Will I Regret getting an Evo

Will I Regret getting an Evo

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Jazzy Jefferson

Original Poster:

728 posts

140 months

Saturday 11th July 2015
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Hi All,

It's an old argument... Impreza or Evo.

My current car is an Impreza Turbo 2000, So the classic shape. It's a great car and I don't really want to change. However, rust is beginning to take over and it's simply not going to be worth repairing the bodywork.
I think it may be time to upgrade to something a little newer. So I was thinking an EVO 8, most likely the FQ300 variant as the MR stretches the budget a bit.

The problem is, I test drove an EVO 8 a few years back and didn't find it that exciting. It's a perfectly competent car, and one that I really want to love. But I'm just worried that the initial test drive has left me feeling a bit...meh and that I might regret the change.

I'd like a newer car as the classic Impreza is clearly dated inside. I can't think of anything else to change to, other than another impreza, but I think for similar money, the Evo is the better car. Especially as I do need something that will last a fair few years. I tend to run these as daily drives.

Thought and opinions?


Heaveho

5,279 posts

173 months

Saturday 11th July 2015
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I owned an X plate early shape Turbo 2000 for a couple of years before buying, what was at the time, an almost new '03 plate Evo 8 GSR. I ran them both for a further couple of years, but as I grew into the Evo, and learnt what it was capable of, I lost interest in the Impreza and sold it. In handling terms, I'd compare it to using a blunt knife to a scalpel. 12 years on I still have the Evo, now modified with, among other things, the Mivec head, turbo, ecu and inlet manifold from a 9, along with Bilsteins, big brake kit and lightweight wheels.

I've had lots of other, more exotic stuff during the years I've had the Evo, but they've all come and gone, the Evo is something I've come to regard as virtually irreplaceable. The fact that a well maintained one is also extraordinarily reliable is just a bonus. They're a bit of a step up to run in financial terms compared to an Impreza, mine's generally a 20 to the gallon car, and tyres and frequent service intervals add to the pain, but if you can stomach that, they're a massively rewarding car to throw down a country road. Dealers are largely a waste of time, there's loads of Indies across the country who know what they're doing, and charge sensibly.

If you can stretch to it, I'd buy one of the last 9s, if you want one to have the best chance of holding it's value, a standard or lightly modified 360 would be a reasonable bet, but any of the lower power 9 models can be made to develop more or less 400 brake very reliably and relatively simply.

Alternatively, if it has to be an 8, loads to choose from with sensible miles, still easy to mod, no less reliable than the 9. If you look at any, check for rust underneath, especially on cars that aren't official imports, check on the dash display that only 1 green light is illuminated on the AYC ( if all 3 are on, budget £600 for a fix ), listen for top mount knocks, and make sure there are sheafs of paperwork proving when stuff like belts and fluids were changed. Mine had a heater matrix at 10 years old, it's quite common at that age, and the dash has to come out ( £360 for the matrix itself ). Another occasional issue is water getting past the n/s wheel arch liner, finding it's way into an electrical connector up there, which then allows it to get into the car.......this"ll become apparent when things like the wipers won't switch off, even with the keys removed! Again, relatively easy fix. Generally not a problematic car if looked after.

Sods law, all the above waffle about them being reliable, and it looks like the aircon compressor may be having a freak out today! Thankfully no big deal, and not especially common.

Edited by Heaveho on Sunday 12th July 16:42

Jazzy Jefferson

Original Poster:

728 posts

140 months

Wednesday 15th July 2015
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Hi mate

Good info there, thanks for taking the time to write it all out.
I think I'm set on an 8. It allows for a bork fund then, should anything go wrong.

I'm still torn. As you'll know, the Subaru power delivery is exciting and fun, I didn't get the same excitement from an evo. It's almost too good a car. But I still want one biggrin


Heaveho

5,279 posts

173 months

Wednesday 15th July 2015
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Hi, no problem. I'm surprised by the comments about the power delivery, to me the Evo felt massively quicker from a standing start than the Impreza, even though the Evo was standard (280 or thereabouts) at the time I got it, and the Impreza was modified to circa 270 brake, so not a lot in it power wise. The 6 speed in the Evo helps in this respect.

