Well I have finally sold my FTO and need a family saloon.
I have narrowed down my options to the 3 above and need some help deciding which one.
Originally I intended to get the Altezza, but my budget doesn't really give me a huge deal of options in terms of choice etc. I could import one in but that would mean 3months wait??
Now I am considering an accord type r (As the wifes car is a civic type R and love the vtec)
EDIT! To give people a better understanding of what I want.
If I talk abut the Altezza first:
I like the Altezza for the looks, as they are proabably the best looking saloons out there (RX8's aren't considered a saloon in my eyes!)
I like some performance not super quick but not really the deciding factor, there's also the rarity of a car. Hence why I went for the FTO originally, now having had that car for nearly 3 years I found a few issues that will also be an issue with an Altezza.
Servicing (although some lexus/toyota dealers may do this)
Will it run forever? (like a Lexus?? Not too sure)
Resale was a problem as I even considered part exing it for something else as I found it a pain to sell and I lost quite a bit of money on the FTO, from buying it at it's peak i.e. lack of choice and high prices, now look at the prices now! I feel the Altezza 'may' follow the same route as they get more popular.
The Accord
Looks good (not as muscular as the lexus, but aint' no heffer)
Performance pretty good, allthough needs Superunleaded all the time (I've been told)
Servicing isn't a problem
Resale value.... not too sure (but hindered by the new accord and possible Type R in a few years time??)
Thirsty from a 2.2l
IS200
Good looking car
Good servicing
Costly to run??
Will run forever (like all Lexus'!)
Bad fuel economy compared to Altezza (I'm assuming it's similar to the FTO as that was a v6)
Performance lowest of the 3
Resale values? Do they hold their price?
Plenty of choice out there
I need to consider:
Servicing and maintainence
Cost of ownership (ties in with above?)
Re-sale value (hence why I'm considering an IS as I feel imports are still not as easy to sell?)
Performance
Practicallity
Fuel Economy
Anyway let me know your thoughts and comments. All appreciated!
Cheers