Toyota Solara Overview and Impressions as a long term owner | Toyotas most reliable sports car?

In this video, I review the features of the Toyota Solara. I explore whether the Solara could be considered the most dependable "sports car" that Toyota has manufactured in the past two decades.
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[@collincheatham3339]

Just picked up an 04 Solara yesterday with 199k miles for 1500$. ive had a 99 avalon with the same motor with 250k years ago and knew this was a good deal.

[@atpgarageatl]

That’s a very good deal and nice find! These cars are definitely hidden values in the Toyota market.

[@drbassface]

My 99 Solara has 482,000 miles and counting. Great car. Oil changed every 3,000

[@atpgarageatl]

That’s awesome! Is your Solara the v6?

[@drbassface]

@@atpgarageatl Yes! Just had two episodes intermittently of Crank/no start. It was when car had been driven/hot, and short break. No codes but getting the Crankshaft Position Sensor replaced on Wednesday🙏

[@atpgarageatl]

@@drbassface that’s awesome! Makes me optimistic mine will last that long. Interesting issue. Does the car have the original starter? I’ve noticed mine on occasion won’t always start immediately. It’s very intermittent.

[@kylezLand]

Please bless me with your good car luck I need mine to last 500k 🤩😭 🍀

[@drbassface]

@@atpgarageatlyes

[@Lipz00gmail]

I have an 06’ SE this month makes 10yrs I’ve had it! Still love my Solara!!❤😊

[@atpgarageatl]

That’s awesome!

[@texas_man_the_legend]

Got my 99 Solara with 140k miles. Previous owner parked it in a garage for 10 years. Only needed CV axles and fuel pump. Drained the old gas, cleaned the tank, replaced the pump and inline fuel filter. That baby fired right up. Slapped new tires on it and swapped all the old fluid. It's my daily driver getting mid 20s MPG. I had to do the spray adhesive for the headliner too. Same spot 😂. Came out looking near factory. All in all, no complaints. Solid car and is surprisingly quick and fun to drive. Being from Texas, I've always had big V8 trucks or Diesels so it's like riding a quick 4 wheeler for me😂. I do appreciate the $ saved at the fuel pump compared to the 15 mpg I get from my V8 truck and the price of fuel I spend in my diesel truck.

[@atpgarageatl]

That’s awesome and nice find! I agree these cars are quick for what they are. At 140k miles you’re just breaking it in. You may want to check on the timing belt at some point given the mileage.

[@texas_man_the_legend]

@@atpgarageatl Already got the kit and water pump. Just waiting on a free weekend to put it in.

[@atpgarageatl]

@@texas_man_the_legend good deal! It’s a bit of a job but can be done with basic tools. Just take your time.

[@Mr-Clark]

I have an 05 Solara and it’s the most reliable car I’ve ever had. I also have a Rav4 and a Lexus. The Solara is far more reliable. Haven’t touched a thing under the hood except battery, oil and coolant changes. Fantastic cars.

[@atpgarageatl]

I couldn’t agree more. Toyota sure did build a good car!

[@Mr-Clark]

@@londrii Absolutely. Solaras are not really sports cars. They're long, heavy and soft suspension. Solaras are excellent cruisers. I have a 4 cylinder model and I easily get 34 mpg on the highway. I set my cruise speed at 60-ish mph. Not bad for an 18 year old car.

[@atpgarageatl]

@@londrii I’ve driven mine several times long distance and they do well. The seats can be uncomfortable but I think that’s more due to wear and tear over time than how they were originally. My car has about 247k miles.

[@noneed4me2n7]

Love my 08 convertible Solara. Got it right around xmas. Couldn’t be happier and I never really wanted a soft top. The price and condition was too good to pass. Added a backup camera and newer head unit. Gonna tint the windows next. 125k miles when I bought it, one owner old couple garaged and came with everything plus the window sticker. Felt more like a new car purchase without all the aggravation. My neighbor has had the same year Lexus model as yours and it always looked nice. Didn’t think one would fall in lap. I’m more into the comfort, reliability and ease of maintenance. My last project car is a 69 Mustang Fastback my dad left me but this thing I feel like if I keep it up I could drive it forever from this point. Looks like your having fun with yours.

