The MOST Reliable Convertible That Is Gone Forever: Discontinued and Dead

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The most reliable convertible fun car you can’t buy!
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#toyota

[@rvcurmudgeon]

I had a 2007 SLE, sold it a couple of years ago with 180,000 miles on it. The only problem I ever had with it was an ignition coil went out at about 150k. Great car, exceptional reliability.

[@rushnerd]

Yeah only problem I ever had with my 94' Camry was the Ignition coil (of course there is only one) It's super common, but when that, the valve cover gasket, and struts is the only thing you need to ever worry about on a car, they did them right.

[@pabo8080]

That 3 liter V6 isen't fast, but it's smooth like triple churned buttah

[@garysarratt1]

Thumbs up for the “buttah”. 🫡

[@davidsanders4703]

Bull they are fast

[@bldontmatter5319]

​@@davidsanders4703yeah, maybe in Europe where 100 HP is considered ok

[@seankirby1327]

RUST around the windshield was a big problem in New England

[@SouthsideKidd550]

In the south, the car enthusiasts gave the Solara the nickname "Sex on Wheels". It was smooth like the Lexus ES.

[@dqwaszx]

Wut

[@thebigguy8306]

Thank you, Brenden, It reminded me of the mid-80s when Chrysler introduced the Lebaraon Convertable, which enjoyed a short success.

[@gregss.771]

My ex gf had one of these.... it was a really fun car. I liked it. She loved it and wishes she had never sold it.

[@bonespiel]

I just saw one drive by me this morning.

[@caliboyrob]

Loved the 2nd Gen V6. Much more space & comfortable seats. The sport version was fun to drive around

[@marccotter2726]

Thanks for the review! I have a 2007 Solara that I purchased in January 2011 for less than half of what it cost new. It was absolutely immaculate and had 24k miles. It now has 165k miles and continues to run beautifully. I replaced the top and gutter myself two years ago and keep to the manufacturer maintenance schedule. I have owned and driven many convertible cars going back to the’60’s and this is my favorite one. I normally get a new(er) car every four or five years, but my wife and I really like driving this car and it continues to drive excellent so I will continue to hold onto this car for a while.

[@shekharmoona544]

The convertible top reminds of the one on the Sebring of the same year.

[@DeathtrapCult]

I"m a huge toyota fan and I've owned everything from the MR2 spyder to an Aristo. I've driven a few of these. They are not bad, but they are very casual. Great convertible for a soccer mom or someone who wants easy fun in the sun. super reliable too. Not an enthusiasts car because the handling is very wallowy. Not a bad car overall. I would daily drive one.

[@rushnerd]

Only thing I don't like about them is how HUGE they are. I guess I'm no one to talk though because my 88' Supra is the biggest car I've ever owned by far lol. Spyder would be so awesome to own, but all MR2 prices are insane anyway so I settled on an 01' Celica GT-S which of course has a better motor than the Spyder ever got. Both cars are a complete blast and look better than almost anything today.

[@scottperson9487]

Nice. I remember a lot of retirees driving these back in the day. As far as most reliable convertible no longer sold I think that might go to the Honda S2000

[@bldontmatter5319]

You don't see Honda s2000s anymore. As a valet I got to drive ONE that only had 20k miles on it in 2020, so that's obviously a collectors item. You see these Toyotas everywhere. That says a lot

[@ScottyBennitone]

@@bldontmatter5319 most of those hondas got riced out and clapped. Different demographics of ownership, thats it..

[@Lg8T3]

I had a gen 1 gold coupe in college. After college, I bought a gen 2 gray with tan top convertible. Neither were fast, but smooth and a fun ride!

[@Indyzato]

I have 02 convertible v6, drive it all year, all weather, even substandard roads, super comfy on long road trips, comfortable for 4 adults. Young people actually want to ride along in it. But for driving, not much power, squishy on turns. Hope to keep it forever.

[@noneed4me2n7]

Got an 08 Solara XLE convertible off the first owner in great condition at 126k. Put about 15k on it since and other than timing belt, water pump and rear struts haven’t needed to do anything else. Doesn’t burn oil and is fun to drive though I wish it had the manual. Now I’m looking to add an 2011 Lexus IS350 C to the corral. Was maybe going with an SC430 but I’d like the backseats to be somewhat functional.

