New owner of 2004 SE V6 Solara

[dronek1975]

Hi everyone
Me (me and my wife) have just purchased a 04 Solara SE V6 for her and i have a few questions. Car is in excellent condition, engine runs smooth and doesn't look like there is any problems with either engine or auto tranny. Dealer originally wanted 13K , we got price down to 11K for the car (less than 58K miles on the odometer) Car was a private lease here in IL. Anyways back to question...since i don't know much about this car other than it's Toyota = Reliable. I'm a VW guy but must admit i love driving that sexy coupe. The plastic cover that is located under the engine bay under the car looks broken and part of it hangs so i would like to get that replaced does anyone know the correct name for it maybe a part number so i can purchase it at dealer and get it replaced? How much would it cost?
Since there isn't much of a history of the car what do You think i should get done to prevent eventual problems. Tune Up? Anything i should be aware of?
I hope $11K was a decent deal though. Cheers

[LEE337]

Welcome to SG

This might get moved to introductions, but oh well. Sounds like you got a pretty good deal on her. The plastic piece thats hanging down in the middle is your engine splash shield/gaurd. There is two more on each fender well called splash shield/gaurd and they each run about 20 bucks or so. At 58K and a new car to you, I would change all fluids, check all belts and hoses. I'm sure your tranny fluid is good, but have it checked.

Post up some pics of that sexy coupe. You should find a good amount of info on her on this forum. The key is search search search.

[GzNutz]

Welcome!

11k sounds like a great deal!

[TLMNICK]

Welcome to SG. Post some pics!

[mattyboy243311]

got an o4 v6 se last week also with 45,00 miles on it runs great i love it throwin an intake on next week

[dronek1975]

thanks for warm welcome...there is one thing that bothers me though, i had driven a car today (almost 90 miles all together) and noticed like "clicking" sound ( I could kind of feel it on the steering wheel) somewhere from the steering column when i make a turn at low speeds, breaking at low speeds but especially noticeable when turning right at low speeds. Other than that it's amazing ride. I can also hear it once idling and turning steering wheel both ways...It doesn't look/sound like anything in the suspension, i'm almost sure it somewhere in the steering column, not sure if this is normal with this model or there is a problem somewhere....thanks once again for a warm welcome and responses. Cheers

[Down2TheC]

Sounds like more loose plastic in one of the wheel wells. Worth a check. If the splash guards were haning, maybe the wheel well plastic has been messed with too.

Oh wait... did you mean you could hear it while not moving? If so that's probably not it.

[dronek1975]

Sounds like more loose plastic in one of the wheel wells. Worth a check. If the splash guards were haning, maybe the wheel well plastic has been messed with too.

Oh wait... did you mean you could hear it while not moving? If so that's probably not it.

I can kind of hear it while idling and turning steering wheel left and right it does this click sound when i turn a wheel fast (push it) either way and at the exact same moment the wheel stops i can hear it...since it's our pretty much first Toyota or Japanese car for that matter i have no idea if this is "normal" sound when you turn steering wheel both ways...it's like one click and i can slightly feel it too, kind of bugging me though. Thanks

[Down2TheC]

Not a normal thing. Any chance you have something clicking in the plastic surrounding the steering column? I'd hate to think it was actually in the steering mechanism.

Maybe have the wife turn the wheel while you listen under the hood? Just to see if it's only in the cabin or if it's really in the steering. Since it can happen when wheels aren't turning, suspension and brakes are pretty much ruled out I'd think. While the wife's turning the wheel, check the front wheels to make sure they have full travel left/right without hitting anything.

[dronek1975]

oh crap, now You got me worried...i hope it's nothing serious though. I'm new to the area as well, just moved here to Schaumburg IL so i will have to look for a reputable shop have all the fluids checked/replaced and look into that steering column...today i will clean a throttle body with cleaner and look more into steering column thing...is it possible at this mileage? would that be under warranty if there is a problem?

[PhreakdOut]

http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/camry-solara/99258-2004-solara-front-suspension-noise-need/

There is a TSB on it but it's covered only if the car is less than 36K miles. Check this thread and try talking to the dealer. Perhaps they will cover it or split the cost. Asking is free.

Check with Kurt Aigner at Elmhurst Toyota on Lake Road. Tell him Brian May from SolaraGuy.com suggested that you talk to him.

[dronek1975]

http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/camry-solara/99258-2004-solara-front-suspension-noise-need/

There is a TSB on it but it's covered only if the car is less than 36K miles. Check this thread and try talking to the dealer. Perhaps they will cover it or split the cost. Asking is free.

Check with Kurt Aigner at Elmhurst Toyota on Lake Road. Tell him Brian May from SolaraGuy.com suggested that you talk to him.

OK found the dealership Elmhurst Toyota on West Lake street...should i call like service department and ask for that person? Link You have provided... it says dealer charge like over $400 to fix this damn clicking from steering column.

[Down2TheC]

Well at least you know it's not a safety issue. If it was it would be covered and/or be a recall. (i.e. 04-05 lag, left pull, etc.)

[dronek1975]

there is also this clicking sound when i take off ( traffic lights etc) and when i brake at low speeds not as noticeable as when i make slow turns though but it's there. it's like "click" like there is some loose somewhere in the steering column. I can hear like 2-3 clicks in seconds apart while making a slow turn.

[Biggi_e]

when you turn your steering wheel, does it feel loose going 1 way and stiffer going the other way? it could be your steering column or your rack and opinion