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
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!
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"
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
See the original advert here.
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Why is it called an FQ-340 when it has 350hp? I find it interesting how the rise of the ever-faster hot hatch has pushed the likes of the Scooby / evo out of the market-place. They could have moved the HP game on more to compensate this but the aftermarket already has this covered so owners would just tune existing models.
Great car but not exactly a classic nor rare, I'd rather a well used well modified example for a substantial amount less!
Great car but not exactly a classic nor rare, I'd rather a well used well modified example for a substantial amount less!
if the owner of this 900 mile car had bought a 360 instead then he'd be looking at a much better profit
? Why is it called an FQ-340 when it has 350hp? I find it interesting how the rise of the ever-faster hot hatch has pushed the likes of the Scooby / evo out of the market-place. They could have moved the HP game on more to compensate this but the aftermarket already has this covered so owners would just tune existing models.
I'll take rally character over fake engine noise and seamless dual-clutch gearshifts any day though.
That said, given some of the mechanical issues some owners have had with older evos, I can imagine the low mileage might tempt a real fan.
Unfortunately the most expensive to run too, with the mileage I do an order of magnitude above anything else I've had, which is quite an achievement!
Would love one as a toy but sadly doesn't really fit in with my needs and life anymore
1st post
Sounds like Terminator.
Next post may read (phonetically) 'I vont your close, your booots unt your motasickle '
End of mankind
Tesla therefore gets its way with driverless-vehicles...
As for 'the blue car' mentioned in the narrative, check out Clives Prestige Cars / Cheshire Performance who are selling that particular car; they have a FB group dedicated to them, basically tales of woe about the cars, the after sales (or lack of) and problems with their cars.
I accompanied a friend to there premises to view an Impreza V-Limited despite me warning him against them. I was proven right, the car was truly shocking, the sales person indifferent and lacking in product knowledge etc.
As it happened, an identical model turned up a couple of miles from his home in great condition, which he bought.
Back to Stigmata69's claim that this is the best drivers car ever, on what would be based? Gordon Murray (Ex Brabham F1) might say his McLaren F1 design, or perhaps a Lotus Elan, motoring press people suggested that the Honda Integra DC2 is the best-handling FWD car ever, etc.
If that is the opinion of a 'dealer and a driver'', then I'm not sure I would be spending my hard-earned on his stock, which sounds like it would be solely Evo IX examples...
I just can't get that excited by some dull VAG car making 300bhp like I could about these old monsters. The old rally reps were so much more dramatic and exciting, but I suppose it was typical of that era that cars just felt more lively and exciting. The first Lancer Evolution I ever drove was an Eco VIII, it felt savagely fast but the most impressive thing was the accuracy of the chassis, it really had the poise to just go where you wanted it. I've always loved that cornering characteristic of the rally reps, where you could turn the nose in early and let the back end slide round. Magic and drama at every bend.
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