Toyota Camry Solara

Importing a used Toyota Camry Solara from the USA

The Toyota Camry Solara is a piece of Americana that Europe never really got: a comfortable, dependable two-door built on Camry mechanicals, offered as both a coupe and a genuinely pleasant convertible. It was designed for and sold almost entirely in North America, which means the US used market is essentially the only place to find one. USCar Trader is an independent broker for used US vehicles — not a dealer, not a Toyota franchise — and we help buyers in Germany and the EU source, verify and import a Solara with a clear, itemised cost breakdown.

Model history: years and generations

There were two generations. The first (1999-2003) was based on the XV20 Camry and arrived as a coupe, replacing the old Camry Coupe. The second generation (2004-2008), built on the XV30/XV40-era Camry, is the one most buyers will find today; it added a much-improved power-operated soft-top convertible alongside the coupe and moved noticeably upmarket in refinement and equipment. Toyota assembled the Solara at its TMMC plant in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, which is relevant to the import duty question below. Production ended in 2008, closing the book on Toyota's mainstream two-door for this era.

Engines, transmissions and drive

The Solara used proven Camry powertrains. Four-cylinder cars ran the 2.4-litre 2AZ-FE (around 157-158 hp), while V6 buyers got the 3.0-litre 1MZ-FE (about 200 hp) on the first generation and the larger 3.3-litre 3MZ-FE (around 225 hp) on the second. Transmissions included a four-speed automatic, a five-speed automatic on later V6 cars, and a rare five-speed manual on four-cylinder models. Drive is front-wheel drive throughout. These are unstressed, long-lived engines — exactly the sort of low-drama drivetrain that made the Camry a byword for durability.

Equipment lines and body styles

Body styles are a two-door coupe and, from 2004, a two-door soft-top convertible. US trims ran roughly SE, SE Sport and the luxury-oriented SLE, with V6 SLE cars offering leather, heated seats, JBL audio, a power top and alloy wheels. The convertible in SLE V6 form is the most sought-after configuration and makes a relaxed summer cruiser rather than a sports car.

The US used market

Solaras are out there in steady numbers, concentrated in warm-weather states where convertibles thrive — California, Arizona, Florida and Texas. Because owners tended to be careful and mileage on weekend cruisers is often low, well-preserved examples with full history come up regularly. Coupes are more common and often cheaper; clean convertibles command more attention. Prioritise rust-free southern cars and complete maintenance records over the absolute lowest odometer.

Is an import right for you?

This car suits a buyer who wants Toyota reliability in an unusual, characterful two-door — a comfortable cruiser or an easy-going convertible that will not spring expensive surprises. It is ideal for someone who values dependability and rarity in Europe over outright performance. Enthusiasts who want a low-stress classic-in-waiting will appreciate how bulletproof the mechanicals are.

Specs at a glance

Common issues buyers should know

Mechanically the Solara is about as trustworthy as cars get, but a few known items are worth checking. The 2.4-litre 2AZ-FE is famous for a stripped-thread issue at the spark-plug or head bolts on higher-mileage engines and for oil consumption on some units — verify oil-usage history. The V6s are strong but the earlier four-speed autos benefit from documented fluid changes. On convertibles, inspect the power soft-top mechanism, hydraulics and rear-window seal, plus check for water ingress and musty carpets. General age items — suspension bushings, brake lines on northern cars, and dashboard wear — round out the list. Rust on southern cars is usually minimal.

Differences from the European version

US Solaras have amber or US-spec rear lighting, no rear fog lamp, an MPH speedometer and US-market audio and units. Headlight aim and DRL behaviour follow US standards and must be corrected for German approval. Being a North-American-only model, there is no European equivalent to compare trim against, which is part of the appeal for buyers who want something different.

Import step by step

Selection with our team, VIN and origin verification, secure escrow so funds release only on delivery, ocean freight to a North-Sea port such as Bremerhaven, German customs clearance, technical inspection and individual approval, then registration at your local office.

Customs and taxes: what applies

Bottom line: what matters is the factory shown by the VIN – proven US origin unlocks 0% duty. The 19% import VAT always applies.

The Solara's origin is neutral here, and importantly most examples were built in Canada rather than the USA. Import duty is therefore assessed on the actual plant established via VIN. The 0% EU import duty under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 applies only where provable US origin exists; a Canadian-built car does not qualify on that basis and the standard passenger-car rate applies. In every case the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is charged separately on import. We never promise duty-free status — the rate follows the documented origin of the specific car.

Modifications and single-vehicle approval

Approval usually means fitting a rear fog lamp, adjusting or replacing headlights for right-hand traffic, confirming the speedometer reads km/h and documenting the odometer. As US cars rarely have a European CoC, an individual approval (§21 StVZO) is the standard route, followed by the main inspection and registration.

What to verify before buying

Match the VIN to all documents and confirm a clean title (no salvage, flood or rebuilt brand). Order a Carfax or AutoCheck history. On four-cylinder cars, check oil-consumption and spark-plug thread history. Inspect the convertible top mechanism and seals thoroughly. Look for corrosion under northern-state cars. Confirm consistent service and mileage records. Have an independent pre-purchase inspection carried out before funds move.

Common questions

Is the Toyota Camry Solara worth importing from the USA?

Yes, if you want rare Toyota reliability in a two-door or convertible — the US is essentially the only source, and clean warm-state cars are appealing.

How reliable is the Camry Solara?

Very. The main watch points are 2AZ-FE oil use and spark-plug threads, plus convertible top condition; the V6s are robust.

Does the 0% EU import duty apply?

Not for Canadian-built cars, which most Solaras are. Duty follows the actual plant; 0% needs provable US origin under the 2026 regulations.

Is the 19% import VAT always charged?

Yes. The German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% applies on every import, separately from any duty.

Coupe or convertible?

The coupe is more common and cheaper; the SLE V6 convertible is the sought-after configuration and a relaxed cruiser.

What mileage should I expect?

Many fall between 60,000 and 140,000 miles; documented service history matters more than the raw figure.

Do I need individual approval (Einzelabnahme)?

Usually yes, since US cars rarely carry a European CoC. We coordinate §21 approval and TUEV.

Can USCar Trader handle everything?

Yes. As an independent broker we manage sourcing, escrow, freight, customs and approval on your behalf.

Explore more Toyota in the Carhub, compare the Toyota Camry, the Toyota Avalon and the sporty Toyota GR86, or browse current Camry Solara listings.