A while ago on T.V there was a watchdog program on about cars that are stolen from Japan & then imported. At the time I didn't pay too much attention about who to call etc but now I am in the process of going to look at a STI and would like to check it out, just to be safe!

Can any one tell me who I can contact to carry out the check?

Many thanks

 

DVLA and then on to interpol(dvla will help you alot )


garry

 

Thanks Garry

[Edited by stiscooby - 1/25/2002 11:59:20 PM]

 

dont look to hard
if you find its stolen i think you will have to hand it back & loose whatever it owes you

 

StuartJ

I don't own the car I am interested in buying it so I would just like to have it checked

 

sorry, read your post too quickly
try www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/guides to/carfraud/index.shtml
this sumarises the watchdog findings and has some names & Nos under what to do next
I had my car looked over by the local DVLC inspector who was very helpful, had no choice as log book had vin no where the chassis no should be therefore they had to check it, spent a few anxious days before the check, anyway all ok.
It may be worth you trying to contact your local vehicle inspector before trying to navigate through the endless options at swansea, One direct no for swansea is 01792 783272, if you get a cooperative person this may be of help, also worth asking if it stolen written off, they cant tell you so ask "do you suggest i get it checked out" The person i spoke to would answer that question.
I have been told that their are not many stolen Scoobies as they are not worth enough second hand, the preferance is for Landcruisers, Lexuses etc although I dont know if this is true.
A few checks you may already know
Check on the seat belts for date of manufacture to see if this matches year of car, also vin no stamped on metal plate under bonnet should tally with year, spec etc. load up your printer & go to www.sidc.co.uk/faq its 60 odd pages long but somewhere in their is a list of japanese production runs giving what each vin no should equal
lastly for the chassis no lift the bonnet & it is stamped on the bulkhead just in front of the windscreen, see if this matches log book & has not been tampered with
as for the STI if you havent already owned one get one, fantastic car, ride a bit rough but you will always get out with a smile on your face
Good Luck

 

Many thanks for your help StuartJ.
I will get on the dog & bone.

What info do they need? reg & chassis No.?

 

anything on the log book, ie reg, chassis no, colour, engine no if you can find it, its somewhere down the side of the engine but with the amount of plumbing on the top of the STI you will do well to find the block. also worth mentioning the mileage as they may have a previous record, this would let you know if the clock has "slipped into reverse"

Just for interest if anybody else reading this has heard of a "stolen in Japan " Impreza can they post it, I have not heard of any and wonder just how common they are, if at all