Hi there, it's time for me to change my car and i'm considering a scooby but was wondering wether to stick with a uk car or go for a more powerful import. What do you think? Are imports easy to get parts for and are the parts pricey? how is the insurance difference? What if anything should i look out for with either car?I know it's a lot of questions but any info would be appreciated.

Thanks Johnny.

 

you get a *bright* button on a Uk

 

Imports are more expensive to insure but are generally more powerful in standard form.

Parts can be a bit more expensive (if yer talking STI parts etc) - servicing is cheaper and usually better done at independant/specialist companies.

If you want a resonably priced 2 door as opposed to a 4 door-bore then import it is

Import STI's need a bit more care with regards to fuel you use.

 

My first scoob was an import, it is horses for courses as they say and i was very sceptical and shat me self before i paid the money for it.
but after a while, its a doddle and i never regreted a minuite of it!

 

I was going to buy an import but have decided against it because you have to run it on super-unleaded / optimax all the time. Most of the time this would be ok, as there's an Optimax station down the road, but I often find myself in remote parts of the country where there isn't, and want to be able to drive in Europe without perpetually needing to worry where my next fuel stop will be.

Import owners - is the fuel thing livable with, or just a pain?

 

whereabout's in glasgow do you stay johnny-r6?

 

Johnny..

Are you converting over from the RS now ??

Used to see you in the Scotland section on the rsoc a lot.

Johnny

 

Mike, never had a problem finding decent fuel, if you do get stranded and have to use Tesco's bathwater or the likes, just lay off the loud pedal a bit.

 

Japanese imports do require SUL/Optimax plus octane booster, plus Subaru dealerships generally won't supply parts for them.
But you can get more car for your money with an import.
Read here SIDC for more info.
Cheers.
Ian.

 

Will just driving slowly be enough to prevent damage, and would you need to still drive carefully on the subsequent tankful until the new fuel has run through? Also, do you still need to use octane booster if you're running sul/optimax?

Anyone know what France/Italy/etc are like for getting decent fuel?

 

you have to get a uk its the BRIGHT switch dont you get it the BRIGHT switch
you want it you need it get the BRIGHT switch

 

It's a good idea to run on the highest grade of fuel possible PLUS octane booster.

Japanese cars are designed to run on 100ron fuel.

SUL is 97ron and optimax is 98ron.

If you run an import, using octane booster will increase the life of your engine and give better performance.

Do the import thing. I did and I've never had so much fun. Optimax is getting more and more available too. If I can run mine in the north of Scotland then surely it can't be any bother in more populated parts.

Enjoy mate.

 

Mines an EU import

Just the same as a UK spec car without the badge or UK warranty.

(I get a bright button too!!)

Saved over £1000 on a UK car

 

I don't know what I'd do without my bright switch - It's like power-steering, dishwashers and sky TV - you think you can live without it, but once you've had it and it's gone - you won't half miss it...

 

LOL

 

as already mentioned it's about which is you primary concern, for me when i 1st got me scooby i was only 24 (this was pre scoobynet so i was less knowledgeable) so insurance wise etc it had to be UK & it's still a hell of a beasty which i never regret but i must confess i now posses the joyous emotion that is greed & i want more BHP so now looking to go import just not sure whether it will be a scooby still
Parts etc not an issue IMO thou as there are numerous places for both parts & servicing & i take my UK scooby to them even thou i could use main dealer as i found their work to be superior
Si

 

Its easier to find good fuel in europe. Every station i have ever used has 98RON SUL, not 97RON!

I have had my car 12 months, never had any issues over fuel, if you want to cover yourself carry a 5litre can. If you do run it on 95 ron, keep it off boost and you will be OK, run the tank right down to as empty as you dare then refill with the good stuff and that should be OK. Maybe being a bit less agresive until this first fill is emptied would be a wise move too.

You could of course have a 2 map ECU setup such as the Gems can do, so you have a map in there for 95RON if you struggle to find SUL on ocasion, but thats never been the case for me.

 

I've had my MY95WRX for 3 1/2 years now. I've always run it solely on SUL and then Optimax - no octane boosters. Have only had a few minor problems with it (a couple of sensors) and with regular servicing all done by friends, it's running as well as ever - I love it and don't regret going down the import path.

Parts can be costly with both UK or import cars and the number of parts people around now make it very easy to get hold of parts. Whichever you choose, you will be left grinning like a Cheshire Cat

Enjoy ....

Jo MY95WRX

 

Thanks for all the info, I fancy either a scooby or a twin turbo supra but i've seen what looks like a nice sti advertised.
DRB5- i'm in the quiet east end(lol)
Johnny50- yes i've just sold my rst and fancy something a little more civilised (and quicker).

 

i take it you've been in a scooby before then? i could show you what me rb5 is like if you want to get a wee bit of info on them, as i know a wee bit about the uk car's too. i'm off this week so if your interested send me an e-mail.

 

Thanks m8, i've already driven a uk car several times as my m8 had one for several years, but when i asked him if the parts were expensive his reply was dunno, never had to buy any. S'pose thats a good sign!