Greatest cars of all time are 1997 to 2001 Toyota Camry/solaria especially with 2.2 4cyl. in my opinion. 3.0 V6 is excellent but not so friendly to fix compared to 4cyl.. The only sockets you need to fix these cars is 8-10-12-14-19 & 22 m.m.... Word to wise- eliminate factory alarm to avoid trouble. Buy KYB struts to eliminate rattle and use moog stabilizer links with grease fittings. Even if timing belt breaks, valves will not bend. I own 2 of these Camrys. Get 31 mpg on highway all day long. Drain and refill transmission with Dex Iii from Toyota dealer { 2.5 qts). Because oil filter is basically upside down but reachable in front of engine, start up in morning is noisy but once oil flows after 30 seconds, that car will trot down the highway all day long not breaking a sweat. Replace both O2 sensors at same time with denso sensors and cel goes off. Change pvc valve twice a year & change e.c.t.s. as preventative maintenance. The V6 model from 97-01 has a tendency to have strobing/dimming headlights which can be fixed by installing a 130am alternator from 2003 Toyota Highlander which has same 3.0 V6 & it is plug in and direct fit. And plastic outside door handles have a tendency to break but can be replaced for $12.00...This paragraph represents everything I learned about Camry in past 3 years. Absolutely excellent cars.
You’re lucky you haven’t had to fight with the egr system lol, I had to replace 3 or 4 of the vsvs on my car to finally get rid of egr codes. Also have a weird random misfire and cylinder 1 misfire code that won’t go away, but the car doesn’t misfire, assuming the coil pack is going bad but don’t want to waste the money until I actually feel a problem, maybe you have insight on this? I just run Castrol conventional 5 30 in my car and it’s as quiet as new even on cold starts
@@notasolution I need to go back to conventional oil because synthetic oil, which I switched to 4 months ago, is thin and makes alot of noise but luckily I don't have egr toubles. Thanks for reading/commitment.
@@notasolution test the cyl #1 (plus all other cyl) coil -plug-wire with an ohmmeter meter to make sure the correct values show up. Check all connections and wiring harness in the area leading too for crud build up and make sure that #1 spark plug boot properly seats with a click and no oil on boot from spark plug tube seal. If all checks good then go a step further and disconnect/reconnect battery to reset software values in ecm/pcm. Plus test/clean electrical grounds from engine/trans block to frame. All videos on how to do this are on RU-vid. Start with simple visual inspection, test and when all else fails- replace suspected parts with new ones. Hope this helps
I have a 99 V6 manual 5 SPD up here in Canada... 212000 kms and she runs like a top... The salt from our roads has wrecked my rocker panels but I'm pretty sure like you mentioned the engine and trans will outlast it ... Fantastic buy... No regrets
No way your name is Josh. 🤣 dude me too. And I got the 4 cyl , was gonna get the 6 cyl but figured if I saved myself the money now I could buy one later 😂😂 best car ever
I would think about unless previous owner did it but definitely replace timing belt and water pump. Great Car in this condition with the market like it is, here in Indiana people would asking a lot more than $500 for it. I just got a 2002 Camry XLE V6 I love it so smooth.
Wow.. the interior & engine are very similar to our '03 Camry that we kept from June '11 to Dec.'19. Many miles of happy driving with the '03. We now have a '17 Camry... Most Toyotas can be described in one word..RELIABLE.
I have a 1999 slara V6 that has been an absolute loyal workhorse and im proud to say ive kept it running on the original engine over the 500,000mile mark and it's been ran through the mud driven to its limits and faced the Midwestern snow and salt Texas sand calafornia heat and has traveled coast to coast on its own power and still completely empty with the rear seats out stock I remember taking out to an abandoned airport and it made it to 140mph before finally leveling out so in its prime it was pretty quick for a normal car it is the perfect blend of utility and fun with good tires its the most control able car in a slide i have found outside of dedicated racecars and as a dirt car driver my poor slara has seen many gravel dirt and mud roads at not exactly recommend speeds anyway moral of the story the 1999 slara is an absolute tank with good mantanace it will not dissapoint you it won't leave you stranded its carried me though many hard times and it's still sporty enough to put a smile on your face when your not expecting it.
I have a 2000 Toyota Camry Solara and I absolutely love this car like it has been going for like 22 years and it still doesn’t have any maintenance issues
My daily driver is a 2001 solara with the 4 cylinder… bought it for $650.00 back in 2019 with 220 on the odometer… currently got 302… best car I’ve owned!
Great Video You got a steal for $500 dollars. I got a 2001 solara 4 cyl in 2018 with 133k love it to death now with 202k on it needs a paint job and a couple other things but great car
I had a 2000 SLE V6 trim of this car......for 17 years! Never failed me! The V6, leather interior and swapped out sound system made things a bit more interesting.....but I tell you what, I was never stranded! And all the repairs were relatively inexpensive! So, it was definitely a winner during my ownership!
