Toyota Camry Solara

USCar Trader import service

Import this model from the USA or Canada

Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.

Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.

CarHub · Toyota

Toyota Camry Solara

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.

Vehicle class
Mid-size two-door (coupe / convertible)
Generations
1st 1999-2003, 2nd 2004-2008
Engine I4
2.4 L 2AZ-FE inline-4, approx. 157-158 hp
Engine V6 (gen1)
3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6, approx. 200 hp
Toyota Camry Solara

Model profile

Model history and generations

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.

Powertrain and equipment

Engines, drivetrain and trims

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.

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.

Vehicle selection

North American market and suitability

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.

Vehicle data

Technical data by generation and specification

Body and dimensions

Vehicle classMid-size two-door (coupe / convertible)
Body styles2-door coupe; 2-door convertible (2004+)
Length (gen2)approx. 4.90 m
Seating5 (coupe) / 4-5

Engine and drivetrain

Engine I42.4 L 2AZ-FE inline-4, approx. 157-158 hp
Engine V6 (gen1)3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6, approx. 200 hp
Engine V6 (gen2)3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6, approx. 225 hp
Transmissions4-speed auto, 5-speed auto (V6), rare 5-speed manual
DriveFront-wheel drive
Fuel typePetrol

Model and other data

Generations1st 1999-2003, 2nd 2004-2008
0-100 km/h (V6)approx. 7.5-8 s
AssemblyCambridge, Ontario, Canada (TMMC)
Typical US mileage (used)60,000-140,000 miles

Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.

Pre-purchase review

Model-specific inspection points

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.

Germany and Europe

Differences, adaptation and registration

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.

Modifications and single-vehicle approval

US-market headlights use the FMVSS/SAE beam pattern, which differs from the ECE pattern required in the EU, so they may need adjustment or replacement with ECE-compliant units for registration.

USCar Trader services

Inspection, purchase processing and escrow

As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.

  • Vehicle profile and history: The profile can show the VIN, US title status and available history records. No data source guarantees that every earlier event was reported.
  • Optional CARFAX report: Additional reported maintenance or service entries can be included. The report is not a complete service book or proof of every interval.
  • On-site inspection / USCT AutoCheck: USCar Trader can arrange a separately booked vehicle inspection. Agreed visible and accessible areas are documented. Road or functional tests require suitable access and seller approval; the visual review is not a lift inspection or workshop diagnosis.
  • Purchase processing and escrow: After approval, USCar Trader can coordinate seller contact, negotiation, contract and the escrow and import service. Fees, payment route and responsibilities are recorded in advance.
  • Recalls: Open safety recalls can be checked by VIN through the NHTSA recall search; they do not describe overall condition.

Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.

Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.

Import process

Import, customs, costs and delivery

Import step by step

The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.

Questions and answers

Common questions about importing this model

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 this vehicle automatically qualify for a 0% import-duty rate?

No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.

How is import VAT treated when importing a Toyota Camry Solara?

Import VAT and other taxes or costs are assessed separately under the applicable rules and the circumstances of the individual case. A blanket answer for every vehicle would not be reliable.

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.

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