[@atpgarageatl]

Sounds like a great find for sure! They are definitely good cars and are pretty reliable from my experience.

[@HighColorado]

Noneed4me, just make sure that timing belt has been changed on your 3.3mz ... I like your backup camera idea with that small rear window!

[@atpgarageatl]

@@HighColorado agreed the timing belt and routine oil changes are vital to the longevity of this engine.

[@evan937]

I am so Jaealous of you! 💯😆🤣

[@golferpro1241]

Nice find! I found a ‘04 Lexus RX330 AWD 2 years ago owned by an older woman. 22,500 miles on it, dealer maintained. It has the 3.3 6 cylinder. I put in car play and a back up cam!(Well worth it) It’s a great car. My dash is beginning to crack, but the seats are plush and look brand new.

[@mlg889medbmw3]

My Solara(2000) is 232k miles, one timing belt change, engine is like new, Man old Toyota lasts!

[@atpgarageatl]

That they do! Toyota builds good cars.

[@kentclark5594]

I have a 2002 V6 SLE. The starter was my only issue in 21 years of ownership. Just drove on a 1k trip without a hitch. 153k original miles. still breaking it in! Ha Ha! Great car!

[@atpgarageatl]

That’s great to hear! What mileage was the Solara at when the starter failed?

[@kentclark5594]

@@atpgarageatl About 120K. Forgot to mention the valve gasket needed replacing also @ about 60K, but luckily I had the extended warranty which covered the expense. The struts are worn too, but no big deal. Car cruised @ 80 MPH on my last trip.

[@atpgarageatl]

@@kentclark5594 that’s surprising the starter failed at that mileage. Yea I’ve done the valve cover gaskets three times now in addition to three timing belts, one water pump and two spark plug changes. All really just normal maintenance over the course of 250k miles. The only two things I’d consider not regular maintenance is the alternator died at about 240k and the knock sensors failed around 219k.

[@originalismisacrock166]

Love my 2002 SLE (in black) convertible. Just over 168K. The convertible does have a retracting antenna (because, of course, the back window is much smaller, and is part of the soft top), and the back seats do not fold down. I agree with using synthetic oil - best way to go on this engine. There is another nice, quirky feature up front. On the driver's left, down low, there is a little storage compartment just large enough to hold a roll of quarters (or a roll of lifesavers candy). Very discrete, and nice to have for dealing with tolls and parking meters. I have not had the steering wheel issue, but I have used a sunshade for the front window (a black car, parked outside in the deep south heats up really quickly) since I got the car in 2005.

[@atpgarageatl]

Nice car! Good point on the coin holder I completely forgot about it!

[@nellz2039]

My 2003 SLE has 222k and counting . Love the car . They do not make ‘em like this anymore . Redoing my suspension after about 8 years later this month , I don’t even mind spending the money I know she’s got another 222k in her .

[@atpgarageatl]

Just barely past the break in period. You’re absolutely right not many cars are built like this anymore.

[@nellz2039]

@@atpgarageatl hey by chance If u or anyone reading this ever come across the wood grain trim piece directly in front of the passenger for the passenger side dash or happen to know where I can buy it …lmk . I’m gonna start hitting my local junk yards in my area but these Solaras are becoming extinct so it hasn’t exactly been the easiest piece to replace this far. Lol

[@atpgarageatl]

@@nellz2039 I would check eBay. I’ve seen trim and interior pieces pop up from time to time. Some Camry parts also fit as well.

[@nellz2039]

@@atpgarageatl yea I’ve checked I have a few of those salvage yard type sellers on eBay keeping and eye out for me as well . I didn’t think the Camry or Lexus trim would fit that in particular piece but I’ll look into that as well . Thx

[@Gatornation2020]

@@atpgarageatl hey have you heard anything about having to readjust the internal engine valves?

[@ajanderson8434]

Love my 2003 solara sle v6. Catless egr bypassed and pcv bypass it is even more quick wish it was manual.

