newbie

[mowke]

Hey everyone,

In the process of buying a used 2000 solara w/110 k miles. Car is in great shape. Black w/ar rims. No moonroof. One owner who took very good care of it. Needs timing belt done (4 cyl) and brakes down the road. The only concern I have is that the oil changes were done between 5 and 7 k. Asking 6.5 k, I'll get it for 6. Did I do ok on this or not?

[theprodigy79]

Hey, welcome to the site.

You probably could have found a similar one for a few hundred less, but that's not that much in the long run.

If he was using synthetic oil, that changing interval is fine... if he has been doing that since he got the car with regular oil, you may have issues in the future (these engines are known to gunk up due to the heat they produce, a la lower emissions engines)...

I would do an oil flush right when you bring it home... Drive it for a thousand miles or so, then do another oil change... Swap to synthetic immediately, as it has properties that disolve gunk and build up.

Other than that, sounds like a decent find. Just bring it back to "fresh" and keep it up from there and I'm sure you'll get many years of enjoyment out of it.

Peace,

-James

[woa_its_j3ff]

welcome!
i have a 99 solara which at the time I bought it had 110k as well.

I just started using synthetic lol (at 130k now)..
id stick with synthetic oil

[mowke]

Thanks for the advice. The car is for my daughter who will turn over her 95 corolla w/148 k to her almost driving brother. It was one car and make we could agree on. Not many in the 6k range in N Ohio and even fewer w/one owner. Family member actually worked w/former owner and knew that they took care of it. That was a lucky find. Definitely will switch to synthetic stat. Is the timing belt that big of an issue? The 95 corolla was done at 58k and not again till 148k. Car also has premium jbl sound system, dual power seats.

[woa_its_j3ff]

I think your timing belt should be fine but get it checked within a few months if you bring it in for maintenance.
if you pamper this car with synthetic and all that goodies .. your car will run forever.. or so it'll seem
hope you post some pics up soon.

[Astro]

Welcome

It sounds like a good deal. The only thing I could see is that a 6 cylinder would probably go for the same price. But, these are great cars 4 or 6 cyl, so I hope your daughter enjoys it - as much as we all are! There's lots of knowledge on this board, so feel free to ask more questions!

[Akfahad]

welcome

[mowke]

Hope I didn't break any forum rules. The car is for her but in my name. I suppose I'll have to borrow every now and then have some fun. I'll definitely be picking some of your brains in the future. Thanks again.

[MCOjerry]

[theprodigy79]

If you get your timing belt "checked" you may as well have it replaced, as a good portion of the labor is already done at that point (and that's the expensive part). The belt itself can be had for less than $30 I believe, but labor is costly (as with any timing belt swap).

I would take care of it when possible... I may be mistaken, but I believe you may have an Interference Engine (I know the Gen2 V6 is, but I'm not positive about the I4s), which means that if the timing belt slips a knotch it can cause the piston to knock into an open valve due to the closer proximity. At that point, you have a rebuild at hand...

[PXLpainter]

Welcome!

[NeFaRiOuS_SLE]

Welcome to SolaraGuy!

[Biggi_e]

welcome to SG, i would probally get your timing belt done now just in case esp if your going to get it checked out.

[Solarafreek]

Welcome to SG!

[DoctorMark]

welcome!