Scion / Bb Advice (owning And Importing)

[euro dave]

Hello,

OK, first post here - seems like a good site! :D

I'm thinking of importing a Toyota bB (Scion XB) into the UK. I loved the look of them ever since I saw one in the states a month ago. I know many people think they're fugly, but it's just the thing I've been waiting for!

A few questions, if anyone can help me out it'd be fantastic.

Regarding the car:

Does anyone have one over here (I saw a few posts that suggested people do)?

What are they like to drive? Nippy / slow / noisy / economical / handling?

Is the best engine to go for the 1.5 VVTI?

What are parts like to get hold of - similar to the Yaris?

Regarding importing:

How much would it be likely to cost in addition to the Japanese sale price? I expect they can be found 2nd hand for about 5k in Japan as they retail at about 8-10k GBP.

I have no idea who / where to approach regarding getting one over here - any tips or pointers?

I don't want to spend much more than 8 or 9k to get one - am I dreaming or will I have to do it myself to get it for that little? Is it a dangerous game to play?

Will it be worth sod all when I come to sell it on :)

Thanks for any advice guys :D

Dave