[@sreilly]

The Avalon was out in the 2000s with the Solara. The Avalon was sold so people who didn’t want a Lexus could get that Lexus feel and ride in a Toyota. I just see those cars as reliable transportation with little ownership cost. They’ll run 400,000 miles easy with proper maintenance.

[@Doc1855]

I’ve owned 2 convertible’s and I enjoyed both of them. One was a Mustang with the 5.0L V8 with a 5sp stick. The other one was a Miata

[@mhassouneh]

I've always like the Solara.. Rented one many years ago and drove it for a couple of days.. Super-comfy and smooth ride 👌

[@alexsystems2001]

I had a 2003 4cyl non convertible automatic… head gasket went at about 300,000 miles. It was super comfortable, really big, super soft, amazing car. I loved it and missed it. It was super reliable, I almost never did anything to it as far as repairs.

[@poland153]

nice vid! my first car in 2011 was a 94 camry coupe LE with the v6 but auto in baby blue. the cloth seats were the plushiest seats i ever felt in besides domestic cars. otherwise it was a great car and was great to play tinker on. really wished i could find an SE coupe with the manual but its not the end of the world. moved onto other cars anyways, so much out there to play with

[@mattgorman6643]

Great job on this one! Definitely a nice cruiser 5:50

[@Crispychicken4u]

It’s basically the 80’s Chrysler LeBaron as far as image goes..but a lot more reliable

[@crittercherry3800]

I agree with doug6191 about the body flex. The 2nd Gen addressed this, some and also offered more roll over protection. I started looking into getting a 2nd gen but 'the virus' made the prices jump just when I was ready.

[@damilolaakanni]

The 2nd generation was designed with a convertible in mind from the onset, the first generation wasn't. The convertible of the first generation was more of an afterthought.

[@rushnerd]

All older Toyotas are collectors items more or less lol. But I can't imagine these are very desirable to a lot of people so I wouldn't think the prices would be too bad. I had a hell of a time finding a 7th gen GT-S Celica though.

[@bldontmatter5319]

​@@rushnerdit's pretty embarrassing how some people obsess over collecting items like these... and will pay 5000+ for what a beater was 10 years ago

[@stig120212]

hey! as long as Andre and his daughter like it and it last and is safe... great purchase.

[@stevenblumke2693]

Well spoken guy!

[@rushnerd]

I think the Solaras are way cool and you still see them on the road today. Never was a fan of it's rear end though, WAY too big. Interesting how slow you said it was since it's HP/Torque specs almost match the 7M-GE in my 88' Supra. Yeah she's not particularly fast, but hardly a slouch either, torquey. My Supra much like this was floaty-boaty stock though, INSANE body roll. Upgrading everything and it's the best handling car I've driven.

[@captainkamikaze8085]

I’ve had two solaras, a 1st gen and a 2nd gen. Both convertibles and can honestly say they are the best reliable convertibles you can buy.

[@zacariaspiedrasdelrio8984]

Cool car! Keep Case behind the camera👍

[@mattlimberg5763]

This or a Miata are probably the only convertibles i would look at. A convertible doesn't need to be sporty, the focus should be on cruising around in comfort. It can look sporty, but doesn't need to handle and ride sporty. I would seek a later version with the 2GR-FE. That said, i could never seek out a convertible, just something i would use 4 times a year, too humid/sunny most days to actually enjoy in the summer. Spring and Fall would be better in my area.

[@damilolaakanni]

The Solara never got the 2GR-FE engine. The 3MZ-FE 3.3 V6 was the only other V6 offered.

[@mattlimberg5763]

@@damilolaakanni interesting. I guess I thought since I actually remember seeing them at an auto show, and I didn't really get interesting in cars until about the time these were discontinued, I just assumed it got updated to have the 2GR engine in the last couple years.

[@rushnerd]

This is why the MK3 Supra is the best car ever made: Targa Top LOL

[@nwdaddyof3]

Love those Solara's. I've wanted one for what seems like forever!

[@randallfrank5682]

I bought a 2006 V6 Toyota Solara SLE in 2017 for 10k with only 10k miles. I am the third owner and it was in perfect condition. The odometer now reads 20300.

