Is200 Or Altezza

Tinkerdog · May 27, 2005

I am looking to but an IS200, and just wondering about the advantages/disadvantages of buying an altezza. The main ones I can think of are parts would probably be harder to source/more expensive, the insurance would be more expensive, there are usually less extras and I would presume finance is much harder to get on an import.

These are just assumptions, i'd apprecaite some advice.

OLI_EP3 · May 27, 2005

I am looking to but an IS200, and just wondering about the advantages/disadvantages of buying an altezza. The main ones I can think of are parts would probably be harder to source/more expensive, the insurance would be more expensive, there are usually less extras and I would presume finance is much harder to get on an import.
These are just assumptions, i'd apprecaite some advice.

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Hi

this is the age old comparison of altezza or IS200.

I'm assuming that when you say Altezza you are referring to the RS200 (210bhp one?)

Parts are only slightly harder to source but then when you are looking at comparing toyota prices with lexus prices, which do you think is cheaper? Also there are many third party companies that can source more cost effective parts for either car, whether it be standard car parts or aftermarket ones like trd, blitz etc.

AltezzaScott runs a business that does this, so do some of the other members like PRO-LEX, TDi - check out the traders section for more info.

Insurance is the only thing that is more expensive, but saying that - I'm paying less now that I was on my FTO and less than the wife on her Civic TypeR (Both standard) Whereas my altezza isn't. Maybe less on an IS but if you were thinking of modifying it i.e. TTE supercharger then the extra for that mod may be equal to insuring an altezza in the first place.

In terms of extras, you are probably right - however all the nice bits that come in the IS might have been an option in Japan for the altezza so they can be found, but difficulty lies in sourcing it and getting it registered in the UK (due to lack of eSVA/model reports for the manual version of the altezza) So bascially importing one over is not really an option if you were going for a manual one. Buying one that is already registered here is the only other option I guess.

Is budget an issue?

Tinkerdog · May 27, 2005

Isn't budget always an issue, if it wasn't i'd probably go for the IS350 when its released, or the range rover sport.

Seriously though, i'm looking to cut down on expenses so i've traded in my six month old navara (for £15k) and i'm looking to halve my monthly finance payments (so have a budget of £6-7k as I have to transfer some negative equity to the new car).

Insurance is not really a problem as I am insured on any vehicle through my job, however this situation may not last, and the insurance company would probably refuse to cover me on anything too outragous.

I love the lexus, but the performance figures are not the best in the world. Performance is not the reason i'm buying this vehicle, but if its not going to cost me anything then i'd rather have the extra bhp. I hear the is200 engine is smoother and quieter, and thats a consideration as well, with my budget high mileage vehicles seems the way to go, but thats dangerous on an import.

Zee007 · May 27, 2005

Oli seems to have covered most points.

The only thing I would say is this - The tezza is an import.

Therefore, be prepared for it not to have creature comforts (leather seats, sunroof, heated setas etc), no "dealer" warrenty, and noisier than the IS.

Also, insurance will be more - fact.

However, the RS200 it bloomin quick, parts are readily available, it's cheap to tune, and it's good value for money.

Horses for courses - I suggest you try them both and then decide - they are very differnt cars to drive.

Chris.S · May 27, 2005

If i was changin i'd go for a tezza nxt myself

OLI_EP3 · May 27, 2005

yes budget is always an issue!

Zee has touched on the subject of creature comforts and smoothness etc. I guess he knows what he's talking about as he's recently moved over to the darkside having owned a kickass IS200 and now the altezza.

If you wanted a slightly less hassle ownership then the IS200 is for you as with the altezza you may ahve to hunt a round a bit for parts or wait a little bit longer for the more specialist bits