I'm contiplating either or the IS200 UK or Altezza (Jap)

I have a 95' WRX Jap Import at the moment (260BHP classic shape) and thinking of the next car... I know they don't compare before anyone replies (they're both in a league of their own).

Any tips, advice... I'm thinking along the lines of servicing, parts, looking after and re-sale.

Any advice on what to go for and why...

Hi, and welcome.

Check out this thread [url="http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=68&t=4241&"]here[/url] it sums up the main differences between the UK and Jap versions.

IMHO, if you want power + performance get an Altezza - but bear in mind it's not gonna have anywhere near the poke of a Subaru Imprexa. However the 4 cyl engine is apparently a lot more tuneable.

If you want more luxuries (leather, heated + electric seats, headlight washers, a radio that actually works in the UK (!), Sat Nav etc.) and a Lexus warranty (very good) then get a IS200. Or even better an IS300!!

Hope this helps.

[url="http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=50&t=5359&hl=compare"]here,[/url]

[url="http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=50&t=4984&hl=compare"]and here[/url]

[url="http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=50&t=3925&hl="]and here too[/url]

[url="http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=50&t=5401&"]and this one's good too[/url]


The above are some good threads to sit and have a read thru. Though not directly, your question is often posed and so it has been discussed before on here in great detail (the above threads are just examples). Use the search function at the bottom right of the forum page - this will really come in handy.

Hope they are of some help - but if you do get any unanswered questions, just shout up !!

(PS: just for my 2p's worth.....I went from a 330bhp Escort Cosworth to my Lexus IS200. When I went to test drive the speed of the IS really worried me ...i.e. it was too slow. Now I have the car, with it's toys, it's luxury etc. etc. I really am glad I made the move. Just a thought for you)

All the best
Tony

Just a comment on the Power/luxury thing -

Before the IS200 I have now, I had a car with just as much luxury and toys and was also much quicker (540i) but chose the IS200 because it just felt like a better car for me. The power difference didn't bother me as it wasn't my priority but the points you mention were

[quote]Any tips, advice... I'm thinking along the lines of servicing, parts, looking after and re-sale.[/quote]

Now and then i wish it had more power in the lower rev range (I'm trying to talk myself into the supercharger ) but its no slouch if you keep it screaming, which they seem to love. (Don't know much about the Altezza)

My point is tht I think it depends on what you want from a car......why not keep the Subaru and also get an IS200.

[quote]consequently I'm either going to get myself a bike, or going to construct myself a track day car because,[/quote]

I got a bike, but if i wanted a mad mad car, i would look at one of those custom jobbies, can't remember who makes them but they have two Suzuki Hyabusa engines in them, one drives the front and the other drives the rear, they are absolutlely barking. (westfield maybe)

[quote]here,

and here

and here too

and this one's good too[/quote]
Nice one Tony....hehe

Please read the following discussion in the following link...

[url="http://www.scoobynet.co.uk/bbs/thread.asp?ThreadID=205619"]http://www.scoobynet.co.uk/bbs/thread.asp?...ThreadID=205619[/url]

I would very much appreciate the advice I receive in choosing the better vehicle

Thanks in advance

its simple.......what are you after.

its simple.......the UK spec IS200 is going to have a Lexus Warrenty, and the parts are easier to source, join gold, it will become cheaper

its simple.......the Altezza is faster, and chassis and running gear wise, identical to the IS200, however the engines are different

its simple

A short while back, there was a similar thread on the Civic Type-R vs. IS200 [url="http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=50&t=4827&hl=honda"]here[/url]. Different cars I know, but might give you a few ideas too.

Thank you so much everyone who has answered all my queries so far as a new comer.

I was wondering whether there is a UK comapny the provides a warranty for Altezza models from Japan.

I've never had a tiptronic gear box either, are they reliable... what if they break down, they must be expensive (pardon the ignorance, are these in the Altezza models or a standard 6 gears)

Also, is the interior, atleast the seating... pleasant... I understand there is no leather... Am I wrong???

Thanks in advance

the only warrenty you will get is from the import company, in my opinion if you get the Al;tezza with the cloth insides it looks.....kinda naff

the tptronic is on the 5 speed auto cars, and if it goes wrong will be expensive to fix

you can get a 6 speed manual altezza

Can't comment on the warranty, but yes the seats are cloth, (not velour even) but they're pretty comfy all the same. I think full leather is an option on the car but that means more weight....