[@1guyin10]

A friend got tired of monthly trips to the dealership to address the constant problems with her Camaro. She traded for the Solara convertible and it was like night and day. She kept the Solara for over 10 years before trading it in on a Tundra. It would be impossible to get her to buy anything but a Toyota and it all began with that Solara.

[@md2k8]

These Solara's were excellent vehicles when they were brand new back then. Now, they are currently running originally since they were manufactured, both generations.

[@michaelramsey82]

I'm thinking about buying the coupe version of this as a cheap, mildly stylish daily driver while I save up for a Challenger.

[@aaronbritt2025]

In I believe 2004, the went to a 3.3L V6 (225/240) and a 5-speed auto. The first gen Solara convertible was a coupe with the roof cut off. That's part of the "wallowing". The second gen was a lot stiffer because it was built as a convertible by Toyota. Price depends on where you are. Here in the SW/West coast, nice ones are $9k-ish. $7k gets you a high mileage car and $5k gets you an absolute beater.

[@MonteSBC400]

The story of Hagety Insurance. Love them for their work and recognizing unique vehicles. These cars still have AC and heat. Windows up and top down at highway speeds and you can still have a conversation with 4 passengers while driving. I park mine in the Canadian winter to save its only current somewhat nostalgia in the rust belt. It has been a great Car! Change the trans fluids with Toyota stuff. Synthetic engine oil changes and it works strong and quiet. 250K. I really Enjoy it! Paid $3500 cdn for it, but needed TLC. I might even get rid of my Motorcycle due to insurance rates and enjoy the same ride. But when it rains; riding a bike; not Convertible? Now you can put the TOP up. Hagerty recognizes the Solara! My Insurance for a year is $250 cdn with Hagerty. Bike is $1250. Bike is a 1985. Got to make some choices I guess.

[@nicoczako3361]

In 2023 I bought this at 20 years old as my first car, 2001 V6 SLE with 17" alloys and 160,000 kms. It's lots of fun. Not very fast, but enjoyable. Always makes me happy to drive. Unfortunately, my rear window exploded putting the top down and I'm being quoted $2000+ to replace it. Considering I paid $6500 and I'm a University student, that's a lot. I may have to part with it for a more reliable daily driver. Sad to see it go, but it's hard to be dependent on a 23 year old convertible with no safety features and an ever so thirsty 3.0 litre engine.

[@JohninOCc]

No safety features?? What are you talking about? Maybe luxury safety features like side- accident avoidance or front avoidance. Anyway, I had my rear window break on my '08 2nd Gen. convertible. They had to replace my whole top. All my research & people I talked to at the top places said IF I had a Gen 1, then we would have to replace the window only. Much cheaper.. I paid around 2700 for a whole new Gen. 2 top. with labor. (in SoCal)

[@morganwin350]

Had an 01 and sold it to buy an 07, they are great cars.

[@kclefthanded427]

Always give the 1MZ V-6 full synthetic oil every 5k miles to prevent sludge

[@jamesonpace726]

I'm now looking for one....

[@stefanwiechmann4808]

Interesting car and never heared about here in Germany..

[@stevemonkey6666]

You say in reference to the top "about the simplest operation that you can find". I would like to present you with the Mazda Miata 😁

[@RogerM2404]

This old retiree just bought one. Took about 2 months of serious looking at about 4 different cars. Highest price was $14,000 at a dealer, and that had a used transmission. Car had 90k on it, and would be ready for a timing belt as soon as i brought it home. Got very lucky when I found an '07 SLE at a dealer in white/tan, with 70k on it for $9,000. Early maintenance was excellent with very light use. Timing and serpentine belt were changed with only 17k miles on it, but at 10 yrs. Last owner let some things go. Dealer replaced both axels, power steering hoses and reservoir, 2 tires, and reupholstered drivers side seat. Haven't picked it up yet, waiting on upholstery guy for tomorrow. I will replace front struts with KYB, sway bar bushings, have bought 4 Pirelli PZero, to hopefully get the best of whatever she has in handling. PZero's have been discontinued, are avail on Amazon, Walmart for $110, TireRack offers them at $190. Supposedly a soft compound, would wear out if a daily, but not a concern as I'll only put about 3,000 miles a yr. on it. Should be a fun fair weather cruiser. Have had Avalon (300k), Highlander (170k), Sister has ES350 (110k), Niece has Camry (100k).

