Hi
BMW 320i is no comparison for Altezza..... period...... The only thing BMW is good for is the badge which has status & prestige.
But if you are not that particular then Altezza is fine.
Since you are coming back in 2 years time then better bring back 2005model. New as possible if your budget permit. Else 99,00,01 model also can lah. In terms of :
1) Fuel consumption => 5AT 450km to 500KM. Depending how well the
car is maintained. Also How you drive.
General a mix driving 50% City and 50%
highway with ocasional 7,000rpm should give
you the above range.
2) Market price => 98 model = 75K - 78K
99 model = 80K -85K
00 model = 90K -95K
01 model = 100K -105K
02 model = 110 -115K
03 model = So far none for sale.
04 model = So far none for sale.
05 model = So far none for sale.
The price will vary according to MT or AT and general condition.
3) Spare parts => Vision + Wing Hin + ST Auto + Trial Tunning Sdn Bhd.
Common replacement parts are readily available.
Not so common need to order and the above
ppl will place an order for you if you need.
Part price are reasonable but not as expensive as
BMW. Generally very reliable car if you do the
standard maintenance.i.e change oil regularly.
No need to reset OBD after service like BMW
and also no need to worry about module problem
which plaque BMW now days.
Generally the only common thing that may need
replacing is the O2 sensor before the cat converter.
Before shipping to Mal have it changed in Japan.
Other than that this car is easy to maintain
compared to BMW. BMW have parts readily available
but the frequency of part replacement and cost
is high. So if reliability and durability is your priorty
then Altezza is for you. If you are adventurous
then Japan Yahoo Auction and Bidtrade can bring in
std and aftermarket parts for you. Some member
here are addicted to this . ha ha ha u know who u
are.
4) Workshops => Trial Tunning Sdn Bhd + Vision Bangsar + Dori Dori
monsterezza's place I think. And there are few other
cant remember the name. Generally all workshop
can handle standard maintenace. Just like a
regular Toyota . No need specialist care.
Only things like Timing Belt change,
Diagnostic check you will need to go to the
specialist named above.
5) Clubs to be joined => There are quite a few Altezza in Malaysia and
and not a common as a 320i. That is the best
part of owning an Altezza. We dont have an
official club yet. We are working on it.
There are few members here brought their car back from Japan.
Anyway here some tip and link on checking the year of manufacture
Check Manufacture Year - Japan Partner
Also the chassis plate can reveal alot info about the car. i.e
L edition or Z Edition
LSD or No LSD
FGR = 3.9 or 4.1 or 4.3. (Final Gear Ratio)
6 MT Manual or 5 AT Auto
Final word : Pls read through the whole forum here if you want to know more about owning Altezza in Malaysia.