I think I want an Evo

[Walter Sobchak]

I’ve always appreciated them for what they do but when I’ve had a performance car before I’ve always gone for a different type-had a couple of TVRs and AMG Mercs, purely just fancy trying out a mental 4wd rally rep, I’ve not had a quick car for a while mostly making do with getting my thrills out of my bike instead.
The question is which one to go for?, the X looks appealing but I’ve heard it’s not as fun to drive as a VIII or IX?.
Then there’s the question of variants, I’m not planning an insane amount of mods or anything and I’d be happy with it either as standard or lightly modded to around 400 bhp.
Budget wise would be up to 17-18k which has got me looking at VIII FQ340s,IX FQ320s and X FQ360s.
It would not be a daily driver, I’d be keeping my trusty old tank of a Landcruiser for that.
Lastly what are the running costs like on them service wise?, are all variants every 4500 Miles, I’m fully aware it’s going to eat tyres!.

[Ahbefive]

iX fq360 is the one.

6monthly servicing is not a huge issue as its just an extra oil change a year really.

[Walter Sobchak]

Would it be worth buying a higher mileage 360 in budget than a lower mileage 320/340?.

[Butter Face]

Ahbefive said:

iX fq360 is the one.

6monthly servicing is not a huge issue as its just an extra oil change a year really.

This. They are sublime.

The company I work for used to have a Mitsubishi franchise, having a 9-360 for a weekend is one of my favourite memories. Lots of fuel, lots of fun, no stereo

[rsv gone!]

Walter Sobchak said:

Lastly what are the running costs like on them service wise?, are all variants every 4500 Miles, I’m fully aware it’s going to eat tyres!.

Running costs aren't too bad. £160ish for the minor service (4500) up to around £500 for the belt service (45,000).

They're actually not too bad on tyres. The whole sets wear pretty evenly. I used to get 12-15,000 out of a set, which was one set per year at the time. I get through more tyres in my 330D, and they're more expensive!

I ran one for 120,000 miles, as a daily. Lovely cars to drive. Brisk (as standard), with lovely steering. They dart for the apex.

[Walter Sobchak]

120k Miles daily driver, nice!, with the different power levels would doing basic mods to a 320/340/360 all make the same sort of power, so exhaust, filter,remap and inter cooler would all see similar gains?.

[Heaveho]

If you want the the Evo experience for a small outlay, early, pre MR VIIIs are probably the most overlooked cars and therefore cheap for what they are. Used Bilsteins from a 9 to take the edge off the ride and a few engine mods will give you most of the experience of the 9 for significantly less cost. There's nothing quite like an Evo on a fast road.

[ConnorW]

Have an Evo 8 RS and ran it as a daily for a year or so doing 60+ miles/day.

Would not change it for the world, such an intense and visceral driving experience that nothing else I've tried can hold a candle to.

Servicing not too much of an issue depending on the mileage you'll be doing. They do eat tyres and fuel like it's going out of fashion and I would recommend diving in! The MLR provides an amazing source of info regarding ownership; so much so membership basically pays for itself!

[hkz286]

watch out for rust, rust and more rust even the latest nines

couldn't quite comprehend how fast a friend of mines was and that wasn't even huge numbers

[Mandalore]

As above.

Check underneath for rust.

So many people bought imports and didn't underseal, because they weren't going to own it long enough. 10 years on and the tin worm has already taken hold.

[lucido grigio]

To preserve the value of his red Evo 6 TME ,my mate has gone out and bought a white TME as well.....

[Walter Sobchak]

I think I’ve narrowed it down to wanting an IX, so which to go for within budget, low met mileage FQ320 or higher mileage FQ360?, is the 360 worth the premium?, or if I’m going to do a remap, exhaust/intercooler will a 320 make the same sort of power anyway?.

[HedgeyGedgey]

Walter Sobchak said:

I think I’ve narrowed it down to wanting an IX, so which to go for within budget, low met mileage FQ320 or higher mileage FQ360?, is the 360 worth the premium?, or if I’m going to do a remap, exhaust/intercooler will a 320 make the same sort of power anyway?.

Yup, you'll pay for the badge and thats pretty much it. Stage 1 mods, so induction, exhaust+ decat and fuel pump will get to ~400/400. Thats on a 320 or 360, both use the 80 series turbo which is considered the best oem tubby

[Mandalore]

Walter Sobchak said:

I think I’ve narrowed it down to wanting an IX, so which to go for within budget, low met mileage FQ320 or higher mileage FQ360?, is the 360 worth the premium?, or if I’m going to do a remap, exhaust/intercooler will a 320 make the same sort of power anyway?.

360 will likely hold its residual value longer term, if you are intending to keep it longer.

If you are intending to own it for less than 3years, then buy a sensibly modified 320, with a good body and a confirmed good history.