Parris Posted June 27, 2010 Share Posted June 27, 2010 Hi all. I will be looking to buy one within the next couple of months. I have seen a fair few nice ones on the net (autotrader,ebay,this forum) but I see a lot of them are imports. I was told to generally avoid imports due to them not passing EU regulations or something like that. Was looking to get some advice on whether an import is worth it or whether sticking to a UK car is the best thing to do. Your comments are much appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spursmaddave Posted June 27, 2010 Share Posted June 27, 2010 Imports are cheaper, but can be harder to insure. They also have a smaller capacity petrol tank, much quieter standard exhaust and are restricted. There are a few other 'quirks' including different dials, bumpers etc. If you can afford it get a UK car, but then again if you find a good quality import with a proper history all the above are fairly minor and can all be changed without too much hassle. Either way you will not be dissapointed, its the same car just made for a different market Im sure all the Import guys will be along and tell you not to let it put you off, but im glad I waited and got a UK model as im sure a lot of little minor things add up to a Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinmac Posted June 27, 2010 Share Posted June 27, 2010 There are no specific problems because a car is an import, if you get the right on its as good as a UK car. Some have 17 inch wheels and no brembos. Some have nice little options not available in the uk. Check out the insurance situation, some companies dont understand them. The specs are harder to understand compared to the UK car, lots of options makes it more difficult than the UK GT/nonGT. JDMs can come with auto boxes if thats something you fancy. Also check out radios and sat navs are compatible for over here. They may well still be limited to 112 mph but that can be sorted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parris Posted June 27, 2010 Author Share Posted June 27, 2010 Ok, so quite a bit to consider then. Thanks for the info so far guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenni86 Posted June 27, 2010 Share Posted June 27, 2010 I have an import, I love it. I got a fairly good price for insurance from elephant.co.uk, they were really good when I wanted to add a bodykit to my premium too, was less than £40 extra for the year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spursmaddave Posted June 27, 2010 Share Posted June 27, 2010 Ok, so quite a bit to consider then. Thanks for the info so far guys. If you search on here you will find loads of info, I forgot to mention the brakes, the non brembo ones are not really upto the job, only my opinion of course and I only test drove one import. The thing that swung me is there really are not any + points for buying an import apart from the price, but then once you realise all the things you maybe want to change it works out more expensive. I guess an import would be a good starting point if you really want to mod your car as most of the bits that are not quite upto the UK ones you would be changing anyway... Whatever you choose enjoy it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jed Posted June 27, 2010 Share Posted June 27, 2010 On my buying experience, i have gone for an import on the simple fact that i saved money and the mods i want to do including some ide never thought of until reading the forum n spec of some of you fellas n lasses, i will do bit by bit. Which i know is not cost affective but better on my pocket. My Zorst been the 1st thing and an induction kit. Want the wheels next month but im fancying the sat nav. learned quite a bit so far just by reading the forum...which goes to show there's a lot of info out there if ya know where to go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parris Posted June 27, 2010 Author Share Posted June 27, 2010 Yeah, I do see some of the plus sides of buying an import but I know it would probably take me ages to get the bits done Will see next month what is about and see what I can get for my money! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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