Pro's & Con's / Jap Imports

[DANGERUS]

Hi folks

As you may have noticed, I am new to you great site. I originally posted this in the General Section but was advised to post it here too.

I thought SIDC would be the best place to come for advice after seeing your stand at the Connister Motorshow in Douglas a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately I did not have a chance to come and talk to any of you as I was working that day at the show too.

Not sure if this post should be in here or the Isle of Man section.

I am looking to purchase an Impreza and have a contact in Japan who can supply me with a lovely RA for not alot of cash but I have heard conflicting stories when it comes to parts and servicing for imports.

I realise there are many imports out there already and was wondering if you wonderfull people could advise me of the pros and cons of purchasing an import against buying a UK car.

Are there any of you on here imported one to the Isle of Man? I know the process in the UK for putting imports on the road SVA, MOT and all that but have never done it here, what are the DoT processes on the Island?

I have actually driven both a standard UK car as well as various standard and modified imports and to be honest prefer the extra spec you get with an import not to mention the few extra bhp, my worry was the availability of parts should I need them and also the servicing.

Thanks in advance folks, I look forward to reading your comments and advice.

[Cret]

I think you can get imports serviced & get parts easily enough, it's just that *in general* official dealers tend to look the other way when you mention the i word.

There are tons of places where you can source parts if need be so I doubt that should pose a problem.

Can't help you on the import process but I think there are a lot of people driving imported scoobs over here. My legacy being one.

One thing worth mentioning though is that imports are mapped for 100ron fuel octane and the best we have here is 97 to my knowledge, which means to be on the safe side either getting it remapped or adding octane boost to the fuel. Some people don't add octane boost and I believe have had no problems (Dave?) but it is potentially risky to do so.

Fitting a knocklink device gives peace of mind too.

Good luck with it anyway and welcome to the forum.

[andy_bray]

Welcome to the forums bud.... How much are you looking to spend on you new scooby M8???

[heazille]

Theres dozen's an Dozens of imports here on the rock.

Mainly cos we have insurance company that aint got its head in the sand.

Paul at southcoast looks after most of them but the 'New' dealer will not touch them.

You could always do what i did!!

Anyway, get a jap one, also consider that there are a lot already here for sale!!

Welcome to the forum btw, are you going to come out with us at our next meet?, will be plenty of peeps about to talk too then.

Switch your 'pm' on as well then i can get your 'e' mail address

Ta Ta

Richard

[pobiom]

To be honest the arguments for a UK machine for me do not out weight the advantages of the japanese cars, so i have now had 2 impreza's both imports. I personally imported my first impreza myself and can run you through what needs doing to the car etc..

When i imported my car from japan it went simply by the following process

1. Buy car in japan

2. Pay freigh insurance and shipping costs

3. Pay the duty due on the car when it arrives in the UK

4. Pay to get it shipped to the Island

5. Carry out all modifications needed for the Manx test (fuel neck, rear fog light, etc..)

6. Do the dreaded manx test

7. register and tax

8. of you go !

I never needed to have the car SVA tested when i imported mine in 2001, i trust this is still the same today.

If i can be of anymore help, just post on here or drop me an email to

mrobinson2@kpmg.co.im

And as the above few posts say, there are alot of imports here already, so why not save yourself the hassle ! :0>

[DANGERUS]

Thanks for the comments guys.

I used to work for two mates who owned Japanese Vehicle Sourcing in Edinburgh before it closed its doors so am aware of the fuel ron situation and generally what the car will need to pass its test, it was really the Manx end of things I was looking to confirm. I just did not know what the differences were between here and the UK if any. Also who to contact and when.

Do I contact the DoT before the car arrives on the island?

Does anyone here have a contact for the transportation of the car from Newcastle to Liverpool? or know anyone with Trade Plates who would be willing to drive it to Liverpool for me?

Shipping from Japan is usually around £500 with an 8 week wait, then 10% of cars value as import tax and of course plus the nasty 17.5% VAT when the car arrives in the UK.

Andi555, I am getting the car at the same price an import dealer (like Japan Direct) would pay for it, unfortunately cant share that with you, sorry. well I could but I would have to kill you.

Richard, what did you did??? Whats the island insurers you reccommend? oh and PM's are on I think

pobiom, I realise that there are a load here on the rock already as Richard mentioned but I doubt very much I would be able to buy an RA here in a similar condition for the same kinda money to the one my mate has in Japan, or if I could it would be a little beat up.

[Manx minx]

Welcome dangerus to the forums. I had a jap imported toyota corolla levin (as did Dave K) and never had any problems with it . Any parts I needed were got for me by my mate in a garage in balthane with little or no problems getting them. Apart from our scooby's the levin has been the most reliable car I have had and I had it for about 4 years. Hope to meet you at the next meet if you can make it .

---------------

Subaru Impreza turbo 4x4 '97

Subaru Impreza wrx sti type uk ppp '03

[DANGERUS]

Thanx Minx

[Dave K]

<< One thing worth mentioning though is that imports are mapped for 100ron fuel octane and the best we have here is 97 to my knowledge, which means to be on the safe side either getting it remapped or adding octane boost to the fuel. Some people don't add octane boost and I believe have had no problems (Dave?) but it is potentially risky to do so.

Fitting a knocklink device gives peace of mind too. >>

This is true I did run it without OB for 2 years till I fitted the Gems, however I fitted said Knocklink and various other gauges so I could monitor the car.

I'm sure they saved the engine from going bang as I could back off when problems started.

[Dave K]

<< Welcome dangerus to the forums. I had a jap imported toyota corolla levin (as did Dave K) and never had any problems with it . Any parts I needed were got for me by my mate in a garage in balthane with little or no problems getting them. Apart from our scooby's the levin has been the most reliable car I have had and I had it for about 4 years. Hope to meet you at the next meet if you can make it . >>

Lol the Levin, and have to add this was a very rare car outside of Japan, I only knew of 5 in the UK including these 2!.

So most garages didn't have a clue but still got parts after looking, as I had to find a new engine after I blew mine.

Bouncing off the 9500rpm rev limit was not good on a 150k engine, whilst stationary!!! main bearings went.

Welcome to the forum fella.

[DANGERUS]

Thanks for all the advice and help guys.

Will let you know what I decide to do.