i have seen a lot of import-parallel improts for sale on autotrader and they are obviously cheaper than buying from a dealer or even privetaly. What are the up/down sides to buying one of these, they say you still have 3 years warranty.
What are peopls views on them and should they be steered clear of?

Thanks for any info.
J

 

The only ones to stick clear of are the Japenese imports.

However a European parallel import is the same as a UK car, if it has the alarm added ( As it is an option in Europe). Dealers treat them the same and they are covered under warrantee.

I actually got mine from a Honda dealer. There is no difference.

 

whats wrong with the jap spec? i have heard they have more hp, is this true?

 

Is true, but acheived with a slightly higher compression ratio (thnner gasket mainly?), that then requires better RON rating of fuel (101 as available in Japan) to avoid detonation in the engine....the higher compression ratio & this fueling gives about 10+ BHP (247 v 237 of a Euro).

With the lower RON rating in fuel in the UK (98.7 being the best readily available on sale in UK forecourts) the ECU will immediately retard the engine on this fuel to avoid detonation (pre-ignition), thus losing your gains.

THE 237 BHp is acheived on 98 RON fuel.

A couple of replies in the Times (Driving) this week about 'no apparent benefits of Super over regular' article last week.

 

Many previous threads on this.

These might help:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showt...06252&hl=import
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showt...81412&hl=import
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showt...45547&hl=import

A search on 'import' against the UK board will throw up plenty more.

HTH

 

Thanks for all the info. i had a quick read through them and personally i think i'll pay a bit extra to get a uk car as im worried about warranty work, resale value and mainly the insurance company.

 

If you are concerned about warranty work you need to go for a UK car less than 3 years old to get the original OEM warranty.
The HUK extended warranty does not cover a lot of stuff! Like worn striker plates, defective headlamp unit, collapsed seat bolster on a MY00 with 17K miles on it!

 

Mine's a parallel import, the only differences are no alarm, no wheel locking nuts, a shorter warranty (60k instead of 90k I think, which is pretty much irrelevant on a car like this) and if you buy a GT you won't get a hard top stand (I bought one for

 

Mikey, when I got my extended warranty, there was very obviously two types, one that covered a list of things, the other that covered everything but airbags & serviceable items, this obviously being the much more expensive.

I know HUK were looking into streamlining warranty process, mine would still be valid today (+3 yr), is yours a more recent purchase?

FYI the version I bought should have been

 

Mine was a 2 year extended one bought in May this year. You are right there are two levels HM1 and HM2 IIRC! I have HM1 which cover mechanical items only apperently. HM2 cover MOT failures, accidental damage etc. I was told I could not get this level of cover on my car, no reason was given (or asked for )