Stock #6889
Exterior Overview
Ric Flair once said, ” To be the man, you have to beat the man!” Toyota certainly felt that the 3 Series was the sport compact standard bearer, and its new Altezza was built to unseat it. Boasting reflexive handling, this rear-drive sedan was also designed to be as reliable as a Camry. The styling was also a highlight, with its angular creases and proper proportions. Finished in a classic Super White (040) this terrific ‘Tezza is set off by an OEM NEO V1 front bumper with OEM multicoat fog lamps, OEM optional side skirts and rear bumper lip, OEM optional sports grille, and some subtle factory rainguards. Aside from a few light dings, chips, and scuffs the paint is in good shape, and this RS200 is fresh off a recent service. Offered with only 82k verified and documented miles on the clock, this Yamaha-built 2.0L is barely broken in. Perfect as a family hauler, canyon carver, or weekend autocross playtoy, this SXE10 is a Japanese classic that can do it all!
Interior Overview
The cabin is in above-average shape and includes a few upgrades and goodies. For starters, the center stack is dominated by a Pioneer radio upgrade. It sounds decent and oozes JDM appeal. Above is the simple to use automatic climate system. Primed for year-round use, the heat is piping hot, and the A/C is on hand for the upcoming summer. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading and houses dual SRS airbags for added peace of mind. The glovebox is sizable, too, and stowed within are the owner’s manuals and maintenance booklets. The steering wheel is in good nick, and includes integrated sport shifters. The seats are supportive and upholstered in a black sport cloth. The material lacks any major rips, stains, or tears and is mirrored in the door cards, which are in good shape throughout. The headliner and carpets have withstood the past 25 years without sustaining major abuse, and the power folding mirrors, electric locks, and power folding mirrors all work in typical Toyota fashion, making daily driving much more manageable. Aside from having to manually retract the headunit screen into the dash, there is little to complain about from within the cabin, and it’s clear this Altezza was cared for in a previous life. Even the factory carpet mats are in hand and are in great shape!
Mechanical Overview
Sold on the same platform as our IS300, these Altezzas are easy to service, fun to drive, and are known for their low cost of ownership. The largest difference between this and an IS is the engine. Instead of a lackadaisical six, Toyota saw fit to power this sedan with the 3S-GE. It revs to kingdom come and is a blast to tach out. Fresh off an oil and filter service, the 3S chugs to life promptly with the twist of the key. A new 12v battery was installed, so you aren’t left stranded in the winter cold, and we also replaced the fuel filter and engine air filter to extract every ounce of power we could from the four banger. The engine is linked to a stout 5 speed automatic gearbox that shifts just as it should. A transmission fluid service was performed, so things stay that way. Power is sent to the rear wheels, and this RS200 sails up to highway speeds when you mash the gas. It also slows down promptly, thanks to large disk brakes and standard ABS. The suspension is predictable, and this balanced chassis can mow down the freeway miles and also gets down in the twisties. For state inspection, we added a set of new caster arms and aligned this five-seater so it drives straight as an arrow. Riding on nearly new all season tires, this thing is turn-key and ready to roll!
*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB compliant first. CARB certifications will have to be performed within the state. Depending on the vehicle and any existing modifications will affect the pricing. Typically CARB compliance will range between 5-10K. Additional information can be found on the California Air Resources Board website.
