Japanese import advice

[peterpiper]

Hello all,

I'm new here, this is my first post....hi! When I was 20yrs younger I owned a MK2 GTI with a 2L MK3 engine swap, running big valves & cams etc, since then I've wanted to get back into the GTI scene but never really had the chance as I've owned company cars and always kept my cossy in the garage, leaving no room for GTI. Basically, I've seen a lovely MK5 GTI freshly imported from Japan, it has full service history and stamped book, low mileage and is in lovely condition; it's now registered in the UK and has all documents. I have some questions if you don't mind:

*Are the Jap version the same regarding tuning?
*Are the Jap versions the same regarding parts replacement and servicing?
*Is the ECU tunable the same as UK versions and can it go on the dyno the same as UK versions?
*Is there anything to be aware of when inspecting the car?

So many questions, but I'm sure I'll be around here for while if I get it!

[Jons1001]

Hi i have a mk5 gti that was imported from Japan about 3 years ago with nearly 100k miles on it.

Everything parts/servicing wise is the same as UK ones. I think the Jap cars all run on 99 octane fuel but if you are mapping it you will be using 99 anyway.

Mine was tuned and dyno'd about 2.5 years 20k miles ago with no issues. It made 265 bhp thats with an intake and downpipe w/200 cell cat.

So yes they are pretty much the same as UK cars but without the rust!

Not sure what a UK mk5 costs to tax but all Jap imports are the same i think it is about £265 this year.

[peterpiper]

Nice one Jons, thanks for the reply!