Talk to me about Imported Legacy's
Discussion
Eveneing all.
After some advice on a Leggy im interested in. well 2 actually. but both are the same GT Twinscroll turbo .
Both are grey imports from Japan and obviously come with very little/no history so I'm after advice on service schedules like cambelt and water pump changes.
The one I'm hoping to see this weekend doesn't have an advert other than a facebook local listing. Guy has owned it for about 3 yrs and has covered 10k in that time with it. is sitting at just over 74,000 miles but he's never had a cam belt done on it and claims it isn't due until 2020/21?
other one is listed here on AT https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Just after basic owners advice on imports on what to look for/be wary of. never had one before but really like the looks of these, havent driven one yet but hear they handle like a dream
After some advice on a Leggy im interested in. well 2 actually. but both are the same GT Twinscroll turbo .
Both are grey imports from Japan and obviously come with very little/no history so I'm after advice on service schedules like cambelt and water pump changes.
The one I'm hoping to see this weekend doesn't have an advert other than a facebook local listing. Guy has owned it for about 3 yrs and has covered 10k in that time with it. is sitting at just over 74,000 miles but he's never had a cam belt done on it and claims it isn't due until 2020/21?
other one is listed here on AT https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Just after basic owners advice on imports on what to look for/be wary of. never had one before but really like the looks of these, havent driven one yet but hear they handle like a dream
I've owned three JDM imports now, some advice-
-Don't worry too much about service history, just get all the essentials done when you buy the car and keep records of whats been done for any future owner. generally JDM cars are pretty well maintained.
-JDM cars are mapped to run on 99RON, some are more or less sensitive to this, but i've always ran mine on V-power anyway.
-If it hasn't been yet, get it properly undersealed as soon as you get the car... for some stupid reason, a lot of people who import JDM stuff skip this step as they see it as a needless expense. If it has been undersealed, check it's been done properly and hasn't just had a half assed spritz in waxoyl by the importer. A proper dinitrol underseal should be up into the arches and cost a few hundred quid.
-Check parts availability before you buy... generally most mitsubishis and Toyotas use a lot of cross platform parts, not sure on Subaru, but it's always worth checking
-Find a good local specialist who isn't bothered by imports
-Check insurance out., don't bother with mainstream insurers, head to the specialist brokers for the best prices
-I've had both MPH converted cars and those left in KM... it's personal preference but once you learn the conversion then it isn't a hardship to leave a JDM car in KM, just make sure the garage that MOTs it records the mileage in KM with VOSA.
-Get it properly undersealed (this is so important i'm mentioning it twice!!) check any prospective purchase very carefully for rust... ideally you want to be able to eat your dinner off the underside, and keep it in that condition. Jap stuff rusts fast if it's run all year round here without proper protection.
-From Japan any JDM car will be fitted with a 112mph speed limiter... you can have this removed if you wish, either at the clocks or at the gearbox... i've had both limited and de-limited cars, if you aren't doing track days then tbh it's not massively worth bothering with, but easily done if you need to.
-Don't worry too much about service history, just get all the essentials done when you buy the car and keep records of whats been done for any future owner. generally JDM cars are pretty well maintained.
-JDM cars are mapped to run on 99RON, some are more or less sensitive to this, but i've always ran mine on V-power anyway.
-If it hasn't been yet, get it properly undersealed as soon as you get the car... for some stupid reason, a lot of people who import JDM stuff skip this step as they see it as a needless expense. If it has been undersealed, check it's been done properly and hasn't just had a half assed spritz in waxoyl by the importer. A proper dinitrol underseal should be up into the arches and cost a few hundred quid.
-Check parts availability before you buy... generally most mitsubishis and Toyotas use a lot of cross platform parts, not sure on Subaru, but it's always worth checking
-Find a good local specialist who isn't bothered by imports
-Check insurance out., don't bother with mainstream insurers, head to the specialist brokers for the best prices
-I've had both MPH converted cars and those left in KM... it's personal preference but once you learn the conversion then it isn't a hardship to leave a JDM car in KM, just make sure the garage that MOTs it records the mileage in KM with VOSA.
-Get it properly undersealed (this is so important i'm mentioning it twice!!) check any prospective purchase very carefully for rust... ideally you want to be able to eat your dinner off the underside, and keep it in that condition. Jap stuff rusts fast if it's run all year round here without proper protection.
