voiceinsideyou

Cheers - thanks for the feedback. The car passed the AA test pretty well, only a couple of issues that I had already been told about by the owner - nothing big. He offered to get it serviced by Toyota before I take ownership of it as well, so I have taken him up on that and will shortly be the owner of a beautiful yellow Altezza RS200 Z-edition, newly serviced by Toyota. :] I figure that if the service highlights a big problem that the AA missed, I can renege on the deal and only lose my deposit of $500. I'm happy with that risk! Guess I'll have to update my profile in the garage when I officially get it ah! How exciting...

Site that details all of the different options available in Japan on Altezzas, as well as the specs, weights, gear ratios, and a full listing of all equipment and options available and which of those are on which editions of the car. http://www.japanvehicles.com/newcars/toyota/Altezza/main.htm

It was checked by Toyota when it came into NZ last year in August, and I've seen that report - no known problems. I've heard bad things about their checks anyway - that they don't do a better job than the AA, and they charge the same price? The AA check is already booked, so I can't back out of that - hmm, not sure if I'd want to ask him to get another one done! I know that the CD player has the jamming problem - he's told me about that, but he doesn't know what the Error 3 is (unlike me, having done research!), so I may be able to fix it. I'm not too worried as I am likely to replace it with an aftermarket double DIN unit anyway. Cheers for the A/C tip - I'll ask him about that and check it when I do my final inspection. :-]

Fair call. The reason I haven't gone for something more hardcore is that the guy seems pretty trustworthy and has been upfront about a couple of problems he knows the car has, and has had it serviced by MacLennan - whom I called today to see what they thought. It's a really good deal, so I'm not too worried if I have to spend a bit of money - just wanted some feedback. Thanks for the welcome - all going well, I will be a more regular member around here soon! :D

Don't suppose this rumour ever eventuated, ah? Maybe time to give Toyota NZ another call to find out.... :P

Hey all Am very shortly looking at purchasing a specific 99 Altezza RS200 Z-edition and wondered if you guys had any advice as to things to look out for as commonly wearing/failing in Altezzas. I am getting an NZ AA check done on the vehicle, and the current owner sounds pretty decent but wondered if those with experience around here had any thoughts. It's got 54000kms on the clock, 10,000 done in NZ (44 in Japan) and has all certification papers. It's been lowered extensively on adjustable platform suspension, has an aftermarket HKS pod filter mounted and 18" rims. Otherwise, it's stock. It's at a really good price, so I don't mind if I have to do a bit of work on it, just wondering if there are any show-stoppers to watch out for. Appreciate any thoughts!