Problems to Look out for When Buying a Used Toyota Solara Convertible

The Toyota Solara is in a league of its own. There is no other used convertible that is reliable as the Solara. Dependable, safe, attractive and with the highest resale value makes the Toyota Solara the best used cabriolet that you can buy. There were two generations of the Solara. The first generation ran between 1998 and 2004 and the second generation between 2005-2008. The problems to look out for with the first generation were a cogged idle air control valve, otherwise known as the IAC, the O2 sensors, sludge problems and leaking valve cover gaskets. The 3.0 engine was a non-interference engine with a timing belt.. The second generation had the 3.3 engine which also had a timing belt but was an interference engine. Both engines were very reliable as long as you changed the oil regularly and on schedule.

[mr.horseshoe]

Elderly neighbor sold me her late husband's 2005 Solara convertible for $5500. Pristine condition and only has 50, 000 miles on it. Great car!

[blue]

I recently bought a 2007 Solara. Here is additional 2 cents from me if u buy one of those.
Check the water leaks from the gutter of the roof top. The gutter of the roof is hidden under the black metal cover at the top of the trunk, but you will see the gap. Close the roof and hose lots of water at the back of the roof. Water goes into that gap, then it will come out from the sides of the car. If there is a hole or tear with the gutter, you will see a lot of water inside the trunk. Mine was this case, and it was a huge pain for me to fix those huge holes. Holes are so common at the both side of the corner of the back.

[GlennC]

You must please post more videos, they are all excellent.

[RickDelmonico]

I have the 04 hard top.
140, 000 miles.
Still runs good.

[originalismisacrock]

My 2002 Solara has just over 168K and still runs beautifully. Great, reliable car.

[huesommabit]

I just bought this car for my daughter for her sweet 16. We love it!

[Rmeavr]

I own a 2007 Solara now sitting at 101K + miles. Great ride all around. Your video was very unique in that it was fully descriptive of the vehicle, highlighted problem areas without being harshly critical and, best of all, you were down to earth on your presentation. Thank you greatly.

[JanaKato]

I own a 2007 Solar convertible with same coloring as the one in this video. I have loved this car for 16 years. Your video was informative. Thank you

[shawnnoname]

I own a 2008 and love it . 29 mpg V6 lots of lightweight power. Just change the timing belt every 75k - 90k. Upgrade the sound system and cruise.

[GregH]

My 1999 Solara has 254k. Runs like new. Great motor.

[marccotter]

Hi Greg, I have a 2007 Toyota Solar (white w/tan top, tan leather interior) which I purchase in February 2011 with 25k miles and it still is performing excellent with a 165k miles on it. I have owned many cars in my life and several covertibles, but this is without a doubt my favorite car that I have ever owned. My wife and I both love driving this car and we do our very best to keep it well maintained and follow the manufacturers maintenance schedule. I replaced the top and the drain gutter myself a few years ago and overall the car still looks beautiful. The interior is starting to show its age from normal everyday use, but that is to be expected. My wife and I will periodically speak about getting a newer car ( before this car I would typically get a newer car every five years or so) but we both love driving this car so much it would break our hearts to get rid of it as it still looks and drives great. Unless Toyota starts making a convertable again we have no plans on trading it in anytime in the foreseeable future. Thanks for the video!

[Flightline_]

Thank you for this! About to buy a mint condition red 04 SLE with 113k miles. Happy to know it has many years left in it.

[homecraftsolutions]

We have had a 1999 Solara, and two 2007 Solara Convertibles. They are excellent cars and if Toyota was to produce a new line of these I would put in my order on one. We still own one and my wife does not want to part with it and go with a Highlander or something more Colorado friendly. So I put a new set of tires on it, change the oil and battery and we are good for a long time.

[noneedmen]

Info came in handy with the purchase of an 08 fully optioned SLE. One owner older couple, garaged and heavily serviced. For a 14 year old car it looks barely a couple years worn. Everything works no rust all the bits and they even kept the window sticker. Do wish it had a manual though I know the convertible didn’t offer it. Still so fun to drive and a suitable daily for all my stuff my truck doesn’t need to do. 125k miles and they had the timing belt done. Only thing I updated was the head unit and added a backup camera.

[MrWilliam.Stewart]

That's one car whos styling could be described as polarizing.
Always a good day when Greg uploads a new video, thanks man.

[randallfrank]

Thank you for your video. I bought a used 2006 Solara convertible in 2017 for $10k. It is light blue with a light tan top and an almost ivory leather interior. I am the third owner. I knew both previous owners and that it was well cared for. The car had 10k miles, I jumped at the chance to buy it. Now the car has 17.5k miles. I have other vehicles and I live in the frozen north, so it doesn't get much use other than on nice sunny days, but it sure is fun to drive when I do use it. I have loaned it out to friends from the warmer climes when they visit and they get a real kick out of driving a convertible where you wouldn't think that one would exist. We do get temperatures up in the high 70s and 80s during our short summers.

[johnlawfourtyfyve]

Bought my 2007 ragtop Oct 06. My everyday driver. No problems until the alternator and hood struts needed replacing this month. I get lots of compliments. No, it's not for sale!

[LarryB-inFL]

At 137K, I finally did the very first significant repair on my 2008 Solara convertible: The CV transaxle boots were torn....a $750 repair. The car has not needed ANY other notable repairs! Just a terrific car.

[yiyuzhai]

I have a 2007 Solara, she is beautiful and reliable

[PatrickLazaro-lnxb]

I got one of these I love it these car are keepers I will not ever think about selling my car my baby runs great and quiet