CDR

Hi there,

am currently in australia but am coming over for a working holiday early next year. Am a keen rex driver over here but we get a bit robbed here and can't grey import the RA or type R. We only have our aus spec STI which is a bit down on power and misses out on the close ratio box, DCCD etc....however there is a loophole. If I own one of these cars overseas for 12 months or more I can then import it as a personal import.

So my plan is to purchase one while there and eventually bring it back. Ideally the car I am after is a 99-00 STI type RA. Main reason is I like the practicality of the 4 doors while still having a good weekend racer. The year is important as I will have a box of all the hot bits pulled off my aus spec including autronic computer, suspension bits, exhaust etc. to bolt on the RA when it comes home.

So hoping to get the answer to a couple of questions any any other feedback on stuff I might have missed.

I guess 1st up is the price. It seems about 12 - 16,000 pounds is about the price for one of these based on an internet search. Does this sound about right??

I seemed to find some STI type RA and then also an RA V limited. Any clues as to the difference between the two?? Am hoping to get the RA with air con, ABS, electrics etc.

Any tips on the best sources of these cars?? (Private, dealers, importers etc.)

And finally an idea of the extra charges of purchsing cars over there ie. stamp duty or transfer of ownership fees. Also on the dollars side, the approximate cost of registration and insurance, (ie. cost to keep it on the road)for a year. Just want to be sure this mission is financially viable. Although the kudos of owning one of the only RA STI's on the road does have a fair amount of weight.

All feedback appreciated, look forward to your replies and getting amongst the rex scene while over there.

Cheers, Blaise

In Disguise

Hiya mate,
Im guessing its mid afternoon where u r ? cos it's the middle of the night ere, so u won't get many answer to ur questions yet, i'd love to help u, but being new to scooby ownership myself,im still not that well versed in the different types of scoobies.
But hope u find what ur looking for anyway m8

CDR

bump

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Can't help with the questions you've posed, I don't claim to be an authority on here, but here are a couple more for you:

Will you be able to insure it, if it's not available over there, when you get it back?

They run on 100 RON fuel, and are easy to blow up if you drop the octane level too far....will you be able to source 100RON stuff, or a decent octane booster?

Who will service it when you get it back?

Who will undertake repairs etc and where will you source parts if/when it needs 'em?


Not wanting to rain on your parade, but.................:
Alcazar

Kane

If you do a search and specify RA there have been so many questions on this one.

I have the WRX STI Version 5 RA Limited, i dont know the difference between the RA limited and an RA but i guess like most amnufacturers its just seats, badging, etc nothing major. Although some RA's were really stripped out versions without A/C C/L etc.

There is a difference between the WRX V5 RA limited and the STI WRX V5 RA limited as ones STI tuned 278bhp standard and the other is 240bhp i beleive. Just be sure on which one your buying...

Kane

Also - Do a track day as soon as possible - this gets you to know your car and your driving ability and limits when you first get the car. Also helps releive the heavy foot disease that affects you when you first get the car.

chrisp

Best place to look to start with is the FAQ

www.sidc.co.uk/faq.htm

There are difference between the STi RA and WRX RA such the STi has the DCCD, water injection etc etc etc. This is not alays true though . The STI has slightly more torque and rumoured to have a bit more power and had a higher revs limiter MY for MY but the later ones such as the V5 MY99 were both rated officialy at 280PS = 276bhp. I have a MY00 WRX RA Limited (version 6 although only STI had numbers ).

As you can see from the faq the powers in PS were
model wrx ra / sti ra
MY93 240 / n/a
MY94 240 / n/a
MY95 260 / 275
MY96 260 / 275
MY97 280 / 300
MY98 280 / 300
MY99 280 / 300
MY00 280 / 300

Mine is rated at 280PS had full electrics (wiong mirrors, 4x windows, folding mirrors), SWRT Alcantara Blue seats, blue console, blue dash surround, abs, climate control with aircon, sonic blue paint work and MY01 pedal extensions.


Its a minefield as each MY was different and when you chuck the limiteds into the mix things get really confusing spec wise. .

If I was going to buy one now I would look for an MY00 STI RA V6 Limited, has just about everything. These cars are very sensitive to fuel and engines will expire if not remapped or run of the right fuel.

You are better off looking for a limited version as it has all the kit unless you want basically a stripped out racer ?


[Edited by chrisp - 10/17/2003 8:30:45 PM]

CDR

Cheers for all the feedback guys. Alcazar, no probs with servicing, tuning, parts over here as we do have our own version of the STI which is exactly the same as the RA except it doesn't have a bit of the extra fruit. (Close ratio gearbox, DCCD etc) Fuel isn't a prob as we have 98 over here and I will be installing my autronic aftermarket ecu and tuning to suit our local conditions. Insurance shouldn't be an issue as we do have a 4 door sti in our local market. Don't think they would pick it as a type RA.

Re track days and crashing it, currently driving a MY99 classic with 280hp at the wheels so should be ok. Do a fair bit of track work over here so would love to give it a crack over there in some of the wet slippery conditions. Go the AWD!!

I have to agree with the model selection. The V6 sti ra limited sounds like the go. Are these readily availale over there?? Where should I start looking?? Or is the go to do a personalised import from Japan. I noticed a few dealers will import to order.

Seems you guys dont have any trouble running then over there. Do you have the 98 or 100 octane fuel or do you rely on retuning the ECU.

Thanks for all the feedback.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Most people running STi's from the JDM are running octane booster, or a remap.

As far as insurance is concerned, be careful: if it's owt like over here, the insurers have a network of specialists who look at written off/badly damaged cars, and will pick up ANYTHING in order to duck a claim.
You wouldn't want to be footing the bill for a total............and as for someone else's claim, should it be deemed your fault
Alcazar

CDR

Cheers Alcazar. Sounds like our insurance industry is the same as yours. Very keen to take your money but very reluctant to give any of it back. Will have to look a bit further into it. We do have a few specialist insurers here who take on modified and collectable cars so will check with them.