Also beware of Sushi that has fallen down the side of the seats and causes a fishy smell. this is less of a problem from 2000 - on coupe's, from what I've read.

I assume you're talking about the 20VT Plus from Tacoma Motors? I remember phoning them a while back about a really nice Vinci Gret LE for sale with 42k miles. It was also a Jap import.

Like the others have said, with a Japper, you cannot tell if the Service book is real or if it's a menu from a Sushi Restaurant. Also even if you have it translated, there is no reasonable chance of phoning up Japan to confirm FSH.

Jappers generally don't command as high a price as UK Spec cars. For the amount of money they're looking for, I'd spend a little more and get a UK one with FSH and all the big jobs done. It may be a false economy if you buy this nice looking cheaper example but then have to shell out for the belts to be changed etc for peace of mind.

Oh yeah, your speedo will be in KPH and not MPH aswell.

daviddub

Here's the car on Tacoma's website Tacoma Ltd

What's the story with the new VRT pricing anyway? The new carbon emissions rate applies to new cars only yeah? To import a coupe will still be the same as the existing rip-off pricing on http://www.ros.ie ?

Re the car, is it just the photo or does the paint job look like someone got a brush, a tin of paint from a hardware shop and had a go himself?

This Coupe?

Nah.... I'm not keen on the Broom Yellow. I mean, I don't mind it but I'd feel very self-consciuos driving a 350BHP banana!

Anyway I think I'd be doing 75mph in reverse through a hedge in that beast. I've never modded a car or anything. If I get a coupe I'll start with a standard 20VT 220bhp. I have an LE kit from Mariusz in the attic to add it as well. Then maybe I'll chance my arm with something simple like a drilled airbox or a K&N and maybe a chip in the future. If I reached 250bhp I'd be more than happy.

I know Auto Integrale has a special car there but it's still a lot of money. I plan on spending about 4000-4500 pounds on a standard sub 70k car with FSH, leather & aircon and major jobs done. Of course I first have to offload my 2007 Astra Sporthatch. I have the cash to buy the coupe already but not the money for VRT or tax & insurance. I dunno how long it'll take for the Astra to sell. 1 week or three months!

When I bought my 1st Coupe I had to look at it for 5 weeks parked in the carport unable to drive it until I sold my A3. my mates used to call round to take it for a spin and I had to sit in the passenger seat!!