| Author |
Message |
Don Bagnall
Moderator
New Zealand
1991 UZZ30 GT4.0 V8
Posts: 2052
Reg: 05-2005
|
After a year of joyful ownership, I'm thinking of selling our Soarer, and replacing it with an Alteza.
For those of you that don't know, an Alteza is the Japanese domestic market equivalent of a Lexus IS200.
I am kinda loathe to sell the Soarer, but finances dictate that I cannot afford both  .
I am unsure whether I'm doing the "Right" thing or not, and to be frank I'm leaning towards retaining our beloved Soarer..........It's kinda like a really comfortable pair of quality shoes...........the car just feels "Right".
But the appeal of "New(er)" has merits.
Opinions, Ladies & gentlemen  |
Jeff Harper
Trader
NSW
UZZ32 Active V8
Posts: 785
Reg: 07-2005
|
Buy the Alka Saltza, sell the Soarer and then we can kick you off here, we all win? Mwhahahahaha |
Jason Kingsmill
TryHard
NSW
UZZ31 Soarer V8
Posts: 432
Reg: 07-2005
|
You just need to find yourself a '31 Baggs...
I know, it must be hard: stuck with those coils would be torture to such a fine car! 
Although, not a bad car to replace it with, if I must say! |
Khalid Sarwari
TryHard
Victoria
T
Posts: 175
Reg: 07-2005
|
keep the soarer don the altezza doesnt have anywhere near the stability and comfort as a soarer, just driving the altezza feels very flimzy and girly if ya know what i mean keep the soarer untill you can afford the sc430 |
Neil Griffiths
Trader
NSW
I have MORE Soarers than Hayden :-)
Posts: 1252
Reg: 07-2005
|
If ya gunna do it..Get the IS300 Turbo..
Be a shame to get the 4cyl Powerless Pak (Unless it was the Beams Engine)  |
David Vaughan
Goo Roo
ACT
Soarer GT-L (4.0 V8) Lexus is300 (3.0 VVT-i 6)
Posts: 1245
Reg: 07-2005
|
If you buy the small engine, especially if with an automatic, I think you will be disappointed by the transition from the Soarer. Also, the car will feel smaller for you, tighter in the cabin, and I am not sure that is what you want. I disagree it feels flimsy but certainly it will feel a lot lighter and twitchier, more so than the weight difference would suggest. They are great fun to drive if you like a car which needs the boot shoved in all the time and the right gear selected. Do this and they are fast cars.
I use the Soarer for cruising and the is300 for belting about the place. The Soarer has more grunt than the is300 and when I drive a loan is200 during a service, I truly despair of the lack of power through the auto gearbox. You can pile in to a corner quickly but you can not get out of it again. That is where a blower or bigger engine in the chassis makes a really big difference. |
Robert Hayden
Moderator
Victoria
UZZ32, UZZ32 Supercharged, JZZ30 '92, JZZ30 '95, UCF11 Celsior 1990
Posts: 379
Reg: 07-2005
|
Your ass wouldn't even fit in an Altezza Baggs!! |
Don Bagnall
Moderator
New Zealand
1991 UZZ30 GT4.0 V8
Posts: 2056
Reg: 05-2005
|
Well kids, I have just returned from test driving the Altezza .
I was underwhelmed by the power (or lack thereof), and this one being an auto dosen't help.
Generaly I liked the concept, but found the whole thing fussy & fragile when compared to the Soarer.
By way of comparison, I then went to see Trent at Totally Toyota who's just brought in an Altezza Gita??? for wrecking from Japan.
The car is complete and drivable.
These things are basicaly a "Wagon" version of the Altezza, and this one had the 2J engine . We screwed his dealer plate on and took it for a blatt. WAY better power wise, compared with the puny 2.0L of the sedan (which wouldn't be hard) but bloody ugly styling, and there's no way in hell that I'd buy one  .
So I have to say that after driving these two gadgets, I'm like, TOTALLY OVER IT!!!, and it was with GREAT pleasure that I got back into the Soarer, which still feels "Fresh" and scrumptious.