From all the discussion so far in my other recent posts, my decision between the IS200 UK and the Altezza will be based on the running of things i.e. servicing andsourcing parts etc...

I guess there is no point having a nice car and its difficult to get parts etc for...

Which leads me on to my next question; will a lexus dealer be happy to service an Altezza or I guess the people who service my WRX will also be able to do this.

Will parts for when servicing be avaiable in the UK as standard as the Altezza is a Jap car. I am based in South London, anyone else who owns an Altezza, where do you get your servicing and parts from if you do not mind me asking.

It's just that I think its good to get this established before I spend thousands on a car...


Thanks in advance

I get mine serviced at Hadleigh in Southend - bit of a trek for you I know, but I did speak to my local toyota garage and they seemed moderately keen (and labour rates are about half) but they never came back to me - their loss (oh, and I don't have to drive a Yaris as a courtesy car). I've not had any issues with parts so far - after all spark plugs, oil filters etc are going to be the same everywhere. For the air filter I went to TDi and the car's quicker for it.
As far as the body and suspension go it's pretty similar to the IS200 (dampers appear different) so no issues there.
Fuel consumption is a bit better than the IS - I get between 32 and 37 mpg, and I think the service costs are probably a little higher, but the grin when the revs hit 5000 make it worth it
Servicing is recommended every 9k so it will be more expensive on that front.
As mentioned on another front the steering in the 'tezza has more feel - probably because the engine is a little lighter. I'm told it's also pretty easy to get some cheap engine mods to make it quicker...
Oh, insurance group is 15.

So after all the enquiries... where is the best place to get an Altezza from... private sale or trade with a warranty...

I don't think my car knowledge will stretch to discover all the faults in a private sale, maybe I could get an inspection done or take my mechanic with me...

What can I pick up for around 10k - 12k... Is an RS200 with a 6 speed gear shift possible.

My garage who currently service my WRX will service the Altezza happily; pending all the the parts are readily available to them at various suppliers...

Also, what're the differences between the standard RS200, the L and Z editions please...

That's good news buddy, you've really been helpful which I really am grateful for.

Is it best to get one from a dealer then do you think... I wouldn't really know what to look for in a private sale when it comes to an RS200...

Also, what are the differences between the RS200, L and Z models...

And you know it's not raining Altezza's so where's the best place to get one from

Sorry for so many questions... I'm just anxcious I guess...

Thanks in advance

PS. I live with the Wombles...

Look on all the online sites like AutoTrader, Exchange and Mart etc. and some Jap mags. I imported direct from Japan.

Be careful about misrepresented cars though - Jon (Bloofire) is after one at the moment too, and has come across a dud or two.

For that price you should be able to get a stock RS200 6MT with about 40k miles. Can't remember the exact differences between Z and L, but Z is like SE and L is Sport. Different grilles etc.

You know what. I think my sig is wrong, as I got the top Sport version at the time with the Neo kit which should be 'L', not 'Z'

This site should help [url="http://www.japanvehicles.com/newcars/toyota/Altezza/main.htm"]http://www.japanvehicles.com/newcars/toyot...ltezza/main.htm[/url]

I would definately recommend getting an HPI and RAC/AA check done. For £200 quid odd, especially for an import, if you are serious, you wanna make sure you're getting what you want....

On the servicing though, like I said, parts aren't readily available, but Jemca know the car inside out and have all the diagnostic kit to read the ECU, so would be faster at sourcing the right parts should you need them...

If you are looking at importing, have a look at this site.

www.bonsaicars.com

A comprehensive list of the type of cars available and a price guide will be made available to you when you register.

Wow... It's a small world Asam, who knows we may even recognise eachoher...

Going tangent slightly, I was born in St. Georges (old building in 1973) and since have lived with the wombles... however know Tooting like the back of my hand. I'm assoicated with the T-Mobile shops... (I work for T-Mobile)...

It would be great to meet up after you come back from the US; thanks again...

In the mean time I can start my hunt for that perfect Altezza (I wish...)...

So... if my mechanic will service, will it be okay for him to source parts from Gemca; I may even find a car with them... who knows... do they sell cars (sorry)...

