Owners' Stories

I own a 1999 Solara with the 3.0L V6 with 328,000 miles on it. I bought it in Feb of 2002 with approx. 40,000 miles. I use Amsoil Full Synthetic 5W 30 engine oil and have since about 70,000 miles. I also use Sea Foam in the oil to combat the sludge problem with Toyota's motor. I change the oil about every 10,000-15,000 miles and towards the end of the cycle, I add the Sea Foam. This combination has worked well to this point. The car doesn't smoke, still gets close to 29 mpg, and will still do a pretty decent burnout. It does use a little oil, but it's leaking from the valve cover gasket, not burning it. I have only replaced O2 sensors, brake booster and the front axle as far as non-routine maintenance. Routine stuff like plugs & wires, timing belt, water pump, are just part of keeping one going. This car has treated me well and will hopefully get me close to another 100,000 miles before she dies. Still on the original tranny too. Did a trans flush around 230,000 and replaced all old fluid with Amsoil ATF.

I got my 2006 Solara SLE with 200,000 miles on it but that didn't bother me! Everything under the hood is dry, clean and was well maintained by the first owner! I love cruising with the top down. This is the first super nice car I have ever had where everything was actually working on it! The only issue I have is the transmission seems to jerk a tiny bit when getting in to the last gear. It's like the transmission lets go for a split second and then grabs back on.

Got 125K and have only had to do routine maintenance. NO other issues. Still has all original major components. About to do some suspension work. Horrible roads are the cause. GREAT CAR!!! LOVE IT!

I have 150k in my 2002 Toyota Solara but I found out that it is burning oil and will need an engine rebuilt or just keep adding oil every week. Anyone else having the same problem?

202k, Reliable and still running well. Minor repairs and maintenance schedule makes it last.

Love my 2006 Solara Convertible SLE...cannot fathom why Toyota has quit making these. By far, the best car I've ever owned and I've been driving convertibles for 18yrs now. With over 70k miles, this car has been extremely reliable, very low maintenance (only needed the basics, such as tires, oil, & one set of brake pads about 5k miles ago). Good trunk space for a drop top. Got in a wreck in mine and it held up extremely well...I drove away, while the other car did not. (Thankfully, no one was injured.) Overall, just an awesome car and would happily by another when this one is ready to go...if Toyota starts making them again. Praying ours doesn't give out any time soon because we just love it.

I have a 1999 Solara V6 that has 275,000 and has been a fantastic car. I drive A LOT and this car handles so well that I hope it lasts another 275K. Other than typical maintenance this car has needed very little. I'm taking it in this week for new spark plugs, manifold gasket, oxygen sensor and timing belt and plan to keep this car as long as possible.

2008 Toyoata Solara Convertible. I can't say that I am pleased with my Solara. I brought it in march 2010 with only 4600 miles on it. Within the first month, the front it shimmy's like it is going out, the tires don't hold air very well, the roof leaks when it rains or you wash it and the gas mileage for a small engine is only around 23 miles to the gallon outside of the city. Now we have to find a good honest Toyota dealer to have it looked at.

I love my 2000 Solara and am VERY upset that Toyota quit making them AGAIN!!!! My next one would be the convertible. How can we rally to get them to produce them again????? 103K and going strong!!!

I have a 2004 Toyota Solara Convertible love the car It also leaks on the drivers side after a wash or rain storm. But my main question is when we first start the car most of the time I get a big cloud of white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. But as it warms up no smoke but shut it off and let it sit for 1 hr or more start up and white smoke Thanks Woody

I have a 2000 Toyota Solara SLE (V-6) and I love this car!! It has 224k. and still kickin!! Of course all of the standard maintance needs have been met when they were needed. (oil, fluids, etc.) Only real thing I have had to put much money on has been my front tie rods but that has more to do with MI roads!! :) But I am in love with car! I love it and suggest it to any person!! Or at least this model/year.

I am a college student and got my 99 Solara used at about 70000 miles. It now has 172000 miles. So far I have had the tires replaced, lights kept going out but that is not a big issue, and had my rear brakes replaced. Besides that just the normal routine stuff. Overall I have really enjoyed this car. It looks sharp, had a lot of spunk to it and has taken a lot of travel and abuse from what is expected from a poor college student. My transmission has just gone out though and I am looking at spending 1500 dollars for a new one. That is why I am on here looking to see if it would be worth it for me to purchase a new transmission or scrap the car at 172K miles. ..... So far I think the new transmission might be worth it.

Ive had my solara for about 3 years now, and I am more than happy. This is my 4th car and im only 20 years old. I have no complains. great with gas, no major issues!! Could not have asked for more

Awesome car. takes a beating from the owner, (me) i hit everything. There always seems to be some electrical problem. Besides that, it runs great, looks good, and great gas mileage.

130000 miles and still going strong with routine maintanence

nice small car...hard to beat over 170000 miles

Have 75K on my 2000 Solara. Very happy with overall performance & reliability

Minor engine issues but good overall.