I purchased a used Toyota Solara 2002 SLE convertible and the engine light came on. It has 171,000 miles. I will purchase a reader to find out the code message.

I had one - I've posted about it before. Did you research the make/model prior to purchasing? Mine was nothing but problems. I replaced the emission control sensor 3 times in one year - because the warning light kept coming on and I couldn't pass inspection. Mine was new and Toyota couldn't figure it out.

When I tried to trade it I got (literally) pennies on the dollar.

Everyone says Toyotas are "good" cars - maybe I got the only bad one ever built. I don't know, but I do know I would never buy another Toyota.

I own a 2000 SLE V6. Only last year did I end up with a $1500 repair bill, but just about every thing was routine. Mom has a GM 2000 car and we both had to have the valve cover gasket replaced. Her GM car has had more non-routine problems with 1/3 the mileage than mine.

So, my repair was:
2 brakes and rotors (Asked for inspection)
Transmission fluid flush (Dealer found fluid burnt)
Engine crankcase flush (I wanted it)
Valve cover gasket (Dealer discovered. Was losing oil)
Brake fluid flush including bleeders (I wanted)
Free car rental (1 day)
Tires (Installed at a later time)

Only other non-routine maintenance items were two oxygen sensors.

It eats rotors because of the exposure through the wheels.

Other Toyota that I owned and mostly maintained: 235K, 17 years. Was still running and used as a getaway car, twice after I gave it to the dealer as a "trade". I should have sold it for at least a $1.00.

Autozone will read code for free.

Everyone says Toyotas are "good" cars - maybe I got the only bad one ever built. I don't know, but I do know I would never buy another Toyota.[/QUOTE]

Everyone says Toyotas are "good" cars - maybe I got the only bad one ever built. I don't know, but I do know I would never buy another Toyota.[/QUOTE]


I'm sure there's a reason you quoted me but I'm also sure I don't know what it is - good to see, though, that you agree. Usually when I'm quoted I at least get some credit for the original post.

That warning light is a dead give away as far as I'm concerned.

My post was taken away. It was a joke in disagreement. I am known as the Toyota guy around here and I'm very pro Toyota.
Something you and others should know. That "warning light" otherwise known as the engine MIL, or CEL, is there for federal emissions.
The EPA has come down hard on auto manufactures and getting stricter by each model year.
Once the light comes on, the engine computer knows the parameters aren't met and begins to run in open loop. Which means it's polluting the air we breath!
That's why state inspections are getting so tough. If we didn't have all this, we'd be right back in the 60's.
Personally I'm glad for all this. But all this technology has many drawbacks like very unsatisfied customers like you were. And this goes for all OBDII vehicles being built today.
Warranties are getting better do to these stricter federal emissions standards I was talking about.
Toyota's aren't 'good' cars, they're great cars in my book.

Too bad I didn't know you when I was trying to get mine inspected over and over again and Toyota didn't have a clue. I have no problem with what NYS wants. I DO have a problem when the manufacturer can't figure it out.

I ended up collecting under the lemon law, by the way.

I still drive an import. I left Japanese cars and went to German cars.

Part of the issue is still the 170,000 miles, who put them on, was the car properly treated, oil changes, tune ups, were leaks fixed and more. I have a truck with 250,000 plus miles and would go across the US in it. I had another car with 90,000 that I could not sell fast enough.