Looking at getting a JDM type r/ra. If i get a fresh import will it run on 97ron or do i need to get it remapped? Also would it need to be under-sealed etc....
Buying a fresh import is it more costly or should i get an existing import of ebay/pistonheads etc..... thanks

 

Which year?? also STI or WRX?

Tony

 

Year?

 

97 - 98 sti type r or ra, or if anyone can recommend a good year/version to get got 5-7k to spend

 

Ok, MY97's are version 3's and MY98's are version 4's, and either way both cannot be remapped without an after market ecu (so your mapping question is solved there ) Saying that, v3's and 4's seem to like our super unleaded fuel (just dont run with unleaded as engines are expensive ) but you have to be weary of modifications, as some can cause boost and det issues.
5-7k (i would look towards the 6-7k mark) will get you a nice example (hopefully) then put some cash on one side as you will need to do some work on the car (just take it for an inspection and they will no doubt give you a nice list of little bits that need replacing ) so bank for that also.
The MY99 cars are version 5's and they can be remapped, you may get a bargain and pick one of these cars up, though they suffer MAF sensor problems and a weak map on the ecu due to the fact they are mapped for 100 ron fuel in japan (earlier cars are mapped for the equivelent of our super unleaded fuel).
Lots out there, RA's for some reason seem to be more expensive, you may even fall into the early new age JDM car's on that budget, a better car all round with stronger internals/engines/gearboxes/brakes etc.

Tony

 

there was a version 4 sti type ra on Bonsaicars.com - Car Importers - Auction Car Specialists up for auction last night, only 24k on the clock in sonic blue and it was a grade 4.5!!!!!!!!! looked stunning, standard. starting bid was £1700 dont know what it would of went for but u have to add shipping, vat, fees for the company landing fees mot, dvla registration fees etc to the actual cost of the car. i would of loved that one though looked a minter. dont see many grade 4.5's for the older model classics.

 

Do you not need model reports for older cars for SVA?

 

maybe worth talking to some of the importers if you want a fresh one, they can also find you a car (or close to) with the spec,mileage,colour,mods etc that you want.........

 

Would a rough idea be to double the purchase price?

How would you get this done - what you mention is exactly the car I'm after.

There seems to be big price differences on there between similar cars

V5/6STI RA - some are £1500 others are £3000-£4000

They all say 3.5 grading - so such a difference?

 

Thanks for info New age JDM? what versions would people recommend. Would this be better than a classic?

 

The start price on a Type R = Y10000

Thats £75

Its R grading though

 

I think at the moment with the exchange rate the way it is that it might be worth just spending the money on one that is already in the country, that way also you can have a look around and haven't got as much of a gamble of it turning up and not being quite right.
If a car is over ten years old it just needs an mot as far as i am aware, that was the rule when i was importing cars in, also registration and 6 months tax.
It was mentioned that the laws were changing with regards to noise and emmisions regs now so you may be able to get something that previously couldn't be brought into the country so easily

 

The pound is worth half of what it has been against the yen: Id wait. With regards to fuel: even V-Power isnt really good enough for the cars that youve identified.

Simon

 

So many cars in their list, but where would you look to find what the final selling price was ?

JBL

 

Hi,

As above. Its not worth importing just now. Months ago the Yen was about 220 to the £1 and now its down at 130.

If your wanting to look at cars then use here - Auction Tokyo 2009 - the site lists car search sites in Japan on the left hand side.

David