Frazer

After 6 years ish of lurking about Scoobynet ive decided to join the fold and buy myself a classic STi of some sort

I was originally thinking about STi 5 Type R but have been kind of put off by the lack of ABS and the DCCD (easily brocken?) The car I'll be getting will be coming direct from Japan (pals an importer) so can basically chose what I want and sit back and wait for the right one to come along. Im swaying towards a STi 5 4 door in RB5 grey. Is the type R "better" than a normal STi for the average driver?

Anyone with first hand experience of these cars please post up and share any info as its a mind field with all these different models.

Cheers

rooferman

iTrader: (6)

There may be an issue with importing a type r,ie model report.

rooferman

iTrader: (6)

What is the car going to be used for?

flat4_ire

driving id say

Frazer

I've got an old 1.4 civic for work, so basically the car will be used for driving me and my GF around (picking her and her m8's up from town, so 4 door is more appealing) and going for the usual "drives" i.e just fun.

rooferman

iTrader: (6)

I looked for a type r for some time,but ended up with an sti ra.You get to keep the four doors and still get all the toys.But with no sound deadening/underseal and close ratio gearing they aren,t the most relaxing drive... i use mine for weekends/airfields and very occasionally the odd short journey with the family.There aren,t too many around either,but i,m sure you,d find one if importing.

Dont be put off with the lack of no abs,you will drive differently and give the car more respect,hopefully.The Dccd is great fun,just takes a while to learn how/when to use,but usefull in certain circumstances.

sti ra wrc 555 limited edtion

Frazer

Been using the search facility and it seems like you can't import ANY classic shape Imprezas made after 97? Anyone know how these importers seem to be selling "fresh from Japan" STi 4, 5 and 6's?

stevie boy

hi mate,

i've got a V6 STI type r ltd and absolutely love it. having previously owned a uk turbo, for me the look of the 2 door far out weighs the convenience of the 4 door. i didn't know there where any issues with the dccd??

stevie

Frazer

When was your imported into the UK? Not heard of any real issues with the dccd was just wondering.

rooferman

iTrader: (6)

I,m sure its only the 2 door retna type models that can no longer be imported/registered due to no model report.All the other models you,ve mentioned are o.k afaik..

Frazer

Rooferman I hope so, can anyone confirm or deny this for definate?

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Why not buy one that has already been imported? I have had my sti 4 for 2 years yesterday, and I still love it! Havn't had any problems apart from a leaky steering box that was fixed under warrenty.
12,000 miles on, and it feels as solid as a rock.

GC8

Only four door WRXs can be imported or more specifically, registered Im afraid. GC8x48D (WRX) type cars can be registered. Type-RA (GC8x47D); STI (GC8x4ED) and STI Type-RA (GC8x4DD) vehicles along with any two door models (GC8x2DD/GC8x27D); can be imported but you wont be able to register them until they are at least ten years old...


Simon

Frazer

Cheers for the info, looks like I'll have to get one from the UK. Just out of interest why does the rule not apply when the cars is over 10 years old?

GC8

You can get a Model Report for a New Age 4 or (rare) 5 door STI. The rolling 10 year exemption is justified to allow in older cars because theyre regarded as being likely to be fewer in number and of an age where theyre likely to be owned by enthusiasts rather than people who need the states protection. There isnt a definitive answer though..... It used to be 20 years not that long ago!


Simon

stevie boy

mines been in the uk from new (2000) so its got full uk service history.

stevie

subaru swift

i love my sti v4, it is very quick and running like a dream now after i had some problems 3 years ago but the was my fault not going to a dealers !.

i say get a v4 or v5 sti mate anyday !!!!

blueyzfr1

Mines great!
Imported from NEW in 1999 to the UK, I'm only the 3rd owner.

http://www.git.co.uk/images/ra/front.jpg
http://www.git.co.uk/

http://www.scooby.enterprise-international.com/

R.

Frazer

How many people have STi 4/5/6's that have done say 80-100 k miles without needing to get the engine rebuilt? There seem to be a few on here (using search) that have had rebuilds around the 50 k mark.

StickyMicky

never really understood the whole "3 door looks much better" people

i never pay any attention to how many doors it has?

jonny gav

iTrader: (1)

i know what you mean mick, alot of people buy them as they are something a little different.

i got one for the useful bits like bigger stronger drive shafts, stronger rear diff, stiffer shell, better brakes, and the abillity to lighten it beyond what i had done with my wrx.

JohnMc

My V4 sti is coming up on 60000 kms this week-with any luck and no problems so far,. I imported it into ireland in june this year. Having previously had a MY 94 uk turbo i love the difference. Both cars are wagons which i prefer the look of.
Couuld you imprt a car into Ireland first and then into the u.k? it would be worth a try if you desperately wanted one.
Cheers
John

GC8

You can; the trouble is that the Republic of Ireland has prohibitive car import taxes that would make it unviable in most circumstances.


Simon

JohnMc

It does unfortunately, in June this year i's to pay 4,400 euros to clear the car so all in all it stood me 12,500 euros on the road. about 5 grand cheaper that buying one at home.
Cheers
John