-From Japan any JDM car will be fitted with a 112mph speed limiter... you can have this removed if you wish, either at the clocks or at the gearbox... i've had both limited and de-limited cars, if you aren't doing track days then tbh it's not massively worth bothering with, but easily done if you need to.
Edited by designforlife on Thursday 26th September 11:39
RyanTank said:
was just about to head over there!
I'd read something about running on 99ron, but also saw that they can be mapped to run on either? some are done when imported.
Also been warned against the 3.0 due to costs and chocolate engine??
Whoever warned off a 3.0 hasn't a clue, I have one almost 4 years and it's the best engine I have had in a car tbh. Lots of people have had issues with JDM cars, it's not just turbo's going the clocks are in km obviously, cruise control is crap (if fitted) plus the UK spec b is far better equipped but JDM cars have or can have tasteful mods like uprated suspension bits etc.I'd read something about running on 99ron, but also saw that they can be mapped to run on either? some are done when imported.
Also been warned against the 3.0 due to costs and chocolate engine??
RyanTank said:
other one is listed here on AT https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Buy this one 
(If the bloke coming Monday doesn't 
).There's a lot more detail in the advert on here rather than Autotrader
I was told that Subaru Japan says the cambelts don't need changing; in the UK they say 5 years, so I got it done anyway.
Oh, and added over 100 quid's worth of underseal, wheel arch liners out etc, free use of lift and sprayer from a mate
defblade said:
Buy this one (If the bloke coming Monday doesn't ).
Defblade. I’ve genuinely been eyeing this up since you first listed it. Unfortunately I’m not at the price your asking was ,my budget is ever decreasing with the mrs car/life/renovations eating up chunks of it (If the bloke coming Monday doesn't ).
and I hate being the guy who chucks in a lowball offer as I think it automatically makes the seller frustrated and sceptical about the validity of the proposed buyer. How is it living with an import if you don’t mind me asking? Did you try an NA one before this, how’d they stack up if so?
How’s the exhaust sound? Does it still have that distinct boxer sound as YouTube vids are not that clear/great showing it off.
RyanTank said:
Defblade. I’ve genuinely been eyeing this up since you first listed it. Unfortunately I’m not at the price your asking was ,my budget is ever decreasing with the mrs car/life/renovations eating up chunks of it and I hate being the guy who chucks in a lowball offer as I think it automatically makes the seller frustrated and sceptical about the validity of the proposed buyer.
How is it living with an import if you don’t mind me asking? Did you try an NA one before this, how’d they stack up if so?
How’s the exhaust sound? Does it still have that distinct boxer sound as YouTube vids are not that clear/great showing it off.
The price has been decreasing, too and I hate being the guy who chucks in a lowball offer as I think it automatically makes the seller frustrated and sceptical about the validity of the proposed buyer. How is it living with an import if you don’t mind me asking? Did you try an NA one before this, how’d they stack up if so?
How’s the exhaust sound? Does it still have that distinct boxer sound as YouTube vids are not that clear/great showing it off.
I've driven a 2 litre NA estate before some years ago, can't remember the age of it, but it was the flatest (as in, you poke the loud pedal and very little happens) engine I think I've ever driven - and I'm mostly driving a knackered old Aygo at the moment! The UK 3 litres have a very strong fan base, though
The twinscroll is in a totally different league, there's just no comparison at all to the NA I drove.Living with it is fine. I'd like a bigger fuel tank, but that's the price for a big flat estate floor on top, the back half of AWD underneath, and running a speedy turbo car
So as it needs 99RON, you need to think ahead a bit with regards to when you're going past a Tesco/Shell... I generally refill at 2/3rds of a tank and maybe take a small detour to fill up at the start of a long run (usually popping off the M4 to Tesco at Neath on the way past if I'm heading into England). I bought a couple of bottles of octane booster 3 years ago in case I got caught out for 99, and never used them.Note - Tesco Momentum is generally cheaper than most places' 97 super
Parts freely available from Importcarparts and other sellers; info on uklegacy. Subaru specialists not flustered at all as it's all pretty straightforward Subaru stuff underneath they've seen in any number of other models. Parts/servicng are no cheaper or more expensive than any other decent sized car with a performance turbo engine... they'll all need decent oil and filters on a fairly regular basis if you want to keep them happy. As I say in the advert, I've had coils, radiator and front suspension shocks/mounts/bushes changed on mine, all the parts came in a day or two and nothing caused any trouble in the changing.
