ex_scooby

When considering one of the above, it came to mind that although EVO think it is the dogs doo dahs, how easy is it to live with? As a grey would it be awkward to service, what about insurance, warranty and parts eg windscreens etc?
Would a UK STI PPP be a better proposition?

DR Motorsport

Living with any Subaru is always going to be more expensive than a "normal" type of car, so it really doesn't matter what model it is. It's a case of weighing up the good with the bad.

I had ordered up a UK STi last year, then I drove the JDM Import version. Ordered immediately cancelled, and the import bought. I saved £6k on the price and it has more power then the PPP model as standard. It also had a host of extras that don't come on the UK cars - HID Lights, strut braces, tints, rear wash / wipe, etc

Insurance stayed the same for both, if I need parts I get them from my Subaru Dealer, they know it's an import but don't bother. For servicing, take it to a good specialist (usually cheaper too)

I only got a 1 year warranty rather than the 3, but I've had Subaru's for over 6 years and never had any problems with them.
You will also need to buy an alarm and tracker, but the UK alarm isn't too hot anyway, and I would have upgraded it first chance I got.

The good points far out weigh the bad.

Unless the UK market gets something special (2.5 Solberg Edition?) I wouldn't buy a UK model again, but that's just my opinion. The UK owners will tell you different, but most probably haven't driven both. But do the easy test - drive both then make your decision.

OCD

I have to say that I was keen on importing the typre ra spec c but to be honest i dodn't have the ***** or the time to research and see it through.

I have a UK STI coming on order with the PPP and some other bits. I wonder just how much extra value there is for the potential extra hassle in going for the import.

ex_scooby

In reply to DR what kind of resale value would you expect on a type RA. I may consider it as a weekend and fun car-trackdays etc and just drive an old fartbox to work.

Blue_Boy

Well mine's no different from normal. The nearest Scooby Garage is as near as where I get my Spec C serviced anyway (and I wouldn't trust the Scooby Garage with my car if it was a UK one anyway).

There's very little difference in insurance and at the mo, Spec C's aren't easy to get hold of so they're more in demand.

DR Motorsport

In 2 or 3 years time, I don't think there will be too much difference in price, but the spec C will probably be easier to sell due to it's rarity.

I think owners go for the easy option and buy UK rather than have the hassle of importing - or supposed hassle.

I was quoted 8-12 weeks for delivery of the UK car depending on colour. For an Import I was quoted 8 weeks, but it took 10 in the end. So not much difference there.

ex_scooby

Who do you insure with Blue boy and how much?

Dave!

I've had my RA for 3 years and 30k miles now without any problems other than the MAF sensor failing (Common problem on all models whether import or UK) which i fixed myself.
I use it daily and to be honest it's no problem to live with - a practical 4 door saloon that goes like the scoob you've always dreamed of.
I'm not dissing uk cars or their owners (i love the STi 8 PPP) but when you're after a Scoob then you really want the real thing and, unless you spend tons of cash on a uk model, the difference in performance is very real.

Dave (Ver6 MY00 WRX RA V LTD 454/1000).