29th Feb 2008, 01:39
2001 Altezza AS200i,(same as Lexus 200) bought it new in Japan, owned it 7 yrs and it has performed faultlessly without costing me a single cent beyond normal servicing. Splendid car, beautifully built, handles very well. This was Toyota/Lexus response to the 3-series BMW, and it is entirely a superior car.
29th Feb 2008, 15:39
We too had the ball joint problem, it's common on Altezza's apparently, but inexpensive to put right. We are not happy with the tiptronic transmission however. Frankly, it's a real dog that blunts the engines considerable performance. The transmission dithers around hunting for gears most of the time and causes delays in power delivery almost like turbo lag. Get a manual one, the autos are all show and no go.
5th Mar 2008, 17:31
I've had my RS200 for 7 years, and have had to do no unexpected maintenance. I do the oil changes myself.
Stylish, quick and great handling, a superb touring car.
There is a club for them, which is an excellent source of information at altezzaclub.org.nz.
25th Jun 2009, 15:24
My 1999 Altezza RS200 went for a warranty yesterday, and only failed on the lower ball joints.
10th May 2010, 08:51
So, I currently drive a Camry. Had a Corolla with 5fwd manual, now I'm in an auto, I miss my gears.
I'm seriously considering an Altezza between October this year and sometime next year. I need unbiased opinions, how good is it on gas, (Camry has in a 3S) performance stock I assume will be slow, but how expensive is it to get it to go faster (BEAMS). Do many of them come with a sunroof? My current car has one and I don't want a car without.
I would ideally like one in blue or white, TRD front bumper, sunroof, 6fwd manual, BEAMS and preferred stock so I can make it what I want.
Can email me unbiased comments and ideas @ supernova4300@yahoo.com.
P.S. Why the hell are they so expensive as used cars???
30th Jul 2011, 13:21
Bought a second hand Toyota Altezza 1998 model 2 litre capacity. I bought from a second hand car dealer in Durham, South Africa.
The car is great, and I love the looks and handling.
The one thing that troubles me however is the pinging/pinking sound the engine produces when am accelerating! Mechanics haven't been helpful.
Someone help me or at least advise. I love this car. Please, you may advise me at muschiba77@yahoo.com
1st Dec 2007, 17:18
Bought an Altezza last year (1G-FE auto) at 57,000 km. A year later, at 78,000 km, front lower ball joints have excessive play and need to be replaced. I'm still happy with the car.