I’m buying my first car (so exciting!) My biggies are I want something with descent mileage because I drive about 30 miles on way to school everyday, and I want a convertible because they’re fun and I live in the desert, and pretty low general maitenance cost, just because in a student. I don’t care about it being super cute or anything, I just need something reliable. My Dad is helping me a little with shopping and we’ve looked at beetles, but it seems like they’re really reliable until they’re not, and then maitenance is very expensive. I also looked at some 2000s Mazdas, which seems like a pretty similar situation. My budget probably maxes at like 5,000, but I’d like to spend closer to 3,000. I found a 2001 Toyota Solara that looks good, the year and everything seems to have pretty good reviews and don’t have any major issues that’ll leave me stranded. Anybody have experience with this make and model? Also any recommendations for other brands or specific models to check out would be awesome! Thanks guys!

  • capflatfoot@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I bought a 2001 camry with the 5sFe engine as well. V4 . Its been quite reliable. It has a overheating issue sitting, unless i turn the air on. I just gave up on fixing it . Other than that , nothing out of the ordinary for a 20 year old car. I had a cracked thermostat housing, replaced timing belt and water pump . The valve cover gaskets tend to leak on these, not a super expensive fix . Here a video on the most common issues on that gen of solara. video 1aauto actually to have very specific and useful information regarding lots of makes and models. I would definitely get a mechanic to take a look. I only spent 2300 on mine. Had it 3 years, my dumb ass rear ended some 1 month in. Still running tho