I want to upgrade - 06 to 08

[KeithH]

I've had my 2006 SLE Convertible for some time now. I very much enjoy commuting in this car. Top down is a BLAST - but when it is raining I enjoy driving my wife's tC better as the roof lets light in without getting rained on.

A week ago I take the 08 tC in for the first oil change (free from Toyota). While I was there I checked out the 08 Solara convertible they had on the lot.

LED Tails - I WANT!
HID Headlights - I WANT!
MP3 Integration - I WANT!

And they added drip rails to the roof! Seriously - that is my biggest complaint. When I'm driving in the rain and I hit the drivethrough for lunch... drip drip drip drip...

So here's my problem. I could so upgrade. Payments would go up a bit because I would have to get a higher rate than my current loan - and I'd be just a touch upside down on the current loan. I could afford the increased payment - but I'd have to start over.

DERNIT!

Also, if the 08s are the last of the line then they should hold their value a bit better.

[rollaevo99]

it's worth for an upgrade..... like me, I used to have an I4 but I traded in for V6..... my payment went up a bit....but like I said it's worth it...and now I'm a happy camper lol

[Sentinel]

you gotta do what you gotta do... but buying a new car and keeping it for 2 years is an unwise economic decision, to put it mildly.

And if you're going to have to pay a higher interest rate, that screws you over even more.
Why don't you save that few thousand dollars and plan for a REAL upgrade in a few years.

[onefiend]

it's worth for an upgrade..... like me, I used to have an I4 but I traded in for V6.

I know how you feel, had a Gen1 Solara 4banger and I went and got a Gen6 Camry SE V6. I was considering the Gen2-2.5 Solara SE Sport V6, but the 2GR-FE in the Camry won me over

I sometimes miss having two doors though

[Black Bob]

It's not worth it in my opinion--drip rails, mp3, LED's and HID's aren't worth the money you'd lose in getting a model that's only 2 years older. This compounded by the fact that you're upside down on your current Lara would not make buying a new one a wise financial decision. If you're like rollaevo99 and factor in an engine upgrade then maybe I could see the point but not JUST for updated lights, mp3 and drip rails. However, if the bank and salesguy starts drooling if you mention the idea then you'll know for sure if it is a good idea or not.

[rollaevo99]

it's worth for an upgrade..... like me, I used to have an I4 but I traded in for V6.

I know how you feel, had a Gen1 Solara 4banger and I went and got a Gen6 Camry SE V6. I was considering the Gen2-2.5 Solara SE Sport V6, but the 2GR-FE in the Camry won me over

I sometimes miss having two doors though

I cried when I found out that the new camry has 2GR-FE... lol

[PXLpainter]

I just got back from Miami where I rented an '08 convertible and drove it for a week.

Maybe its because I've modded my car so much, but to me, the 08 was mamby-pamby. Didn't like the experience at all.

I'd say if you're going to upgrade, then get the SLE with every available option on it that you can possibly get - otherwise, just mod yours to fit your needs and save some $$.

You wanted opinions... there's mine.

[MCOjerry]

Jeff, did it rain while you were in Miami? I'm wondering if those drip rails really work.

IMO, if they don't I wouldn't bother. For less money you can get all that 08 stuff and put it in your car. Or just go get a 3 series convertible! (of course not for less)

Seriously guys, if you have not driven a Solara convertible (gen2) for any length of time, you'd know how ANNOYING the dripping roof is!

[Sparky5e]

I am not sure what the car is like without drip rails, so it's hard to compare.

The drips are one of the biggest design issues I have with the car. I like to smoke when driving and keep the window cracked in all weather if smoking. IF there are rain gutters all it does is divert the water toward the windshield and runs a stream off the rubber tit onto my leg and arm rest. Also If I forget and turn the wipers on the water comes in. The only thing I have found to help is running the fan full speed pulling in outside air. Rolling the window down at a drive up, or getting out of the car always results in being dripped on. Sorry to babble, I could have just said they are worthless and don't waste the money.

On the other hand I think cutting holes in the back headrest helps ALLOT in already poor rear window vision. The LED's, Adjustable HID's, Climate Control, GPS, Hands free Calling(when I get it hooked up), Auto dimming mirror, Dash light color, faux wood, heated seats, hide away storage,quite ride, decent power to mileage and a HUGE trunk were the main reasons I went with the SLE over other brands rag tops. Oh yeah, I liked the blue as apposed to all the silver/gray ones on the lot. Getting dripped on, I have to admit is a pretty minor gripe considering what I do like, but still wish there was a way to have Vent Visors on a rag top. In the mean time I keep a microfiber towel in the center console to dry off with.

[KeithH]

Oh yeah... forgot about the hands free integration with my phone.

DERNIT! Now I want it more.

Of course I am not going to do it. I just REALLY want to.

And I'm not upsidedown that much. If I could get private party book selling it on my own I'd be fine. I'm just screwed if I trade.

At the end of the day... the sooner I get this car paid off... the sooner I can get back to playing with the Supra.

[kingkakyle]

also besides the drip rails u can probably get the other 3 things done for maybe 500-700$ if possibly less....just a thought

[PXLpainter]

Do the other mods and move where it don't rain as much.

Problem solved!

[Gadgetjq]

Keith,

Everything you want can be added to your car via aftermarket parts.

Get a GPS with Bluetooth, mount it in the center console (front) storage compartment and plug it into the car's audio system. Now you have hands free phone and even an mp3 player if the GPS has that capability.

Drip rails? Well, if something fell from the sky and punctured your current roof your insurance company would spring for a new top. All you need is the Gen2.5 top.

You can find instructions for replacing your headlights with HID's and tail lights with Gen 2.5 LED's here on the forum.

All that would cost you a whole lot less than what you'd lose trading in a two year old car.

Cheers

[michaels artic frost]

Do the other mods and move where it don't rain as much.

Problem solved!

LOL... Ok, seeing how Portland OR was the last place we lived in, which is very beautiful btw, rains often, but we didn't mind it. Anyhow, its really a tough decision IMHO, but if the drip rail was upgradable, it would be great...

Good luck.
-M

[Down2TheC]

For the kind of $$$ you'd be tossing, I'd rather spring for a roll of paper towels. Or you could just get a Gen 1 coupe to drive when it's raining.

Or even cheaper... keep your damn window closed!

You must be a smoker.