Evo 9 Estate Auto / Flappy Paddle ....

[XJSJohn]

Anyone had any experiance with them?

Looking for something fun and sporty that can transport the two dogs in great speed and style.

Also seeking an Auto as the missus does not "get" cogs, but hankering after a set of flappy paddles as never had them before.

I will still have the porker for some real raw fun but seeking something practical (ish)

So are they any good, anything i should be looking out for, are they the lemons of the EVO generations or still good?

eta - this one http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info.php?ID=605...

Don't do a currency exchange, it will only make me cry ...

Edited by XJSJohn on Friday 25th September 08:56

[Risotto]

I'm not fully up-to-speed with the new IVA rules - but assuming an Evo estate isn't a problem, it would make an interesting proposition. In the future. Seriously, you'd have to find a real bargain before it made sense to bring anything over in the current climate. You've also got the additional costs of handling, shipping, insurance, customs duty, VAT, prepping for road registration, etc, etc.

Edited by Risotto on Saturday 26th September 11:31

[fluffnik]

The Evo 7(?) GTA has wheel mounted gearshift `rockers`, not sure in there's a wagon.

It has basically the same tiptronic INVECS II 'box as the Legnum VR4 - no wheel mounted shifters on the Legnum though, and fitting the GTA wheel is distinctly non trivial as a friend is finding out...

The Legnum VR4 which shares the Evo's AYC equipped AWD system is a hoot to drive but seriously juicy - 17mpg is much easier than 22mpg

[XJSJohn]

sorry guys should have stated - I live in Singapore, the car will be staying here!!!

Just looking for some more open opinion than the local market which can be rather blinkered!

[cptsideways]

I've owned loads of VR-4 with the same gearbox, it's ok, in fact very good I'm sure the addition of flappy paddles on the steering would only make things better.

Always liked the look of the oddball estate versions

[Carfiend]

How about a Nissan Stagea?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Stagea

Basically an Estate with a Skyline engine. You can get Tiptronic Autos as well as normal manuals. Comes in RWD or 4WD versions with or without a Turbo.

[GravelBen]

A Stagea is a lot bigger than a Lancer wagon though if that matters. Of course I'd prefer a Subaru myself but I don't recall hearing anything bad about the Evo wagons so they must be fairly good too.

[XJSJohn]

Cheers Guys, the Stagias were never type approved here so none exist.


The Scooby Legacy Wagons i do like, but 2.5 & 3l engines are much higher on road tax (like GBP1,000 PA more) than a (just) sub 2 litre and i suspect that the 2l scooby would feel underpowered.

Plus the Legacy is Singapore's version of the Rep in an Audi ....

and i do like the idea of a very unusual car!! (see my current daily driver)

however the other suggestions asppreciated - Singa is a strange place for owning cars

[GravelBen]

XJSJohn said:

The Scooby Legacy Wagons i do like, but 2.5 & 3l engines are much higher on road tax (like GBP1,000 PA more) than a (just) sub 2 litre and i suspect that the 2l scooby would feel underpowered.

You missed the (just under) 2.0 turbo Legacies but fair play for wanting something a bit different.

[XJSJohn]

GravelBen said:

XJSJohn said:

The Scooby Legacy Wagons i do like, but 2.5 & 3l engines are much higher on road tax (like GBP1,000 PA more) than a (just) sub 2 litre and i suspect that the 2l scooby would feel underpowered.

You missed the (just under) 2.0 turbo Legacies but fair play for wanting something a bit different.

whats the performance like on them??

[GravelBen]

Swift but subtle - 280bhp manual/260bhp auto, the (2nd/3rd gen) twin turbo versions have a much wider, smoother power delivery than single turbo Subarus which doesn't always feel as fast but is rather effective. 4th gen Legacies (03-09) went back to a single twinscroll turbo which is also apparently very good, but I haven't driven one myself to compare.

Not quite as rapid as an STi Impreza at low speed due to more weight (1500kg) and higher gearing, but make up the difference with longer legs at higher speeds, and a much nicer, comfier place to clock up the miles. A bit more grown-up all round I suppose.

The '98 Legacy GTB held the world record as the fastest production station wagon(/estate) for a while at 270km/h until the Audi RS6 bet it.

[XJSJohn]

GravelBen said:

stuff

Interesting, will add it to the list of cars to take for a test drive. It will be a 4th Gen car as people just don't do old here, anything that is past 5 years old has probably already been "scrapped" to export markets!!

[excersizer]

Good choice, they're so rare I've only ever seen 2 on the road so far...

How about the Airtrek Turbo? Same internals as the Evo but heaps more space!

http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info.php?ID=618...

Getting a bit old though.

[XJSJohn]

excersizer said:

Good choice, they're so rare I've only ever seen 2 on the road so far...

How about the Airtrek Turbo? Same internals as the Evo but heaps more space!

http://www.sgcarmart.com/used_cars/info.php?ID=618...

Getting a bit old though.

I looked at one of them a few years ago, it just felt too "up high" for the performance .... difficult to explain i guess, lovely engine and performance but it just didn't quite do it.

There are 2 evo wagons for sale on SGCarmart at the moment (i know a little about one from the guys at Garage R) and i also know of a white one that lurks around Siglap Hill too.

[GravelBen]

XJSJohn said:

GravelBen said:

stuff

Interesting, will add it to the list of cars to take for a test drive. It will be a 4th Gen car as people just don't do old here, anything that is past 5 years old has probably already been "scrapped" to export markets!!

Personal taste always comes into it so drive one and see what you think. A Legacy is a bigger, more refined car than an Evo or Impreza - could be a pro or con depending on your perspective.

[XJSJohn]

GravelBen said:

- could be a pro or con depending on your perspective.

my perspective, how to rapidly and efficiently move the wife and two Border Collies about the place. Estate car for less than $80k that has a (just) under 2 litre engine for road tax.