[@TheresaofTheWorld]

I just bought one (2008) for 5K 153k miles

[@RogerM2404]

@@TheresaofTheWorld Sounds like a good one...Perfect summer car, but people drive them year round, any weather......Enjoy!

[@Short_Bus]

I've always wanted one of these, simply because of what it is.

[@vincentspencer3699]

I think the trend of convertibles went downhill after reliability issues, the uptake in larger sunroofs and the lack of vehicle security. I would like to see more manufacturers produce more coupe models though….

[@danielulz1640]

What is wrong with a car being comfortable?

[@TheRealCatof]

I wish these came in a manual, I looked at them briefly as a fun beater.

[@kclefthanded427]

Toyota even had a RAV4 2 door convertible from 1997-2001 for a while

[@2URLex]

The entire Lexus convertible SC line frowns upon this.

[@greggcollins4215]

Motor Magazine compared the 02 Solara with the 02 Sebring convertible' They said that the Sebring was the better car. We drove our Sebring for 12 years when a Maza ran a stop sign at speed.

[@michaelwalsh3474]

The best thing about the V6, it's a non interference engine. Should the timing belt happen to snap, just call a tow truck.

[@johnhanson6039]

They wont come back until sedans become popular again, if ever

[@stavystevenson7419]

I would take one in Blue

[@7g6_66]

Is this really more reliable than the sc?

[@vojislavvukmanovic7061]

I really wondering why is not so many convertibles today, when you had a Camry Solara with 200 ps, that was the begining of the end, you should have SUV convertible like that Nissan MURANO 😂

[@victorsandoval4792]

My mom has one of these. It’s the best car ever.

[@michaelmartin2276]

I've got a 1st gen Chrysler Sebring convertible with 250 k miles. It was my daily driver for many years while living in Florida. I was a district manager and traveled to locations all over Florida. I also have a 3rd gen Sebring convertible. Both have been nothing but reliable. Maintenance is the key. Both are manual. Only issue I had with the 1st gen was body flex and rust.

[@TheRealCatof]

I'm happy for you that your Sebrings were reliable. But general reliability statistics involve sample sizes of more than 2 vehicles. The problem with Chryslers is that most of them are not reliable.

[@michaelmartin2276]

@@TheRealCatof I disagree. I've been a mechanic then district manager for a large automotive repair company for 45 years. Yes I agree Toyota,Honda and even Subaru are a step above. But they too have issues. Overall I have found GM products to be the most problematic but again if proper maintenance is achieved then any vehicle can be reliable. I've personally seen Dodge/RAM trucks be super reliable. One problem all manufacturers have had over the last 25 years is Automatic transmission problems. I am of the opinion the reason is each manufacturer has different trans fluid types and the makers of aftermarket fluids came up with the all in one transmission fluids. Even if someone is diligent about trans maintenance just using these will cause failures. This is the reason why some auto manufacturers have gone to sealed transmissions of as Dodge/Chrysler did was provide no dipstick ! They felt to be sure the correct trans fluid is use is to come to a dealer.

[@TheRealCatof]

@@michaelmartin2276Sure, they have issues. Every car does. The question is how frequently and how serious the issues are. When you take a large sample size of cars (100 Jeeps vs 100 Toyotas) the statistically, the Jeeps will have more problems.

[@danatmatchvox]

better than any sedan campaxi

[@JakeTheSnakeProductions]

This is the first time I'm hearing that the Solara was a Camry trim level....😐

[@americanrambler4972]

These were attractive cars, but I never really had any interest in owning one, so I never drove one. I really liked the Pontiac G-6 convertible with its folding hardtop. That was cool. Then I drove one. I did not like the way it drove and the look and feel on the interior. I actually like the Chrysler PT Cruiser a whole lot better. Especially the turbo models.

[@markcoopers1930]

ANDRE's?!? I knew the man had taste, but I'm surprised. Can we make him in charge of TFL car as well as truck?