[@atpgarageatl]

I think the manual would make this car way more fun. Did you have any codes or CELs from the bypasses?

[@ajanderson8434]

@@atpgarageatl yes I do but this car can just remove the halogen bulb I put in a blue led the check engine light looks cool now. The codes are for egr flow I blocked it off. The cats all three ways are gutted inside and resoldered the shells are it was hard to punch out. And the evap canister is gone has the gasoline smell alot and when topped off it trickles out the tank. But it does not affect performance it increased. Spins the tires like crazy. The v6 sle has only one downstream sensor. The es300 lexus had two downstream and two upstream sensors reaööy weird but love it.

[@ajanderson8434]

@@atpgarageatl the pvc I just vented both the hoses and capped off the intakes engine breathes great!!

[@RichardRomingerIII]

A few weeks ago my daughter picked out a 2007 SLE Convertible @94k miles. Got it for 7k but if had I test drove it (daughter & mom did) I would have tried 5k or so. She has already gotten multiple compliments from complete strangers (one asking if it was a Mercedes!). Already installed brakes myself (rotor/drums too), new tires/TPMS, timing belt/water pump kit and auto climate/LCD controls. Plus other various bits and bobs. The top wasn't a very good replacement (vinyl), so getting a proper replacement (with rain rail/liner/pads). The front and rear are worn out completely, including the rack & pinion. Also having all the motor mounts replaced. Parts have arrived or ordered and the worked is scheduled at various local trusted shops. Though I am doing the rear later down the road. Writing all that out seems like the Solara is falling apart, which it isn't just needs proper maintenance & love. My 20 year old will be driving it and I want it tip top. Most of the parts will be OEM Toyota parts, so it should be good for a long time 🙂

[@atpgarageatl]

That’s awesome! They are great cars and honestly everything you outlined is preventative maintenance! Great choice of car and I’m sure she will get many years of use out of it!

[@RichardRomingerIII]

@@atpgarageatl agreed 100% - though the rack I wished wasn't on the list but at least the labor is all in the general area ha! Even with the bad front / rear end I can tell its a nice driving car. The outside/inside is pretty darn good, so its pretty much worth the money & effort.

[@homecraftsolutions3506]

Bought a salvage titled 07 solara convertible in 2010. Had it for 10 years and wanted to sell it because it had 192,000 miles on it. My wife did not want to part with it so I looked for a newer one. Because they didn't make these past 2008 I had to find one similar with lower miles. So I found another 2007 White convertible with a tan top. (identical to current one except we had a SE and this one was a SLE). So I bought this one with 92,000 miles on it. Put it in the garage and watched my wife's expression when she opened the garage door. She was driving the white SE convertible and was really freaked out when she opened the garage door and saw the same car she was driving. It was hilarious. Anyway. we sold the original one for 4,000 and bought this one for 9,000. So I put a new throttle body and some new relays in the one with the salvage title and just maintained it with oil changes and brakes and tires and battery but it only cost me 6,000 to drive it for 10 years. We are still enjoying our newer one in 2023 with 135,000 miles on it. The only negative is the need for premium gas, but it has great performance and seems to fulfill our old people sports car. Love the car and wish Toyota produced them way past 2008.

[@MeditationHypnosisGatewa-yi5fb]

I just stole a '01, 3.0 SLE for 2100.00 w/ 186k, and I'm impressed! I need to go through a few maintenance issues so I know where the car is. I plan on teaching myself. I have to change the timing belt, the idle air intake valve, the shocks and struts, and a valve cover gasket. Nothing is an emergency, but if you do any of this work, shoot a video, please.

[@atpgarageatl]

Nice purchase! These cars are a great Platform to learn how to diy maintenance. I have videos on the suspension, brakes and thermostat replacement on my channel already. While I’ve replaced the timing belt three times on my car I’ve never filmed it and it’s honestly one of the few jobs that is worth having a pro do if you’re just starting out. It takes about 8 hours to replace and involves taking quite a bit of the engine apart.