So ladies & gentlemen (plus Jeff & Hayden (plicks!) I am now VERY content to keep on Soaring for the forseeable future.
 |
Peter Nitschke
JunkFilterer
South Australia
GT4.0 V8
Posts: 2943
Reg: 11-2004
|
So we are stuck with you? 
 |
Don Bagnall
Moderator
New Zealand
1991 UZZ30 GT4.0 V8
Posts: 2057
Reg: 05-2005
|
Ha Ha-Ha!  |
Don Bagnall
Moderator
New Zealand
1991 UZZ30 GT4.0 V8
Posts: 2058
Reg: 05-2005
|
Thank you, thank you  |
David Vaughan
Goo Roo
ACT
Soarer GT-L (4.0 V8) Lexus is300 (3.0 VVT-i 6)
Posts: 1247
Reg: 07-2005
|
I told you so |
Don Bagnall
Moderator
New Zealand
1991 UZZ30 GT4.0 V8
Posts: 2059
Reg: 05-2005
|
Indeed you did. However it's always good to check these things out, even if it's to find out that the grass is not neccessarily as green on the other side of the fence, as it first appears |
David Vaughan
Goo Roo
ACT
Soarer GT-L (4.0 V8) Lexus is300 (3.0 VVT-i 6)
Posts: 1248
Reg: 07-2005
|
Ah, yes, no offence Don I just have not said that to anyone in so many words for over 30 years  but being somewhat retired now I have fewer rules by which I need to play.
|
Don Bagnall
Moderator
New Zealand
1991 UZZ30 GT4.0 V8
Posts: 2061
Reg: 05-2005
|
 |
Ken Packer
Tinkerer
Queensland
TT
Posts: 51
Reg: 07-2005
|
Don, I was thinking seriously about buying an IS200 with a mild 1JZ & Supra 5 speed , as a road /track car. But then I read somewhere that it's a bit "shoulder to shoulder" in the cabin , as I'm 6'5" & 120kgs, I figured I'd save the $38,000 ( not unreasonable asking price), keep my Soarer & do a race & rally import on a series 6 Mazda RX7 ( a true track weapon). The I'll have a dedicated race car , that I can flog the crap out of ,and a quick , comfy every day driver. Just got to find an RX7 for $8k-$10K.
Did you find the Altezza a bit "squeezy" , inside ? |
Mark Paddick
Goo Roo
ACT
Soarer UZZ31
Posts: 1197
Reg: 07-2005
|
Ken, I know of a late series RX7 for sale. Not quite that cheap but not too far from it. Just had paint. NEW engine and big turbo (new). Goes like a cut cat!!! |
Don Bagnall
Moderator
New Zealand
1991 UZZ30 GT4.0 V8
Posts: 2063
Reg: 05-2005
|
Not claustrophobicaly so, but still way less room than the Soarer.
The price was/is $15k(NZD) (to me), but frankly it coulda been a straight swap and I STILL wouldn't have done it.
They're starting to become the round town thrash car of choice as they're more affordable for the "Ricey set", which is another good reason NOT to get one me thinks  |
Ken Packer
Tinkerer
Queensland
TT
Posts: 52
Reg: 07-2005
|
Mark,
Most locally delivered series 6 (1993 ish) RX7's are up in the mid $20's to $30's. If I import one (hopefully with some Go fast bits already on it) under Race & Rally regs ( no compliance needed) , I think I can get one for $8K-$10K.
What are the details of the RX 7 , you speak of?
(price , year model, mods ). |
Mark Paddick
Goo Roo
ACT
Soarer UZZ31
Posts: 1205
Reg: 07-2005
|
I'll get some exact details in a day or two but
I think it is one of the last RX7s.
Was a private import.
Motor was totally rebuilt less than 5k ago with NEW gt3040 I think.
It had some wiring issues (20" wheels wore through both front wiring hrnesses...fixed properly and now has 17" wheels).
It is currently being painted and should be finished in a week or two.
Not sure what he's asking but he needs around 15k to get the car he's replacing it with.
I'll get some pics and a firm asking price next week. |
Ken Packer
Tinkerer
Queensland
TT
Posts: 53
Reg: 07-2005
|
Thanks , Mark |
Dean Brauer
Tinkerer
victoria
94 tt
Posts: 23
Reg: 12-2005
|
my mate has an imported altezza turbo, and being in that makes my car feel like a diahatsu, having a small stock car chirp 1st, 2nd and 3rd and then blow away a r32 gtr, im a huge fan of the altezza turbo! |
Shane Standley
Tinkerer
NSW
IS200 TT
Posts: 97
Reg: 07-2005
|
The Altezza has an awesome chasis, the handling is awesome for a 4 door car. I dont understand how you feel the car to be fragile. Ive driven plenty of soarers, although great, is no match for an Altezza in terms of handling wise. Even my old JZA80 Supra has nothing on my Altezza!
