Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX FQ-340: Spotted

Pining for the old days of Evo versus Impreza? This 900-mile FQ-340 can take you right back

Just when you think you've seen every possible car emerge near-unused from a car collection, up pops a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX. Whatever next, a £30K 205 GTI? Oh...

In all seriousness though, if ever there was a car designed explicitly not to remain stationary in a collection, it's a Mitsubishi Evo. It's hardly one you're going to sit there and admire, is it?

Well hello stranger!

Moreover, few concessions were made to comfort and luxury specifically to make it even better to drive. The rally heritage, the yaw control, the clever diffs - everything was there to make the Lancer Evo a car to grab by the scruff and drive as hard as possible for as long as possible. Well, until it very quickly ran out of fuel.

Still, that's what's happened here, and it makes for quite an interesting discussion subject. The first point being just how far fast and four-wheel drive cars have come in the past decade. Back in the mid-2000s there wasn't anything quicker from A-B - or anywhere - than an Impreza or an Evo. Today you can buy a 300hp Golf or a 380hp Mercedes A-Class with four-wheel drive, both completely daft prospects back then.

Of course where cars like this Evo IX FQ-340 will surpass the modern alternatives is in raw excitement and fun. A good Evo will remain one of the sharpest, most thrilling driving cars around, particularly as even performance cars become ever more aloof and Haldex 4WD dominates. Should weigh quite a few kilos less than a Focus RS too...

The Evo IX was regarded by many as the last of the proper Evos, before the X took things in a (slightly) more mature direction. Some may covet more power than a 340, but it would appear to strike a nice compromise between the base models and the wild 400.

"Drive me, drive me, drive me, drive me"

Despite the specification, it remains an odd one to tuck away in the hope of appreciation. It's not done much so far (the new price was £33K), but could it be due its time soon? If there ever is another Evo, it will be a very different car, which could lead to people clamouring for the old ones. Stranger things have happened in the used car market...

Surely though the greater temptation would be to get out and drive it, remind yourself why a generation of enthusiasts coveted these type of cars and have a jolly good time in the process. With that logic though you would probably want a less pristine car, this blue FQ-320 appearing a prime candidate at half the money.

It's a tricky one, for sure. Arguably the best cars for collections are those which are very pretty and very in demand, but not that great to drive. However if you want a great driver's car to enjoy, you probably don't want a pristine one. Hmm.

What would you do? Could the last proper Evo be an appreciating asset? And who dares mention Imprezas first? Over to you!

MITSUBISHI EVO IX
Engine: 1,997cc, 4-cyl turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 350@6,750rpm
Torque (lb ft): 321@5,000rpm
MPG: Poor
CO2: 334g/km
First registered: 2005
Recorded mileage: 895
Price new: £32,999
Price now: £35,000