This is an interesting discussion to read as like KV rightly says i'm looking for a 'tezza at the mo.

I have had a look/drive of JayOne's and am probably going to buy it (if my finance company plays ball!). It's a sweet motor - lowered, after market wheels, leather seat covers, TV/Sat Nav (not converted for UK). The only doubt I have is whether I should wait for a manual to come up? This one is an auto with tiptronic. The car doesn't feel a lot quicker than my IS200 to 60mph, but puts a smile on your face after that I'm sure a nice little 75 shot of NoS will put an even bigger smile on my face!!!

Kavey, you seem quite anti the auto version of this car - why is that?

Also do you know if it's possible to convert the Sat Nav to work in the UK - and if so how much and who does it?

Cheers,

Kavey [u]don't[/u] get chrome wheels mate......!

They're nasty!

Surely you'd like some nice matt athracite(sp) ones?!

Fair play mate.

I agree opinion is divided, they're huge in Yanksville - they love them there. Personally I like the super slick, understated Brit look myself (ie. not loads of dodgy graphics etc!!)

Have you checked out Duncan's rims? IMO they are the best I've seen on an IS200 (mind you the one's on the tezza i might buy are pretty cool!!) I think Dunans are 19's - way cool.

I'm in a situation... and I need advise how to best solve it...

I want to buy an Altezza (mind made from this discussion) however only after test driving both the IS200 and the RS200 MT (Altezzza)

I have a WRX at the moment... I can only buy the IS200/RS200 from the money I raise from the WRX when sold (and put a bit more in).

There aren't many RS200's about to test drive let alone buy... (correct me if I wrong and pls tell me where I can find them)

Do I trade my car in when I find an RS200
Do I sell and hope to find one soon
Do I find one and put a deposit on it hoping I will sell my WRX soon

What do I do...

I know this sounds silly because I haven't got one yet, but will I have problems selling them after many years of fun... because they're not so popular here...

simple mate........

turn up at a meet that you will know an altezza and an is200 are attending...............

you can test a IS200 at any dealers..........

try contacting some members that have an Altezza, see if they live near by...........go and have a look

They are 6 altezzas on Autotrader at the mo, not all of them have made it into the country yet tho! Just do a search under Toyota Altezza (yes it is listed - surprisingly!).

Shouldn't be telling you this as I'm trying to corner the market!!!

Nice one bloofire; interestingly enough I have Autotrader / Top Marques under a very close watch...

However, it does seem evident that more people go for the IS200 UK as opposed to the Altezza... How come???

Owners who have an IS200; would they like to own an RS200 if they were more popular to get hold of...

Are the Altezza's a highly sought after cars... or not really so...

Please advise...

I reckon it's simply that people are still suspicious of 'grey imports' in this country. I think punters want 3 year warranties and UK standardisation on their cars over more horsepower.

As to whether Altezza's are very sought after, I don't think so. I for one didn't know they even existed until someone mentioned them on this forum. (thanks, whoever that was!)

So if you're worried about the resale value, I think the hardest thing would be to find a buyer. You have to bear in mind that not many of these cars come with any service history so you have to take a bit of a chance.

Added to this are the extra insurance cost, as Kavey said, and I've now found out, you can expect to pay 50% more to insure an Altezza over an IS200.

I'm willing to take the risk tho!!

Hope this helps.

I prefer the Lexus trim (half leather electric heated seats, better stereo etc) but the extra power would be nice.

The Altezza should ride on the back of the stong IS200 used values, although it will probably always be slightly less

Hmmm... so that gets me thinking... thanks for that info... which leads me on to the next question...

What is a respected mileage on a 1999 model IS200... I have seen anything between 30,000 to 70,000...

I would have thought around 40,000 would be acceptable... what are your thoughts everyone...

Is high mileage to be steered away from... or are they tough engines that can take a bit...

[quote name='adeel' date='May 14 2003, 08:37 PM']What is a respected mileage on a 1999 model IS200... I have seen anything between 30,000 to 70,000...[/quote]
nothing to worry about.

The IS comes with a service book with room for 180,000 mile service.


70k in 3 years is nothing to worry about, as long as you can see the servicing intervals have been respected

yep, the sat nav is free, you either get the DVD based one or the CD ROM version

[quote name='adeel' date='May 14 2003, 09:37 PM']Hmmm... so that gets me thinking... thanks for that info... which leads me on to the next question...

