Question on buying used SE Sport V6

[nkx1]

Hi All,

Haven't been around for a long while, but was hoping to gain some insight from some knowledgeable people here... I have decided to purchase a used 2004-2008 SE Sport V6. With that in mind, which of the following years would be best to purchase overall? And please clue me in if I am unaware of problems/fixes for certain years.

2004-2005: Has transmission shift issue, but can be remedied via TSB

2006: Has throttle lag issue with no known fix, but does not have the transmission shift issue

2007-2008: No known deficiencies?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

[jetbtkng]

ya buy a 99 - 02 solara, problem solved............

[nkx1]

ya buy a 99 - 02 solara, problem solved............

Apparently you didn't bother to look one inch downward to my sig that clearly indicates I already have a '99.

[CosmicGrooves]

The 04-06 SE Sports have BIG fangs.

The 07 and up have small fangs.

Mine is an '05. Also, the transmission is the same in all of them. They only STOPPED offering the shift enhancement to the 06 and up. I got the enhancement on my car and the truth is, it is not something you should base your buying opinion on.

Personally, I prefer the Gen 2 over the 2.5... but then I can be accused of being bias. I just like the big fangs.

[wkbrdr91]

^^^ i agree, the sport lip kit on the 2.0 looks MUCH better, not to mention the fog lights are like 3 times the size haha. basically i like the front of the 2.0 better, but i like the brake lights of 2.5 (i prefer 2.0 headlights, new ones look cheap and akward to me). but the wing on the 2.5 looks better than the 2.0

I would buy based on price, you should be happy either way.

[nkx1]

Thanks for the replies. +1 to what wkbrdr91 said. Also, I know all the transmissions are the same but was weighing the pros/cons of the shift enhancement (I previously called the shift enhancement the TSB remedy).

In any case, since I haven't heard anything bad about the 2007-08 transmissions or throttle lag, I guess it comes down to whether I want to risk the throttle lag issue in the 2006, or get a 2004-05 just to be safe, and do the shift enhancement TSB.

[Black Bob]

I agree with Cosmic, although we bitch about the transmission and lag, it's not a deal breaker when deciding between a Gen 2 or 2.5. A V6 Gen 2.5 is not gonna show any difference jumping off the line or accelerating when compared to a V6 Gen 2 with no TSB upgrades. If you don't mind the smaller ground effects and foglights and more interested in mp3 capability, HID's, LED's and a warranty go for a Gen 2.5. That being said, I'll take the Gen 2 "fangs" and the 8-tra...er...tape deck any day.

[kingkakyle]

u can :"teach" the gen 2 tranny to be agressive....
by always being agressive on the gas haha
otherwise they all have the same problem, even after the TSB
u cant get around that tranny

so GO FOR A GEN 2!!! looks better than the 07+ (except the tails)

[PXLpainter]

I'd say get a low-mileage 04/05 that already had the TSB done to it for throttle lag, then do what I did and get the 2.5 sport spoiler for the rear and the LED tails - then you have the best of both worlds! I only wish I could have had some kind of help with the lag, but fukkit - no lag issues now! LOL!

[wkbrdr91]

how much does this TSB thing everyone is talking about cost? and is it worth my time?

[kingkakyle]

how much does this TSB thing everyone is talking about cost? and is it worth my time?

does not apply to u since ur a 4cyl

[nkx1]

I'd say get a low-mileage 04/05 that already had the TSB done to it for throttle lag, then do what I did and get the 2.5 sport spoiler for the rear and the LED tails - then you have the best of both worlds! I only wish I could have had some kind of help with the lag, but fukkit - no lag issues now! LOL!

Wait, is there and shift enhancement TSB AND a throttle lag TSB, or are they one and the same?

Also, what do you mean that you have no lag issues now? Did you do some sort of homemade fix?

[Pogs]

I'd say get a low-mileage 04/05 that already had the TSB done to it for throttle lag, then do what I did and get the 2.5 sport spoiler for the rear and the LED tails - then you have the best of both worlds! I only wish I could have had some kind of help with the lag, but fukkit - no lag issues now! LOL!

Wait, is there and shift enhancement TSB AND a throttle lag TSB, or are they one and the same?

Also, what do you mean that you have no lag issues now? Did you do some sort of homemade fix?

His homemade fix was to trade it in for a brand new FJ. Yeah I dont think you got any lag issues in that six speed lol

[NightRider]

Make sure though before you buy any of these models that you run a carfax and know what you are getting.

[CosmicGrooves]

I'd say get a low-mileage 04/05 that already had the TSB done to it for throttle lag, then do what I did and get the 2.5 sport spoiler for the rear and the LED tails - then you have the best of both worlds! I only wish I could have had some kind of help with the lag, but fukkit - no lag issues now! LOL!

Wait, is there and shift enhancement TSB AND a throttle lag TSB, or are they one and the same?

Also, what do you mean that you have no lag issues now? Did you do some sort of homemade fix?

There is no "throttle lag" TSB... only the SHIFT ENHANCEMENT which does almost nothing to the lag issue.

The lag will be the same in the Gen 2.5. You don't hear about it because all the enthusiasts that care about such a thing bought the car sooner and have a Gen 2. People that waited and ended up with at 2.5 are not typically the enthusiasts that would even notice a lag issue.
The best proof I can offer to support this last statement is, how many people here have a Gen 2.5 sport??? Like 1 maybe, and he never posted pictures.
Any Solara enthusiast would have found this website... just like all of us have.