It was a bit of hassle converting to a UK radio, but mine's done
Exhaust note is NOT the Subaru burble on the twinscroll - the twinscroll works by separating pairs of exhaust pulses (as I understand it....) and so this kills the burble which arises from the exhaust header configuration on a boxer. The very small lag, smooth power and especially buckets of torque available from just about anywhere in the rev range make up for it though!
With standard cans, the note is very subdued. Mine is throaty but not silly loud with the Genomes; I thought my wife would be put off by the noise as she's not boy-racer inclined at all, but instead she feels it gives the car a fair chunk of character that it might have been missing otherwise.
Hope this helps!
ericmcn said:
Whoever warned off a 3.0 hasn't a clue, I have one almost 4 years and it's the best engine I have had in a car tbh. Lots of people have had issues with JDM cars, it's not just turbo's going the clocks are in km obviously, cruise control is crap (if fitted) plus the UK spec b is far better equipped but JDM cars have or can have tasteful mods like uprated suspension bits etc.
What have you run into with the cruise con?defblade said:
The price has been decreasing, too
I've driven a 2 litre NA estate before some years ago, can't remember the age of it, but it was the flatest (as in, you poke the loud pedal and very little happens) engine I think I've ever driven - and I'm mostly driving a knackered old Aygo at the moment! The UK 3 litres have a very strong fan base, though The twinscroll is in a totally different league, there's just no comparison at all to the NA I drove.
Living with it is fine. I'd like a bigger fuel tank, but that's the price for a big flat estate floor on top, the back half of AWD underneath, and running a speedy turbo car So as it needs 99RON, you need to think ahead a bit with regards to when you're going past a Tesco/Shell... I generally refill at 2/3rds of a tank and maybe take a small detour to fill up at the start of a long run (usually popping off the M4 to Tesco at Neath on the way past if I'm heading into England). I bought a couple of bottles of octane booster 3 years ago in case I got caught out for 99, and never used them.
Note - Tesco Momentum is generally cheaper than most places' 97 super
Parts freely available from Importcarparts and other sellers; info on uklegacy. Subaru specialists not flustered at all as it's all pretty straightforward Subaru stuff underneath they've seen in any number of other models. Parts/servicng are no cheaper or more expensive than any other decent sized car with a performance turbo engine... they'll all need decent oil and filters on a fairly regular basis if you want to keep them happy. As I say in the advert, I've had coils, radiator and front suspension shocks/mounts/bushes changed on mine, all the parts came in a day or two and nothing caused any trouble in the changing.
It was a bit of hassle converting to a UK radio, but mine's done
Exhaust note is NOT the Subaru burble on the twinscroll - the twinscroll works by separating pairs of exhaust pulses (as I understand it....) and so this kills the burble which arises from the exhaust header configuration on a boxer. The very small lag, smooth power and especially buckets of torque available from just about anywhere in the rev range make up for it though!
With standard cans, the note is very subdued. Mine is throaty but not silly loud with the Genomes; I thought my wife would be put off by the noise as she's not boy-racer inclined at all, but instead she feels it gives the car a fair chunk of character that it might have been missing otherwise.
Hope this helps!
Just to add, a 3.0 flat 6 with a SS cat back wipes the floor sound wise to a twin scroll. You pay for the extra VED but make your own choice...I've driven a 2 litre NA estate before some years ago, can't remember the age of it, but it was the flatest (as in, you poke the loud pedal and very little happens) engine I think I've ever driven - and I'm mostly driving a knackered old Aygo at the moment! The UK 3 litres have a very strong fan base, though
The twinscroll is in a totally different league, there's just no comparison at all to the NA I drove.Living with it is fine. I'd like a bigger fuel tank, but that's the price for a big flat estate floor on top, the back half of AWD underneath, and running a speedy turbo car
So as it needs 99RON, you need to think ahead a bit with regards to when you're going past a Tesco/Shell... I generally refill at 2/3rds of a tank and maybe take a small detour to fill up at the start of a long run (usually popping off the M4 to Tesco at Neath on the way past if I'm heading into England). I bought a couple of bottles of octane booster 3 years ago in case I got caught out for 99, and never used them.Note - Tesco Momentum is generally cheaper than most places' 97 super
Parts freely available from Importcarparts and other sellers; info on uklegacy. Subaru specialists not flustered at all as it's all pretty straightforward Subaru stuff underneath they've seen in any number of other models. Parts/servicng are no cheaper or more expensive than any other decent sized car with a performance turbo engine... they'll all need decent oil and filters on a fairly regular basis if you want to keep them happy. As I say in the advert, I've had coils, radiator and front suspension shocks/mounts/bushes changed on mine, all the parts came in a day or two and nothing caused any trouble in the changing.