What is a respected mileage on a 1999 model IS200... I have seen anything between 30,000 to 70,000...

I would have thought around 40,000 would be acceptable... what are your thoughts everyone... 

Is high mileage to be steered away from... or are they tough engines that can take a bit...  [/quote]
I did 67K miles in less than 3 years without any problems, I've seen people report issues here at 40K miles, ball joints etc, which I never had.

It probably depends how many miles you are going to do, if its not many getting a 70K mile car would be good value.

The Sat Nav sounds great... and not a penny to pay...

I understand that with a regular service history, a slightly higher mileage is safe...

So, what are the the most common known faults to occur with the IS200 / Rs200 range... inc. wear and tear

Thanks...

common faults..........

ehm, pitted wheels..change em for bigger ones


depending on model year, the headunit is known to jam, warrenty has been extended to 4 years

paint chips.........just have to keep it in good shape

so as you can see, nothing major, if you get a car still within its 3 year warrenty...excellent, if not make sure it has a dealer warrenty

So... if I find a decent mileage and good condition IS200 manual / RS200 MT6 in a private sale; what kind of things should I be looking for apart from the normal things that one looks at when buying... to be on the safe side...

To be honest I have only ever had 3 cars in my driving life...

A 1.3 VW Golf, then the 300BHP MR2 Mk2 and now the WRX... the last two were sourced for me and checked over from a garage before they came to me...

Any hints or tips...

Is it a good idea to know what these cars drive like and drive a selection of them privatley to notice the differences or is that not a good idea...

What does the forum think...

Okay... so forget the less important previous question...

More importantly if the Altezza comes with Sat Nav... does it use a dvd or cd based source and does the software need modifying... i.e. will the menu etc still be in Japanese.

If this is the case; how does one overcome this issue

Please advise

Thanks

It was CD when I was getting my Altezza, and I don't think you can just use a UK CD/DVD and make it work.

I'd try to get one without, unless you want to have a go at converting or something. www.is300.net have some info...

I had a few questions related to fuel consumption and capacityfor the IS200 and RS200.

1) What is the fuel consumtion for both models?
2) What is the fuel capacity (full tank) for the IS200 and RS200
3) What is the expected mileage one can travel on a full tank?
4) Do they both require Optimax or just unleaded?

Thanks in advance

That all depends - Kavey & I'll give you completely different replies...

1) I get between 32 and 35mpg, an IS is more like 28

2)RS gets 60 litres, IS 70

3)I've done as little as 350 or as much as 440 miles - will probably get about 420 out of this one

4) You're best running it on Optimax - makes the downshifts much more pleasant, but seeing as my nearest shell is 20 miles away I run mine on 95 more than I'd like without any problems - the car has 2 knock sensors anyway.

It totally depends on driving style and type of travel of course.

I tend to get around 30mpg, mainly town driving, but not too much traffic as I set off early. I average about 300miles from a tank.

The RS is just slightly more economical than the IS, but definately appreciates Optimax as the stock ECU is tuned for 100 Octane fuel from Japan. Running normal unleaded is fine as they can adjust to either.

I went to Bath on Friday from London on the M4 at a solid 80mph average and got around 440 from the tank (60L) so they can be quite economical, but then again I wasn't pushing it hard. As you get above 90 the economy drops quite a bit.

Asam

Sorry I have been away for a while... Oh my gosh... It's almost been a whole year... Nothing much has changed, but I am getting closer to the Lexus dream... Saving up or financially committed and challenged...

I am still driving my WRX, but I will have to give it up soon for an IS200 or RS200 Tezza...

I hope everyone has been well and is amongst good spirits (not that kind)...

Quick question, pardon my ignorance though...

If I get an Altezza, how different are the parts required for servicing... i.e. plugs, filters etc... what else is changed in a service apart from oil etc... and they not the same as the IS200?

My garage is not a branded one where I give my WRX to and they do a fine job...

What disadvantages would I face with an import as opposed to UK IS200?

Thanks in advance

What is the difference between the Altezza RS200 L version and Z version please...

I have looked at www.japvehicles.com and the only difference I see is the kerb weight of 10kg.

Any offers...