Ive been once to wakefield, and with crappy tyres, I run consistant 1;14's around the track, note, this was my first time. A guy in the club has a SC version of the IS200, with only 150kw(Fly) (I run more than this on stock boost at the wheels!)he runs 1:12's on Semis.
The Altezza RS200, although a bit heavy, is a great car, 3sGE beams motor, 157kw. Its not a rocket ship, but will keep a DC2R honest.
One thing really lacking the AUS IS200, is def the motor, shame on Lexus . All its good for is fuel economy! |
David Vaughan
Goo Roo
ACT
Soarer GT-L (4.0 V8) Lexus is300 (3.0 VVT-i 6)
Posts: 1281
Reg: 07-2005
|
quote:The Altezza has an awesome chassis, the handling is awesome for a 4 door car.
Could not agree more |
Mike Beck
Goo Roo
Ellerslie
None
Posts: 1211
Reg: 11-2005
|
Aha Don...... Possibly selling your soarer this time around? hmmm
Well we all got our reasons if you do, An IS200 is a great car, you seemed quite keen on them after you test drive one which you noted in a chat a coupe of months ago so why not?
Would you get the Beams 3S-GE model or the 6 cylinder one?
Hmmm how much would you look at selling your soarer for if you did decide to make the change? |
Peter Nitschke
JunkFilterer
South Australia
GT4.0 V8
Posts: 7713
Reg: 11-2004
|
Old post Mike, I just created this section and moved a couple of threads here. |
Peter Nitschke
JunkFilterer
South Australia
GT4.0 V8
Posts: 7714
Reg: 11-2004
|
But thanks for kicking it along! |
Don Bagnall
Moderator
New Zealand
I have WAY less Soarers than Hayden :-(
Posts: 6114
Reg: 05-2005
|
No, I'm not selling the Soarer Mike 
But if I was, I'd certainly go for an Altezza with the 2.0L six. Having now driven both variants, I would be more than happy with the lesser power of the 6.
I would describe the performance as entirely adequate, if not startling.
 |
Neil Griffiths
Trader
NSW
I have a Cadillac  and a Supercharged Manual V8 
Posts: 4005
Reg: 07-2005
|
Peter,
Tell em the truth !
This tread was opened for another Forum * TIF *
It wasn't opened because an Aussie asked for it ?
And WHO deleted my post on TIF. ?
Now I got the sh1ts. |
Don Bagnall
Moderator
New Zealand
I have WAY less Soarers than Hayden :-(
Posts: 6115
Reg: 05-2005
|
Having reread my earlier post(s) on the matter, they seem at odds with what I've said above.
Suffice it to say that I have now driven CLEAN examples of the breed, and have been impressed with both variants, but feel that the 2.0L 6 is fine for my needs/wants as 90% of my driving is in the city, which doesn't demand rapid acceleration.
The VVTi 2.0L 6, once up in the revs is quite a capable performer on the odd time it would be used on the open road.
BUT, as I said earlier, I ain't selling the Soarer !
|
Darryn Dewar
DieHard
Gisborne
UZZ30 Soarer
Posts: 767
Reg: 09-2005
|
Neil Griffiths wrote on Sunday, May 06, 2007 - 09:47 am:It wasn't opened because an Aussie asked for it
Probably because the Aussies have http://www.altezzaclub.org.au/ |
Lew Radbourn
Trader
Queensland
jzs147 92 / 95 jzz31 98' / jzz30 ute92' / uzz30 93'/ 2 X uzz31 92' s
Posts: 1960
Reg: 07-2005
|
Guys whats going on here
I thought it was SOARER CENTRAL
we may as well change the title
to some thing like
TOYOTA GRAY IMPORTS FORUM
Well we can't have Toyota Imports Forum can we.
and thats all i could think of quickly |
Mike Beck
Goo Roo
Ellerslie
None
Posts: 1212
Reg: 11-2005
|
Peter Nitschke wrote on Sunday, May 06, 2007 - 08:14 am:Old post Mike, I just created this section and moved a couple of threads here. :-)
Oh yes I see that now, Silly me! |
Peter Nitschke
JunkFilterer
South Australia
GT4.0 V8
Posts: 7716
Reg: 11-2004
|
Neil, Luke Gomez who has done some excellent work on EMV conversions for Soarers and others, suggested it. I have also had other requests for more areas to cover other JDM models as some Soarer owners have also bought them. That isn't unreasonable seeing as we have an area for Celsiors and Aristos. We are pretty much a collection of Toyota fans after all.
