Importing A Car.

[frank c]

Since I've sold the impreza I've been thinking about importing one, once I decide on which model to get that is.

I've been thinking about an STi RA ,Type R and maybe a Spec C but I'm not sure what models or years are better than the others. Whatever I get, it will only be a toy so some of the more focused models woudn't be a problem.

What would be your ideal Impreza and why ?

I've been looking into this for a wee while now and would value your opinions on different models/years . Never mind being totally confused about the whole thing.

thanks.

Edited January 22, 2008 by Frank C

[the squiggle]

Coulty's

If that aint an option then personally a 97 Type R is a firm favourite of mine with the 555 edition in Yellow being a recipe for moistness

[frank c]

I had looked at Coultys' Grant but I'm not sure If I want or need such a modded car even though it's a cracker and has all the right bits.

Why the 97 Type R ? Better engine, diffs , g/box etc... ?

[mohsin]

Whatever you decide to order, make sure that there is a model report for it. I think post-2005/2006 cars don't have one...

[the squiggle]

  Frank C said:

I had looked at Coultys' Grant but I'm not sure If I want or need such a modded car even though it's a cracker and has all the right bits.

Why the 97 Type R ? Better engine, diffs , g/box etc... ?

Torquey bugger as std and damn fine starting point for modding. Then again if you mod an import you would be better off buying Stuarts car as it has all the right parts

Anything after Version 4 would require a SVA test prior to getting on the road

[frank c]

Hopefully the next one won't be getting too modified Grant. Exhaust, brakes and one or two handling mods but nothing ott. Just want to enjoy it for what it is.

What are model reports all about ? Are they easy to aquire for cars that don't have them ?

[the squiggle]

  Frank C said:

Hopefully the next one won't be getting too modified Grant. Exhaust, brakes and one or two handling mods but nothing ott. Just want to enjoy it for what it is.

What are model reports all about ? Are they easy to aquire for cars that don't have them ?

Model reports are generally a pain in the ar$e

Cars under 10yo require these to gain approval for the UK

These can cost anything up to £2000 just to hire from the owner of the model report from the owner

[frank c]

Thx Grant..sounds bloody confusing never mind the spiraling costs.

Looks like it's going to take a little bit longer than I thought to get a replacement.

[drb5]

1 of them P's!

[the squiggle]

  Frank C said:

Thx Grant..sounds bloody confusing never mind the spiraling costs.

Looks like it's going to take a little bit longer than I thought to get a replacement.

Thats the thing mate, take your time and the right one for your needs will come along. You know where we all are if you need any questions answered. Happy hunting

Dave's P1 is also a damn fine option, damn fine indeed

[frank c]

  drb5 said:

1 of them P's! :D

[jodie typeRA]

frank what about somthing like this?

http://www.type-ra.co.uk/vB/showthread.php?t=4596

2.Daves WRX. very clean/ fastest colour / and a good base car to mod

3.coulty monster off an sti. clean/ fastest colour/already got the mods

hope you get what your after mate ....

[drb5]

Dave's RA is defo a good base, but you know what the car has been through. It's been ripped apart quite a number of times and engine and drivetrain may not be the original stuff.

Not saying that's a bad thing, just saying it's something to remember. I know Coultys isn't standard, but Coultys is cheaper than the money spent on it. Daves is priced at the going rate for them.

[fai17]

Franko...it really depends how mucho you want to spend..

If you a newage then a Spec C is a must if you are going to do all the process thing anyway..Stewart Chapman will be your man to speak too as he is keenly priced comparing with the big companies down south.

Then if it's a classic,the choice are massive....if i was to buy a classic as a toy then it will be a Type R V6 and modify the wee bugger.

But there is a few cars that i know of and it's well buying without going through the process of importing game.Importing anything is never straight forward....with delays,extra costs that you haven't accounted for,damage bits in transit,etc etc and i'm not saying that it'll happen but it could happen.

So if you buy from U.K at least you can see what you are buying.

For instance....Coulty car is an absolute delight spec of a classic with all the correct bits fitted and correctly mapped by AndyF with proof that it can do the 1/4 mile pass in 11s with no further mods need so it's just a caes of buy it and drive it to your hearts content.Yes it's a touch old but it's a true classic with all the right mods and i would defo consider it if it's a toy you are wanting.Coulty will be sad to see it go as he has spent so much time and expense on it but it will be your gain as i've said earlier that "no further mod is required"

Dave P1 is a good choice too as it's probably my favourite UK classic and it's a imaculate condition and i'm sure he can explain all the rest to you.

Also there are 2 classic down at Greersport that are just imported that is for sale.

1.MY98 STI RA 555 4door 74000km Blue with a brand new standard 2.5L(still to run in),Zerosport exhaust,Cusco Twin plate clutch,Roller Bearing turbo.

2.My97 STI RA 4door 70000km in white, standard trim and in pristine condition

Both car is not registered so the new buyer will be the first owner in U.K

Contact me if you need further details.

[frank c]

Thanks for the feed back so far guys, it makes for some interesting reading.

I knew opting for a jdm car wasn't going to be an easy choice to make as like said above, there are so many models out there . All I know at the moment is it's going to be a toy so creature comforts aren't so important but that doesn't narrow it down any sadly.

