that great thanks for that, you all are sing from the same book as everybody else i have spoken to.... def going for a UK spec model, thought the insurance would be a bit more but not 20% + more, the fuel issue is def worth while knowing.... and the parts issue...

Thanks for all your answers...... Cheers

[Edited by NathG1 - 10/1/2003 1:51:28 PM]

 

i think the "uk versus import" is a double edged sword.

i know people with both.

those with uk cars have to keep up subaru main dealer history at a premium.

a freind needed a clutch for his series McRae. cost him £1100

i needed one and purchased uprated item from lateral performance and it offers truly fantastic bite and performance. also had flywheel lightened. all fitting under £700.

i think i got a better deal.

fuel issue - quite frankly if you have to worry about the small extra cost of uk v import you are probably buying the wrong car.

octane booster is something i have never used. the arguements surrounding its use seem to vary.

the extra on insurance, given the overall running costs and the fact that more often than not, to buy a uk car reflects a premium over that of import spec models, is marginal.

as for parts, i have not bought thus far, any part from a main dealer. the fabulous resource that is scoobynet seems able to cater for all models uk or import, when you are on the hunt.

i personally think that there are alot of myths surrounding imports.

i only say this because i don't think you should be scared off from imports unduly.

all IMHO of course.

which ever you buy i hope you enjoy.

just don't narrow your options thats all



Weava

[Edited by mista weava - 10/1/2003 7:05:25 PM]

 

Have driven a W reg P1 and loved it, just got out smiling and have wanted one ever since.... can't afford P1, put need to know if its worth looking for imports or stick with UK models only? Had a look at a RB5 £11,500 and feel this is the type of spec i would like... how much cheaper can you get an import with the same spec? and do imports sting you on parts and insurance?

Would like to know peoples feelings on imports? Cheers

 

As a newbie I'd stick with UK models and give imports a miss (for now). This was the advice I was given and now having heard more about imports I'm glad I went for a UK MY00. The downside with imports, apart from the 20%+ insurance quote I got!!!, is the fuel issue..... can't be bothered with all that octane booster in each tank etc.

Only my opinion but I'd stick with the UK cars

 

When you say imports i assume your talking about Grey Imports ie Japan?

If so here are my experiences

I think all Jap imports are Group 20 insurance (even the WRX) Almost all insurance companies will require you to have a tracker fitted

Most Subaru dealerships wont even sell you a break light for an import.

However, there are several Specialist garages for Subaru that will service and supply parts and typically thier mechanics are better trained in Scooby maintenance than the dealership IMHO

Example companies
Extreme Scoobies
Scooby Sport
TSL
Grahame Goode Racing

As for the ownership, typically the import have more power than the equivelent UK Model so more grin factor.

Cheers

J

 

The fuel issue can be sorted by remapping the car to UK fuel.

Got my remap done by ScoobyECU but thats for pre MY97 model IIRC

J

 

Whatever you get, enjoy!!!

 

You are obviously getting a sub for the rally/power factor?
So why go for a downgraded civilianized UK model?
Go for the raw aggressive jap power of STI.

 

sorry to hijack the thread...

was that a custom remap by them? how much did it set you back if you don't mind saying?

only asking cos i have a my96 wrx and was considering this route

cheers!

 

Standard remap

The rempa is based on the Prodrive Map for UK car in regards to fuel (IIRC), the map was based on running Super Unleaded 97ron.

In total it was £90 including having a socket fitted to my Z4 ECU

J

 

if insurance aint an issue then get a STi type R, basically a jap P1 with more toys & cheaper & faster!!!
Si
PS May i add roger clarks to the list of proper bo import/scooby specialist just by Leicester

 

go for the RB5, sounds a good price, but hey, i'm biased

u wont find another scooby with the same interior unless its had one fitted from a RB5!!!

 

j.. thanks for that info.

did it improve performance or was it purely to be within safe parameters for the fuel?

is this for imports or is yours a uk?

is it reversable or did something on the ecu need to be cut/rewired etc?

cheers!