I am also in the market for a MK4 1.8 T GTi following research and opinion on this forum. Cannot offer any advice on a Mk4 as my previous (happy) experience was with MK1's and Mk2's before I went over to the dark side (hopefully I will soon be back, and behind the wheel of a MK4)
I do have some experience of "UK spec imports" though
I owned a UK spec import Audi TT that was about 10% cheaper than a UK franchised dealer bought car, obviously they are all imports as they aren't manufactured in the UK, the difference is that a 'UK car' is supplied via the official VAG UK dealer franchise network
VAG UK operate as an independent company to VAG Germany, they deal with the import of the cars from the factory and sell them onwards to their UK dealer franchise network, VAG UK control pricing, discounts and crucially as 'middleman' are adding a margin that is avoided by importing a 'UK spec car' direct from the factory (which has its own showroom) or via an independent importer.
On a new car the concern is the lack of VAG UK backed warranty, this is usually overcome by a warranty either purchased personally or included by the car supermarket, the cost of which still resulting in the car being cheaper than if bought through the dealer network.
Imported cars are either bought direct from the factory based showroom in Germany and driven home on import plates and all paperwork for DVLA done personally, or via an independent importer or car supermarket who have done all the DVLA registration - which is why they are cheaper, as you are cutting out the VAG UK and dealer margin and avoiding the controlled pricing structure and maximum discount restrictions imposed by VAG UK
You haven't said what year and price, how does its price compare with Parkers ?
I personally would expect an import to be cheaper bearing in mind it was cheaper for the 1st buyer and so using the logic that its depreciation percentage will be the same I would expect if the direct import route saves 10% then its second hand value should be at least 10% cheaper than a VAG UK dealer franchise supplied car.
Have a look at the honestjohn.co.uk review
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=449 as they say that "RHD personal imports not to full UK spec" they do not explain in what way - maybe someone on this forum knows?
Hope all this helps - good luck