After having a 99 uk turbo I liked the look of the car so my first port of call was to look at Sti's , Type R's and RA's of a similar year. The only thing still putting me off them is the "naff" maf..so to speak. Obviously keeping the OE air box and replacing the maf regularly is the best route but you still have that little niggle at the back of your mind that it's the weakest part of the engine. Even though I still think the V5/6 looks the nuts.

Then I started to look at older models, cheaper to buy and that would give me more left over for "slight" modifications and some left in my pocket. Hmm.. Food for thought.... Next was to try and look into newer models like Andys' Spec C..more expensive to start with but a better model to have for the long term? Who knows..

I've set aside a half decent budget at the moment but by the end of the week I'll know exactly how much I have so that should make things a little easier. Hopefully ! Then I can work out how much I have for a car, how much I need/want for one or two upgrades and any other hidden costs that are sure to appear.

The only mods planned so far will be.. Exhaust, brakes , 1 or 2 handling items and probably a trip along the road to Port Seton. I don't want to be thinking about stressing g/boxes ,internals or the like so anything around 320/330 will be more than enough for me ...well that's the plan anyway.

The search continues....

[colin_ross]

Hmm, choices, choices, choices.

Everyone will tell you their preferred way to spend your money but in the end it will come down to what you want and can find.

If the car is going to be a toy classics are the best VFM. Spares are easier to come by and because they are lighter any mods, be they power handling tweeks brakes etc, will be more noticable.

I'd never discount a newage, especially as an everyday car, but you'll need to work harder to make the same gains.

Also, how long do you plan ok keeping it. The newer the car normally the more it will depreciate so if you're only going to keep it for a year bare that in mind.

[darryll]

I have just the car your lookin for frank 1998 yellow type r very tempted to sell it but what do i replace a car like this with mmmmm.what is a car like this worth these days.

car spec

555 seats

blisteins alround

ninja exhaust

rota tarmac 2 with parada tyres

momo gear knob

front and rear strut braces also under engine

carbon bonnet also have the alloy yellow bonnet

zero sports air vent under scoop

imobiliser and tracker

dccd gear box

private 555 plate not to fancy but worth something

braided brake hoses grooved brakes

69000 mls

always in garage gettin seviced or cleaned

had crazy amount off oil changes i have lost count with quality oil i must add no cheap crap here.

[fai17]

^^^^^long time not hear Daryll....how are you and the car then?

[frank c]

Hi Darryll,

Know the car well but not for me bud...

Col, this will be getting kept for the long term so a Classic it will be..

[jimser]

if its a pretty much mint condition standard car your after then stewart chapman

is the guy to speak to.at least that way you'll get exactly the car you want and there

will be no worries about damaged repairables etc.i certainly wouln't buy an import from a garage

here as they'll be making a good profit which you could be keeping in your own pocket.

there are some cracking cars going through the japanese auctions at good prices,you've just got

to be prepared to wait that bit longer for it.

[frank c]

Hey jimser, Got the car yet ?

I've been in touch with Stewart already bud. I'm trying to do a bit more research as to which exact model to get.. I thought I had narrowed it down to either a 99/00 STi RA or Type R Ltd but the "naff " maf is a bit of a worry not to mention the extra costs with the SVA and the like. Also a bit concerned about these Model reports.(whatever they are) Don't know anything about this really but did look at a V6 Type R Ltd a while back at a local garage that was on an "S" plate ...Seemed a bit weird to say the least.

So now I'm looking into the v4 Type R Ltd. decisions decisions.............

[jimser]

  Frank C said:

Hey jimser, Got the car yet ?

I've been in touch with Stewart already bud. I'm trying to do a bit more research as to which exact model to get.. I thought I had narrowed it down to either a 99/00 STi RA or Type R Ltd but the "naff " maf is a bit of a worry not to mention the extra costs with the SVA and the like. Also a bit concerned about these Model reports.(whatever they are) Don't know anything about this really but did look at a V6 Type R Ltd a while back at a local garage that was on an "S" plate ...Seemed a bit weird to say the least.

So now I'm looking into the v4 Type R Ltd. decisions decisions.............

not yet frank,should hopefully be sva'd next week so not long now

not had a subaru since august so a couple more weeks dont bother me

wouldnt worry too much about hiring the model reports,most are onle £150-£200

its the ra-r's etc that are the problem

and yea you'll save yourself a few £ more if you go for something older than 10 year

[frank c]

  jimser said:

not yet frank,should hopefully be sva'd next week so not long now

not had a subaru since august so a couple more weeks dont bother me

wouldnt worry too much about hiring the model reports,most are onle £150-£200

its the ra-r's etc that are the problem

and yea you'll save yourself a few £ more if you go for something older than 10 year

Any idea why there is a problem with the ra-r's on the model reports ?

Did you have any problems with yours Jimser ?

[jimser]

  Frank C said:

Any idea why there is a problem with the ra-r's on the model reports ?

Did you have any problems with yours Jimser ?

there are no model reports available to the public for the euro 4(my06 onwards)spec c's

in general but there are obviously ways round this.litchfield are supposedly the owners of the report

but pcm and keighley also sell them so who knows,possibly just putting them through as sti's?