It was a bit of hassle converting to a UK radio, but mine's done
Exhaust note is NOT the Subaru burble on the twinscroll - the twinscroll works by separating pairs of exhaust pulses (as I understand it....) and so this kills the burble which arises from the exhaust header configuration on a boxer. The very small lag, smooth power and especially buckets of torque available from just about anywhere in the rev range make up for it though!
With standard cans, the note is very subdued. Mine is throaty but not silly loud with the Genomes; I thought my wife would be put off by the noise as she's not boy-racer inclined at all, but instead she feels it gives the car a fair chunk of character that it might have been missing otherwise.
Hope this helps!
RyanTank said:
Also been warned against the 3.0 due to costs and chocolate engine??
Actually that's nonsense. It's one of the smoothest, most reliable 6 cylinders out there if maintained properly. Chain not belt. My current one is on 160,000 miles and runs like a sewing machine. Uses no oil and returns 32mpg on a run.Edited by Sad Weevil on Tuesday 1st October 10:38
Sad Weevil said:
Actually that's nonsense. It's one of the smoothest, most reliable 6 cylinders out there if maintained properly. Chain not belt. My current one is on 160,000 miles and runs like a sewing machine. Uses no oil and returns 32mpg on a run.
I already told him that, an Impreza driver at work wanted a spin in my car at lunch and the first thing he said was how refned it was, the 2nd was how effortless it was to get up to speed. Probably some numpty on this site with the commentEdited by Sad Weevil on Tuesday 1st October 10:38
Hi there,
Just seen this string... I bought a JDM import back in June from Torque GT (Spec - https://www.torque-gt.co.uk/subaru-legacy-sti-0804...
This thing is awesome... Rapid, spacious, subtle and cheeky sleeper... Apparently the guys at Torque said with an upgraded downpipe and a decent tune, could easily get over 320bhp. The stock tune is so mild on them the have a lot to offer. The power to weight ratio is close to RS4/6 spec!
I had an NA Impreza Sport before which is fun... but with arrival of child and dog... needed more space and less police appeal, but also wanted the additional power of turbo... and this thing delivers both and some!
TorqueGT do have this at moment if still looking... https://www.torque-gt.co.uk/legacy-spec-b-wr-ltd-1...
I would strongly recommend these guys, super helpful and do all the seal for you... just visiting their place is JDM heaven!
In terms of living with it for the last few months... its a delight... can get stereo all changed... but alternative is a bluetooth frequency adapter... sits in center console hidden. Like any turbo, takes a little bit to warm up and can't access crazy mode until warmed up. But when it is... so much fun and incredibly light steering... you can check specs here!
https://torque-gt.ajes.com/m?name=catalog&mnf_...
Hope this helps
Just seen this string... I bought a JDM import back in June from Torque GT (Spec - https://www.torque-gt.co.uk/subaru-legacy-sti-0804...
This thing is awesome... Rapid, spacious, subtle and cheeky sleeper... Apparently the guys at Torque said with an upgraded downpipe and a decent tune, could easily get over 320bhp. The stock tune is so mild on them the have a lot to offer. The power to weight ratio is close to RS4/6 spec!
I had an NA Impreza Sport before which is fun... but with arrival of child and dog... needed more space and less police appeal, but also wanted the additional power of turbo... and this thing delivers both and some!
TorqueGT do have this at moment if still looking... https://www.torque-gt.co.uk/legacy-spec-b-wr-ltd-1...
I would strongly recommend these guys, super helpful and do all the seal for you... just visiting their place is JDM heaven!