[@vikapica8123]

Love it

[@bldontmatter5319]

If that 3L v6 is the same one as the trucks, then its not reliable. Basically a ticking time bomb for gaskets, but someone correct me if its a different version of that engine

[@stephenbacks3100]

I drive a 6-speed manual Miata Nd, so I might be the wrong guy to talk to, but the first generation Solara wasn’t a bad looking car. The second generation was ugly, especially the rear. What I’d really like to see is a rear drive full-size convertible like the 60s models. Imagine a Lincoln Continental 4-door with the suicide doors, or even a large Chrysler built on the 300 chassis. Both marquees really need help. Is that the answer as a halo car?

[@robervin9107]

Well done you two.

[@georgeh6856]

What did they do with all of the coupe roofs after they removed them? I hope they didn't end up in the same place as George's muffin stumps.

[@shekharmoona544]

Bring back my homie Toyota Solara he ain't do nothing wrong.

[@yeahman1975]

Afford a 3rd car to use for fun and won't let you down yes please

[@doug6191]

The Camry Solara convertible was ridiculed by the magazines for how wobbly the chassis is over bumps. The 1st generation was attractive, but the 2nd was...not.

[@williebillie925]

So sad

[@mikefoehr235]

I have ALWAYS had a solid roof over my head. Rag tops leak, rip and can be broken into real easy

[@rustyfmj2388]

If it's so nice to drive around with your top off, then why Brendan do you still have your t-shirt on? :P

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

Toyotas are kinda just stupidly reliable. I am currently just looking for a used Toyota as a daily. Manual naturally aspirated 4 cylinder.

[@herrporschex]

lexus is250 another reliable convertible

[@krashnpa]

Looks like a big ole' bowl of vanilla!

[@billstralo7907]

2:10 I have had very bad luck with toyota. Won't buy another one.

[@jacquesc3166]

Haha ok... can you find a Camry COUPE from the mid-90's???

[@nathanlewis3462]

Thaught they were terrible and now i know they are. Japanese sebring. Get a similar year v6 mustang convertible.

[@scubatrucker6806]

Chevrolet makes a convertible?

[@kevindavis5966]

Please don't take your top off...

[@enjoylife7030]

This review is useless without checking out that rear seat legroom 😂. Be a sport Brendan and climb back there and show us how comfortable that rear seat is for passengers.

[@joshverdoorn7375]

Much more reliable than a Chrysler Labaren

[@woohooo2428]

Where Tommie

[@ffl1409]

Brendan hangs out at auctions too much. His market price estimates are always off, like he is stuck in 2019

[@79thump8]

The only way this car is coming back is if they give it a built in TikTok camera and selfie stick.

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I bought a brand new Dodge Dakota convertible in 1990.

[@EugeneWalkingByEarth]

Convettbale it’s hot at sunny day, too windy, too loudly. What a reason to have it? These cars max for rent for holidays

[@MonteSBC400]

Because it is convertible to all conditions. Thus a "Convertible". Car still has AC and heat. Windows up and top down at highway speeds and you can still have a conversation with 4 passengers while driving. I park mine in the Canadian winter to save its only current somewhat nostalgia in the rust belt. It has been a great Car! Change the trans fluids with Toyota stuff. Synthetic engine oil changes and it works strong and quiet. 160K miles. I really enjoy it! Paid $3500 cdn for it, but needed TLC. I might even get rid of my Motorcycle due to insurance rates and enjoy the same ride. But when it rains; riding a bike; not Convertible? Now you can put the TOP up. Hagerty recognizes the Solara! My Insurance for a year is $250 cdn with Hagerty. Bike is $1250. Bike is a 1985. Got to make some choices I guess.

[@Dankcatvacs]

i knew of a chick that had one , she was another 2 timer....

[@infernoking7504]

I hate convertibles only ones I would own is hard top convertibles

[@scottyellis3442]

The 3.0 liter V6 was a junk engine.

[@damilolaakanni]

It's actually a great engine...if you get the 1MZ-FE engine and change your oil regularly. I've heard of cars with that engine going 200k+ miles on the original engine and transmission.

[@danatmatchvox]

toyota can't make anything as desirable as the miata