Altezza Gita (aka Lexus IS300 Sportcross)...

[jondee86]

Picked up one of these nice little wagons for a DD. 2002 model with 100,000km (60,000miles)
on the clock. JDM model, RWD and runs a N.A. 2JZ-GE with 5-speed auto. I haven't had time to
check yet, but some of these came with a Torsen LSD. That would be a bonus if it has one.



Drives pretty well for a 23 year old car. Previous owner had it for 18 years and treated it well,
so not much work required (mainly cosmetic stuff) to bring it up to scratch. I've always had a
lot of time for inline sixes... they run so smooth. Not planning any mods for it... I have another
car if I want to do skids

Cheers... jondee86

[oldeskewltoy]

We had one, our biggest complaint - poor load capability... mostly do to its shape. We couldn't get much to fit in the back...... it also wasn't that efficient. It also doesn't use trailing track rods (like an AE86) to locate the front wheels, the track rods hold it in place from the rear, and this track rod bends easily..... I also didn't like the seat fit. Oh, one other thing we had 2 popped tires going over pot holes, it is heavy, well at least the US cars are....


As far as smooth, yep, it was that.

[jondee86]

Yes... all true. When cars moved on from McPherson strut and straight axle suspension
designs, stuff under the car did get more complicated and fragile. But independent
suspension front and rear improves the ride and handling, so that is the way that the
motor industry has gone for all their upmarket models.

I much prefer RWD and it is getting harder to find medium sized RWD wagons... they
are mostly FWD now, and have small high revving engines. Nothing beats a big in-line
six when you like a bit of bottom end torque and a relaxing ride

And the 2JZ has a big reputation for durability. Plenty of them still running with up
to 250,000 miles on the clock. Considering that I don't do a lot of mileage, the poor
fuel economy is not a big issue. According to the little gauge in the dash, this car is
capable of running at 15km/litre when cruising at a steady 60mph. That's 35 mpg in
American, so maybe not too bad when there is a lot of town running in the mix.

Haven't been paying much attention here for the last few years. Did you get the
Toyota V8 into Corona project finished ?? If so, can you give me a link.

Cheers... jondee86