finalzero

Hi,

Need some advice regarding two cars, the 2003-2005 STi with PPP and its JDM counterpart.

I am due to start looking to buy one middle of Feb and after reading this forum and noting a few adverts I am kind of stuck on which car to get.

The scooby will be my daily runner to work and back however work is only 5 miles away so I expect the car will have a pretty easy life (apart from when I play bumper cars in the morning :P ). That said I have been looking at the JDM versions and from what I can see, the JDM is almost an entirely different version to our UK STI's with the 305bhp Prodrive pack.

So far I have worked out:

Pro's:

UK Model has warranty in some shape and form
Easier to get serviced by Subaru dealer ?

JDM has a far higher spec
More tuning potential from stock

Con's:

UK Model's spec is inferior to the JDM version so less easier to tune (?)
JDM version is an import and as such, carries any import issues
JDM version will not have any dealer warranty

---

I do plan to tune the car in the time I will own it however the main focus will be on being reliable. I am not after crazy bhp figures but I think anything over the stock PPP is a bonus. Handling is also very important to me as I like to hit country roads at weekends and again in this area, I have heard the JDM version is superior due to the way the car is setup plus also having DCCD as standard.

Any JDM owners care to share their views on what its like to own their STi? How do you find the car for maintenance and servicing, did you have any issues with parts etc seeing as the car is not covered under its warranty due to being an import?

Thanks in advance,

Fz

pippyrips

if you use the search function at the top you will learn all you need to know to make your own decision. Your pros andcons are pretty accurate.

Me, I own a jdm sti with a growing list of mods

andythejock01wrx

You live 5 miles from your work - buy a mountain bike and save £15,000 !

treehack

hi mate,my jdm is for sale at the mo.it has full warrenty from subaru as the car was imported brand new to Welche's of Shelford.look at my ad if ya like

https://www.scoobynet.com/private-sa...-sti-sale.html

give is a call if ya want any info on the car

richie001

iTrader: (3)

if you are thinking about jdm go and speak to ian litchfield he got a link on the site.i have spoken to him lot and comes accross has a genuine guy and has got a good rep on here

Terminator X

iTrader: (7)

Have a chat with PCM too re JDM cars. He posts on here. He's a top man in my book

TX.

Multijfj

Mine is jdm - See "My Scooby", and I find its awesome.

The only thing it doesnt have, is the scooby "burble". Personally I dont find this a problem, but some people would do.

But if it was a toss up between the UK PPP and JDM STi, it would be jdm jdm jdm everytime. Why pay more for less of a car?

pippyrips

https://www.scoobynet.com/private-sa...-new-pics.html

this is a lovely car and a steal of a price

T5NYW

iTrader: (4)

i have a JDM Sti T20 and is awesome

JDM

Pro's,

Twin Scroll Turbo
Engine more tuneable
DCCD
Sounds like a motorbike
HID lights
Insurance £20 dearer than UK Cars
Rear Wiper
folding mirrors
Privacy Glass
Service at any VAT Garage

Con's

No scooby burble
Suspension hard
No 3year warranty (can be bought though)
No Dealers Network (but most UK dealers will service it)

UK/EU

Pro's

Scooby Burble
3 year extendable Warranty
Full Uk Dealer Network
Power/handling upgrades available without loss of warranty
Heated mirrors
Suspension suited for UK's Crap roads

Con's

Not all the potential Power used
Suspension tooo soft for on Very good roads or Track
DCCD only on 05 cars on(except WR1)

IIRC IMHO

I'd go for the 05 car either way, Try both UK & JDM's after being up the road you'll buy the JDM BUT remember to buy with your brain and not your ***** you have to live with the ride on a dayly basis( changing springs will help I'd advice prodrive springs

I always advise UK car for First time buyers or for People with sh1te bumpy roads and have no interest in Tracking the Car. But "you pays your money"

06 JDM & UK cars spec's are simular bar engines Uk 2.5l and JDM 2.0l and love the T25 and RB320

IMHO IIRC

Tony