rob1234

Hi all - have been lurking/researching for a bit now, so hopefully this post won't be too 'newbie'. Also, I will test drive (of course), but just wanted to gauge opinion.

Budget £15k (give or take).

Options:

1 - (pre-converted) Type-20
2 - JDM STi, T20 conversion
3 - UK STi, T20 conversion (2.0/2.5 engine)
4 - Type-25
5 - JDM Spec C
(6 - other suggestions?)

I guess these will all be a 2003 or 2004 model for the price.

Issues for consideration:
- Insurance for imports, a problem for a 25 year old?
- twin scroll 2.0/normal 2.0/later UK spec 2.5
- suspension (really would prefer to buy the car as a one-er, not bit by bit)

Type-25 a bit pricier (obv. 350bhp version), but still higher-mileage bargains to be found? -http://www.trinityweb.co.uk/vehicles/dhcars/displaydetails.aspx?id_vehicle=693

Also, minor point - do the JDM versions keep the km/h speedo, or is it converted to a 160mph one (and keep the 8000rpm tacho)?

Hope this isn't too wishy-washy! Also Spec-C vs T-20 suspension/handling?

Thanks in advance.

PS Not for trackdays etc, just want a fast, reliable all-weather, point-to-point, practical car. Quite young, so can put up with rawness, but not too much as it's still a day-to-day car!

craig79

This reply will be of no help whatsoever but....
any one of them mate. As you've mentioned, insurance
is always gonna be an issue. I've done the whole £1000
for a fiesta thing and quite frankly grudge paying daft
premiums. But as they say "no point being the richest
man in the graveyard". All the best wi the search mate,
hope you get a cracker.
Craig.

craig79

Meant to say, to get a rough idea on increase
of ins premiums, punch in your details into
a website for a uk then repeat for the import,
you might get a shock - especially being 25, thats
when some companies only start insuring you for rice rockets.
Craig.

drtchock

your insurance wont be too much of a problem because your 25.. im 24 drivin a 06 STI and my insurance is a nightmare!!

but im pretty certain you cant beat Bell Direct on a good insurance quote, so see what they quote you.

as for the car.. thats really up to you.

bob r

iTrader: (46)

Theses are all awesome cars with a very good reputation.
(not speaking from experience but........) I imagine that if all the above were put on a track together there would be little in it performance/handling wise, therefore if it were me I would be looking at any of the above but perhaps one that may have additional mods or a little different.

This one looks promising
David Hendry Cars : Type 25 Litchfield WRX STI

bluenosewrx

iTrader: (2)

Can you get T20 as a UK STi???thought it was JDM only,Twin scroll, stronger internals etc.

I have a Spec C(view my scooby) and it is a complete car IMO,it already has a full milltek and re-map etc, only needs the AST's to turn it into a full T20 although not sure i can justify the money as i use it for the road,not track and the Spec C set up seems ok, a little harsh sometimes but i blame the shi*e roads not the car.

Good luck with all the choices, every one of them would be a good one.

Mac

exvaux

iTrader: (1)

if i had a spare 15k id be buying alanbell's monster bugeye,500 bhp/540lbft and no expense spared AND has the T25 suspension,bargain

rob1234

Thanks all for your replies!

Insurance isn't too much of an issue, although the cheaper the better!

'UK Type-20' - wasn't sure, but meant a tuned engine and all the AST suspension etc of the T20/T25.

What's the opinion of UK 2.5 vs UK 2.0 vs JDM 2.0 twin scroll?

Also, are the speedos of JDM cars convertible to a 160mph British one? Or do you just get used to a km/h-marked mph speedo?

Looking to buy in the next 6 months, so any specific cars for sale will probably be gone by then. Also, afraid I don't like the bugeye, and don't want an uber-tuned mega-bhp monster at first!

Thanks for your advice, guys.