Dreaming of an Import (Evo vs Scooby)
Discussion
I've recently changed our driveway up - I sold my beloved FK2 Type R and inherited my wife's rather dull Seat Leon 1.2, and she's got a nice new X3 m40d. The logic behind this decision was that during the week I have a rather dull (and busy!) drive to the train station (15 miles each way), so could enjoy the benefits of a reduced commuting cost but still have a brisk family wagon.
However, I'm missing the visceral rawness of a Jap car, and have come to the depressing realisation that I've never really got over the sale of my blob eye Impreza STI in 2016. Although it was a bit of a nail, I loved that car, and every second spent behind the wheel.
I could, with the help of some questionable man-maths, justify a weekend car (max budget of £12k). I like the saloon shape, and in that price range I am struggling to see past either: 1). Evo6 GSR or 2). Impreza JDM STI Blobeye.
Having had an Impreza previously, I'm leaning towards the Evo - Impreza has the nicer interior and nicer sounding exhaust, but the Evo seems more driver-focused and slightly faster in standard trim. I'm also thinking that Evo will prove a better "investment" option, but that's a secondary consideration (this is intended as a long-term weekend toy, for summer dry days and very limited use).
I'm leaning towards the idea of a fresh import, to minimise chances of corrosion, and as I'm looking for something with reasonably (>60,000) low miles. Anyone imported similar recently via the likes of Torque GT? Would I be able to do this within budget? How long does a car take from auction to landing on British Roads ready to drive away?
I like the idea of keeping the car in Japanese trim, including km/h speedos - is it still possible to remove the 112mph Jap speed limiter without changing the clocks?
Going rate for Evo6's seems to be about the £12k mark currently: https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
However, I'm missing the visceral rawness of a Jap car, and have come to the depressing realisation that I've never really got over the sale of my blob eye Impreza STI in 2016. Although it was a bit of a nail, I loved that car, and every second spent behind the wheel.
I could, with the help of some questionable man-maths, justify a weekend car (max budget of £12k). I like the saloon shape, and in that price range I am struggling to see past either: 1). Evo6 GSR or 2). Impreza JDM STI Blobeye.
Having had an Impreza previously, I'm leaning towards the Evo - Impreza has the nicer interior and nicer sounding exhaust, but the Evo seems more driver-focused and slightly faster in standard trim. I'm also thinking that Evo will prove a better "investment" option, but that's a secondary consideration (this is intended as a long-term weekend toy, for summer dry days and very limited use).
I'm leaning towards the idea of a fresh import, to minimise chances of corrosion, and as I'm looking for something with reasonably (>60,000) low miles. Anyone imported similar recently via the likes of Torque GT? Would I be able to do this within budget? How long does a car take from auction to landing on British Roads ready to drive away?
I like the idea of keeping the car in Japanese trim, including km/h speedos - is it still possible to remove the 112mph Jap speed limiter without changing the clocks?
Going rate for Evo6's seems to be about the £12k mark currently: https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Fiisch said:
I've recently changed our driveway up - I sold my beloved FK2 Type R and inherited my wife's rather dull Seat Leon 1.2, and she's got a nice new X3 m40d. The logic behind this decision was that during the week I have a rather dull (and busy!) drive to the train station (15 miles each way), so could enjoy the benefits of a reduced commuting cost but still have a brisk family wagon.
However, I'm missing the visceral rawness of a Jap car, and have come to the depressing realisation that I've never really got over the sale of my blob eye Impreza STI in 2016. Although it was a bit of a nail, I loved that car, and every second spent behind the wheel.
I could, with the help of some questionable man-maths, justify a weekend car (max budget of £12k). I like the saloon shape, and in that price range I am struggling to see past either: 1). Evo6 GSR or 2). Impreza JDM STI Blobeye.
Having had an Impreza previously, I'm leaning towards the Evo - Impreza has the nicer interior and nicer sounding exhaust, but the Evo seems more driver-focused and slightly faster in standard trim. I'm also thinking that Evo will prove a better "investment" option, but that's a secondary consideration (this is intended as a long-term weekend toy, for summer dry days and very limited use).
I'm leaning towards the idea of a fresh import, to minimise chances of corrosion, and as I'm looking for something with reasonably (>60,000) low miles. Anyone imported similar recently via the likes of Torque GT? Would I be able to do this within budget? How long does a car take from auction to landing on British Roads ready to drive away?
I like the idea of keeping the car in Japanese trim, including km/h speedos - is it still possible to remove the 112mph Jap speed limiter without changing the clocks?
Going rate for Evo6's seems to be about the £12k mark currently: https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
A few points I can make:However, I'm missing the visceral rawness of a Jap car, and have come to the depressing realisation that I've never really got over the sale of my blob eye Impreza STI in 2016. Although it was a bit of a nail, I loved that car, and every second spent behind the wheel.
I could, with the help of some questionable man-maths, justify a weekend car (max budget of £12k). I like the saloon shape, and in that price range I am struggling to see past either: 1). Evo6 GSR or 2). Impreza JDM STI Blobeye.
Having had an Impreza previously, I'm leaning towards the Evo - Impreza has the nicer interior and nicer sounding exhaust, but the Evo seems more driver-focused and slightly faster in standard trim. I'm also thinking that Evo will prove a better "investment" option, but that's a secondary consideration (this is intended as a long-term weekend toy, for summer dry days and very limited use).
I'm leaning towards the idea of a fresh import, to minimise chances of corrosion, and as I'm looking for something with reasonably (>60,000) low miles. Anyone imported similar recently via the likes of Torque GT? Would I be able to do this within budget? How long does a car take from auction to landing on British Roads ready to drive away?
