1999 Toyota Solara SE V6 3.0 1 MZ V6 from North America
Summary:
Reliable safe highway cruiser
Faults:
Suspension has always been clunky, and if you change one part today, by the end of the month it would need something else. But nonetheless, it's easy to find parts and does not pinch your pocket.
Clearly, Toyota tried to convert its Camry into a Supra and it went sideways!
Brake pads were changed twice in the last 4 years, and if you regularly change oil and top up fluids, change plugs at defined intervals, the motor will reward you by not giving you any issues.
Bulbs will occasionally fail on you, but that is a given. Changed all to LEDs and no issues since.
The paint/black plastidip or whatever it is on the front grille peels off and very, very annoying.
General Comments:
This is one of the cars that will reward you if you baby it.
I had a 2001 SLE V6 automatic that was still going strong at 527,000km, but I wanted a standard and found one.
I like the fact that the cabin is super quiet and the steering is tight.
This car was built for highway cruising. While the coupe means some serious lifestyle changes, it would be a hard sell to the family who have to cramp into the rear seats. Of course getting to the seats in the rear seem to be the only issue. Once you are there, the seats are so comforting that they hold you there.
Toyota makes the most reliable vehicles. I hate to admit it but it's true. The Solara does not even compare in terms of handling with its European rivals, but more often than not, would not leave you stranded on the highway.
The heating and AC on a Toyota is... wait for it... Legendary!! The stereo on this car satisfies even the most critical audiophile.
Traction control was not an option on my car and I really missed it in winter, especially with the rattly suspension of this vehicle.
Make sure you always have the best battery for this car or you could find yourself in hot waters (pun intended) on those crazy Canadian winter mornings.
Overall a good car. In my personal opinion, I believe that a car tells people what kind of a person its owner is, and the Solara would probably say that its owner is a quick witted, reliable yet adventurous, old-school yet open to new ideas kind of person.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 26th January, 2018