Ordering a car from japan

[scorpmatt]

I've been looking at the STI here recently and wandered to subaru's japan site. I noticed that they had a spec c model of the STI for 2005. What is the difference between this and the regular STI? also, can anyone point me where to go to order this car? thanks

 

[franksta]

Probably not legal on US roads.

 

[scorpmatt]

yeah, I'm still trying to figure out the reasons for the differences between the cars for japan and the cars for US

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: scorpmatt
yeah, I'm still trying to figure out the reasons for the differences between the cars for japan and the cars for US

Different emissions regulations, different buyer markets, etc.

 

[scorpmatt]

Originally posted by: MrChad

Originally posted by: scorpmatt
yeah, I'm still trying to figure out the reasons for the differences between the cars for japan and the cars for US

Different emissions regulations, different buyer markets, etc.

I always thought that the emissions were more strict in japan vs. the US, am I wrong in thinking this?

 

[cessna152]

Foreign cars need to pass Crash Testing by the US Gov't.

 

[kumanchu]

Originally posted by: scorpmatt
I've been looking at the STI here recently and wandered to subaru's japan site. I noticed that they had a spec c model of the STI for 2005. What is the difference between this and the regular STI? also, can anyone point me where to go to order this car? thanks

more importantly than emissions (as you can get a car to pass emissions no problem) is 2 words:

crash testing

cars aren't legal on the road unless they pass DOT / NHSTA crash testing to ensure that the car is (relatively) safe in a crash. if the car hasn't been tested, it is assumed that it is not safe for the road. subaru doesn't crash test every model, and since the VIN probably wouldn't be in line with USDM STI VIN numbers; you couldn't get it registered.

not to mention driving a rhd vehicle on the right side of the road is a pain in the ass.

 

[scorpmatt]

Originally posted by: kumanchu

Originally posted by: scorpmatt
I've been looking at the STI here recently and wandered to subaru's japan site. I noticed that they had a spec c model of the STI for 2005. What is the difference between this and the regular STI? also, can anyone point me where to go to order this car? thanks

more importantly than emissions (as you can get a car to pass emissions no problem) is 2 words:

crash testing

cars aren't legal on the road unless they pass DOT / NHSTA crash testing to ensure that the car is (relatively) safe in a crash. if the car hasn't been tested, it is assumed that it is not safe for the road. subaru doesn't crash test every model, and since the VIN probably wouldn't be in line with USDM STI VIN numbers; you couldn't get it registered.

not to mention driving a rhd vehicle on the right side of the road is a pain in the ass.

hrm, never thought about that...will have to check with the dealer and see what they say.

 

[SouthPaW1227]

Import it anyway and label it a custom car.

Saw an old school mid-1900s Land Rover the other day w/ right-hand drive. I know he didn't buy that thing in America.

 

[scorpmatt]

Originally posted by: SouthPaW1227
Import it anyway and label it a custom car.

Saw an old school mid-1900s Land Rover the other day w/ right-hand drive. I know he didn't buy that thing in America.

yeah, I hear that. I know my 82 accord was manu'd in japan because of the VIN. So I'm sure they could order me one and have it manu'd for the states. might cost more, but it might be worth it too.

 

[AntMan530]

Originally posted by: SouthPaW1227
Import it anyway and label it a custom car.

Saw an old school mid-1900s Land Rover the other day w/ right-hand drive. I know he didn't buy that thing in America.

he couldve done a converstion...they do that with civic, integras etc...and make them legal too..

 

[scorpmatt]

Originally posted by: AntMan530

Originally posted by: SouthPaW1227
Import it anyway and label it a custom car.

Saw an old school mid-1900s Land Rover the other day w/ right-hand drive. I know he didn't buy that thing in America.

he couldve done a converstion...they do that with civic, integras etc...and make them legal too..

That is helluva expensive conversion imho

 

[KokomoGSTmp]

Originally posted by: scorpmatt
I've been looking at the STI here recently and wandered to subaru's japan site. I noticed that they had a spec c model of the STI for 2005. What is the difference between this and the regular STI? also, can anyone point me where to go to order this car? thanks

You've been watching too much BMI... the Spec C is Japan-only. I'm also pretty sure the dealer knows nothing.

The Spec C has been around in Japan for quite a while... I think since ~2002. It's a stripped out version of the STi, similar to the Evo RS except Subaru made a few changes to the suspension and tuning of the car. It has no AC and lacks a variety of typical amenities to save weight for motorsports/trackday competition.

Getting the car registered would be very difficult. There's no real reason to try to import a Spec C when I'm sure you can find someone perfectly capable of gutting a USDM STi and add the Spec C parts to it. It goes without saying that even if you order it, you'll never have a manufacturer warranty.

 

[SouthPaW1227]

It wasn't a coversion.

I was at a Land Rover dealer checkin' the new RRS and he drove up. Salesman said he's a long time visitor and he imported it straight from England (where Land Rover's are built) long ago.

 

[mwmorph]

you will have to buy it, pay for intercontinental shipping, pay for the duty fees, take it to 1 of 100 or 150 shops in the country approved by the NTSA to convert it to US laws spec, register it specially.

in the end, if you bought say a 10k car, ti could easily cost 25k or more.

