[Razor]

Hi all,

How many of you would be interested in owning an STI within the next few months ?

The company that purchased my MY2001 STI JPN spec is looking into possibly bringing some over and converting them to be sold in the USA. I have no attachments financially whatsoever. My friend works for the company and plays on my rugby team and he said they may look into bringing several over in the hopes of converting them bulk to save money on the conversion etc.

I would imagine they would be MY2001 STI between 0 - 5000 kms. The MY2001 is the new platform ie STI VII.

Would any of you be interested and what price (to drive it off the lot everything inclusive but insurance) would you be willing to pay for a fully converted 100% legal to drive in the USA JPN spec STI with anywhere from 0 - 5000 kms. ??

Again I have no financial connections whatsoever, just thought it may be a win win situation since you guys want the STI so bad and they are looking to possibly bringing some in.

Cheers,
Ray

 

[alfredob1]

I think I would be interested if I had the cash. I don't mind waiting until next year because it gives me a chance to save for the down payment. Also if we can wait we will be getting MY04 STi's.

 

[Razor]

I agree; however, you have to remember that a MY2001 in Japan went on sale Feb of 2001. It is different in Japan than USA.

I think it is diff from the USA as they say MY2004 but really you will be getting them in 2003. For example my MY2001 JPN spec STI is the exact same as the MY2002 WRX USA version. The platform, style etc is the same. Basically if you bought a MY2001 WRX STI JPN spec at worst it would have gone on sale Feb 2001 so infact it ain't old at all and in some cases they are still brand new with less than 100 miles on them, just been on showroom floor etc.

Not sure but think they were talking below $30,000 USD was there goal to sell them.

Cheers,
Ray

 

[alfredob1]

Current rumors say the new STi's will be available in 2003 but they are supposed to be MY2004 I know that doesn't mean they're shipping them back through time. There's just something about having the latest. Again there's the issue about the lack of funds on my part.

 

[Razor]

Really I thought 'Back to the Future' was based on a true story that originated from cars and their model years ???? :smile:

 

[mg5904]

How much?
Warranty?
Color Selection?
What octane gas would they run on?
Availability of parts?
Could they be serviced at U.S. Subaru dealers?

 

[Razor]

I will get some more details for you guys and if they are still pretty serious about doing it give you guys the contact information so you can contact them directly.

Cheers,
Ray

 

[Razor]

My guess on the questions:

Warranty: need to ask

Gas: 93 octane = 97 - 98 RON which is perfectly fine for your JPN spec STI, you may lose 5 - 10 bhp by not running on 100 RON but it will not do any damage (if you go all day racing or track driving then boosting up to 100 RON would be advised).

Servcing: need to ask

Colours: all four: sliver, blue, white and black (I think the blue and white are the most common, at least they were the ones that popped up the most when I was bidding).

Price: Again, I need to check but I think they were looking to target around 30k or below.

As far as warranty I dont think you will get a 3 yr 30,000 mile for example, but they will probably give some warranty and if your car is virtually new when you buy it and no problems in first 3 - 6 months then I would imagine that you should be ok, not likely for something to go major wrong after that.

Servicing is not a big worry for me either. There is not even a Subaru dealer in Nassau, Bahamas but I figure with a virtually brand new car once I get it serviced every 3,000 miles by a good mechanic should be ok. For example I am going to bring in some air filters, oil filters, fuel filters when I bring in the car so I dont have to order any for a yr. If your mechanic ever runs into problems there is always a plethora of information on the web as well as lots of individuals willing to help other car owners.


Don't get me wrong I think there is more risk buying an import than buying one from a dealer when and IF they become available in the USA.

Like I said I have no financial connection, just thought it may be a nice win win situation.

I will try and get more info and get back to you guys.

Cheers,
Ray

 

[TiTaNiuM sAMuRai]

Thanks for the post. Let us know what you find.

I'm also interested in what modifications, if any, are made to make it legal, and how the resulting car would compare to the imminent 2004 STi.

However, there is also the rumour of Prodrive's restyling to the 2004 model. Aside from being the latest car, it may look nicer. Who knows.

 

[Razor]

Hi guys,

I had a chance to talk to my friend concerning the JPN spec STI's.

He said they are looking to sell them less then 35k but that no finished numbers are ready. I think it will cost them between 7 - 10k to do all the proper conversions and get all the legal paperwork done. Hence the cost. He hopes they will be able to sell them a few k under 35 when all the details are worked out.

One of the negatives is they are a wholesaler so they will not be offering a 3yr warranty etc although some sort of warranty will be worked out.

They will offer full parts support an supply you with places to get your STI serviced, repaired etc.

They are still doing all the neccessary research and I will update as more details come my way.

Again it would be good to have a rough idea how many were interested ?? Thanks.

I am sure if 5 - 10 or more people put in an order at the same time a good price would be worked out and may make the conversion process cheaper as well.

Once again I have no financial ties whatsoever, would just love to see you guys get your STI as I can barely sleep waiting on mine to arrive.

Cheers,
Ray