Getting a 2001 Solara convertible SLE

[jzwu]

Hello,

I am getting a 2001 Solara convertible SLE in 2 days from the current owner.

Anyone has advice on what to do immediately after I get the car?

The car has 96k miles on it and the brakes and tires probably need to be replaced soon. Timing belt has not been changed either, but it can wait until 100k miles? Shocks/struts seem going out and the power antenna does not work.

But I think I did pretty well on price $8000. The current owner has taken good care of car in the past and he simply does not want keep it up to date since he just got a new Volvo H70 convertible.

Thanks,

jzwu

[DoctorMark]

Congrats on the purchase and welcome!:sweet: The only thing i can think of is to make sure the previous owner kept up on the oil changes because of the engine sludge issue. it sounds like you have that taken care of though.

[Solarafreek]

Welcome to SG

Brakes
Tires
Timing belt
Struts

[/i]

[MCOjerry]

[woa_its_j3ff]

getting gas to enjoy cruising around in it. then whatever else solarafreek said.

[jzwu]

Thanks, guys!

I need to do the brakes, timing belt and all fluids, etc. Those will quickly up the total final cost to its fair market value. LOL

For some reason, the owner claims he just cleaned the car and threw away all service records. He did show me an oil change sticker on the windshield so I think at least that part is covered. Just keep my fingers crossed.

BTW, how do I know the engine has the sludge problem?

[DoctorMark]

if he maintained the oil changes then i honestly wouldnt worry about the engine sludge problems.

[MCOjerry]

Find out where he got his oil changed, in case you do have the problem. Perhaps, then you can put your hands on the records. If he did it on his own, no such luck.

You could always take the car to a mechanic to be checked out.

[Astro]

Congrats and welcome

Don't forget about the water pump!!!

[jzwu]

Just got the car today.

It drives and shifts very smoothly but the steering wheel starts to shake a little at 40 mph and gets better somewhat at higher speeds.

First thing I need to do is to have the tires balanced.

For timing belt/water pump/drive belts, do I need to do them now at 96k miles? That's a pretty big expense after the car purchase.

[crispone]

W-E-L-C-O-M-E ! ! !




-crisp

[Astro]

For timing belt/water pump/drive belts, do I need to do them now at 96k miles? That's a pretty big expense after the car purchase.

Yes, it is expensive, but you'll want to do them together. You'll definately save time and money.

[jzwu]

Got a quote from a local dealer to do timing belt, water pump, and drive belts for $490 after 10% discount.

They still charge an extra 2 hour labor for the water pump, but I figure $490 is pretty good for all the items.

Should I go forward? My '01 has 96K miles now.

[jzwu]

Got a quote from a local dealer to do timing belt, water pump, and drive belts for $490 after 10% discount.

They still charge an extra 2 hour labor for the water pump, but I figure $490 is pretty good for all the items.

Should I go forward? My '01 has 96K miles now and drives like a champ.

[Gangis]

Welcome!

I recently bought a 2002 SLE V6 convertible, diamond white pearl. Love it! It has sludge though, but Toyota is taking care of it. The car drives like a dream.