[@MeditationHypnosisGatewa-yi5fb]

@@atpgarageatl Thanks for the solid advice. I probably will take it to a mechanic for the timing belt, but I would at least like to learn how to inspect it, so I don't pay for something I don't need. The Car Care Nut has a decent video on belt replacement, and says it's not for the beginner DIYer, also. You'd probably get a lot of views if you broke it down, since it's such a major expense, and common. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ_Gf3magpWeopIsi=jhQzF0TZqi2D-qbu

[@ezrhino100]

2004 solara SE. 111K miles. it's driving better now than when I first got it. I don't want to sell it ever. its a little heavy but still handles fine. there is a Bose sound system with CD changer and the seats are heated. I don't know if I need or want more than that in my car. I hate electronics in my car. The car is getting a little beat up and the paint is chipped, but it makes me want to work on it and be a project car. if they had made this into a sporty- two seater, it would be my dream car.

[@atpgarageatl]

Sounds like you got a solid ride! I wish mine had the heated seats. Mine came with the CD changer and JBL system but unfortunately after 20 years the CD changer stopped working so I put a CarPlay unit in.

[@iammeyouareyou5146]

I have 2001 solara it has over 100 thousand it’s still going. I take it to Toyota for maintenance so Thts y it’s still going. Take care of Ure car and it will take care of you

[@ideallife2day]

I have a black color 2001 Solara SLE and it was the first car I bought brand new back in the day where I paid for myself. 22 years later, I'm still driving it but it only has about 150k miles on it. I had timing belts changed for the first time earlier this year and I think the water pump went up on it this year. I just bought a new battery for it and today I finally changed out the headlight bulbs for the first time, one went out but they had been dim for awhile. It was hard to pull the connector plug off but after fiddling with it and using a small pair of vice grips, success! I can't wait til it gets dark so I can see the difference. I need to clean off the cloudy headlight covers too. The thing I've had the most CEL on is the O2 sensors, I may have had them replaced 3 or 4 times. Lately I had some battery issues which I think messed up the CD changer as it just sounds like it's rotating constantly with unresponsive cd buttons, even when the key is out of the ignition, it still is trying to change cds but after a few minutes it stops. I'm looking at swapping out the stock stereo for a new one but the cassette player is nostalgic even if I never use it anymore haha Overall, I still love my car, it could use a new paint job but it is still so pretty to me :)

[@ideallife2day]

oh yeah, I never really thought about the antenna thing but when I look outside, you're right, a lot of cars have an antenna fin. I knew mine was in the rear window, I just assumed that was how all future cars would go. And the hood struts, I had to replace mine at the beginning of 2017, it cost me $26 on amazon apparently and was fairly easy to install. I just realized today that I have fog lights that I never use and didn't know how to turn them on til I browsed through the owners manual which I still have along with my sales sticker from when I bought it. haha 22 years and just now realized I have foglights :D

[@evan937]

This generation of body style looks so much better than the one after. They look horrible, especially the convertable top ones! 🤣 Dope how you could get a Solara with a 4 Cylinder/Manual option! 💯

[@atpgarageatl]

Agreed! It’s a shame Toyota didn’t continue with this platform. You could get a manual and an optional TRD supercharger.

[@Semperf11]

I got the 4 cylinder

[@goldengirls0125]

I have the hardtop 2006 and i love the design. The round shape is appealing when other cars went the awkward square shapes. Even the inside flows when other cars when with weird insides that were full of plastics and screens. The coupe has always been a nicer shape yet the back is so big. Its gonna be an under looked classic.

[@Semperf11]

@@goldengirls0125 agreed

[@ditiprel4]

I have an 04 lexus es330. it has the same motor as the 04 solara and shares the same theme of how old toyotas were just overbuilt and were built to go long distances and built with quality parts, while the new ones are subpar in comparison to how toyota used to build these machines.

[@atpgarageatl]

Hard to beat the older Toyotas!

[@michaellee8838]

My 2006 SLE convertible V6 with 209,050 miles. I replace my navigator headset with a Sony headset. Love, my Toyota. Question where is your car’s cassette player. I understand you said you have one.