Should have mentioned in the earlier post, the sweet spot is about 400 brake or a bit below, the standard 6 speed and the rods are known for their dislike of being asked to handle much more than that!

mmcd87

626 posts

202 months

Thursday 16th July 2015
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I'd buy a newage STI. It will feel like an upgrade in every way.

Jazzy Jefferson

Original Poster:

728 posts

140 months

Saturday 18th July 2015
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Heaveho said:
Hi, no problem. I'm surprised by the comments about the power delivery, to me the Evo felt massively quicker from a standing start than the Impreza, even though the Evo was standard (280 or thereabouts) at the time I got it, and the Impreza was modified to circa 270 brake, so not a lot in it power wise. The 6 speed in the Evo helps in this respect.

Should have mentioned in the earlier post, the sweet spot is about 400 brake or a bit below, the standard 6 speed and the rods are known for their dislike of being asked to handle much more than that!
I guess it's subjective. But in a straight line, my pokey 245bhp impreza feels a lot faster than an fq300. I am aware, the key word is "feels." There's no doubt in my mind the evo is faster, it just does it with less drama.

I'll be keeping the car standard. I like the idea of modifying, but I figure just buy a faster car.


Jazzy Jefferson

Original Poster:

728 posts

140 months

Saturday 18th July 2015
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mmcd87 said:
I'd buy a newage STI. It will feel like an upgrade in every way.
This is the other option I am considering. However for the same money I could have an evo wink choices choices... It's a tough life.

6MPS

9 posts

104 months

Sunday 19th July 2015
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Not an Evo but if you fancy a bit more refinement and more discrete looks then maybe a Mazda 6 MPS? I have a mildly modded one and it's a very capable car. Currently running around 320hp/320ft/lbs and not much on the road can keep pace. To get to this power only cost a grand as well. You can pick up a decent low mileage one for around 4-5 grand. They come as standard with full leather and power seats, xenon lights, awesome 6 disk bose sound system, mine also has factory sat-nav and rear parking sensors (optional extra). Personally I wouldn't swap if for any Subaru or Evo around the same age.


KarlMac

4,457 posts

140 months

Sunday 19th July 2015
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Hello. I've just swapped a stage one (300+ bhp) bug eye STI for a Lancer Evo 5.

As long as the Evo wont be your daily you wont regret it, its better in every way except engine note.

Jazzy Jefferson

Original Poster:

728 posts

140 months

Monday 20th July 2015
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KarlMac said:
Hello. I've just swapped a stage one (300+ bhp) bug eye STI for a Lancer Evo 5.

As long as the Evo wont be your daily you wont regret it
Jazzy_Jefferson said:
I tend to run these as dailys.

KarlMac

4,457 posts

140 months

Monday 20th July 2015
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Jazzy Jefferson said:
KarlMac said:
Hello. I've just swapped a stage one (300+ bhp) bug eye STI for a Lancer Evo 5.

As long as the Evo wont be your daily you wont regret it
Jazzy_Jefferson said:
I tend to run these as dailys.
Yeah I saw that after I posted boxedin

My evo is on polybushes and Tein coilovers, my commute is 4 miles of A roads and the commute is do-able. Wouldn't want to do much more (mainly due to servicing)

I used to do a 20 mile (each way) motorway commute in the Impreza. A combination of BC coilovers an optional 18" wheels and miltek turbo back exhaust means it wasn't great.

I imagine a std WRX or Evo 7/8 260 wont provide any commuting issues at all, but you may end up regretting not going for the STI/FQ.

Still prefer the way my Evo drives though. Although I do want another Impreza at some point.

I'm absolutely no help am I?

