Originally Posted by pslewis

I haven't burnt my hand off by holding a lit firework .......... doesn't stop me knowing that I shouldn't touch one!! :rolleyes:

You're point being?? :rolleyes:

Pete

Originally Posted by APIDavid

I don't need to speak Japanese, this is Okamoto-san http://www.apiengines.com/car_sales_detail.php?id=25 who runs APi Japan.

YES! believe it or not there is an APi Japan and I've been going there regularly for over 20 years. Okamoto-san doesn't always buy from the auctions sometimes he buys direct off a dealer forecourt after the car is traded in. Most times l have the Japanese service books with service stamps and Shaken [MOT] test dates.

Now I am not naive enough to think that the Japanese motor trade is any more or less honest than any where else in the world. However, by trying our hardest to prove history in Japan we can filter out the doubtful ones.

Any Japanese auction seller has an accreditation which is forfeited very quickly if they misrepresent any car in any way. You can buy with complete trust off the description in the auction and not bother to even look at the car - MOST TIMES.

But, IF the owner [ not the dealer ] of the car clocks the speedo regularly before having it serviced or Shaken tested then the history will read right and nothing anyone can do will disprove it. That holds true anywhere in the world not just Japan.

Through my trade association BIMTA we try and succeed most times, to supply a money back guarantee certificate that the mileage is correct and also that the car is: Not stolen, not got outstanding finance and has not had major damage repairs carried out.

I will not buy a car that either Japan or I are not happy with - I cannot sell crap.

A number of people post on here who have bought cars from me and I am sure every one of them will vouch for the experience in terms of value and quality.

Imports are here to stay and thankfully the new SVA / ESVA filters out many of the stranger ones that were coming in, say 4 years ago, when everybody and his dog who had been selling either kitchens or cell phones or double glazing jumped on the bandwagon with the result that many dubious cars arrived here.

That is now over and the quality and value for money is there to be seen.

If you haven't had the experience I have had with imported Imprezas and Evo's don't just condemn them out of hand because of hearsay.

Apologies to anyone who has got this far for the long winded explanation, I felt Pete's normal negative approach needed a well thought out response.

David APi Impreza / APi Engines
www.apiengines.com

Originally Posted by WRXewl

Im in the market to buy a scoob myself and was looking about but the one question I have is that dont the Jap ones need 100 RON petrol and so you would need octane booster each time you fill up ?

E

Originally Posted by APIDavid

I don't need to speak Japanese, this is Okamoto-san http://www.apiengines.com/car_sales_detail.php?id=25 who runs APi Japan.

YES! believe it or not there is an APi Japan and I've been going there regularly for over 20 years. Okamoto-san doesn't always buy from the auctions sometimes he buys direct off a dealer forecourt after the car is traded in. Most times l have the Japanese service books with service stamps and Shaken [MOT] test dates.

Now I am not naive enough to think that the Japanese motor trade is any more or less honest than any where else in the world. However, by trying our hardest to prove history in Japan we can filter out the doubtful ones.

Any Japanese auction seller has an accreditation which is forfeited very quickly if they misrepresent any car in any way. You can buy with complete trust off the description in the auction and not bother to even look at the car - MOST TIMES.

But, IF the owner [ not the dealer ] of the car clocks the speedo regularly before having it serviced or Shaken tested then the history will read right and nothing anyone can do will disprove it. That holds true anywhere in the world not just Japan.

Through my trade association BIMTA we try and succeed most times, to supply a money back guarantee certificate that the mileage is correct and also that the car is: Not stolen, not got outstanding finance and has not had major damage repairs carried out.

I will not buy a car that either Japan or I are not happy with - I cannot sell crap.

A number of people post on here who have bought cars from me and I am sure every one of them will vouch for the experience in terms of value and quality.

Imports are here to stay and thankfully the new SVA / ESVA filters out many of the stranger ones that were coming in, say 4 years ago, when everybody and his dog who had been selling either kitchens or cell phones or double glazing jumped on the bandwagon with the result that many dubious cars arrived here.

That is now over and the quality and value for money is there to be seen.

If you haven't had the experience I have had with imported Imprezas and Evo's don't just condemn them out of hand because of hearsay.

Apologies to anyone who has got this far for the long winded explanation, I felt Pete's normal negative approach needed a well thought out response.

David APi Impreza / APi Engines
www.apiengines.com

Originally Posted by pippyrips

i bought a JDM that was imported brand new into the country - the car was remapped from new as well to run on optimax so no booster needed for me:D

Originally Posted by APIDavid

Apologies to anyone who has got this far for the long winded explanation, I felt Pete's normal negative approach needed a well thought out response.
David

Originally Posted by pslewis

Excellent response David ........... thats genuine by the way - (unlike the little weasel snivvellers on here who are so far up your arse they need a fooookin' torch!! :D )

I don't think I was doing down the Imports - I think they are total garbage myself - but thats an opinion ................ it fits that they have 'Change Gear Now DicKHead' lights as the people who buy them can't drive properly! ;)

A few facts remain - conveniently forgotton in your outstanding post (whoooops, I'm now sounding like the thread bumboys!! :eek: ) - which are:-

Cost MUCH more to Insure

Fewer Insurers will touch them

and

but by no means least ....

Their value drops faster than a big droppie thing full of lead!!

Now, I know you make many £1000's out of Auctioned Imports from the land of the rising sun, so you feel the need to defend your position, but Facts is Facts!!

Pete

Originally Posted by pslewis

................ it fits that they have 'Change Gear Now DicKHead' lights as the people who buy them can't drive properly! ;)



Pete

Originally Posted by scoobfan

You i suppose also provide a service to the community..... Rob :)

Originally Posted by Mark_S

The best cars are imports with gold wheels and knocklinks ;).

PS'y knows that but just can afford one, or the insurance:D

Originally Posted by pslewis

I don't think I was doing down the Imports - I think they are total garbage myself - but thats an opinion....

Originally Posted by TonyBurns

I think worth more is more like it ;)
Right, there are plenty of differences in the MY03 model year between the UK and the JDM cars, firstly ill just do the JDM cars (as after the description you wont want a slow uk one ;))
Better engine internals and twin scroll turbo, producing in excess of 280ps and 290lbs of torque (more like 300+bhp out of the box) and this gives you better low down power over the uk car.
A-DCCD and quick rack steering.
Some have the BBS lightweight alloys on, multi-spoked, similar to what the MY05 cars copied.
Those are the biggest differences, just about everything you need really, better engine and handling ;)
Note though, that not all these cars came with the above, you will find some without the drivers pack, which was the A-DCCD, quick rack steering and BBS alloys, avoid these ones.

Tony:D

Originally Posted by pippyrips

i only have good things to say about API engines - especially David - good company - good bloke

Originally Posted by pslewis

Yeah, right!! :D

Pete

13,000th post!!! :D

Originally Posted by dpb

DO NOT FEED THE TROLL.