Lexus IS200 / Toyota Altezza Information

[emicen]

Does anyone have any buying advice or sources of good information regarding the import Altezza?

The car I'm looking at is the GXE10 variant which is the same inline 6 engined version that was badged as an IS200 over here. Its also an automatic if there are any issues I should watch out for on this?

General ownership experiences, owners forum recommendations, mpg anecdotes etc all greatfully recieved. (Can you guess I know diddly about this vehicle but am quite taken by one I've stumbled across)

>> Edited by emicen on Wednesday 24th May 08:39

[fidgits]

www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/knowledge/index.php?page=index_v2&id=41&c=5


Any questions, just ask

[emicen]

Honest opinion, 105k kms Altezza vs 100k-ish miles IS200 SE?

They are nigh on identically priced. The Altezza is the auto, the IS200 would afford choice of either. Insurance isnt a big worry so the usual import insurance debate isnt applicable here.

Oh, whats the fuel ecconomy like on mainly A-road/motorway cruises?

>> Edited by emicen on Wednesday 24th May 17:31

[Wigeon Incognito]

My opinion, as a complete layman re these cars, would be the IS200 - it'd just be so much easier to sell on afterwards.

[fidgits]

emicen said:

Honest opinion, 105k kms Altezza vs 100k-ish miles IS200 SE? They are nigh on identically priced. The Altezza is the auto, the IS200 would afford choice of either. Insurance isnt a big worry so the usual import insurance debate isnt applicable here. Oh, whats the fuel ecconomy like on mainly A-road/motorway cruises? >> Edited by emicen on Wednesday 24th May 17:31

get the IS, the altezza toys were optional extras, the IS SE has leather heated seats etc as standard..

the 100k is no problems as long as its been serviced - just check it had its cambelt at the 100k service..


as i say, i get around 30-35mpg on those sorts of runs...

[emicen]

Just reading about the stereo problems and the import has the older style headunit and it only has cloth seats.

It'll be a few months till I can afford a decent run around though (commuting in the celica is just not fun/ecconomical/practical). Was hoping it'd be a bit more frugal though tbh.

[fidgits]

well, its a straight six, and i suppose it depends how you drive it, but it'll never be as frugal as a small 4 cylinder...

But then you dont buy a Lexus as a cheap run-around

[emicen]

Well, I'm planning on working up to it as a cheaper commuting option. My celica turns at best 26-27 to the gallon. Thats over a 10 mile flowing city traffic + 25 mile 70mph motorway cruise.

Planning on starting with something cheap from the auctions and then selling on once a month or so and adding a few £100 out of the pay packet.

Interesting/worrying thing is my mates 450hp Supra TT auto returns much better ecconomy than the Celica. Even in town and thats with me not ragging it!

[geoff82]

I don't know how many ratios the auto has, but you will probably find that the increased economy when cruising is down to longer gear ratios and probably being able to drive off boost even at motorway speeds.

>> Edited by geoff82 on Sunday 28th May 11:17

[emicen]

geoff82 said:

I don't know how many ratios the auto has, but you will probably find that the increased economy when cruising is down to longer gear ratios and probably being able to drive off boost even at motorway speeds. >> Edited by geoff82 on Sunday 28th May 11:17

There's more to it that that I'm affraid. Its symptomatic of my cars overall guzzling habit. Problems with the temperature sensors I reckon since the ignition components and O2 sensor have been done and a new fuel filter put in.

With the engine comfortably in vacuum cruising to work at a steady 65-70mph all the way I still only manage 27.x mpg