Recently acquired a 2000 Solara 3.0 coupe.

[SilentSpanner]

Greetings, everyone. My primary vehicle is a 2004 four-cylinder Camry with 148,000 kilometres, which I purchased privately approximately three years ago after totalling my 2005 3.3 Solara in an accident. I recently purchased a 2000 3.0L Solara coupe from a used car dealership, in excellent condition, with approximately 197,000 kilometres on it, as I have a strong affection for and nostalgia for the Solara. The vehicle was acquired new and maintained consistently, as indicated by the Carfax report, at a local Toyota dealership, but the comprehensive history report commences in 2006. I contacted the dealership (West Coast Toyota) to verify the report's integrity and to ensure there were no irregularities from the auto lot, as I have encountered manipulated Carfax reports at less respectable establishments in the past. The dealership's service records extended barely four years but appeared to validate their accuracy. The vehicle appeared to have oil and filter changes annually, around every 10,000 kilometres. Upon inspecting the oil cover, I observed some muck, which is typical for the 3.0 L engine. I am considering performing an engine flush before transitioning to a high-quality synthetic lubricant. The records indicate that the gearbox oil was flushed at around 88,000 kilometres, but there is no indication of an engine flush. Do you have any opinions on the efficacy of performing a flush on a high-kilometer engine? I am enquiring regarding the timing belt, as there are no records of its replacement, save from documentation saying that the drive belts were inspected and the serpentine belt was replaced at 161,000 kilometres (June 2019). The dealership indicated that the belt was likely replaced at an independent garage due to the high costs associated with their services. The Carfax report indicated that the starter was privately replaced in 2014 at 132,000 kilometres. The automobile appears to be in superb condition. The vehicle operates efficiently, and documents demonstrate that components such as brakes and coolant have been routinely maintained. What are your opinions regarding the engine flush and timing belt? Thank you.

[Nekomp]

Greetings, another first-generation Solara from British Columbia. 👌

[FrostyTomato]

I believe the wording of the "serpentine" belt was inaccurate. Only three belts should be present in your vehicle: the timing belt, the AC/alternator belt, and the power steering belt. If there is documentation of the serpentine being replaced, it is quite probable that it was the timing belt.
I presume the spark plugs and water pump were replaced concurrently with the timing belt, as they ought to have been. I would replace the plugs if they have not been replaced, and I would note to replace the water pump with the subsequent timing belt change if it has not already been replaced.
The oil cap is not a conclusive location for assessing sludge. If you maintain communication with the previous owner, enquire about the driving habits—primarily short, urban trips or numerous longer journeys of 30-45 minutes (my approximate estimation of what may be adequate) that would have elevated the oil temperature, facilitating moisture evaporation and the combustion of residual fuel. If you remain apprehensive about potential sludge, procure a new front cam cover gasket, remove the front cam cover, and inspect the interior. If sludge is present, remove the intake manifold and rear cam cover to eliminate all sludge. Additional gaskets will be necessary if the rear cam cover is removed.

There may be further items you wish to consider for replacement; but, I would not be concerned about those that appear to be functioning adequately. In the course of a forthcoming timing belt repair, the water pump, tensioner, and idler pulley will be addressed. I have successfully used the original components for 300,000 miles without any indications of breakdown, so there is no need for concern regarding these parts. Additionally, assess the replacement of the front engine seals on both camshafts and the crankshaft during the forthcoming timing belt replacement. The modification is rather simple; simply view a YouTube video on procedures and methods to prevent damage to the new seals during installation.
Examine the hue of your radiator. If it has a yellowish-green tinge, it is likely original and may be deteriorating in brittleness. The plastic undergoes a colour transformation over time.While attempting to detach the oil filter during an oil change, I inadvertently applied pressure to the top radiator hose nipple, resulting in its fracture.
It is an excellent engine. Enjoy!

[Lemmand]

🥰

[Workerat]

I retained my 2008 Solara for eight years before transferring it to my son. I opted to purchase a Rav4. I have had Toyota automobiles since 1990. The one complaint was the deteriorating dashboard after I relinquished it! I purchased a cover for it because I prefer to maintain items in optimal condition. I believe I expended approximately $200 on it, yet I have never even encountered it!

[SilentSpanner]

Ha ha...Indeed, I have been informed of the degradation of the dashboard and steering wheel rubber. Either the temperature in Vancouver is not sufficiently high, or my Solara has been well sheltered in a garage or carport, as there are no indications of tackiness or melting thus far.

[Workerat]

I have provided them with two Toyotas that have minimal mileage and have been carefully maintained. I am aware that they do not genuinely value it and fail to care for them adequately. They did not clear space in the two-car garage to safeguard either party. Trust me, no one has ever bestowed upon me a vehicle without compensation! It was amusing because when I purchased the RAV4 in 2017, two dealerships offered me $4,000 for a trade-in. I stated, "I will donate it rather than allow you to possess it for that price!" It appears to have approximately 76,000 miles on it. While returning home, approximately 70 miles away, I received a call from the dealer in Urbana, IL. He stated that if you return today, we will provide you with $7000. I recently conversed with my son and informed him that I would accept any amount he could obtain for the 2002 Camry I had given him. I was pleased to inform the dealership that this elderly woman is not as naïve as they presumed. It ultimately resulted in a concession since my son believed I was independently affluent, which is far from reality. I hope I brought you joy today!

[NightHawk47]

🤑