Jazzy Jefferson

Original Poster:

728 posts

140 months

Monday 20th July 2015
quotequote all
KarlMac said:
Yeah I saw that after I posted boxedin

My evo is on polybushes and Tein coilovers, my commute is 4 miles of A roads and the commute is do-able. Wouldn't want to do much more (mainly due to servicing)

I used to do a 20 mile (each way) motorway commute in the Impreza. A combination of BC coilovers an optional 18" wheels and miltek turbo back exhaust means it wasn't great.

I imagine a std WRX or Evo 7/8 260 wont provide any commuting issues at all, but you may end up regretting not going for the STI/FQ.

Still prefer the way my Evo drives though. Although I do want another Impreza at some point.

I'm absolutely no help am I?
hehehe, no worries biggrin

I guess it depends on what's available. I'd be happy with any of these cars really, whether STI/FQ or not.

All good thoughts mate, so certainly helpful. I'm useless.... now looking at an R34 GTT Skyline. It's something different... biggrin

UTH

8,865 posts

177 months

Thursday 23rd July 2015
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Get an Evo....better in every way and they're not seen all over the place like Imprezas are.

captainsl0w

69 posts

122 months

Friday 24th July 2015
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Jazzy Jefferson said:
Hi mate

Good info there, thanks for taking the time to write it all out.
I think I'm set on an 8. It allows for a bork fund then, should anything go wrong.

I'm still torn. As you'll know, the Subaru power delivery is exciting and fun, I didn't get the same excitement from an evo. It's almost too good a car. But I still want one biggrin
A standard 8 GSR - you are right given theyre only 260bhp (assuming youre targetting a UK model), but a healthy engine will do 400bhp reliably if maintained and the stock 8 turbo tops out at about 360bhp. Modifications to get there are simple and easy (fuel pump/boost controller/mappable ecu with a tune) and something many used ones have already had done especially given tge prevalence of cheaper management options (no expensive standalone job required).

rb5er

11,657 posts

171 months

Tuesday 28th July 2015
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UTH said:
Get an Evo....better in every way
Well certainly not in the noise or servicing stakes. Probably not as reliable either.

I still want an fq360 though. Great cars.

rb5er

11,657 posts

171 months

Tuesday 28th July 2015
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mmcd87 said:
I'd buy a newage STI. It will feel like an upgrade in every way.
I can certainly think of a few things that are more of a downgrade. But then all modern cars are getting fatter and fatter losing the feelings of lightness and nimble handling as well as compact size that made the old cars feel great.

Heaveho

5,279 posts

173 months

Tuesday 28th July 2015
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rb5er said:
Well certainly not in the noise or servicing stakes. Probably not as reliable either.

I still want an fq360 though. Great cars.
There is no question in my mind or experience as an owner of both Subarus and Evos, and as a processor of warranty claims in a previous life, that a well maintained Evo is a significantly more reliable proposition than a Subaru. Indeed, short of Lexus, they're arguably more reliable than anything else you care to name. Not necessarily cheaper though!

I've said it before, but Evos are extraordinarily reliable if you look after them.

rb5er

11,657 posts

171 months

Tuesday 28th July 2015
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Having experience of both and knowing a few owners having purchased both from new I can only disagree with you on that.

Not wishing to take the thread off topic though and I don't want to argue over it so agree to disagree.

Pyrolysis

319 posts

116 months

Tuesday 28th July 2015
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I do like the evo's and I've always regarded them as more capable than the Subaru but I really really want an Impreza WR1..

Soooooo sexy, and quick as fook smile

UTH

8,865 posts

177 months

Wednesday 29th July 2015
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rb5er said:
Well certainly not in the noise or servicing stakes. Probably not as reliable either.

I still want an fq360 though. Great cars.
To be honest if you want a car for the noise, there are shed loads of others in another league from either of the jap wagons, servicing fair enough Evo's are a bit more high maintenance, like any good bird wink