Hi, I'm New And Deciding Altezza/is 200

[Graham22vti]

Hi,

I have a R33 GTR at the moment and have decided to sell it and look for something a little more economical, I have always liked the look of the lexus/toyota and wanted some advice on what to go for

i.e. altezza rs200, is 200

Basically I want something with some pace, I have also been looking at bmw 330i, 530i etc

Thanks

Graham

[WylieCoyote]

Pace isn't the strong point of the IS200. In manual form it's not a slow car, but it's not one that'll ever feel the warm sensation of warp factor acceleration (you can of course supercharge or turbocharge it which does help). I can't comment on Altezza becuse I don't know much about them so I'll leave that to someone who knows what they're talking about.

The IS is built to be comfortable and smooth, which it is. It will never keep up with a BMW 330 (petrol or diesel) but with those you're forced into buying an older car, becoming a BMW driver and sacrificing equipment.

Economy largely depends on driving style and type of driving but typically urban conditions will get you low 20's in an IS whereas extra-urban can get you 35-40mpg.

The only advice I can offer, which is common sense, drive them for yourself - keep them for half a day each and really consider which car will best fulfil your needs.

Keith

[Hank B]

If you want something with a bit of pace get the IS300, or Altezza. I love my IS200 but it's certainly not got any pace!

[Monster-Mat]

in the real world there really isnt that much difference between an is200 and an altezza, not at legal road speeds anyway, the difference is in the build, the is200 engine is smoother, and the creature comforts far more refined.

the interior trim is better in the is200,

try and go and look and test drive both variants, also do a search, ive owned both....i prefer an is200

[Unregistered_User]

Hey there and welcome to the LOC :)

Good luck in your search and as suggested, test out a few of the variants; if it is more of a "raw" experience you're looking for then Matt's recommendations will suit.

All the best,

Jamie

[lee_iceman]

I'd go with Mat, have driven both the IS200 is a lot more refined.

If your after a bit of power then also try and check out a supercharged IS.

(strangely enough mines for sale ;))

Lee

[Graham22vti]

To be honest no lexus/altezza in standard form is going to be a harsh or raw as the gtr as it's lowered and pebbles crack your spine.

do you have a link to your supercharged Lexus.

My main point is I don't like standard cars, I like rare cars and the altezza is a lot rarer than the lexus, the only exception to this was the bmw 535i v8 I owned but v8's are fairly rare

I will test drive them both and see what I think, but I love the interior comforts of the IS..

Thanks

Graham