Frugal but Classy (Coupe not Convertable)

Research and self- awareness are prudent when buying a car.  New vs. used, color, coupe or sedan, manual or automatic transmission, engine size, etc I started my due diligence in May of 08 looking for a used car that got good gas mileage, (gas @ 3.49 gallon) was stylish and was dependable.  I am the type of guy that car makers do not like.  I buy used and drive the wheels off the thing until there is nothing left.  I owned a 98 Acura TL and put well over 150,000 miles on her and there was plenty of life left.  But the car was uncomfortable to drive but I put up with it for many years because it was also fun with plenty of power and classic styling.  I looked at buying another late model Acura and drove plenty of them.  They were ok but suffered the same problems as my older TL - limited space and a uncomfortable seats. (Not a problem with 05 and newer TL's.)

My attention turned to the very stylish Solara.  I researched the car exhaustively, drove new and used...kicked several tires.  I decided that if I could find a late model(4 cyl) with the mileage I wanted that that would be the car for me.  I have a friend in the business and told him to keep an eye out for a pearl white Solara.  I do believe that in order to buy used one can use a little psychology in finding a previous owner who took care of the car. I told my friend that I was looking for a Solara that was owned by a woman, over 35, single and was trading for a more expensive car.  He found one but it took 6 months.

I drove the 06 Solara with 63,000 miles on it. (leather/elect. seats moon roof,  4 cyl)  It is a great car!  Much more comfortable than the Acura.  We shall see if she holds up but it has great storage, roomy seating and super mileage. (33.4 hwy and 25.3 city) It has side air bags, beautiful paint, and appears very well made.  I got the car for $11,900.  A little more than I wanted to pay but what are you gonna do?  I had my friend looking so I felt I should compensate him for his efforts.

I will post updates but I have had the fluids changed and drive belts replaced.  It is a fun car to drive and the looks that the car gets are incredible.   

Update...good coat of wax and the pearl white paint shines.  I cleaned up the back by removing the TOYOTA and SE badging.  It looks better.  For those of you who want to remove badging (dealer or otherwise) just get some dental floss, double it, and use is as a saw between the badge and body.  It will take a little time but be patient.  You can use NAPTHA to remove the residue.

Update:  5-09  
The car continues to impress.  So much fun to drive.  No problems at all.  68,0000 miles.

Update: 11-09
Still having fun driving my Solara.  Gas milage averages about 28 mpg (city and hwy).   75,500 miles and 0 problems.  Great car for the money.  Plenty of pick-up with this 4 cyl and there is no timing belt to replace.  I like my Solara.  The only negative thing I can say are the blind spots.  Not so bad - once you get used to them.