Hey guys! So I'm looking at buying an (04 probably) RA probably in the next couple weeks, and I have some questions!

First, I live in Canada and will be importing it from the states (honestly will pay almost half as much as I would here). Ill fly out there, pick it up and drive it home. My first question is are there any big differences from a US RA to one bought in Canada? Do they have daytime running lights (required by law here)? I am pretty sure the 06's do but what about 04 or 05s? Will it be expensive to have it done here if they don't? What other things might I have to have done to make it legal in Canada?

I hear they are decent in winter, but are they hard to start when like -30 celsius? Do they warm up quick and put out any decent heat? I will probably invest in some winter tires which will be nice with that EBD.

Since I can't just go test drive it I'll basically have to rely on the pictures and whatever they can tell me over the phone before I fly out. What kind of things should I look out for and is there any specific questions I should be asking before I make the plunge?

Lastly, if it still has the warranty will it still transfer to me? Will the dealerships here in Canada honour it?

Thats all I can think of for now. Thanks =)

 

well congrats , the ralliart is a great car, i have an 04 and as for daytime running lights, it doesnt have it, and im sure its not to much to have it put on, wheather wise is wouldnt know how well it is in the extreme cold cause i live in sunny southern california the coldest it get here is like 40* F. hahah so i cant help you on that one...other people on here should be able to anwser your other questions...

 

Well i'm in canada (SASK). And my car has been great over the winter. Winter tires are a must if the tires are the stock one because they really suck. Have never had a problem starting mine and I have never pluged it in. Warm uo time is pretty quick. From what i know there is no difference between US and Canadian models. Tack will be Miles/hour vs. KM's/hour Should have daytime running light. I know the 05 and 06 do for sure. You i'll also need a safty as with any vehicle brought to canada. Block heater might be good if its not installed incase you are worried about it starting in the cold. Yes the warranty will be covered but it would be in miles. So what ever the warranty is there is what you would have here. Other then that nothing I can think of. Congrats on the new purchase.

 

There is one very important and very annoying difference - the Canadian Ralliarts have heated mirrors and the US doesn't Plus the odo/speedo being in MPH instead of KPH.

 

ill give you my daytime running lights. i hate them.

 

Congratulations. Ralliarts run nice and warm so no worries about starting.

 

it is possible to get the inner dash at the dealler
if you want the KMH. maybe you can get diferent colors

 

just keep in mind that the paint on ralliarts isnt all that good (thin coat), and the heater knob is stiff on those years so you might want to get that looked at if yours is stiff

 

Here's an early welcome to the club if all goes well and you end up getting a Ralliart. It really is one of the best cars in its class. Definately flew under the radar.

 

Get a carfax report so you don't waste your time if it's a dud.

 

I think the only thing that needs to be changed to have DRLs is the front ECU.

The green box in this pic:


Other than that, what everyone else said. Km/hr vs. Mph, heated mirrors, block heater.

Mine started fine in -20*F this winter, they warm up pretty quickly. Get some good tires and you should be set.

 

Thanks for all the help guys! I figured DRLs would have something to do with the ECU. Will the dealership charge me up the *** though?

Boo on no heated mirrors but its not a big deal. I was also thinking of having the inner dash changed to KM. I've read they aren't very bright at night and would definitely go for a different colour if possible. Probably expensive though eh? Can they also change the ODO to KM?

 

Dealership won't do it (DRL removal.) It's either DIY or live with it.

 

- No DRL in the '04

- Great in snow as long as you have winter tires.

- Stock suspension isn't to shabby compared to other cars in it's bracket.

- Starts up in cold weather just fine.

- Warms up very fast.

- A very fun car to have. And with a few simple mods becomes even more fun.

 

Yes I'm thinking down the road I might put a couple mods on it. Im thinking SRI, and pulley to start, then I'll see how it goes after that. I don't plan on really racing it, just as long as its faster than anything my friends have =D

How does the UDP affect the power output when at idle... do the headlights dim a lot? Will it have enough power to run everything at idle?

Also I've heard your fuel efficiency will suck if you have an intake on in winter. Should I take it off in the winter?