2004 solara convertible SLE new owner
by honky » Fri Jan 12, 2007 8:26 am
Hi
Just bought a 2004 Solara. THis is my wifes car and she loves it already. The car is Cosmic blue metallic with a black top and a dark grey interior. Really a work of art to look at, absolutley a gorgeous car. It has 15,000 original miles on it. We purchased it on Ebay believe it or not. We live in Ct. and the car was located on Asheville NC. so this meant a trip by me to NC. to pick it up and drive it home here to CT. I flew out of Laguardia at 6:30 am in NYC with a plane change in Charlotte to get to my final in Asheville at 10:45 am. The PO met me at the airport with the car and then the fun started. The Weather forcast was dicey at best with a storm coming up from the South. It was dry at the airport and we decided to hit the local Mickey D's to do the paper work. As soon as we sat down the rain started. The po's were the kindest, nicest people you ever would want to buy a car from. It was the wifes car and she like a mother hen went over all the operations of the car with me. The car was spotless and she even left a box of Altoids in the compartment for the ride.
I left Asheville in a "driving" rain heading north through the Smokey Mts reaching for Route 81 north. Nothing quite like trying to get the feel of a new car while driving through moutain passes in a punishing rain with every other vehicle being a swift moving 18 wheeler.Well I figured this will be a good time to see if this baby leaks like every other vert I have owned (it didn't). After 1/2 an hour I stopped and loaded up with gas and some Southern hot peanuts, figuring a little more weight in the back would help and something to munch on would cut through the tension that was filling the air. I loaded up the 6 changer with some Pat Metheny and Lee Ritenour and settled down to become one with the car.
Interstate 81 I soon found out had become the road of choice for every truck heading north.My confidence grew with every set of trucks I passed.I could see right away this was a fine road cruising vehicle with a very steady hold on the road. My first learning curve was the wiper control. The intermitent gave good control but I was surprised there was no way to flick the handle for a quick one wipe.
By 5PM darkness set in and passing trucks in the rain and side spray just wasn't fun anymore. I opted for a seedy little motel and a few cold ones just outside of Washington DC figuring by morning it would dry up and I could make a quick run up 495 and the Jersey turnpike to CT.
Of course I awoke to the same s--- that had pitter pattered me to sleep. More f------ rain. DC and Baltimore were a slow steady stop and go bitch to get through but the NJ turnpike opened up and by now my confidence in the car was there . I was impressed in the handling especially passing trucks and the jack rabbit getaways from toll booths.
Now I needed to get home in time to get the emmisions test done so I could register it the next day. Cruising at 80- 85 was cake for this car.I could see travelling on a warm summer day with the top down was going to be a sweet thing.
Well the Wifey was very impressed, couldn't tell though if she was happier to see me or the car in one piece after my little ride.
So there you have it. As for me -- back to my MX5 Miata. For the wife peaceful bliss when she climbs behind the wheel of a very nice car.
I have a few questions which I will post to the 2-2.5 forum
Just bought a 2004 Solara. THis is my wifes car and she loves it already. The car is Cosmic blue metallic with a black top and a dark grey interior. Really a work of art to look at, absolutley a gorgeous car. It has 15,000 original miles on it. We purchased it on Ebay believe it or not. We live in Ct. and the car was located on Asheville NC. so this meant a trip by me to NC. to pick it up and drive it home here to CT. I flew out of Laguardia at 6:30 am in NYC with a plane change in Charlotte to get to my final in Asheville at 10:45 am. The PO met me at the airport with the car and then the fun started. The Weather forcast was dicey at best with a storm coming up from the South. It was dry at the airport and we decided to hit the local Mickey D's to do the paper work. As soon as we sat down the rain started. The po's were the kindest, nicest people you ever would want to buy a car from. It was the wifes car and she like a mother hen went over all the operations of the car with me. The car was spotless and she even left a box of Altoids in the compartment for the ride.
I left Asheville in a "driving" rain heading north through the Smokey Mts reaching for Route 81 north. Nothing quite like trying to get the feel of a new car while driving through moutain passes in a punishing rain with every other vehicle being a swift moving 18 wheeler.Well I figured this will be a good time to see if this baby leaks like every other vert I have owned (it didn't). After 1/2 an hour I stopped and loaded up with gas and some Southern hot peanuts, figuring a little more weight in the back would help and something to munch on would cut through the tension that was filling the air. I loaded up the 6 changer with some Pat Metheny and Lee Ritenour and settled down to become one with the car.
Interstate 81 I soon found out had become the road of choice for every truck heading north.My confidence grew with every set of trucks I passed.I could see right away this was a fine road cruising vehicle with a very steady hold on the road. My first learning curve was the wiper control. The intermitent gave good control but I was surprised there was no way to flick the handle for a quick one wipe.
By 5PM darkness set in and passing trucks in the rain and side spray just wasn't fun anymore. I opted for a seedy little motel and a few cold ones just outside of Washington DC figuring by morning it would dry up and I could make a quick run up 495 and the Jersey turnpike to CT.
Of course I awoke to the same s--- that had pitter pattered me to sleep. More f------ rain. DC and Baltimore were a slow steady stop and go bitch to get through but the NJ turnpike opened up and by now my confidence in the car was there . I was impressed in the handling especially passing trucks and the jack rabbit getaways from toll booths.
Now I needed to get home in time to get the emmisions test done so I could register it the next day. Cruising at 80- 85 was cake for this car.I could see travelling on a warm summer day with the top down was going to be a sweet thing.
Well the Wifey was very impressed, couldn't tell though if she was happier to see me or the car in one piece after my little ride.
So there you have it. As for me -- back to my MX5 Miata. For the wife peaceful bliss when she climbs behind the wheel of a very nice car.
I have a few questions which I will post to the 2-2.5 forum
- honky
- Just Licensed SolaraGuy
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Mon Dec 25, 2006 9:44 am
