recently sold my uk turbo and now im looking at getting a jap import, would love a type r but insurance even for me (mid 30's, 8yrs no claims) is putting me off, got quoted £520 on a classic sti import by A-plan, looking to spend up to £6000 looking at maybe a 97-98 model, want a minter with low miles, i know they are about 280bhp and am i right in thinking they have stronger internals than the uk cars? will i have to get it undersealed? will it need a remap for uk fuel? what else should i look out for? any help appreciated.

 

Yes to the first three questions.

What else should you look for? ... Main thing is to ensure the VIN code matches with what you think you're buying.

Which Car is a WRX STi

Other than that, look for service history according to the standard schedule

Subaru Impreza FAQ

And check for smoke on start up or when you put your foot down, slipping clutch, good brake feel. No steering knock and bangs. No oil leaks. Usual stuff really

 

£520 is quite good imo (i guess that was the Thatcham branch).

officially 280ps (276bhp) as per gentlemans agreement but i seen quite a few standard models on UK fuel (Vpower) running 300bhp.

Underseal would be a good idea.
If worried about running on UK fuel put some octane booster in it (97-98 ecus can't be remapped at the moment so you would be looking at replacement ecu such as Apexi or Simtek)

 

Are you looking at importing one from Japan or buying one in the UK that has already landed in the UK??

 

looking at ones that are already in the uk.

 

i would try go for a v limited 555 car or an ra