 

[scorpmatt]

Originally posted by: KokomoGSTmp

Originally posted by: scorpmatt
I've been looking at the STI here recently and wandered to subaru's japan site. I noticed that they had a spec c model of the STI for 2005. What is the difference between this and the regular STI? also, can anyone point me where to go to order this car? thanks

You've been watching too much BMI... the Spec C is Japan-only. I'm also pretty sure the dealer knows nothing.

The Spec C has been around in Japan for quite a while... I think since ~2002. It's a stripped out version of the STi, similar to the Evo RS except Subaru made a few changes to the suspension and tuning of the car. It has no AC and lacks a variety of typical amenities to save weight for motorsports/trackday competition.

Getting the car registered would be very difficult. There's no real reason to try to import a Spec C when I'm sure you can find someone perfectly capable of gutting a USDM STi and add the Spec C parts to it. It goes without saying that even if you order it, you'll never have a manufacturer warranty.

Havn't watched BMI, was just browsing subaru's site and went to the japan site and saw it there. I couldn't read the specs, so I was just curious on it.

Heh, I went to mistu's site to comapre the evo, I deffinately know my choice between the 2 on that one

 

[DivideBYZero]

Hold on. I have info on the Spec C. You can get them in the UK through specialists. Hold on....

 

[DivideBYZero]

SPEC C:

The MY05 semi-closed deck engine block has been further refined from the acclaimed 2004 unit with new improved breathing and variable valve control systems (AVCS) that allow the engine to produce an amazing 303lbft of torque. As with all of our JDM Subarus the ECU is remapped and tuned for the UK?s lower octane fuel and these new improvements mean we will be able to offer even greater performance especially when mated to our unique Twinscroll exhaust system.

As before the Spec C features unique track derived parts amongst which are:
Spec C Engine Oil Cooler
Spec C anti surge fuel pump
Spec C water pump
Lightweight glass
Reduced body weight
Reduced sound deadening
Stiffer roll bars
Roof vent
Deletion of Air Conditioning
Deletion of central locking
Deletion of electric windows and mirrors.

The new MY05 Spec C features:
New under body bracing
Front and rear strut braces
Lighter Aluminium boot lid
Revised engine
Wider 235/17? RE070 Tyres

This is a car focused on pure performance and enjoyment.

But for those seeking a little more refinement and exclusivity with there performance Subaru has just released the Spec C WR Limited.

This model has all the usual Spec C specification but also features:
Climate control
Electric windows
Electric folding mirrors
Central Locking
WR Limited gear knob
SWRT stickers
Unique SWRT seat stitching
Unique WR Limited Carbon Plaque
SWRT Key ring and torch.

All of our Japanese models include UK Fuel Remap, Correct DCCD setup, CAT1 Alarm System, RAC Trackstar Plus GPS Security with built in Safe Speed camera detection (full details), Comprehensive Warranty, 12 Month road fund licence, PDI Inspection and number plates.

For those seeking a little more refinement and exclusivity with there performance Subaru has just released the Spec C Type RA. The car they recently lapped the famous Nurburgring circuit in under 8minutes! Only 300 of these amazing cars will be made so you?ll need to be fast to order such a quick car.

This model has all the usual Spec C specification but also features:

* Climate control
* Electric windows
* Electric folding mirrors
* Central Locking
* Unique BBS Light weight alloy wheels
* STI front bumper extensions
* STI front Lipspoiler
* STI Carbon Fibre rear spoiler
* Black interior finish

Colours available are Red, White & WR Blue

All spec C info in English.

 

[kami333]

Yeah, the Spec C started with the GD body style, the new style. The older GC had the Type RA and Type R which was the equivalent of a Spec C.

I have a hood vent from a Type RA, totalled my car before I got a chance to install it so now I have to buy a car to install it in

btw, I think they've sold out of the 05 Spec C, only 500 or so were made.

 

[JasonSix78]

Not worth it. A friend and I were going to purchase 2 older Skyline GTRs and it was going to cost us our first born to get them over here. If you've got stockpiles of money go for it, otherwise buy a normal model and buy some upgrades for it.

-Jason

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: kami333
Yeah, the Spec C started with the GD body style, the new style. The older GC had the Type RA and Type R which was the equivalent of a Spec C.

I have a hood vent from a Type RA, totalled my car before I got a chance to install it so now I have to buy a car to install it in

btw, I think they've sold out of the 05 Spec C, only 500 or so were made.

I know people with GC R's, RA's regular STi's and even GF STi's.

I have a GF WRX.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: JasonSix78
Not worth it. A friend and I were going to purchase 2 older Skyline GTRs and it was going to cost us our first born to get them over here. If you've got stockpiles of money go for it, otherwise buy a normal model and buy some upgrades for it.

-Jason

Agreed and for three reasons:

- The US STi has 300hp already, and the '05 model has many improvements.
- The aftermarket for STi's is insane and there is nothing you can't improve.
- The US STi uses the 2.5 block. The Jap one uses the 2.0 block, albeit with a better twin scroll turbo.

 

[scorpmatt]

for those STI owners.... does the STI have an option for a sun roof?

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: scorpmatt
for those STI owners.... does the STI have an option for a sun roof?

I hope not. More weight. If you are talking about the spec c, I can't imagine you want a Sunroof!

 

[scorpmatt]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero

Originally posted by: scorpmatt
for those STI owners.... does the STI have an option for a sun roof?

I hope not. More weight. If you are talking about the spec c, I can't imagine you want a Sunroof!

hrm. more weight....ok then was just something that popped into my head.