Is anyone else reconsidering if to buy the STI or EVO8? I usually care less about the critics and magazines as well as the word of mouth, but lately I have been considering purchasing the EVO8. Since the time the STI was announced I couldn't wait for it to be released so I can get my sticky hands right on it. Right now I am actually leaning towards the EVO8 as far as handling and performance goes. Maybe it is better to just wait until the STI gets released and see the reaction of the drivers then. For now it is a hard decision. What do you think?

 

I'm thinking about it, but plan to wait for the "just released" silliness to die down and see the feedback (and complaints) from the owners after they break them in.

I have a WRX now, so I lean toward an STi. Since I am happy with the WRX (fast enough, handles well enough, do I really need more than a WRX) I don't need to make any decisions soon.

I don't really like the shape/design of the Evo, nor the cheap build quality. Also, the high boost on the Evo concerns me, as well as the turbo lag that is being reported in the press. Finally, Mitsubishi's generally crappy quality always weighs on me.

If I can get over that silly wing on the STi and the reported understeer can really be easily tuned out of the car, that might be my choice, but first, I must (MUST) test drive the Evo. That could change everything...

Or I might just do an M3...

 

I've been fixing my own cars for years, and been around rallying for almost 10 years, the last three of which have been rallying a Subaru. I won't buy anything but a Subaru. Subaru's are basically the easiest car to work on, and they have proven to be the most reliable and strongest in stock form. Also, AWD is Suabru's thing. They pretty much invented it, and it is part of every car, not just one or two models. There is also something to be said about the EVO being a masssed produced car while the STi will only be biult in small quantities. Give it a few years a see how the STi holds its value when compared to the EVO. I get a feeling it will hold its value a lot better than the EVO. The magazine test numbers mean nothing. There is no way to perform identical tests on each car. They are just there to give us an Idea, and to draw hard conclusions from them it silly. Go with what you like and you'll be happy. Don't go changing your mind because some Writer at Motor & Exhaust or Sport Compact Brake Lights ate a bad Taco two hours before test driving the STi. (Yes, the names are made up to protect the innocent, and I didn't chose Tacos for any reason, just did)

Keith

 

Nah, no M3. Too many engine failure horror stories
Go to google and search for engine failure, the first that comes out is M3 engine failure.

If anything, it would be a used Z06 for me. Seems like plenty of them around for a good deal.

 

I'm also considering the EVO8. If my STi isn't here by July, I might just go to Mitsu dealer and buy the EVO. My local dealer already sell them at MSRP.

 

i'm considering an evo as well. saw a silver one the other day at local dealer. simply BEAUTIFUL!!! can't get it out of my mind.

i'm considering many factors . . .other than performance--looks, interior, reliability, availability, as a daily driver, etc etc.

is2000, which dealer is selling at msrp locally in socal?

 

Never, have I considered the Evo.

I did go test drive the Evo, and I can honestly say that it is a 3000-lb go-cart. It was the best test drive I've ever had. Early strong torque, instant steering response, I-Luv-U-hugging seats, rigid, smooth tranny, awesome road grip, and strong smooth brakes. I think it looks way better than the STi externally. I even like the carbon fiber wing. I like the fact that is has a front mount, though the piping appears a bit restrictive. Evo buyers should be very happy with their purchase. I do believe the average Evo driver will probably oust the average STi driver in a tight auto-x stock-for-stock. The supportive seats and tight steering rack make a world of difference. The spun aluminum wheels on the Evo are very nice. I assume they are also using a more standard offset aswell, which would lend to more choices for aftermarket wheel options. My bet is that the paint quality will be superior to the STi paint too. I couldn't care less about the included stereo. That's always the first thing to go in every car I buy. It also felt more roomy in the back seat when compared to a WRX.

So if I like the EVo so much, why would I rather have an STi that I've never driven?

I wouldn't have even considered the STi if it hadn't come with a 2.5 block. For me, just the fact that the Evo is making 271 with a 2.0L engine and a twinscroll turbo keeps me from buying it. I'm looking at power potential. There seems to be a lot more to be had more easily in the STi than the Evo. Though it is possible that even with identical tires on both cars, that the Evo will out handle the STi, I have no doubt that the STi will handle very very well, and that is good enough for me. After swapping the turbo in the STi for a larger unit, there will still be plenty of low end torque to suppliment your needs until the turbo kicks in. I doubt the same can be said for the Evo. The exterior is liveable once I shorten the hood scoop and remove the wing. The interior, though tacky with all that blue shytt mixxed wtih red-lit gauges and a green-lit clock is tacky as a living room in the early 70's, is still better than the blah blah interior of the Evo. Though the seats in the Evo were very supportive, the seats were a bit firm and could be uncomforatble on longer trips with less than perfect roads. That's cool for me, but not so cool for some of my passengers. 5sp vs. 6sp doesn't really sway me one way or the other. The fact that the STi has a better designed and stronger gearbox than the WRX is what I like.

 

self. Are you buying the car to impress others? strictly street? track only? mix street and track? Would you have good, close dealer support? Answer these and the choice gets easier.

2

 

mostly street and some ocassions off road to get to some local biking trails. Also for the purpose of making a mockery out of civics, acura and all the modified **** boxes that **** with me everyday because they think that a Type R sticker adds another 100hp, as well as making them look bad in front of their girlfriends.

 

Dropped by the Mitsu dealer on the way to CostoCo on Sunday. They had one Evo being prepped for delivery.

As it was being prepped for delivery, I didn't get to drive it, but YOWZA, it's much better looking than in pictures! Sat in it. All business. My wife liked the looks better than my WRX, I am still undecided. First thing she asked was "wow, are those wheels standard equipment?"

The salesperson was trying her best to compare the Evo and the STi but tripping all over herself: "the radiator thing is horizontal on the STi, but it's up front on the Evo... and... errr... that makes some sort of difference" I couldn't help cutting her off to tell her, the INTERCOOLERS both do their jobs just fine, they're just in different places. Anyway, she lost all credibility with me (then she made ME close the hood!).

Then the salesperson told me that they are asking $10K over MSRP. I laughed and told her that I wasn't interested in doing business with her dealership.

I also told her about the Internet blacklists.

So for you blacklisters out there, Bob Baker Mitsubishi, Carlsbad, CA goes on your list.

Nevertheless, the Evo was a pleasant surprise. I didn't want to admit it, but it's a damn good looking car. I don't think I can get over the 19 psi boost though...

 

Quite a few postings on evolutionm.net about Evo transmissions going south:

Click Here

 

I know 2 dealers are doing the msrp deal.
Miller Mitsu in Van Nuys (contact Adam)
and Thousand Oaks Mitsu.