New buyer
11 September 2000, 12:36 AM
#2
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You can split the subject into 2 - cars imported new and cars previously owned in Japan. Unless you can read Kanji, the latter have no service history.
The cars need a number of modifications for the UK. Undersealing, a rear fog light, a restrictor on the fuel tank pipe for the unleaded size nozzle, speedo in MPH.
A newer import, UK owned from new is like buying a UK car, but without the official warrant, though many have 3rd party warranties and it will have had an SVA test (super MOT).
The older Japanese cars have a less well tracked history and may be prone to modifications that you would need to inform your insurance company of, so you need to identify them. ECU, exhaust, brakes, wheels etc. all fall into this category.
The cars need a number of modifications for the UK. Undersealing, a rear fog light, a restrictor on the fuel tank pipe for the unleaded size nozzle, speedo in MPH.
A newer import, UK owned from new is like buying a UK car, but without the official warrant, though many have 3rd party warranties and it will have had an SVA test (super MOT).
The older Japanese cars have a less well tracked history and may be prone to modifications that you would need to inform your insurance company of, so you need to identify them. ECU, exhaust, brakes, wheels etc. all fall into this category.
11 September 2000, 01:35 PM
#6
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Make sure you check out history. Service book should have stamps and milage recorded in kilimeters. Make sure this checks out. Make sure there are no pages missing from it.
I'd walk away from a car with no book.
Check for black smoke on COLD startup, and listen for any turbo whine. Check that clutch is ok...slipping usually means abuse and imminent replacement required.
Try to get a standard car with no mods... Japanese cars usually have very low miles on them before coming over here. If not....ask why not?
Try to get good warranty with the car.....make sure you read all the small print on the document....take time to read through it CAREFULLY.
Check the SIDC FAQ and check the spec of the car by examining the VIN plate in the engine bay and the model year by the date on the seatbelt.
Ideally take someone along from the SIDC club that you may know....
Have fun!!
Gethin.
MY97 WRX
[This message has been edited by Gethin (edited 11 September 2000).]
I'd walk away from a car with no book.
Check for black smoke on COLD startup, and listen for any turbo whine. Check that clutch is ok...slipping usually means abuse and imminent replacement required.
Try to get a standard car with no mods... Japanese cars usually have very low miles on them before coming over here. If not....ask why not?
Try to get good warranty with the car.....make sure you read all the small print on the document....take time to read through it CAREFULLY.
Check the SIDC FAQ and check the spec of the car by examining the VIN plate in the engine bay and the model year by the date on the seatbelt.
Ideally take someone along from the SIDC club that you may know....
Have fun!!
Gethin.
MY97 WRX
[This message has been edited by Gethin (edited 11 September 2000).]
11 September 2000, 01:58 PM
#7
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Thanks, that all sounds pretty straightforward - the car I have in mind is old, from 93, so it would be good to have some peace of mind that everything with it is legit. Is there an easy way to get a hold of the SIDC FAQ?
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11 September 2000, 03:11 PM
#9
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I went through the same questions a few weeks ago.
I was told:
Parts can take 8 weeks to arrive.
Imports don't handle as well on our roads as they aren't set up for our conditions.
Service history can be iffy.
If you right it off the insurance company will give you no way near what you paid as there are no official prices.
Getting it serviced can be a nightmare, only on place within 30 miles can service a Scooby import near me.
You most definatly will have to sell it yourself as dealers wont take it.
Taking this into account I went and bought a proper UK spec.
I was told:
Parts can take 8 weeks to arrive.
Imports don't handle as well on our roads as they aren't set up for our conditions.
Service history can be iffy.
If you right it off the insurance company will give you no way near what you paid as there are no official prices.
Getting it serviced can be a nightmare, only on place within 30 miles can service a Scooby import near me.
You most definatly will have to sell it yourself as dealers wont take it.
Taking this into account I went and bought a proper UK spec.
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