You're probably better off asking in the Mk1 FRS section of the RSOC forum as most of the owners use that forum and the posts on there cover most info re the cars, common problems, etc. They may also be aware of the car from a previous poster/owner of know whether it is registered with the FRS registrar on the worldwide build list or not.

http://bbs.rsownersclub.co.uk

In relation to the phase 1, 2, etc issue, there's no such thing. It was made up by Evo magazine in their buying guide as a way of trying to identify thngs like stitched seat bases, pink rubber on the throttle cable, AE or AF engine maps, etc, most of which could easily be retrofitted to cars through dealers, warranty, etc, during the first year or so of ownership.

Build number wise, they didn't go on the cars in order of production. There are cars from '03 with early build numbers and cars from '02 with 4 digit numbers. Only the first & last few appeared to actually correspond with build date/build number.

As said if you get a chance have a look at the posts on the RSOC forum as you should get all the answers you need regarding the FRS there :thumsbup: