Review of my 2004 Lunar Mist SE Sport with SST GT1 Wheels

[rgache]

This is a little long, but I think valuable to potential buyers.

I just took delivery of a new 2004 Solara, configured as a SE-Sport, Lunar Mist (i.e. Silver), 5sp manual, 4-cylinder, leather, std. sound system, custom wheels and tires. The dealer was Tuscaloosa Toyota, Alabama--Jeff Baker sales person. I live in Birmingham, AL, about 65 miles east of Tuscaloosa--roll Tide. Here are my impressions after a couple of weeks of use.

Styling

Too be honest, I was very surprised when I was told that the base price of the new Solara was 21k. I thought they had come out with a new high-priced sports touring model to fill a pricing gap just below the Lexus sc430 model, I was way wrong. I think the styling rivals the sc430, and while the interior is not as luxurious as sc430, the quality of the leather and carbon fiber panels is top notch. I loved the older Solara model styling also, but I think the new styling is light years ahead.

Performance

I think the performance is excellent. I used to drive a 190 2.3-16 Mercedes 5sp and I think this car holds it own with it. The cornering is very tight and accelleration is just fine. I am betting that with the new wheels and tires (see below) that this 4cyl model would best the 6cyl stock models.

Wheels and Tires

I told the sales person showing me the new Solara that Toyota "blew-it" when it came to the SE-Sport stock wheels and tires. I believe the bold 2004 styling is frustrated by the black. smooth sidewalls and the non-descript 5 spoked wheels. The camery brochure shows a bold red sport model (you probably remember the pic I am talking about--pg 2&4) with flat rotating wheels that are much more aggressive looking than the still photos. The actual stock tires and wheels which I was able to see on display at the dealer, were a real dissapointment.

So, I worked out a deal, again due to my sales person's selfless efforts, to have the dealer order wheels and tires per my selection and put them on the stock car upon arrival and prior to my acceptance of delivery. My dealer used Tire Rack to order the wheels I selected, and they selected and supplied high performance tires that fit the car. The dealer was most patient during this process. Unfortunately, Tire Rack selected the wrong tire for the application. The fitment was right, but the tire was too small, resulting in a 6% reduction in diameter. I had to resort to having a local high-performance tire merchant demount the Tire Rack supplied tire and fit a set of Michelen Pilot MXM4s (P235/45R18 94V). The stock diameter was 26.4 inches (toyo proxes J33Bs P215/55R17 93V-OEM Only) and the Pilot diameter was 26.5. A .1 inches diameter differential was negligable, so I did not have to worry about the ABS malfunctioning or the low inflation warning going off--these are real concerns at 6% diameter differentials. At least according to wheel and tire manufactures I spoke with.

The wheel I selected was an SST GT1, 18inch x 7.5 inch wide. The combined weight of the SSTs and the Pilot tires was 41lbs. The stock wheels and tires weighed 50.5lbs. A net savings of 9.5 lbs per corner.

Two comments about the wheels and tires I selected: (1) GT1s are known to bend fairly easily, notwithstanding the special compression process they undergo during forming. So, I am a little worried of bending; but, we will just have to see if I can dodge those deep-dish pot holes. (2) a lot of car enthusiasts absolutley hate the Pilot MXM4 series, mainly because they are not sticky enough for the price. While I acknowledge that the Pilots may not be the best high performance tire around, these things are plenty sticky for my liking, and I won't have to replace them at 15k miles as with others. I have even heard of cases in which 50k miles is attainable. I have no problems with noise, but I would not call the sound of these tires "silky." You can hear them, it's just not a problem.

As seen in the attached photos, the car looks incredible with these new wheels, doing the great styling justice. By the way, as a backup (believe it or not), I also bought some OZ Opera IIs--which are killer. However, after comparing the two, the GT1s seem to fit the sporty styling better and they are a lot lighter. Also, the Opera IIs were 8 inchs wide, and we felt we would be pushing some design limits on the wheel wells and steering. To be honest, I think the Opera might have worked and I would like to see someone mount them and submit a photo. I have never seen workmanship like on the Operas--stunning.

Suspension

According to dealer ads I have read and other reviews, it appears that all Solaras have the sport suspension offered from the 2004 Camerys, but the Solara SE-Sport model, goes a lot further. I little too far for my taste if you do a plus one wheel/tire upgrade like I did. While driving around town if fine, highway driving is a little too stiff for my liking Alabama roads have portions that use large concrete slabs as road sections. Due to the uneven relative planes of different slabs, an uncomfortable front to back pitching motion is expericed causing me to bounce out of my seat at 70-80MPH. I know that porches and audis get his to some degree, but I think the longer length of the Solara aggrevates this condition. The stock recommended tire pressure is 32lbs, front and back, so We started with 38lbs of pressure at each corner. This proved too much for comfort and we have reduced it to 34lbs now. The 34lbs pressure has made a big positive difference. I just hope it is enough protection for those GT1s. Anyway, consider this stiffness before you buy or upgrade.

