1999 Toyota Solara SLE 3.0 V6 petrol

Summary:

An Unreliable Toyota

Faults:

Almost everything. I spent thousands upon thousands of dollars on this car.

Suspension was replaced once and broke again 50k later.

Engine leaked a lot of oil.

Replaced oxygen sensors like no tomorrow (around 6 times altogether).

Replaced 3 heat sensors.

Replaced the exhaust every 2-3 years.

Exhaust fumes leaked into the cabin.

Exhaust fell off while driving.

Exhaust manifold started to rust, causing more wear to the engine.

Air conditioner condenser blew several times.

EGR valve started to choke the engine, so I had that replaced.

General Comments:

The car was great in the first 7 years of ownership, it gave little to no problems, other than suspension components failing and several battery and alternator related issues. It somewhat questions me whether Toyota's are actually as reliable as they are said to be. My old Mercedes-Benz 300E was superb, and I owned it for nearly 15 years and it never gave me a problem!

Other than the countless number of problems this car gave me, the car was extremely smooth and drove like a dream. This was by-far the best highway car I've ever owned. It drove absolutely amazingly on the freeway as I drove it from coast to coast.

The interior was quite dull and matched the interior of a Camry, but it had some additional finishing touches that made it different. I loved the exterior styling on this car though.

People I knew called my car a coffin on wheels because of the endless number of issues it gave me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th April, 2015

4th Jul 2016, 11:13

Why keep a vehicle like this? Rather than spend thousands on repairs plus the initial purchase price, I would just take the beating. This sounds like an unending money pit. I had an Acura like this. Lost 24k in 3 years; some of that was depreciation. Besides the money, it's a total waste of time going back and forth to the dealer. Everyone knows you by your first name. The only upside was the free car washes and Snapple. No doubt reflected on the final bill. This sounds worse. It would be gone in year one of ownership for us.

1999 Toyota Solara SE V6 - 1MZFE

Summary:

Reliable, fast and safe

Faults:

Battery was gone at 20K miles.

Oil pan silicon leaked at 60K miles.

Car doesn't seem to align correctly.

Driver side window regulator broke at 155K miles.

Rear oxygen sensor broke at 165K miles.

Clutch started to slip at 175K miles.

Mass flow air sensor is broken at 175K miles.

General Comments:

I am the first owner of this vehicle, and it has served me well. The V6 + 5 speed combination offer a great sports experience and the reliability is superb. It has over 185k miles and it should hit 200K by the end of this year.

The first sets of front brakes were replaced at 120K (yes, it lasted 120,000 miles on my first sets of brakes)

After 165K miles, I have to replace a few more items, but the car nonetheless hold up pretty well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd July, 2008

1999 Toyota Solara SLE 6

Summary:

This is one of the best cars I have ever owned and I couldn't have asked for more

Faults:

Leather seats are showing wear.

General Comments:

Very comfortable and ergonomic cabin.

Great fuel economy and performance.

Outstanding reliability - owned since 99' and no problems at all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 2008

6th Aug 2008, 15:18

You are one lucky guy! I have owned my Solara since 1999 also and have had millions of problems. I can type a 2 page report of all the problems I have had on it. Aside from that the car is the best, I essentially love it! It's fast, smooth, powerful, big for a coupe in comparison to cars of todays generation of coupes and has the best acceleration!

5th Jan 2009, 22:11

Bought one last may. Showroom condition.

After 20,000km, now 95000km EGR faulty.

It's not stopping me, so I like it. Still, I prefer my old Celica 93 convertible in summer, but in winter an SLE Solara is very nice to have!