Japanese car imports

[narlo]

Hi all, great idea this forum, any help with the pitfalls welcome.
Not a total virgin to Japanese imports as I imported a Toyota Levin gt-z supercharger 6 yrs ago, witch I still run as a plaything.
back then paid a large deposit on the strenght of a photo, waited 6wks wondering if ripped off, then paid ballance when saw car in flesh, had a real battle for months getting registered but eventually happy owning something unique.
Now looking to cut out the greedy? middle man and get into a non blue Impreza sti, hopefully a 2001 gdb version 7 providing I can pick up import + put on road for similar money as same age normal UK WRX, Doable??
or plan B a really special earlyer clasic shape sti wrx pos a RA. just have to be shure.
1- good savings are to be had as looking at Autotrader etc hundreds of early uk + JDM Scoobys 4 sale from cheap high milers to well overpriced specialist dealer imports.
2- Are SVA's a headache on post 96 cars esp STI's
3-are best bargins/ less interest on pre 95's with added bonus no SVA'S
Still finding my feet at mo, going through previous threads but have found elsewhere listings of what previous vehicles have made at auction.............sorry 2 drone on but help welcome, should be quite a trip.
cheers