New To Lexus But Olde From Toc

[Leeky]

Hi there

Leeky here, im a regular from over on the Toyota Owners Club. Sorry about the two previous posts i was having a strange mail error message

Dunno if any of you pop in now and then and have heard but i and selling up my GT4 and going for the IS200/Altezza.

Now im split between the two, the IS200 obviously being cheaper ins, has the badge and has the spec but im not happy really with 153bhp. Driving the GT4 im used to running 300bhp and am worried i will find it very gutless in comparison to what im used to.

So i've been looking also at the Altezza RS200 @ 220bhp which seems a little more like it.

The only problem is have only found 1 ins company that will have it and they want £1600! When the IS200 Sport will cost me £700. Nuff said.

My question is i see many Altezza's with lexus badages being sold as Lexus's. So if i buy an Altezza am i able to insure it as an IS200 import? Because this will make the insurance only £100 more than the UK IS200 and i would get the power i want also.

Thanks guys, much appreciated

[Bazza]

good question

afraid i have no answers

but i await one

imagine altezzascott may know

oh and welcome to the other side lee

[Leeky]

Thanks dobedo, im sure im going to like it over here on the LOC. :D

Looking forward to finding out about this.

[mudzs]

I would think the insurers will ask you the engine type and size as soon as you mention import .Also be carefull because if you insure it as an is200 wich it plainly is not if you have a crash and the accessor comes he will have a field day and you will be out of pocket as your claim will be void.

[Fidgits]

Yeah, I'm sure the IS200 import the insurer was reffering to was the Tezza AS200 (identical engine to the IS200), whereas the Tezza you mention is the RS200, which has the 220bhp and much higher insurance.

That said, we do have a GOLD insurance company, that may be able to do you a good deal..

[ColinBarber]

I think you are right to look at an Altezza. You will find the 6 cylinder lacking in power compared to your GT-Four. I think the RS200 is either 200bhp (auto) or 210bhp (manual).

I would think an insurance company will ask if the car is an AS200 or an RS200

[Bobski]

So go for the IS and put the savings from insurance for a coupla years on an SC for it :)

[Jock]

I just recently purchased my Lexus IS200 Sport after selling my 300bhp Subaru Impreza P1.

Believe me mate.... no more knobs in their Corsa's / Saxo's wanna race me every 2 mins.

Best thing I ever did was buying my Lexus.

As for IS200 or an Altezza???

I'd stick with UK Spec IS200 :)

[Fidgits]

Have a look at This thread it may help you decide which you'd prefer...

[Leeky]

Cheers guys, im going to the Great Trade Centre in London today to look at a few IS's.

Tell you how i get on when i get back. ;)

[Leeky]

Anyway went to the trade centre. About 30 IS's there.

Also went to the local Lexus Main Dealer, apprxo £20k for a new one is a very good deal. Especially when their used one's are roughly £15k.

Anyway i'll have to wait and see. B)

[kev dood]

I wouldn't buy from Great Trade Centre as too many people have too many problems.

The IS's they source are from abroad and do not have UK spec alarms etc. Just not worth saving the grand or so, and its money well spent at Lexus.

Plus 3 yr warrenty is very nice indeed. So comprehensive.

[Gavin G]

I just recently purchased my Lexus IS200 Sport after selling my 300bhp Subaru Impreza P1.

Believe me mate.... no more knobs in their Corsa's / Saxo's wanna race me every 2 mins.

Best thing I ever did was buying my Lexus.

But surely you miss the power you had in the P1? I had a MY99 STi 5 Type R before my IS200 and granted it was an awesome car but had its bad points like savage insurance, had to run on 100RON (SUL + NF Octane Booster) and terrible fuel economy.

I do miss it at times especially when you want a quick blast of acceleration and the AWD and variable diff control made it a great car for twisty roads!

Having said that I do like my IS and besides you can't compare the two cars anyway as they are both different in what they do.

I guess the logical thing would be to add the TTE compressor to my IS200 but I think that £3k is just too steep

Gavin :)

[tony_hetherington]

I was in a similar position to you guys. I sold my 360bhp Escort Cosworth and bought my Is200 (std, english car).

I've had the Lexus almost a year now, and I make no bones about it that I miss the speed and the enjoyment of going out for a blast.....so much so, I'm doing my bike license soon.

You have to weigh up your options. An IS200 is an amazing everyday car - really is perfect. However, I have found that when you want to go for a blast on the B-roads, or just want some speed-satisfaction, it does leave you wanting. So - consider getting another car (whether it's a £200 1.9 205 GTi or a bike or whatever) that will be your speed demon, and the IS200 for everything else that it does so perfectly.

By the way......I stress.....I have not once regretted selling the Cosworth and getting the IS200. I just wish I had another car to satisfy the speed-merchant in me !!!