Dealer and Sales Person

Jeff Baker at Tuscaloosa Toyota is probabably the best sales person I have ever worked with. I have never met a more motivated, informed, courtyess, and technically competent New car saler person. In particular, he was instrumental in integrating my selected wheels and tires into the new car package, meaning that they are designated as original mfg. car equipment.

Toyata Service Line

While I beleive that Toyota makes automotive products second to none, their technical assistance can be described as meager at best. Generally the national help line is just general service people that consistently points you back to the dealer with questions. I am sure the dealer appreciates this so they don't get second guessed, but dealers just don't have technical answers for new car designs like the 2004 Solara, leaving a desert for car enthusiasts.

Need Advice

If anyone has any suggestions on how to relax the suspension some (e.g. sustituting LE model shocks for current shocks, or other camery parts, let me know. I have also heard that these suspensions "relax" some after 1-2k miles. Any comments would be appreciated.

PICS

http://pictures.fujifilm.com/picture_pi ... m?id=26569


http://pictures.fujifilm.com/picture_pi ... m?id=26570


http://pictures.fujifilm.com/picture_pi ... m?id=26571


http://pictures.fujifilm.com/picture_pi ... m?id=26572

[Blazed04]

Wow. I really like your car. I just bought a LunarMist SE Sport '04 also. I got the 6cyl. Yeah i also find the suspension to be a little "bumpy" at times too. But i had a slammed honda before this so a "rough ride" was all i ever had, and the Solara is a HUGE improvement! I like the wheel choice you did. Im still trying to find some wheels that im wild about for my car. But anyways, nice car and good luck with it!!

[fotodad]

Nice car!

I own an SLE which does not come with the aero-package. I'm thinking I may have it installed once it becomes available.

Did the new tire size raise, lower, or have no affect on overall height of the car? I'd like to get 18" tires, too, but I worry about rubbing when going over a bump. Have you noticed any problems?

Love the rims! Nice choice!

[slingshot]

The rims look awesome however I don't like the look at all of the aero package for this car. The side pieces are okay but the front and rear ones are not. Just my opinion though.
Dave

[got sport]

Welcome to the '04 club, specifically the SE Sport Club! Sweet car.

Fotodad: Regarding the 18" wheels, they will not rub with the body if you go over bumps, as you can see in the picture there's still a significant gap between the tire and the body with 18's. I will be getting 18's soon as well, and plan to drop the car a little to reduce the gap.

[fotodad]

I'm excited that there are no problems putting 18" tires/rims on the Solara! Sweet! But what do you guys plan to do with the factory set of tires/rims?

[got sport]

Certain rims dealers will take the stocks as trade-ins, depending on how many miles they have on them. And I'm sure tire places will gladly buy your tires and wheels if they're still in usable condition.

Of course, the less miles you have on your stocks the higher trade-in/sell you will get. So, get your 18s soon and post up some pics!

[Guest]

how much were your new wheels?

[Guest]

As for me, if and when im going to get a set of rims, they are going to be 19's. I dont plan on dropping the car (in the near future) so 19's will be no problem with fitting and rubbing. Also as for my stock wheels, im going to keep them. 1) CT has snow, and i wouldnt dream of driving in the snow with aftermarket wheels. 2)Also if i was to trade my car in sometime down the road, id put the stock wheels on, and sell the 19's seperate. Just my $0.02

[Blazed04]

SORRY, forgot to login

As for me, if and when im going to get a set of rims, they are going to be 19's. I dont plan on dropping the car (in the near future) so 19's will be no problem with fitting and rubbing. Also as for my stock wheels, im going to keep them. 1) CT has snow, and i wouldnt dream of driving in the snow with aftermarket wheels. 2)Also if i was to trade my car in sometime down the road, id put the stock wheels on, and sell the 19's seperate. Just my $0.02

[got sport]

Also as for my stock wheels, im going to keep them. 1) CT has snow, and i wouldnt dream of driving in the snow with aftermarket wheels. 2)Also if i was to trade my car in sometime down the road, id put the stock wheels on, and sell the 19's seperate. Just my $0.02

That's a good idea...I always pick up useful info on this board.

[rgache]

Here are some answers:

1. My dealer gave me a $650 credit on the stock wheels and tires (17 inch, v-rated tires) and increased the price of the vehicle for the new wheels as an offset. Try to negotiate this in your deal at the dealer. There is nothing stopping them from doing it and they get their money back also.

2. The spare is still the stock spare, so keep a set of lugs for the spare if you upgrade!

3. The height increased usng the 18inch tires by .1 inch. See full explanation in the original thread of this dicussion.

4. I could only find 3 tires that would keep the height within 2% of the original height. Michelins happen to be the closest, and longest lasting. As I recall, Continental and Bridgstone offered the rights sizes also, but had shorter wear life. Some believe that the Michelens are poor performers, however.

5. The cost of the SST GT1's rims was $400 each. I think you can get them for $360 each at Tire Rack, if they still have any.

