Vehicle Description
2008 Toyota Camry Solara SLE Convertible
Two generations of Solara were produced and by the end of the
second generation, sales had gone from 50,000 per year to just over
20,000. The coupe version was discontinued in 2008 but the
convertible would go on for one more model year. In late 2008, '09
sales projections fell short and the line was officially
discontinued. There were very few four seat convertibles at the
time and not a huge demand as two seat, sporty convertibles took
precedence in the market.
For consignment, a 2008 Toyota Camry Solara SLE convertible with a
title verified 58,254 actual miles, a clean and obviously well
maintained mid-size convertible that's ready for some fun in the
sun but is equally as useful for daily living.
Exterior
Other than the raked windshield, we would go out on a limb and say
this car has slight Saab 900 vibes in overall shape with its
bathtub straight shoulder line, sloping rear deck, somewhat upright
posture and longer hood. That said, there's nothing quite like the
Solara convertible and they are immediately identifiable on the
street. This one is Blizzard White Pearl and wears a contrasting
beige canvas top with a glass window and has a sharp presence. The
valet crew at the country club will have no qualms about taking the
keys, whether you're meeting the ladies for tennis or your buddies
for golf, (yes, there's room for one bag in the trunk!). The
headlight and tail light have a similar trajectory sweeping towards
the center of the car in an oblong shaped lens that's flush with
the body. The front is all Camry, and the rear quarter panels are
large, taking in rear seating and storage space for the canvas top.
The exterior is in very fine condition and imperfections are
limited to some chin scrapes, a random scratch or two, and a small
ding.
Interior
This Camry is dressed for the ball with faux woodgrain accented on
ivory colored door panels with charcoal crowns. Tall leather bucket
seats occupy the front with plenty of adjustability and decent
bolstering for a pedestrian cruiser. Rear 2+2 seating also enjoys
high backs and head restraints which will also help buffer back
drafts. Monochromatic sidewalls with cupholders molded in complete
the rear compartment. Back up front, the dash picks up on the
materials and patterns of the door bringing over a bit of that faux
wood accent that adds warmth to the angular dash topped by an
arched hood. Instrumentation is modern and clear and fairly basic
while black plastic switchgear abounds on the mid-panel. A center
screen exhibits navigation and other features while the A/C panel
is a streamline affair in a brushed nickel fascia. More burlwood
for the passenger and we note a crack in the mid-panel above the
glove box. The center console houses the shifter in a nickel base
for a handsome contrast to the light leather. Gray carpet covers
the floor while the trunk is finished in gray cloth covered panels,
all very clean.
Drivetrain
Powering our convertible is a 3.3 liter V6 rated at 210 horsepower.
A 5-speed automatic transmission sets it in motion and keeps power
at the front wheels and 3.94 gears. Power disc brakes are in front
and back.
Undercarriage
The underside of a car often tells a story. The title of this one
is "Fair Weathered Friend". For a car with more than 50,000 miles,
it looks like 5,000 underneath. Very clean with just tiny touches
of surface rust and no leaking oils. The linkage and wheel
components are clean as could be and it's either been detailed
underneath or this car has never seen wet weather. Macpherson
struts make up the suspension front and rear while the single
exhaust appears to be all original equipment.
Drive-Ability
What's not to love? Great ergonomics carved out of generations of
Camrys, one of the most ubiquitous cars on the road. Millions of
people can't be wrong, the cars are comfortable, adequately
propelled by the engine, great handlers, and an ideal daily driver.
As a well maintained Toyota, all functions worked as they should.
While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were
working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these
functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
As soon as Radwood catches up with the early 2000's, this will be
the perfect entry because it's relatively rare and will only become
more rare and less pampered examples step out of service. As is,
you have a reliable daily that is unique, comfortable, and
practical with the absolute bonus of a retractable top and two
extra seats for family and friends. Equally as cool whether you're
in the Wendy's drive-in in Morgantown or Spago in Beverly Hills,
the Solara convertible WILL get you noticed.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