Amazing vehicle Chris!! I had a '99 SLE V6. It was amazingly fast for its time. Had leather, spoiler and a few more small upgrades. Amazing build quality and materials. I really thought it was even better than the 4dr Camry. It really reminds me alot of the Lexus I drive today. Enjoy this icon!!!
I don't want to jinx it but I bought the exact same Solara for 1100 dollars and was using it as my daily driver for almost 2 years putting around 100 miles a day every day. It never left me stranded and the only thing I had to replace was a starter. That's it. I am SERIOUSLY SHOCKED 😳
Boring and exciting are very subjective terms. A 'boring' car like a Toyota will be faultlessly reliable, will always get you to your destination on time, where you will be with your friends doing fun things, and will ultimately give you a more enriching life opposed to an 'exciting' car that's forever at the side of the road broken. I know which option I prefer, that's for sure.
Of all the channels I’m subscribed to, yours is definitely my favorite. Always a good day when I see a new video posted! 2011 Ford Crown Vic: 243k and still going strong
@@miko7158 I get that, mine is super slow too, got a few issues that need to be fix as I don’t have the money for, p0420, p0440, p0441 and p0446 codes. Originally had a p0401 code, but fixed that one. But almost 5000 miles and still driving fine!
Hey Brad, thanks my friend and it's great to see you back on RU-vid again with the C4 buyers guide vid. I always enjoy your content and that vid was no exception.
I work on Toyota’s servicing them. Here’s a tip for you. On this motor, if you drain the oil first, it drains the oil from the filter at the same time so when you remove the filter it doesn’t leak oil all over the motor.
Thank you for doing this video. I purchased a 1999 Camry solara V6 with a manual transmission. That car lasted from the day purchased new all the way to 296,000 mi. I was hoping to hit 300,000, but unfortunately a lady t-boned and destroyed it. After passers by got me out of the car and on the ground to check me out for injuries, I was crying for my baby. The people kept looking in the car for an actual baby, they finally realized I was talking about the car. I am sure I would still be driving that car today cuz it was in mint condition when the lady ran into it.
Beautiful car, 2 doors, unbelievable only 500 dólares, I have a Corolla 2010 here in Brazil, still runs like new, amazing how good these Toyotas are! Like your videos, big hug from Brasil
I totally agree with you on how great these Toyotas are and I think the Corolla's are even better than the Camry's too. Thanks so much for checking out the Solara video and for your comment too. Appreciate that!
$500 bucks?!? U STOLE that car!! The mileage doesn’t matter the condition makes that car a $2kish (with cat issue and stuff)car all day (in this market)PERFECT first car! Missed your vids buddy hope to see more soon but life is busy!
Fun video! I live in Norway, and if you filter on cars with the most miles for sale locally it will almost always be old Mercedes Benz or Volvo's. Toyota and Honda never really survived the local winters. I once took a taxi in Oslo and it had over 1 million miles on it; an older diesel Mercedes. Insane!
Just an fyi, I currently own a 2003 Chevy trailblazer that I purchased brand new from the Chevy dealership Everything original and it has 309,000 miles. So it's just not Toyota or Honda's lest anyone thinks only those brands can achieve that. It still runs like a champ and I'm hoping to reach 400,000 or more
bought mine back in 09 for $7,200 and still driving it today!!! need to change the CV axle and the suspension's now but this car runs! I have the 3.0 litter V6
I'm in the market for an 07-'11 ES350. Do you have the known "acceleration lug" or hesitation? It's the only thing I'm worried about with that 6 cylinder. Thanks!
@@usaman7358 No I have not had any acceleration problems. It runs smoothly. I had to replace the water pump and the passenger side axle so far and my dash is a bit sticky, but otherwise no issues at 62,000 miles.
I’m into 5 months of owning my 01 Toyota 4Runner Sport, it has 272K miles on it! Still running like a champ. Toyota really did and still does have there brand in check!
I have one exactly like this except it has the factory spoiler and tinted windows. Bought it 2 years ago with 365,000 miles on it. Someone really maintained it very well. Just put a set of new tires and brakes on it and it's just amazing how well it runs, rides and drives. It now has 401,750 miles on it, and still has cold A/C. Years ago I had a 1976 Toyota Corona 4 door, 4 cylinder that had 525,000 miles on it when I sold it and it was still running good. Love my Toyotas...❤️👐
We've had several Toyotas over the years, great cars. Currently a 2006 Scion XB with 225,000 miles and it's still going strong. My other favorite brand is Nissan. We've had several go into the mid 200,000 miles also. Great first car for her, no worries if it gets a little banged up. Good luck with it.
