Dan93T

Hi all

I currently own a saab 9-3Turbo, but im sick of wheelspin etc

Im looking at getting the turbo estate (or wagon), im going to buy used, probably looking at '94-'99. doesnt have to be the estate if theres good reason to avoid them? i just prefer the look tbh, and slightly more practical when lugging the wife and kids around

My question is, should i go for the UK wagon or the Import ? are there any major differences? and how much extra should i expect to pay for the insurance on the import? (assuming standard spec cars if at all feasable )

Cheers
dan

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

This is my old Classic Wagon.............


It was a UK Model 99/00 and came with A/C Sunroof Tracker the lot really. Insurance not an issue as it was UK. Nimble, quick and even as standard was very capable. 218 BHP standard was very good but I uprated exhaust, filter and de-catted........then it went yeeehah

Imports are more powerful, insurance issues, is it converted to UK fuel and service history. There were of course some special Jap models but look here for the definative answers
www.sidc.co.uk.faq.htm

I now have a Bugeye and the build is light years ahead of my Classic.

GazTheHat

I have found previously, that a Jap import will cost a lot more to insure than a UK car. From memory, the last quotes i had:

NewAge STi £650
Classic UK £490
Classic JDM STi Wagon £880

It depends on what you're after, whether the extra insurance is worth it.

RA Dunk

if yer only after a car to lug yer wife and kids around then the UK car is more than up to the job , if your looking for a car to modify and chase BHP figures then go for the jap

Dan93T

thanks for the replies.
its for me to travel to work in everyday mainly, the wife has a car, but no doubt i'll have to use my car for family duties also.

But im not after chasing huge bhp, although i'll probably get a stage1 remap if not already done.

GazTheHat

Why don't you check out the For Sale section. Harvey has a lovely STi Wagon for sale, with a lot of his own work on and a little more than a Stage 1. I would if i was after a wagon and considering Jap.

scoobfan

Not totally correct, the WRX has a td04 turbo which is smaller than the UK version, it has a td05.

If your looking at going for big BHP, the UK version has a better start.

Rob

RA Dunk

UK car would be more up to the job then m8 cheaper insurance and it`ll run no probs on UK fuel

RA Dunk

i have a UK car and wish i had went the jap route as there superior cars for modding and chasing BHP numbers

scoobfan

Yes, if you go the STI route, as you get stronger internals, but they are hard to come by these days.

I have a Jap version, and yes you get the nice little folding mirrors and climate control but basically the engine is the same, the only difference is the ECU, which allows it to make the extra power, but on 100ron fuel.

A well sorted UK car is a match for a jap version.

Rob

RA Dunk

hmm i didnt know that

Dan93T

right, thanks, so im probably looking at getting a reasonably standard Uk wagon

will let you know how i get on
cheers