New to forum

[cargirl2B]

I am Cargirl2B and new to the forum. I own a white SLE 2000 automatic Solara and am fighting a very strong urge to purchase a new car, which is actually senseless, since I only have 50,000 miles on my Solara and my Solara is in fine condition.

I am going to be asking questions of you Solara enthusiasts about ways I can enhance the exterior look of Solara and thereby, squelch the idea of wanting a new car. Where to begin - sportier custom wheels? Underbody molding?

A few question would be - what are your thoughts about the very first cosmetic change you would suggest?

[JMSinMaryland]

1. Tint
2. Lowering springs/struts
3. 18" rims

[solara caper]

Check out the rides and get some ideas, if you want to change looks it always good to change wheels,

[nj99solara]

I am Cargirl2B and new to the forum. I own a white SLE 2000 automatic Solara and am fighting a very strong urge to purchase a new car, which is actually senseless, since I only have 50,000 miles on my Solara and my Solara is in fine condition.

I am going to be asking questions of you Solara enthusiasts about ways I can enhance the exterior look of Solara and thereby, squelch the idea of wanting a new car. Where to begin - sportier custom wheels? Underbody molding?

A few question would be - what are your thoughts about the very first cosmetic change you would suggest?

First off welcome to a wonderful site...
As far as cosmetic changes it really would depend on what you personally like there are alot of different people and styles here and i'm pretty sure you can find some ideas on SG.
Me personally I would :
1. Shave all of the emblems
2. 18" or 19" wheels
3. Tint the windows and taillights

But like I said it all depends on what your into.
Good luck

[Akfahad]

welcome....

drop the car first
get either 18 or 19's as mentioned
get a TRD kit and then I think you'll be happy

[cargirl2B]

I just read the posts about tinting windows and taillights. I do have a window tint. But here's something that I'd like to run by those of you who know Solaras. It's not so much of the look of my taillights that I want to improve. I actually like the look of the taillights I have. What I have never quite liked is the bottom "swoop" on the front headlights. Not that I want to duplicate the Acura lights entirely, but I would like to slightly mimic the Acura front lights on my 2000 Solara. Are there any places that you recommend for perhaps a tint on the lower portion of the front lights that would camouflage the bottom swoop and create a slightly more angular look ?

Also, can you get some nicer looking wheels for around $1,000? I read that they can go up to $5,000. This made my jaw drop.

Next, the tip of my exhaust is all rusty and dull looking. I'd like to get that to shine again.

Another point, when you look at my wheels, there are some flat disks behind them that are all brown and rusty looking, too. Is there a way to clean these up to get them looking shiny again?

Finally - a great shine for the car... and a product to keep the tires shiny. Are there any products you recommend?

Thanks much.

CARGIRL

[SleeperSolara]

Welcome to SG.org

You can get a good aftermarket replacement, like a TRD exhaust, or a Apexi W/S, if you want an OEM look.
Rims and a drop would complete the look.

[NVDIS1]

welcome

drop the car and put some rims on and what a difference that will make

share a few pics of your car with us

[cargirl2B]

I have just checked tirerack.com. Holy Toledo. The wheels I've gravitated to run at least $300-$400 a piece (OZ ultralegger). I see that if want to play with the big boys, I'm going to have to pay like the big boys.

I see that a first and foremost step to giving an upscale look to my 2000 diamond white Solara will be to purchase some new wheels. And I just learned this - the new wheel size will mean a new set of tires to go along with them.

It looks I'd better get ready to drop some cheese.

[Ruski]

Welcome to SG . Great Forum , Thats if you wont start racing threads agianst g35 and Type r hehe Like some memebers .. LEts see some pics

[anwagbo3000]

whats up

[Astro]

Welcome Where are you located?

...yes, you're going to have to spend some big dough if you want to enhance the look of your ride! Rims and tires will give you the most dramatic change, it took me almost 4 years to finally get some rims - it was well worth it. I felt like I had a new ride. If cash is a big concern, I went to a place out here in Cali called Rent-a-wheel, I know it's not the best. But, if you can't afford to come up with the money all at once, you can make weekly payments. If you can pay it off in like 2 months, they don't charge any interest.

If you want to duplicate the look of the Acura headlights, I'd suggest going to where you went to tint the windows. Many shops are now tinting tailights, so they may accommodate your wishes. It's not that hard to do for them, it's if they're willing to do it.

Besides getting new rims and tires, look into a TRD lip kit. It can be a little pricey, but it's well worth it. They are made of urethane, which is a very strong and flexible material. Don't fall for the fiberglass bodykits, it may cost only a few hundred dollars, but you'll end up paying an arm and a leg to have it installed and painted. Trust me, I've been there - done that! Another thing to do is to lower it, not only does it make the car look more aggressive and sporty - it helps take away some of the "floaty" feeling. To totally get rid of the "floaty" feeling, you'll have to get the TRD RSB (rear sway bar).

[cargirl2B]

Trying to be absolute minimalist about external cosmetic enhancements for my 2000 Diamond White Solara, here are some further questions:

1. What if I chose to keep the wheels that came with the car and new tires I just bought - Could I do something to the plate that covers the wheels that has the Toyota symbol - or paint the screws an aluminum color? Anything at all so as to avoid having to buy another set of wheels and tires, which I have just discovered - are only usealbe during spring and summer since winter takes a toll on the chrome and it is not suggested that I drive newer wheels during winter?

2. I would still like to clean the look behind wheels and lose all that dark rust color - Would anyone suggest repainting behind the wheels in the brakes area? If so, what color would you suggest - the guy at my detail shop in my home town of Peoria said he has black, gray and red.

3. I would somehow like to tint the lower portion of the swoopy headlights for a more Acura/angular look in an effort to camouflage the lower swoop. But if so, what color of tint? I don't want to pick a color that accidentally or inadvertantly actually draws more attention to the swoop or exaggerates it.

4. What are some ballpark costs to lower the car? This seems to be a standard suggestion. Is this absolutely necessary if I'm trying to go minimalist in changes?

5. If going a new set of wheels route is an absolute must, are there any sets of wheels and tires out there that you would you recommend for a minimal amount of money?

6. Finally - if you were to give me a ballpark figure for some absolute minimalist changes you would suggest to give my 2000 Solara a facelift, what costs are we talking about?

[woa_its_j3ff]

welcome. search. goodbye!

[Thaiguy]

welcome to SG... i'd say start simple lower it rims and maybe intake, header, exhaust...