Right on Pat, and I couldn't agree more. A little parking lot bump here and there means nothing with a $500 car. And thanks for the visit and checking out the Solara vid too. It's always great to hear from you.
Heck yea!! My daily is a 2000 solara with the same engine but 5 speed manual. I have the same rear suspension noises/aggravation. I’ve had to replace little parts here and there and have been in a never ending battle with the egr system and those pesky vsvs but overall love my car. Just did the timing belt on mine as well. Honestly these cars are great deals you can pick them up so cheap and they’re so reliable, good on gas, and pretty good looking especially for the money, especially with a rear spoiler and a set of wheels. Can’t beat them
I would still be driving my 1999 Camry solara V6 with a manual transmission today, if the lady hadn't run into it when it hit 296,000 MI. It was working perfectly even at that point and I'm sure it would have lasted another five years.
I have a 99 SLE V6 with 122,000 I'm the 2nd owner and I absolutely love this car it's so peppy I have the leather and the quad cam but same color with the exception of an aftermarket bra that came with this car I have the window sticker from 99 and with all the options she paid 36,000 but it was a special order gotta love these cars though
I have a 99 Camry and never have any noise from the rear or any other place. I can tell you you to grease the shift cable where it mounts to transmission. There is a piece thats part of the cable that's prone to breaking. Also that cable is real pain to replace. Cheers
A friend of mine had a 2001 Solara coupe, exact match to yours, except his was a 5 speed. He LOVED it! Drove it from 2001 to 2006 and after years of hearing from me about my cool "Chrysler Sebring Convertible", I convinced him to "upgrade" to the convertible version. He drove that convertible for the next 9 years, and of course he kept the 01 Solara around, cause why not? In 2015, he sold both of them, the 01 had 200k miles, the 06 had 140k mi. Both were running perfect, but he needed a truck and got one. So you're right on with the Solara!! Course, I still have my 2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible...cause why not...it's fun and paid for. LOL
Five speed much more fun, I have a Corolla 2010 here in Brazil, every time I drive It puts a smile on my face, Toyota... I didnt remember that Solara, beautiful!
@@bwofficial1776 Yep, and my friend asked me if I thought he should get a Sebring...nope. His style of driving hard would have killed a Sebring long before the Solara. Toyota makes stuff to last...Chrysler...you gotta be nice to it. Haha.
@@ironeagle2526 Low miles for being 21 years old at 120k miles, but yeah, Chryslers since the mid 90's needed to be treated "nice" and not driven hard, even with proper maintenance. Even with the age/miles, I'd go on a 5000 mi top down road trip tomorrow if I could.
This was exactly my first car. Mines a manual, but all the trim options and interior/exterior color). I got it 12 years ago for $6k and still daily it. I pulled my CEL and periodically scan for codes, as the orange light gets quite annoying at night. If you wet sand/ cleanup those headlights and put in some LEDs, it’ll look so much better.
The perfect first car, agreed. Slow, cheap, reliable, and uncool. It'll blend right in with all the other beaters in the parking lot and if it gets crashed, it's not the end of the world. My first car was a Jeep CJ with a top that cost more than the car itself. It has a 4 cylinder engine probably making 60hp after all the years and is geared so it can't go over 55MPH. My Jeep was 32 years old with only 35k miles when I started driving it. It had sat for a long time and then sat some more after we bought it. The rust actually isn't that bad since it's mostly been parked under a roof. It's not the most reliable thing but I still have it and drive it on nice days. I had a lot of fun with it in high school, especially after I put a PA system in it. My younger cousin has a brodozer Wrangler that kind of looks like yours.
Totally agree with you about this Solara being slow, cheap, reliable and uncool - but totally perfect too. A few parking lot bangs are meaningless on a $500 turd. And that's pretty cool you still have your high school car too. I chuckled when you mentioned the PA system. Must have been a bunch of fun with that!
I have this same year car same color and every thing. Mine only has about 165,000 miles on it. No check engine light. Only thing that was wrong with it was factory stereo was bad. Love this car. Best car i have owned.
Hey bud, I hope the Plymouth is good for you. I didn't know if you still have it. As for the shop, I'm planning a 'fleet update' video for next week and I'll be sure to get the garage into that update too. Thanks man!
