jittery with tons of road noise, but I remember the odometer reading in the 240k ranges, so I do know where you're coming from.

However, much like the Hondas, as long as you follow the maintenance schedule you'll be fine, except for there's no "maintenance" gauge or light to remind you when it is due (at least that I know of). One thing to kinda keep in mind is that Toyotas ARE touted for quality and longevity; my car runs like a champ and NEVER left me stranded for the year or more that I've had the car, while I definitely can't say the same for some other cars (2004 Nissan SenCrap ... Thank God for the AAA and the Lemon Law). So, like most others have said, keep everything maintained and 200k miles should be a breeze for this car.

[Somedude]

Your new car looks awesome.

[dvdchris45]

welcome aboard and congrats on the ride!

[MCOjerry]

Welcome to SolaraGuy! I know I'm comparing limes and pineapples here, but my co-worker has a 5MT '91 Accord EX that I get to drive from time to time as an unofficial company car, and even then I noticed the ride quality was a lot more jittery with tons of road noise, but I remember the odometer reading in the 240k ranges, so I do know where you're coming from.

However, much like the Hondas, as long as you follow the maintenance schedule you'll be fine, except for there's no "maintenance" gauge or light to remind you when it is due (at least that I know of). One thing to kinda keep in mind is that Toyotas ARE touted for quality and longevity; my car runs like a champ and NEVER left me stranded for the year or more that I've had the car, while I definitely can't say the same for some other cars (2004 Nissan SenCrap ... Thank God for the AAA and the Lemon Law). So, like most others have said, keep everything maintained and 200k miles should be a breeze for this car.

The Solara does have a maintenance light.

[crispone]

Nice intro... welcome.

The standard I have often heard quoted and repeated myself is:

Honda vehicles will do 200k easy w/proper maint...

Toyota vehicles will do 300k w/same maint....

I have had.... let me think... at LEAST 9 Toyotas myself, and my wife has had a couple since meeting me... my family has had between half-to-a-full dozen... (a couple of Hondas in there for me, wife, and family...) and we are ALL die hard Toyota fans! Being in the automotive import industry, I have supplied BOTH Toyota and Honda with product, and the Toyota Engineering Standards EXCEED the Honda standards consistently, even in the smallest of details. I've personally been 227k miles on one of my three Supras, and run a used Camry well into 200k mile teritory... You've made a good choice.

Regarding you Toyota to Honda comparo... The president of my company whom I work for drives a 2004 Acura TL. I drive it all the time as my role puts me in "DRIVER" position frequently, and although slightly sweeter engine power, tranny response, and chassis competence, his TL is WAY LOUDER than my '04 SE, shudders under braking, and the fit and finish of the interior, while superior components in several respects, is well below the fit and finish of my Solara. With the handful of mods. on my car, I have already opted out of the TL buyout I was considering this past year... and I am 10g's ahead of the TL in price!

Anyway... you bought a very good car. Hope you don't have any "bugs" with it that detract from your first Toyota experience... it's always possible, but mine has 50k+ w/NO issues (did the TSB for slight drift to left...) and the car should show me well into 200k if I keep driving it that long.... (Very likely as it is my habit.)

Welcome...

- crisp