[@atpgarageatl]

I took it out long ago. The car originally came with the CD changer and just below that a cassette deck. I recently replaced my head unit with a Sony as well. I choose one with CarPlay to do navigation and music.

[@fty-ys4ni]

Cool video to come across. I own a ‘99 SLE with the V6. I only have 164,xxx on the clock so I’m looking forward to a lifetime with this car. Something worth noting: I also upgraded my head unit. What I later found out is that any 3rd party head unit for the Solara with JBL premium system installed bypasses the factory speaker amplifier and there’s no way around that unfortunately. So, I put the OEM head unit back in. My speakers would hum when the aftermarket head unit was installed too and it turns out that was the reason. Do you have this issue with yours? For anyone reading, if you don’t have the JBL system in your Solara then you don’t have to worry about this obviously.

[@atpgarageatl]

They are great cars for sure! Mine has the factory JBL system but I do not have the humming issue you’re describing. I wired mine using a harness specific for the car.

[@fty-ys4ni]

@@atpgarageatl Interesting. Might only be applicable to my model year because the stereo's got an overhaul for 2000+

[@cameronjones2568]

I have had a 1mzfe avalon non vvti and have a 07 solara 3mzfe vvti same set up just more power, but the oil was very easy to change, i didn’t have to jack up my car on flat ground and the filter i could just reach in and twist off with my hand

[@atpgarageatl]

Both are great cars! That’s impressive you could change the oil without jacking it up. My Solara while it sits up high, doesn’t quite sit high enough to fit a drain pan underneath. The filter is accessible from up top.

[@fludeball]

My 81 Plymouth Sapporo had the same antenna system (wire in the window) 21 years earlier. I would assume that a number of other cars also had the system at that time.

[@atpgarageatl]

Yea I’m sure other cars had it but thought it was cool Toyota decided to go with that option. Is the Sapporo the car Plymouth made in partnership with Mitsubishi?

[@fludeball]

Yes. It was kind of like the Solara in that it was a personal luxury coupe. The styling was ahead of its time, inside and out. Unfortunately my car rusted out and the underpowered engine developed carburetor issues. kzbin.info_link?a=bUnrfeGf38ESEihQ&u=/watch%3Fv%3Dh2_vPQZv0nA%26lc%3DUgyrjsa3LoPEX9Fa0Rx4AaABAg.9mbmo90D0Dw9mboXM-GRvn%26feature%3Dem-comments

[@fludeball]

I’m not sure what that KZbin link is. I thought I had linked to a Wikipedia article about the car. Let’s try again.en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_Galant_Lambda

[@atpgarageatl]

@@fludeball that’s a pretty interesting car. Thanks for sharing!

[@michellesteed6031]

I have a 2007 toyota solara coupe 4 cylinder little over 2k

[@atpgarageatl]

Nice!

[@Zachthebabex__]

I have a question for anyone I have a 01 solara convertible and I was wondering if it me or do the headlights not give off that much power? I’ve cleaned them and changed the bulbs but not much of a improvement. Ik with the first gen facelift models they got new headlight I wonder if they are better? Lmk if I’m trippin thanks

[@atpgarageatl]

The factory headlights are not very good. I swapped out the bulbs for higher output ones and that helped quite a bit.

[@axelmt7163]

Nice car, gotta love Solaras. I have a 2006 - SE - 4 cyl. Should I change the timing belt? I hit the 150k mark

[@atpgarageatl]

Nice car! I may be wrong but I think on that car it has a timing chain which is not really serviceable like a belt. Usually those are rated for the life of the engine.

[@axelmt7163]

@@atpgarageatl thank you so much for your response :) what about the transmission oil? Do you recommend to change it. I think they did it once a few years ago

[@atpgarageatl]

@@axelmt7163 that really depends on past maintenance. If it’s been maintained as the manual states I would keep changing it but if it’s never been done I wouldn’t touch it.