6. The cost of the tires was about $250 for each (including Hunter GS9k balancing and mounting)

[Hammerli]

What is the offset of your rims? Since I just had Tire Rack try to fit 225/55/17 on stock rims, which ended up rubbing badly, I assume the offset must be quite a bit different than stock to allow clearance of a 235 past the struts with a wider rim. I like the look, I am planning on getting the black chrome GT3's come spring, just worried about tire fitment with so few choices, as I just came from an Evolution VIII, and I am more picky than most when it comes to tires. If I can get the 235/45 AO46 Yoko's I had on the Evo to fit, I will, since they outhandle the Pilot Sport and S03s I've also run. That would require speedo calibration, but the tire pressure sensor has a calibration function built in, so there would be no worries there.

[rgache]

What is the offset of your rims? Since I just had Tire Rack try to fit 225/55/17 on stock rims, which ended up rubbing badly, I assume the offset must be quite a bit different than stock to allow clearance of a 235 past the struts with a wider rim. I like the look, I am planning on getting the black chrome GT3's come spring, just worried about tire fitment with so few choices, as I just came from an Evolution VIII, and I am more picky than most when it comes to tires. If I can get the 235/45 AO46 Yoko's I had on the Evo to fit, I will, since they outhandle the Pilot Sport and S03s I've also run. That would require speedo calibration, but the tire pressure sensor has a calibration function built in, so there would be no worries there.

Well, this is a difficulty. I actually did not do the ordering, so I don't have the paper work. The dealer ordered them and took delivery as part of the car purchase--I never saw the paper work. We might be able to figure it out though. The rims are 18 x 7.5; and here is the link to the sizes available at the mfg:

http://www.speedstar.co.jp/collection/ssr_gt1/spec.htm

I do recall that all bolt patterns were 114.3, so make that assumption. That leaves the +38 or the +45 (per the chart above). Tire Rack assumed the fitments for a Camery V6, 2003 would match the 2004 Solara requirments (Solara's are a type of Camery). So, see if a match can be made at their web site matching section using a v6 Camery (if GT1's are still listed--they were to be phased out). I will look at the rims to see if it is listed, but don't get your hopes up. Sorry, I should know this.

For this wheel size, there were only 3 tires that would fit it to get close to the 26.4 stock diameter. Michelin, Bridgestone, and Continential. I went with Michelin because I did not want to replace the tires every 12k miles. The online reviews of Michelin are mixed, but I am very happy with them.

On the tire pressure calibration issue, the calibration of 2004 Solara is not automatic. You must initiate calibration per the manual's proceedure. I did this recently due to a false low pressure signal I received. I have heard that others have also gotten false low pressure warnings. So, keep you eye out for false readings.

If I get any further info, I will post it. Leave the notify box checked and make sure that your e-mail is in your profile to get an e-mail notice.

Good luck.

[rgache]

What is the offset of your rims? Since I just had Tire Rack try to fit 225/55/17 on stock rims, which ended up rubbing badly, I assume the offset must be quite a bit different than stock to allow clearance of a 235 past the struts with a wider rim. I like the look, I am planning on getting the black chrome GT3's come spring, just worried about tire fitment with so few choices, as I just came from an Evolution VIII, and I am more picky than most when it comes to tires. If I can get the 235/45 AO46 Yoko's I had on the Evo to fit, I will, since they outhandle the Pilot Sport and S03s I've also run. That would require speedo calibration, but the tire pressure sensor has a calibration function built in, so there would be no worries there.

Well, this is a difficulty. I actually did not do the ordering, so I don't have the paper work. The dealer ordered them and took delivery as part of the car purchase--I never saw the paper work. We might be able to figure it out though. The rims are 18 x 7.5; and here is the link to the sizes available at the mfg:

http://www.speedstar.co.jp/collection/ssr_gt1/spec.htm

I do recall that all bolt patterns were 114.3, so make that assumption. That leaves the +38 or the +45 (per the chart above). Tire Rack assumed the fitments for a Camery V6, 2003 would match the 2004 Solara requirments (Solara's are a type of Camery). So, see if a match can be made at their web site matching section using a v6 Camery (if GT1's are still listed--they were to be phased out). I will look at the rims to see if it is listed, but don't get your hopes up. Sorry, I should know this.

For this wheel size, there were only 3 tires that would fit it to get close to the 26.4 stock diameter. Michelin, Bridgestone, and Continential. I went with Michelin because I did not want to replace the tires every 12k miles. The online reviews of Michelin are mixed, but I am very happy with them.

On the tire pressure calibration issue, the calibration of 2004 Solara is not automatic. You must initiate calibration per the manual's proceedure. I did this recently due to a false low pressure signal I received. I have heard that others have also gotten false low pressure warnings. So, keep you eye out for false readings.

If I get any further info, I will post it. Leave the notify box checked and make sure that your e-mail is in your profile to get an e-mail notice.

Good luck.