Thanks a lot for that, top advise. No i'm not a Turbo nutter, got that out of my system with my MR2 in my 20's. I'm buying for the love of the car

 

Cute and with a good taste in cars, I'm in luuuurve

A few things to consider before getting too interested in a Jap import. The lucky peeps in Japan are able to get 100 RON fuel from their petrol stations and that is what Jap Scoobies are mapped to run on. Unfortunately the best fuel we can get in the U.K. is around 98 RON (Optimax). To get to 100 RON you need to add an octane booster to the fuel.

There are a options to get around this. Depending on the model you can have it remapped for U.K. fuel, costs around £700, but does rather depend on the model you have. Some are remapped easily, some aren't.

Whichever route you choose a Knocklink is an essential item. This gives an instantaneous display of any detonation occuring in you engine. Detonation is not good, if bad enough can blow an engine in seconds, either holeing or melting a piston, big end damage is also possible. The Knoclink allows you to see this happening and get off boost before any serious damage is done.

Detonation is typically caused by the fuel air mixture not being rich enough when on boost, this is more likely on a Jap car mapped for 100 RON and only run on normal fuel. The higher the octane rating of petrol the more difficult it is to ignite so 100 RON is less likely to detonate than say normal 95 RON unleaded.

Sorry if it's a bit too technical but you should try to understand what you are getting into if buying a Japanese import. Hey I'm tempted, they are nice cars, and significantly more powerful than their U.K. cousins at the end of the day.

Good luck

 

e.g. If you look on Top Marques there is also a very nice 1997 P1 for 10000. Unfortunately the P1 wasnt introduced until 2000 so what is it that they are selling? As Tony suggests you need to know the history of the marque or you will end up with something that isnt what you thought it was.
The car you mention above for example i.e. this one does appear to be a MY99 as Tony says as it has the MY99 front bumper but would you know? Mileage is a bit high though.

 

Oh my...........think i understood all of that. Right so i'm going to completely avoid the Jap imports is my basic understanding of that. I thought i knew a lot about cars, but obviously not. You guys are fantastic thanks xxx

 

We are not saying to avoid the Jap imports. Just that perhaps you need to be more careful and take someone that knows something about the cars and what they are and what they should have.
Dont be put off, the thing is that with these cars higher power output due to turbocharging they are less tolerant to factors that they were not originally designed for. Also most people who buy them (me included) get used to the performance and then start modding to fuel an ever ending thirst for more poweeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrr................. (Must go and have a lie down!)

I suggest that you go along to a few local Subaru meetings/visit a few dealers/take a few test drives and see what there is on offer.
Then you can always post what you find on this bbs for us all to comment. However, sooner or later you will find the car for you and no matter what we say you will have to have it!! Decision made! Job done!

 

Ok, you go lie down. Think i may have to do the same, this is all far too much for one blonde girl in a day!

As i find one i like i'll post and get some expert advise.

Once again, you have all been wonderful, wish i could kiss you all

 

I've finished lying down now after the pic earlier..

I think I need to lie down again

 

OH dear! (SIGH!) there is always one that lets the side down!!

 

someone call?