If anyone doesn't want to see the JZZ20, Aristo, Celsior or Altezza posts, you can turn those areas off.
- Edit your profile.
- Select "When using Last Day or Last Week, display only results from my "Favorite" topics".
- Select what you do want to see under Favourite Topics.
- Save Profile Changes.
As to TIF, I have no idea. I don't have anything to do with it apart from posting there as a regular member. |
Neil Griffiths
Trader
NSW
I have a Cadillac and a Supercharged Manual V8
Posts: 4011
Reg: 07-2005
|
Peter,
My postings on the thread you started on TIF kept disappearing ?
No one on there would say who they were or why ! so I started playing and they kept deleting. |
Peter Nitschke
JunkFilterer
South Australia
GT4.0 V8
Posts: 7719
Reg: 11-2004
|
Neil, as mentioned I have no idea. Nor have I seen the post. I don't have any say at all over there, nor am I in private communication with any of the management there. In short, I am just a plain old pleb. |
Luke Gomer
Goo Roo
Dorset
Uzz31 LTD
Posts: 57
Reg: 07-2005
|
I asked Peter for this Altezza section as we already have the Celsior and Aristo section
I wanted to show off some more pictures of Digital TV and Satellite Navigation conversions 
|
Peter Nitschke
JunkFilterer
South Australia
GT4.0 V8
Posts: 7721
Reg: 11-2004
|
Stunning work as always Luke!  |
David Vaughan
Goo Roo
ACT
V8 Ltd manual
Posts: 3303
Reg: 07-2005
|
I am continually surprised at how high other people set their auto-air.
What conversion is that, Luke? Your screen module is different from mine. |
Don Bagnall
Moderator
New Zealand
I have WAY less Soarers than Hayden :-(
Posts: 6121
Reg: 05-2005
|
Brilliant work Luke  |
Peter Nitschke
JunkFilterer
South Australia
GT4.0 V8
Posts: 7722
Reg: 11-2004
|
David Vaughan wrote on Sunday, May 06, 2007 - 07:00 pm:I am continually surprised at how high other people set their auto-air.
What's wrong with 26 degrees in the UK?  |
David Vaughan
Goo Roo
ACT
V8 Ltd manual
Posts: 3304
Reg: 07-2005
|
If your HVAC is efficient then a comfortable temperature should be the same in almost any place or season. We do not have UK cold but we have plenty of heat in summer. It is true that I vary the Soarer's setting slightly from summer to winter but the IS300 I change not at all, or by half a degree for a short time (i.e. the Soarer system is less effective). I see the same high settings on cars in Australia as well, and the manuals in two of my previous cars proposed I set the temperature to 27 or 28. Stifling sleepy-byes on a long drive I think! |
Luke Gomer
Goo Roo
Dorset
Uzz31 LTD
Posts: 58
Reg: 07-2005
|
Sorry, I can't help with the AC temperature - it was not my car. |
Matthew Sharpe
Goo Roo
North Island
JZZ31
Posts: 2589
Reg: 10-2005
|
I had the Soarer set to 28 on my short drive to work this morning - it was around 8 outside and I just needed the extra heat to warm up my chilly body. Probably would have got too hot after a bit, but for 25 minutes it was just right to warm up my feet and hands. |
David Vaughan
Goo Roo
ACT
V8 Ltd manual
Posts: 3305
Reg: 07-2005
|
Makes sense for shorter trips. Heated seats make more  |
Daniel Czechowski
Goo Roo
Western Australia
Soarer GT-T
Posts: 2711
Reg: 07-2005
|
Awesome!!!!
Coincidentally I'm in the market for an IS300, saw one at the dealers on the weekend with perfect service history and perfect condition, will probably go and make an offer on wednesday...
Luke Gomer wrote on Sunday, May 06, 2007 - 06:54 pm:I asked Peter for this Altezza section as we already have the Celsior and Aristo section
I wanted to show off some more pictures of Digital TV and Satellite Navigation conversions
Since I've only just started looking into this vehicle in detail, I have some questions The car I have my sights on, is fitted with all the factory options. I presume it doesn't have an in-built TV tuner though does it? (I probably should have asked the seller...) How easy is it to connect a source, such as a DVD player, reversing camera etc. to display on the satnav screen on top of the dash? |
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