fishyface

looking to buy a new 03 wrx from the eu, is it true they differ from the uk one, no airbags in the seats,

does anybody know if any other things are different

fishyface

bttt

AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

Not totally sure what the differences are, but things to check:

- airbags, as you suggest. I think they're an option in the EU but standard in UK. Order the car with them. They've only ever got to save your life once to have been worth it.

- locking wheel nuts, may not be on EU spec.

- alarm/immobiliser, you'll need to get a Thatcham cat 1 system fitted at the very least. EU spec may come with a different system which you'll need to have replaced.

- get all the documentation (manual, service book etc) in English.

That's probably about it - just make sure that once you've bought these (essential) items you're still saving enough to make up for any difficulty in getting main dealer service and a reduction in trade-in value.

fishyface

cheers andy c, anybody else know any more

fishyface

bttt

Ajax

The price is different !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

corradoboy

Fishyface :- I, like you am looking at buying a WRX soon. I looked at importing but, due to the strong pound against the Euro they're simply not viable. Unless you know of a deal that I don't. My maths lead me here. Most importers advertise a price "from" £16599, this is normally based on an exchange rate of 1.57. Given that the rate is currently 1.41, the price in pounds ends up nearer £18.5k.
(16599 x 1.57 / 1.41 = 18482)
Add to that the cat1 alarm, the airbag seats are an option, and you will struggle to get a PPP fitted and a UK dealer has the edge at the mo'. You should be able to haggle the down to around £19k or below if you're good, and that will include the alarm & seats.

If you know of a better deal, please let me know.

fishyface

more more more

fishyface

more more more

you sad people

The Uk 2002 model there was a option for either Racing seats no airbags or crappy sports seats with airbags....

Subaru Uk are introducing this option soon..

So you want a nice car with old man seats or proper with racing seats..

Has no finacial difference between them....

People want racing seats...

Option in Europe and the UK as usual behind with the times...

hendrixtwin

I too am looking into buying a MY03 WRX 4dr within the next couple of months
The best deals I could find on the internet are

www.broadspeed.com £18595 Uk car
www.tins.co.uk £18695 Uk car

It may also be worth trying www.carfile.net they advertise at £18500 uk car.

Any one know of any better deals?

Phil Herrup

Recently bought 03 WRX from Holland. Great value though I was lucky and got in just before sterling's recent fall. Car came with bucket seats and no side air bags. Car is 4 star crash rating so I have no problem re safety. Never had a car with side air bags and I am not concerned they're not there now.

I was attracted to EU buy partly because the UK did not offer a bucket seat option. I would not have bought the car if it only came with sports seats. Well not for an additional £3.5k more anyway.

PPP issue is a factor though only time wise. I have been quoted 1900 EUROS - all in cost is a little less than UK.

From what I have read price differentials have closed quite a bit so not so sure what I would have done now.

steveho

I got mine for £19250 from my local dealer,thats £1000 discount,just mention the costs of imports and they soon budge on the price,thats not too much more than the price you're quoting for imports.

I think it's worth paying that bit more for a genuine uk scoob,them ones they get come from cyprus the uk scoob dealers won't touch them because they're not a parallel import,also no alarm fiited,underbody corrosion protection in cyprus not good enough for uk conditions,warranty who knows?certainly not 3 years anyway.I did my homework and went for a uk car.

steve

dsmith

Most people are talking EU models here (i.e. Belgium/Holland) not cyprus.

Mine arrived recently with no side airbags as expected - but did have warning trangle and fire extinguisher.

Deano

newbie_scoobie

Funny, my holland MY03 came with bucket seats and side airbags.
Is this unusual or am I confused?
Col

you sad people

newbie you have the old man chairs....

Get your slippers and pipe out