Toyota Altezza test-drive

Sorry for the late update. I was busy with my final exams and I am finally over. I am looking for some great things to come. Tommorow, I am going to attend a birthday party of a Belgian girl I met in Bangsar. It's going to be a happening party in her house I think. Anyways, other than that, I have been helping Tougeking with a favor. He will disclose it once it is done.

Anyways, I've been bored, so I thought I wanted to look for a car to replace my Proton Satria Neo. I think I have maxed out the car and there are no more mods the car can go, apart from high-cams, Unichip and adjustable suspension. Besides, for driving it for 2 years, I really can't bare the auto-gearbox. I always get eaten alive during sprints (but I always catch up when my car hits 160km/h and above and they all get pretty intimidated)

So, I found this car on a classified. It was asking for around 80K for this 6-speed manual Altezza. The Toyota Altezza has been part of my dream car, since it was featured in Initial D, as part of the Northern Saitama Alliance car that ran briefly with the Trueno. The Altezza is known to be the distant cousin of the AE86, since it was designed by the same person. (Refer to wikipedia) Other than that, I did consider a Honda Integra DC2, where Todou Racing School had it for uphill duel with the Mazda RX-7 FD from Project D. I did had a similar looking Mitsubishi Lancer, that looked like the Evo IV, driven by Team Emperor (had them both similar in Australia bar minor cosmetics and engine differences) in Initial D.

Of course, Boy's EG6 is one of my faves, since it was used by Shingo, in Night Kids. But, I really don't know if my dad is going to buy me another hatchback since I have the Neo already. I am looking for a fast 4-door, but the type 99 EK's are so common with Ah-bengs and Lala-boys.

Sadly, when I was there for car viewing, the seller told me another person has put in a deposit for RM1500. I am not sure if his finance will go through, if it doesn't then I am going to push my dad for either the EG6 or this car. I just love to drive something special and not a car every Tom, Dick and Harry has.

Thanks to the other Kevin, who was being sporty. He let me take pictures of the car and had a ride on the car. No doubt, it was similar to the Toyota Corolla with Beams engine that I saw in ZTH, but this car is way more confortable and much better looking. Other than that, this car is sold in the States and Europe as the Lexus IS series. JD Power 2007 Car survey ranked this as the most reliable luxury car, and 2nd best reliable car, next to the Toyota Prius in the UK.

Here are some pictures to enjoy. Its a rare sight and a rare feeling to be on a 6-speed manual Altezza. I do want to get a nice FR car someday.

Repairs, Modifications and Dreaming!

Happening day today, when one of my horns for my Neo did not functioned. I've checked out with the local service center and it costs about RM77 for a pair (No, they don't sell seperately). So knowing about that, I decided to do some scouting and I found a pair of Hella Twin-horns. They are rated at 400hz and 500hz, producing up to 110db. Now thats the kind of loudness I need to scare off the rempits or maybe road-hoggers.

So, I bought the Hella horn's (though I wished I could afford PIAA , which cost RM199!) It cost RM75 with installation. Not all that bad, since the shop, Kakimotor was close to me and I've been such a loyal customer to them. The horns were slightly louder and gives out an unique horn sound, which I guess, it would be sounding like a bimmer trailing at the back of your car, but turns out to be a neo! HAHA

On the side note, made some slight modifications to the back of my Neo. Since I've been active in some touge-runs. I guess I deserved a little bit of creativity, sticking a "touge" Japanese character at the back of my car. That 3 by 3 inch sticker cost me RM5 in Racing art studio, but it was all worth it.

Then I went to Lowyat, where I parked in Sg. Wang parking lot (Since they charge RM3 per hour and thats the amount of time I needed to be there). I was there to scout for a 500GB hard disk and an external hard drive casing.

I parked in Sg. Wang, next to my dream car, the Toyota Altezza. How I wish that the white car was mine, instead of my puny Neo. But alas, the Neo is good in handling, which I'm not sure if the Altezza would be able to best it or not. All I could do now is wait for a good deal and buy it!