I drive an 98 Camry xle with 300k miles I drive it since I am 18 my father bought it 2002 when I was 6 I grew up with this car greetings from Germany 😁😀
My girlfriend has this same car except it has the 6 cylinder, It is still a very strong motor at 235,000 miles It had a tune up last year I personally replaced the leaking valve cover gaskets, not so easy on the back one, replaced the oil pan gasket, Still has a leak some where above the oil pan,and maybe the crank seal not verified as of yet, Im replacing a cv axle tomorrow .. needs sensors but not going to do that yet..replaced a donut gasket at converter, fuel filter I could not remove the lines were to rusted I will most likley have to cut them to replace..Anyway so far nothing major I think the A.C Pump is going out soon tho..hate to price that job ugh..Keep updated on that 4 cylinder curious on how many miles they can go..
I say this from experience. This car is one of the best cars I have ever owned. Mine is a 2000 and I absolutely love it I have had it for a couple years. I bought mine for $1,300 with only 123,563 miles and the only thing wrong with mine is the catalytic converter needs to be replaced but that is it
I had an accident this past July and totaled out my 2011 Ford Taurus with only 94K on the clock. I've been trying to find a car like this on my very limited budget and cant find a thing.
These cars are very hard to find with a black interior, especially black cloth. I think this was because leather and premium options weren't very expensive anyways
I almost bought one new in ‘99 - you could order them with the 3.0 V6 and a 5 speed stick with 17” alloys and 4 wheel disc brakes. I opted for a Honda Prelude 5 speed at the last second and sometimes wish I would have gotten the Solara.
Toyota = Bullit proof. I have a 2004 Toyota Corolla and a 2003 Crown Vic p71. Both nothing but simple service and maintenance. Excellent first car for your daughter, lots of luck.
@@hullinger I have a few videos on my channel. One of them shows in pictures how I got it and the work I did. remember my motto is Not Good But Better.
Chris you got a bargain for 500 bucks you can't beat it it's a Toyota and it runs forever I remember when those things were made down in Georgetown Kentucky they were brand new and I remember some of the sheep metal being manufactured I was there at that plant when they were doing let's change over for the facility yeah yeah well done and now on by toyota's Honda's and Kia's and Kia's to be sent to the Ukraine afthe Ukraine after this war is over with cause they're gonna need cars you know that Good luck brother
Going to buy one tommorow I found a 01 with 140k miles n a 4 banger for 1800 the paint is fading but who cares also found one for 2k with 190k miles with a nicer body and a v6. Suggestions??
This car is a 2 door es300 Lexus i removed the Toyota badges put Lexus ones i get a lot of compliments love the car sle V6 got it for 300 bucks about a year ago with 180,000 now it's at 205,000 car is a tank this car should of been a Lexus i just recently found out that it's also a rebadged Nissan s15 Silvia even better they are coming out in the spotlight imop is bad and good cus it's definitely a gem
I bought mine new. Has 260,000 miles and still use it on the commute but has the V6. This is the 4 cylinder, this engine will burn oil as piston rings were not properly designed from Toyota. Keep driving.....keep adding oil and it should be alright.
The 4 cylinder in this video is the 2.2L. the 2.4L 4 cylinder that was introduced in 2002 is the one that likes to burn oil. The 2.2L was more prone to oil leaks than anything else. I got the 2.2L 4 cylinder Solara that I bought almost a year ago that had 147,000 miles and now it has 151,677 miles as of right now
I bought my 1999 Toyota Camry brand new - has 382K on it. It's a 6 cylinder - 5 speed manual - no rust - no body damage - ac is ice cold - no check engine light - runs like brand new - it's faded, but who cares. I love my Toyota - just drove up to Vegas - 85-95 mph. It's an Arizona car so the sun has done it's damage on the paint, but who cares - find me a new car that is this awesome and I'll buy it
I can pick one up from my neighbour across the street it’s an 2000 I love the car expect that this one is gold but it has like 160KM (Canadian mileage) he says he’ll give it to me for 2000$ what do you guys think? , Is that a a grabber?
Yup, I'll get an update video out on the Wrangler. I picked up a factory hardtop recently and OEM wheels and it completely changed how the Jeep looks. I'm much happier with it now.
Always loved the Solara. My 16 yr old daughters car is a 2008 civic that i also bough for 500 dollars. No where near as nice as your Solara. You scored there. Have you done a vid on the old green VW van ?
Thanks man for checking out the Solara video today. As for that VW van, no I haven't done anything with it. I'm planning a 'fleet update' video for next week and I'll be sure to get that van included.
Bought my daughter a 2001 SLE. Fully loaded, 163k miles. Love it. Change oil every 3 k miles. Runs great. Looks like Mini Benz. Can’t wait to punish her so I can take it away from her and use it . LOL
I had a 2004 Dodge Dakota that had 350000 miles on it and looked as good as your Toyota inside and outside I know Toyota makes good cars but no better than other car makers do,they don’t deserve the credit they get
Haha, yeah, I agree with you. That Town Car is fantastic and I've made a few videos on it too. Wonderful car that I'll be selling in the next two weeks.
