1999 Toyota Altezza, RS200 SXE10

apron, and grille. Aside from a few light body imperfections, the paint is in good nick, and this SXE10 is fresh off a recent service here in our shop. Offered with a mere 83k verified and documented miles on the ticker, this baby is barely broken in. This special compact sedan, envisioned by the same designer who brought us the AE86, is above all, a rewarding drive. Dynamically exceptional, and highly practical, this affordable saloon car is a top-tier Japanese Classic that is turn key ready to rock. The cabin feels as modern as anything we see these days, and the ergonomics are second to none. Everything is within reach and the driver benefits from functional keyless entry and a tilt-adjustable steering column to find the ideal driving position. A supportive Recaro drivers seat and ST Garage shift knob spice up the interior aesthetic a touch. Power folding mirrors, electric windows, and locks all work properly, making daily use more enjoyable. An upgraded Sony Xplod headunit brings back those early 2000’s feels, and sounds decent for its age. Above a simple-to-use automatic climate control system is able to pump in cold A/C and piping hot heat for those living in more seasonal climates. The sculpted dashboard lacks any cracking or distortion and houses dual SRS airbags. Traction control is available and can be defeated for those intending to perform a few wicked skids. The seats are trimmed in a durable sports cloth and lack any major rips, stains or tears. The door cards are done in the matching material and are in equally good nick. The headliner, door cards, and carpets have avoided major use and abuse over the years, and it’s clear the interior was cared for in a prior life overseas. Even the owner’s manuals, maintenance booklets, and OEM carpet floor mats are included with the purchase of this fine sedan! The chassis is shared with our domestic IS300 model, so upgrades and maintenance is as easy as it gets. What sets this example off from our stateside Lexus models is the powertrain. The 3S-GE BEAMS engine is a gem, and this one is fresh off an oil and filter service. It churns to life promptly thanks to a new 12v battery that should last for a few more years to come. One of our trained techs has refreshed the 2.0L with a new fuel pump and mass airflow sensor, and for good measure, we replaced the fuel filter and engine air filter. With a redline within an eyelash of 8k, the 3S pulls all the way to 7800rpm seamlessly. It sounds fantastic thanks to polished FGK catback that frees up a few ponies. Power is fed to the rear wheels through a close-ratio six-speed gearbox. Shifts are communicative and the extra cog is helpful in lowering the highway revs. Sustained interstate cruising is effortless but this thing really excels in the twisties. The suspension is predictable and neutral and the braking is just as good, with ABS standard. The power steering is nicely weighted and the turn radius is tight and tidy for easy maneuverability. Grip is handled by four new Falken Ziex tires. The new rubber quells road noise and will deliver tens of thousands of miles of use for years to come.