I like the idea of keeping the car in Japanese trim, including km/h speedos - is it still possible to remove the 112mph Jap speed limiter without changing the clocks?
Going rate for Evo6's seems to be about the £12k mark currently: https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
A fresh import of good quality will always cost more than one already imported. You might be able to find a decent one for cheaper that has already been in the UK for a few years... I think the type of people who spend 12K importing a car will take care of it so the quality should be alright with minimal rust if cared for.
The Evo vs Impreza debate could go on for hours. Personally, I like the Evo however that will be your choice at the end of the day. You see less Evos around which makes them a bit more special.
Yes the clocks can be kept with the speed limit removed.A good example is the HKS Speed Limit Defencer, you splice it in to wires by the ECU and it makes the ECU never see speed above 175km/h, so never limits the speed.
Give Torque GT a ring and ask, they are decent people and more than happy to help.
Can't help with these specific cars but my Skyline and my Crown both came from TorqueGT and the service was exemplary and I will be going back again when I can get another JDM car.
In terms of timing I'd say it takes about 4-6 months on average depending on what you want, Skyline left Japan Mid Oct - Picked up mid Feb and the Crown left start of Nov - picked up Easter.
I felt I got good value from them, the Skyline was a UK car +£1k but I got to essentially choose the exact car I wanted and the Crown is better than anything (through my JDM biased eyes) for the same price here again - exactly what I wanted.
As above, speak to them though, they have a quick video about their personal import service which is what I used for both of them.
In terms of timing I'd say it takes about 4-6 months on average depending on what you want, Skyline left Japan Mid Oct - Picked up mid Feb and the Crown left start of Nov - picked up Easter.
I felt I got good value from them, the Skyline was a UK car +£1k but I got to essentially choose the exact car I wanted and the Crown is better than anything (through my JDM biased eyes) for the same price here again - exactly what I wanted.
As above, speak to them though, they have a quick video about their personal import service which is what I used for both of them.
Thank you both. I've noticed Torque GT and they seem to import some tidy cars - dropped them a message and they've advised circa £17k for a fresh Evo6 import.
Pistonheads/AutoTrader/Facebook Marketplace had me thinking £10-12k might be achievable, but then research on some of the garages advertising reveals some appalling reviews.
Might need to re-think my budget...!! Although, I think with that kind of price difference, it's hard to choose an Evo over an equivalent Scooby!
Pistonheads/AutoTrader/Facebook Marketplace had me thinking £10-12k might be achievable, but then research on some of the garages advertising reveals some appalling reviews.
Might need to re-think my budget...!! Although, I think with that kind of price difference, it's hard to choose an Evo over an equivalent Scooby!
Torque bring in some great cars, I’ve had red tommi mak and lancia delta evo 2 of them, both sourced.
And I’ve got a few more on the back burner so yes there trusted and reliable great communication.
There/are problem is currency down atm.
everyone who grew up with need for speed, fast and furious, are now grown up and coming into there own money and want there very own jdm classic.
And lastly the supply gets thinner and thinner every year .
My advice is wait for currency to pick up a bit, but get in before America gets the doors opened.
And I’ve got a few more on the back burner so yes there trusted and reliable great communication.
There/are problem is currency down atm.
everyone who grew up with need for speed, fast and furious, are now grown up and coming into there own money and want there very own jdm classic.
And lastly the supply gets thinner and thinner every year .
My advice is wait for currency to pick up a bit, but get in before America gets the doors opened.
One word of caution - Rust.
The Evo1 and Version1 STI Impreza are now 26years old. They also come a country where salt is not used on the roads and hence are not rustproofed from new.
So many cars are being broken at the moment, because the bodyshells are beyond economic repair and that will remain the case, until someone starts making replacement structural panels like they do for classic fords and minis today.
I'm not surprised that Torque GT quoted £17k for an Evo 6. Good quality low mileage grade 4 cars fetch decent money over there. I know that as I have been keeping an eye on them myself! Beware any place quoting a freshly imported Evo 6 for £12k, it will be a low quality car. Decent quality blobeyes have also gone up in cost too 
Pound is also weak as mentioned earlier, which doesn't help.
Pound is also weak as mentioned earlier, which doesn't help.
Remember this? ignoring the sales pitch bit it's showing how hard it is to find a good one of anything really.
https://www.torque-gt.co.uk/blog/post/how-to-spot-...
follow up
https://www.torque-gt.co.uk/blog/post/guess-whos-b...
https://www.torque-gt.co.uk/blog/post/how-to-spot-...
follow up
https://www.torque-gt.co.uk/blog/post/guess-whos-b...
https://www.japperformanceparts.co.uk/
This is another decent importer. However, as you say you might have to adjust your budget for a decent Evo.
For what it's worth, the Evo specialist who looks after mine source the majority of spare parts from the above.
(oh and good luck in your hunt, if you do get a decent Evo, I doubt you will be disappointed - epic motors)
Keep us updated!
This is another decent importer. However, as you say you might have to adjust your budget for a decent Evo.
For what it's worth, the Evo specialist who looks after mine source the majority of spare parts from the above.
(oh and good luck in your hunt, if you do get a decent Evo, I doubt you will be disappointed - epic motors)
Keep us updated!
Edited by Chuck328 on Thursday 31st October 01:15
As others have said,current Yen exchange rate is poor,prices in Japan strong for good grade low miles cars so you'll pay a hefty premium nowadays for a fresh off the boat Evo,with the used UK market flat at present in these mad Brexit times better to find one thats been in the UK for a couple of years with a caring enthusiast owner who's had their fun and looking to move it on..
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