I'm currently living in Japan and intend to buy a scooby in the next couple of weeks. I will be here long enough that I would be allowed to bring it back to the UK as a personal import without all the import duties usually required :)

Is this a sensible thing to do ? I had a quote from a dealer here yesterday of around 3,300,000 yen for a standard spec STi, which is between 16.6k and 18k quid based on recent currency fluctuations. Standard spec includes 6sp box, water-sprayed intercooling, adjustable centre diff, Brembo brakes etc

Given the typical problems with insuring imported cars and the need to run it on super unleaded, could I expect to get more or less than a UK spec STi if I sell it second-hand ?

Would you pay more/less/same ?

I can't say what you would get for it over here, but you are saving a lot of money by getting it there and you would own the car from new I presume. The grade of petrol necessary would not be so important here. People are quite happy to use super UL and add anti knock compounds as well.

Les

Do personal imports have to have a Q plate ?

That would affect value and insurance.

No it would get number plate for its age because you would have a relevant documetation to prove its age.

All duties will become payable if you sell the vehicle within one year of importation.

Simon

Edited to add: My 100th post !

[Edited by GC8 - 9/14/2003 2:21:58 PM]

As Simon says, duties are payable if you offload within a year, but beyond that, you seem to be in a favourable position. The Japanese STi's are considerably better specified than the UK versions, and are sought after on the used market over here.

You will have to make a few minor/temporary modifications to get it through SVA (and possibly remap for our fuel) when you bring it into the UK, but once that's out of the way, you'll get along fine with it.

When you come to sell it, the fact that you are the original owner will count strongly in the car's favour, especially if you keep it standard (UK fuel and SVA bits notwithstanding), maintain the receipts and a full service history.

[Edited by greasemonkey - 9/14/2003 3:36:57 PM]

Thanks grease, good to know imports are sought after.

What about servicing, are Subaru main dealers happy to service Jap-spec imported cars or is it a job for specialist companies ?

Sounds like a good idea to me, just make sure you know what you're getting yourself into regarding the SVA.

I'd really look at buying a Spec C. These are getting massive amounts of positive press (Evo had one humbling an M3 CSL in some aspects, and making a Porsche look overpriced) so you'd have no worries selling it, as you can't buy an official UK spec C...

Cheers,
Nick.

& there are numerous reputable specialists that are IMO better than subaru i ended up taking my UK car to Roger Clarks as they were far superior :D
Si