In terms of living with it for the last few months... its a delight... can get stereo all changed... but alternative is a bluetooth frequency adapter... sits in center console hidden. Like any turbo, takes a little bit to warm up and can't access crazy mode until warmed up. But when it is... so much fun and incredibly light steering... you can check specs here!
https://torque-gt.ajes.com/m?name=catalog&mnf_...
Hope this helps
p4rds84 said:
Hi there,
Just seen this string... I bought a JDM import back in June from Torque GT (Spec - https://www.torque-gt.co.uk/subaru-legacy-sti-0804...
This thing is awesome... Rapid, spacious, subtle and cheeky sleeper... Apparently the guys at Torque said with an upgraded downpipe and a decent tune, could easily get over 320bhp. The stock tune is so mild on them the have a lot to offer. The power to weight ratio is close to RS4/6 spec!
I had an NA Impreza Sport before which is fun... but with arrival of child and dog... needed more space and less police appeal, but also wanted the additional power of turbo... and this thing delivers both and some!
TorqueGT do have this at moment if still looking... https://www.torque-gt.co.uk/legacy-spec-b-wr-ltd-1...
I would strongly recommend these guys, super helpful and do all the seal for you... just visiting their place is JDM heaven!
In terms of living with it for the last few months... its a delight... can get stereo all changed... but alternative is a bluetooth frequency adapter... sits in center console hidden. Like any turbo, takes a little bit to warm up and can't access crazy mode until warmed up. But when it is... so much fun and incredibly light steering... you can check specs here!
https://torque-gt.ajes.com/m?name=catalog&mnf_...
Hope this helps
So, how much does a TBSTi from the likes of Torque GT cost, if you don’t mind me asking?Just seen this string... I bought a JDM import back in June from Torque GT (Spec - https://www.torque-gt.co.uk/subaru-legacy-sti-0804...
This thing is awesome... Rapid, spacious, subtle and cheeky sleeper... Apparently the guys at Torque said with an upgraded downpipe and a decent tune, could easily get over 320bhp. The stock tune is so mild on them the have a lot to offer. The power to weight ratio is close to RS4/6 spec!
I had an NA Impreza Sport before which is fun... but with arrival of child and dog... needed more space and less police appeal, but also wanted the additional power of turbo... and this thing delivers both and some!
TorqueGT do have this at moment if still looking... https://www.torque-gt.co.uk/legacy-spec-b-wr-ltd-1...
I would strongly recommend these guys, super helpful and do all the seal for you... just visiting their place is JDM heaven!
In terms of living with it for the last few months... its a delight... can get stereo all changed... but alternative is a bluetooth frequency adapter... sits in center console hidden. Like any turbo, takes a little bit to warm up and can't access crazy mode until warmed up. But when it is... so much fun and incredibly light steering... you can check specs here!
https://torque-gt.ajes.com/m?name=catalog&mnf_...
Hope this helps
BUG4LIFE said:
So, how much does a TBSTi from the likes of Torque GT cost, if you don’t mind me asking?
From What I gather, 9-12k... depending on mileage, spec of car and trim... The TBSTi generally comes with the highest spec as far as I'm aware... its just small touches compared to GT model... saw a GT model at TorqueGT... they are basically the same car... just nicer seats, wheels, spoilers, splitter, not sure if the GT comes with Brembo on each corner, exhaust, sway bars.. The little details just give it that extra presence that requires time and money... now I can spend time and money on the engine. Upgraded downpipe, a decent tune, terra clean, upgraded intercooler, another tune, etcp4rds84 said:
BUG4LIFE said:
So, how much does a TBSTi from the likes of Torque GT cost, if you don’t mind me asking?
From What I gather, 9-12k... depending on mileage, spec of car and trim... The TBSTi generally comes with the highest spec as far as I'm aware... its just small touches compared to GT model... saw a GT model at TorqueGT... they are basically the same car... just nicer seats, wheels, spoilers, splitter, not sure if the GT comes with Brembo on each corner, exhaust, sway bars.. The little details just give it that extra presence that requires time and money... now I can spend time and money on the engine. Upgraded downpipe, a decent tune, terra clean, upgraded intercooler, another tune, etcGassing Station | Subaru | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff