god that's harsh!
the differences are well documented on this forum if you do a search but basically its the same car, same servicing, same parts. The differences are in the different spec levels but a jap version ST is the same as a UK version GT. There are more variants in between on the jap car and some of the lower spec cars can still have nearly as much as the higher spec cars due to the amount of optional extras available.
There are a few little things that will always be different like square rear plate space in bumper, no headlight washers (thank god) and the light stalk and wiper stalk the other way around but that's really it.
Just go for the best you can afford for the money uk or import. Imports can be harder to insure although I haven't personally had a problem and use Bell insurance.
oh and