[@axelmt7163]

@@atpgarageatl Thank you so much Sir! Really appreciate the feedback

[@drbassface]

I believe at every 90,000 miles

[@Zachthebabex__]

Another question does anyone know of a first gen solara with heated seats I heard it was an option but I can’t find any video evidence

[@atpgarageatl]

I’m sure they exist somewhere. I have the top trim for 2001 with every option and heated seats unfortunately were not listed.

[@JuanMedina-sk9vp]

💯👍🏽

[@darksolara6750]

great ride.... do the maint! ... boaght at 162.... screamin at 281k!

[@darksolara6750]

Bought....

[@atpgarageatl]

Nice! Exactly do the maintenance it will run for a long time

[@alhassanait1749]

DAMN ! The oil still looks like gold After 5000 miles at 240k ! Mine get instantly black After i refill it ⬛⬛⬛⬛ but i have a different car .

[@atpgarageatl]

The v6 engine in this car was notorious for sludge issues which is remedied with diligent oil changes. The results are gold oil every change. It’s quite impressive.

[@arthurjones9580]

I have an 05 coup and the wipers won't shut off! Any suggestions? You can easily get 400k on these. I love my 4 cylinder! Great mileage.

[@atpgarageatl]

That’s a tough one. Electrical problems are always hard to sort out. My intial guess would be to check the switch on the column. See if you can jiggle it to make contact or see if it’s not able to fully disengage due to something blocking it. If nothing is obvious it may be an internal issue with the switch on the column.

[@Steve-yz1eb]

Your 4 cylinder engine has a timing chain..lasts forever. The 6 cylinder has the timing belt...needs replacement. I'm looking for an old Solara with the 4 cylinder with 5 speed. VROOOM

[@atpgarageatl]

@@Steve-yz1eb that’s true. I’ve changed the timing belt on mine three times now. 6 cylinder needs a bit more maintenance but just as reliable.

[@retired3437]

It was quite common in Australia to see Australian made Ford Falcons used as taxis ,straight six 4litre to do 500000kand more.

[@veraekerstoica2540]

I'm about to buy a Solara and i have a question, what is the lock next to gaz and trunk opener?

[@atpgarageatl]

Good choice! I think on some models that’s a trunk lock to prevent valets from opening the trunk if you valet the car. There should be a gray key that won’t open that or the glovebox but turns the ignition.

[@veraekerstoica2540]

@@atpgarageatl do solara mirrors are closing or no? I can't figure it out.

[@atpgarageatl]

@@veraekerstoica2540 on my car they cannot close unfortunately. The mirrors are fixed so they do not have a hinge. I’m not sure about all models of the Solara.

[@whattheworld5980]

I miss my baby 🤦🏿‍♂️ looking for another one

[@euop3418]

Test drove a 2006 solara with 2.4L. There’s water gushing noise when driving and even at stop light any ideas what it could be

[@atpgarageatl]

Is the car equipped with a sunroof?

[@Dabal_R]

Check the coolent

[@harvestblades]

Still running the Solara? I just stumbled across & '08 (if I recall) & have never owned a Toyota I just need a good, reliable & economical commuter as I travel alot for work & woukd prefer staying away from an auto loan.

[@harvestblades]

And anything I should look out for & pay special attention to?

[@atpgarageatl]

Still running the Solara. It’s a great car. It came with a v6 and a 4 cylinder option. Both are fairly reliable. Things to look out for would be worn out suspension and brakes. I would also see if you can find any service history. The v6 has a timing belt so it would be good to know when that was last done. Toyotas of this era really just need general maintenance for the most part.

[@codykoch7081]

Had a 2000 Solara and time belt let go at 218k

[@atpgarageatl]

Timing belt and oil sludge are the key parts that can make or break this car.

[@handthing9709]

Definitely not a sports car but very reliable

[@sean4356]

Bro I just bought one too with 248000 miles 😂😂😂

[@atpgarageatl]

Nice! It’s a Toyota so it’s just being broken in 😂 these things go forever.

[@rosalia3468]

How is it so far????

[@tylerbooks7217]

Great car, but its the furthest thing from a sports car.