MDMA

Wheels off for refurb.

It is what it is. The first owner is always going to take a hit on all the fees associated with importation. I'm not planning to sell it anytime soon so the costs will be absorbed into the ownership. To buy the car in Japan would only cost you £7-8k if you lived there.

Landed, registered, all import costs, customs charges and the dreaded VAT, it stands me at £12k.

New oem lower door stickers. Forgot how big the Brembos were. Wheels going for refurb on Thursday this week. Coming together now.

Cleaning day -

Well it has landed. First impression is that it's really clean and straight. I know what needs doing to make it perfect. Will start the deep clean and detail on it this weekend and then get it in for the belt swap and full service. Not even one flat intercooler fin. Got to love a fresh JDM car. I'll get some better pictures this weekend. Too dark and wet now. Rain looks like it's here for the rest of the week.

On the road now. 5 hours to go. img upload

It does seem strange that you have to wait 25 years to import one. In the UK, anything under 10 years old has to have an SVA test prior to being registered, older than 10 years old, just a standard MOT for registration. Of course, the Government gets the import duty and VAT on any vehicle you bring in and this has to be paid before they release the car from the docks! On a side note, the TBSTI also came with push button start (from 2007 onwards).

Decided to have it collected instead. Will be home on Wednesday next week. Saves me a 10 hour trip with the race trailer. Speed limit is 60mph when towing instead of 70mph. Would be a long day! Roll on Wednesday.

The garage in Japan/importer I used in the UK have just done a little review on a S402 they have in stock. https://www.torque-gt.co.uk/blog/post/spotted-subaru-legacy-s402-wagon

We have news! The car is now ready to collect. I just need to arrange a collection day now. Only a 500 mile trip to get it home ! A friend has an enclosed race trailer so might be this Saturday or the one after. Already got the car booked in to have the wheels refurbed, new set of tyres landed last week. America's finest (but made in Germany).

A lot of people in the UK use - Humbrol 54 metallic brass. It's a model paint and a 100% match.

Still a few pop up for sale in Japan. Prices still strong for them. Look about $26,000 before you even look at import costs (if you can?) https://www.goo-net-exchange.com/usedcars/SUBARU/LEGACY_TOURING_WAGON/700040167730201227001/index.html

In the UK now. Sat at the importers, waiting for paperwork.

Thanks. No nearer to getting the car. Most of the staff at the DVLA in Swansea are WFH. Over 500 of them have tested positive for Covid-19. They are prioritising new vehicle registrations at the moment and everything else is at the bottom of the pile. They say it could be at least another 4-5 weeks before the paperwork comes through. Never mind, will just have to sit and wait. To brighten the day up though, few little parts have started to arrive.

Small update. Had the dreaded Coronavirus over Christmas and been bed ridden for nearly 3 weeks. Now have a liver infection because of it but back on my feet again. Car is due an MOT early next week, then the new log book can be applied for from the DVLA and a new age related plate issued. Realistically, it's going to be February now before I get it I think. Few more pics though in the meantime. Keep safe everyone.

Car has been collected from the docks and now with the importer. They've given it a quick wash off and will prep it in the New Year. Going to be another month now before it's registered and road legal. Can't wait.

Car is due to land on Wednesday this week. Then I just have to wait for its MOT and registration. Been told anything upto 5 weeks due to the DVLA staff all working from home and a huge backlog.

Small update. Car is now on the Red Sea. Will be in Piraeus/Athens on Friday this week. Few more stops after that before in lands in Southampton.

Small update -

Just had word that the ship has left Japan. Should be able to track the journey tomorrow once they send the link.

Sorry its not a Subaru, but my previous Audi RS2. One of only 180 RHD UK models made.

I have a UK spec Legacy with factory orange indicators if that helps?

Few more pictures from the docks - Factory film still on the rear bumper trims -

Posted in the photo thread. On its way from Japan. Tuned by STI. Can't wait.