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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: gtidaz on 29 January 2008, 16:32

Title: Its an IMPORT!
Post by: gtidaz on 29 January 2008, 16:32

Hi everyone thought it strange that i could'nt get much info on this car (53 plate golf gti 1.8t) so i began digging.  It turns out that it is an import, according to a Richard Alexander main dealer who gave me limited info.  I have never had dealings with these before so can someone help me and let me know if this is a good or a bad thing.  On face value its is immaculate and low mileage a mechanic has checked it out and says its in top condition.  It was registerd in england in 03 so looks like its been here from new.  What are peoples thoughts towards my situation.  Do i snap their hand off or stay well away and save my hard earned cash.

Thanks for any feedback

DAZ :undecided:

Title: Re: Its an IMPORT!
Post by: Rhyso on 29 January 2008, 16:38

things to look out for is if it has a Thatcham CAT 1 alarm fitted and aircon / climate.  Also check its got leccy windows all round etc; basically compare it to a UK spec car

Apart from that if its in good nick i don't see why you shouldn't buy it

Title: Re: Its an IMPORT!
Post by: Chris 'N' Jen on 29 January 2008, 16:40

through my recent experiecne, i wouldnt trust a dealer.

What about it is different to a uk model. i cant imagine why someone would want to import a vehicle that is available in the same spec in this country.

Technically all VW's are imports.

PS. i drive a toyota surf (import) as a daily driver and its never missed a beat in the 2 years iv owned it.

PPS. if it is, you will need to tell the insurance that it is an import so they can charge you more.

Title: Re: Its an IMPORT!
Post by: Rhyso on 29 January 2008, 16:43

some imports were only fitted with imobilisers and not a full alarm.  also some strang instances where even on GTI spec there's been no aircon at all! Also you 'll only have a 2 year warranty and not 3 years

Imports tend to be cheaper for this reason

Title: Re: Its an IMPORT!
Post by: gtidaz on 29 January 2008, 17:05

Thanks for the replies.  The dealer didnt have a spec list so i went round it and tried to see what i could.  Its has climate control sat nav dash electric everything. 6cd changer in boot first aid compartment, heated front seats.  Its quite spec'd up and only done 34000miles  Its has a the car people reg plate on so i rang them to see if it had been one of their cars from new but they would not say.  The chasis number starts with wvwzzz if that means anything to anyone.  Would you probably pay less for an import or the same as a Uk car.  Will it make a big difference if i ever change to a different car?

Thanks again for your help :smiley:

Title: Re: Its an IMPORT!
Post by: J5H VW on 29 January 2008, 17:23

I have an import 1.8T GTI 2001 model year - never caused me any bother.  The reason the original guy imported it was that it was cheaper than getting it from here.....besides....like Chris 'N' Jen said: technically all VWs are imports.

The car you describe is much like mine, far more extras than I could find on any other car (got no Sat Nav though  :sad:). 

Also, you get the first aid kit and fire extinguiser as its from Europe!

I wouldnt worry about the warranty, as its out of that period anyway.  So as long as you get everything you do on a UK car + more, what have you got to lose?

Title: Re: Its an IMPORT!
Post by: arnoldlog1 on 29 January 2008, 17:33

check where it was made

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=34476.0 (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=34476.0)

Title: Re: Its an IMPORT!
Post by: 1688bran on 29 January 2008, 17:42

 
 nothing wrong with an imports ... but imports tend to fetch less money when comes to sellin it ,especially doin a px the garage or dealers offer peanuts money to u ......

Title: Re: Its an IMPORT!
Post by: J5H VW on 29 January 2008, 18:14

Fair enough about the resale value - but then you buy it cheaper in the first place, so its only to be expected.  Besides, I bought mine to drive it and enjoy it  :laugh:, not to sell it!

Title: Re: Its an IMPORT!
Post by: gtidaz on 29 January 2008, 18:23

thanks for all the great info now i have a few facts striaght it seems like a good buy.

Thanks agian
 :smiley: :cool: :smiley:

Title: Re: Its an IMPORT!
Post by: ub7rm on 30 January 2008, 08:07

Every single time I phone my dealer and give them the reg no they always end up asking if its an import as its not on their system.  This despite the fact that I've (unfortunately) had it into this dealer for repair and its got a pretty solid vw service history for the first half of it life.  I put this down to them being a shower of muppets. 

So your dealer is probably saying its an import based on the fact its not on his system but it could very well be that he also suffer from this muppetism common to most VW dealer.

And even if it was an import it sounds like a cracker.

Title: Re: Its an IMPORT!
Post by: MaXXeH on 30 January 2008, 23:04

my car is an import, it is fine. you will no if it is an import once you get the log book.  VW will have no info on the car if it is an import. All uk vws get reged as they are sold so they no they come from uk.