2000 Toyota Altezza

Stock #6670

Aside from the top-tier reliability and ease of ownership the brand was known for, Toyota was injecting some fun into the lineup. This 2000 Altezza is a prime example of the brand's commitment to driving enjoyment, and this balanced and zingy sedan hit the mark.

Exterior Overview

The year 2000 was a good one for Toyota, as its product portfolio was robust and selling well. Aside from the top-tier reliability and ease of ownership the brand was known for, Toyota was injecting some fun into the lineup. This 2000 Altezza is a prime example of the brand’s commitment to driving enjoyment, and this balanced and zingy sedan hit the mark. Finished in Toyota’s beautiful Spectra Blue Mica (8M6), it is set off by a OEM Neo V1 front bumper, OEM Elegance side skirts, OEM Elegance rear apron, OEM rainguards, and 17″ 5Zigen alloys. Other than a few light imperfections the paint is in good nick and this five seater is fresh off a recent service. Offered with only 84k verified and documented miles on the clock, this SXE10 would make for a fun daily driver or cool weekend cruiser. Affordable, stylish, and safe, this communicative chassis is one of our favorites, and this Japanese Classic won’t last long!

Interior Overview

The cabin feels quite modern and includes a few upgrades, safety features, and power options. The dashboard lacks any cracking or fading, and dual SRS airbags are standard. Functional keyless entry makes access to the interior more seamless, and the driver benefits from a tilt-adjustable steering column to find the ideal driving position. Power folding side mirrors, power locks, and electric windows all work in typical Toyota fashion, making daily use more enjoyable. A Pioneer radio upgrade was performed in Japan, and the speakers sound decent for a twenty-five-year-old vehicle. Above, the automatic climatic control system is simple to operate and blasts cold A/C and piping hot heat, so that year-round use won’t be an issue. The headliner is in good nick, and the sport cloth upholstery is durable and lacks any major rips, stains, or tears. This Altezzxa even has the ski pass-through option in the truck, so you can accommodate larger items. Aside from the OEM navigation screen no longer popping up, a small carpet tear in the driver’s footwell, and some light wear on the steering wheel, it is very hard to complain about the cabin.

Mechanical Overview

The IS300 that was sold Stateside feels like an old man’s car compared to the Altezza. The folks at the home office in Japan sprang for a revvy, two-liter four-banger designed by Yamaha instead of that boring N/A 2J sold in the US. This hot-shot powerplant is fresh off an oil and filter service and whirrs to life with the twist of the key. A new intake air filter helps the BEAMS engine breathe freely, all the way to its nearly 8k redline. One of our trained techs has addressed a valve cover gasket leak, and a new valve cover gasket, we chucked in a set of spark plugs too while we were in there. The 2.0L makes decent enough power to be daily driven and sends torque to the rear thanks to a responsive automatic gearbox. The pilot can choose their own gears with steering wheel-mounted selector buttons to simulate the feel of the manual. The new adjustable coilovers keep fender gaps tidy and ride well enough to be daily driven without beating you up. We installed new front caster arms and freshly aligned this Altezza when we refreshed the suspension. The power steering provides lots of feedback, and we rebuilt the steering rack before its VA state inspection. The ABS brakes feel confident, and the 17″ Fireball wheels are wrapped in brand-new rubber at each corner. The new tires will last for tens of thousands of miles to come and reduce road noise.

*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.