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A little background on my case. I'm currently studying in the UK and am due back home soon. I've been keeping my eyes open for a good deal with the hopes of bringing back a vehicle with me if the opportunity presents itself.

I haven't been in the UK long enough to be considered a returning citizen but i was hoping with the economic issues i might be able to score a license-able vehicle cheaply (2006 and beyond).


I came across this vehicle: The ad says its a 06 WRX (2.5L). The catch is that it has been in a minor collision (see pictures). I've requested more pictures, primarily of the engine bay etc. I know its a long shot, but any evidence that this is infact a WRX? I can get the vehicle for 3000 pounds plus another 1000 to ship it locally. I Haven't done all the research but I'm hoping it can be landed in Trinidad for 48000 or so?

One additional Question- The damage does not seem to be extensive, I may even try to source some of the parts here if it is cheaper. How much would you estimate the cost would be to repair it locally inclusive of parts?

First of all..

to bring a 2.5L vehicle in trinidad is expensive..Motor Vehicle taxes alone is gonna cost you around $50,000TT plus 15% VAT..

repairs here gonna be very expensive..the front bumper alone for these cars go for around anywhere from $3000 - $10000TT

First, an import licence will not be granted for a vehicle older than 2007 date of manufacture !
Even though it was a 2007 model this is what you will face:

Based on your estimates of cost and freight (Pounds 4000), landed the vehicle would have cost TT$40,054 after Duty and vat.
Then you would have to add MVT(engine Tax). For a 2.5L engine($25 per cc x2500, x75%, +15% VAT) =TT$53,906.
Total spent so far would be TT$93,960.
Also the Import Licence rules states that the vehicle must be in reasonable working condition and appearance. I don't know if a licence would have been granted for it.
From the pics, there is a lot of damage there. Just a bonnet with the air intake is over TT$3000 used ! Headlight, grille, radiator and panel, AC condenser, battery.
Many repairmen soak you when it is cars like Subarus.
Like the previous writer said, the cost of fixing Subarus in sweet T&T is HIGH !
There may be other issues the eye cannot see, engine-wise.
At the end of the road you would have a car with a number of years on it, with a smaller market value than the amount you spent on it.
My advice is buy one right here. Spare yourself the wasted time and heartache !

Regards,
RR.

leff that there...or...bring it here and part it out..

Lance wrote:A little background on my case. I'm currently studying in the UK and am due back home soon. I've been keeping my eyes open for a good deal with the hopes of bringing back a vehicle with me if the opportunity presents itself.

I haven't been in the UK long enough to be considered a returning citizen but i was hoping with the economic issues i might be able to score a license-able vehicle cheaply (2006 and beyond).


I came across this vehicle: The ad says its a 06 WRX (2.5L). The catch is that it has been in a minor collision (see pictures). I've requested more pictures, primarily of the engine bay etc. I know its a long shot, but any evidence that this is infact a WRX? I can get the vehicle for 3000 pounds plus another 1000 to ship it locally. I Haven't done all the research but I'm hoping it can be landed in Trinidad for 48000 or so?

One additional Question- The damage does not seem to be extensive, I may even try to source some of the parts here if it is cheaper. How much would you estimate the cost would be to repair it locally inclusive of parts?

It is a UK/European spec WRX indeed.

Unless you have a "mate" in the business of obtaining the panels, head lights and any other front components that are damaged + paint then I could say it is not worth it.
These later models have come down in price here in the UK and Autotrader is full of examples, complete with FSH etc.
Plus as already mentioned to import to TnT would make it very expensive.

are there restrictions for returning residents regarding age?
The UK has some mighty cheap cars...

VexXx Dogg wrote:are there restrictions for returning residents regarding age?
The UK has some mighty cheap cars...

thats because they dont keep their cars all that well maintained

Lance you'll have to own the car for 2 years before returning to get the tax exemption.The euro spec subarus are inferior to japan as you probably know as well,save your $ for something good man

Points to note:

1. Did the timing belt jump? if not ok but if yes cater an additional 10-15 k for a rebuild.

2. while it may seem as a small frontal collision you may only know the condition of the drivetrain once rolling/ moving.

3. if all above is well then body panels could be bought and shipped with the car.

4. as for the 2.5l motor it's give or take

5. best of luck but it's highly recommended to seek a local car and move from there.

regards.

Buy a good euro used car and bring it.
You will need someone here to find out import taxes though. If you owned the car for 2yrs or more in the UK you wouldn't pay MVT, in which case you could have fun bringing a nicely engined euro car of any age i believe. E46 M3!
Although it's not legal, I believe some people around fix the papers to look like you owned the car in the UK. I eh know them though.

Anyway. Don't waste your time with a car that was already hit. You won't have a clue what it will cost to fix before actually doing it, and there's no guarantee it will even be right when done.

Thanks for the feedback guys....too much variables to consider, it'll seems that it will be better just make a purchase when I get back to Trinidad...