I plan on getting out of my Explorer XLT and into a used EVO this time next year, a little early to discuss but I figure I am getting one no matter what so I might as well start soaking up information now. I was thinking of a 2003 because they are cheaper, on the other hand I considered an RS because they are cheaper and have a sort of sleeper approach to them. I was wondering what the better year to buy would be, spend less for a 2003 and get the first year bugs or spend more for the 2004? What are some first year glitches of these cars, anything to look out for... alot of SRT-4 owners and STi owners like to bash this car, I want to take the best purchase route and get the best EVO I can with 20-30k on it, they say that they ALL get beat no matter how nice they look so that worries me... I want this to be a kick a$$ reliable monster and I plan on nothing more than minor mods and I won't buy one unless it is bone stock.

 

sleeper approach? excuse me? what do you plan to do with your evo? drag race on the streets all the time?

 

No, I think you took it the wrong way... What happens when you take off the wing of the STi... the badges and put some stock WRX rims on it? or hell, even keep the stock BBS STi rims... You get people thinking that it's just another 2.5 RS with a scoop and rims or "just another WRX". It is kinda cool knowing what you really have but they do not, I know no matter how you slice it you can't hide the fact that it is an EVO but I know for sure if I were a few cars back with no wing I would not be able to tell the difference, I am a fan of the subtle look... that's all. Don't get me wrong I love the regular ones alot better but... I am by no means one of those crazy morons buying an EVO to beat it to death or act like a 2 Fast 2 Furious jacka$$.

 

i have a good freind with the STI "sleeper" look going on. no wing, no badges, ect. if you are interested in this, we should be having another get together in the portland (oregon i assume) area, and you are more than welcome to show. check the NW regional boards, as we are trying to get/stay a little bit more active. i probably wouldnt buy a used evo, unless i knew the owner. you said you are looking to spend 20-30k, and you definately could get into a 8 rs, or gsr for well under 30k, especially in oregon (no taxes) anyway pm me with questions, i know most of the owners around via this board and know where most of them got there cars, and how the different dealers are. good luck on your search, and i am glad to see that you are doing some research before you just jump into this. make sure that you understand problems, maintenance costs, fuel costs, ect. it will help you in the long run. i dont want to see another "i cant afford my evo anymore" or "how come no one told me the tires would only last 10k" thread. good luck, pm me with questions.

 

It's a HIGH performance, nearly track ready, sports car...why in the world
would anyone WANT TO baby it?!

In the Chicago area there were a lot of EVO's going to guys who used them as penile implants and garage queens. You don't buy a car like the EVO or STi so that you
can drive it slowly, worrying something might break. These car are for driving enthusiasts, emphasis on "driving".

The "sleeper" look is very nice.

T

 

A$$hole =/

 

Buy the 03 dude. Just remember if the RS is your thing remember it has no ABS =/
as far as first year bugs the only thing i can think of is the Clutch which we all know is a problem for every year. that would be the only thing i see you needing. UNless the A$$hat that owned the car before you did some 7k launches then well you know TC , tranny, and diffs may be hurtin just be sure to test drive a new one first before you take out the used so you can compare. GL on ur purchase.

BTW remember there are 50 states in this country and all of them sell evos check surrounding states for good deals too. your only a 75 dollar plane ticket and a great drive home from your dream car.

 

evolved04, I was reffering to 20-30k miles on a used EVO. I thought of buying new however I never knew the RS has no ABS, that's a big deal. I am definately getting into one but yes I am doing homework ahead of time so come buy time I am locked cocked and ready to rock, knowledge is power and I will soak it up like a sponge.

 

Here is what the RS doesn't have that I know of. Power windows, power locks, rear wing, A/C (04 and newer I think has A/C just not 03), HIDs, radio, sound deading material, color matching mirrors and door handles, keyless entry (of course). So all of that is something to consider as well. Just thought this might help you make your mind up.

 

Yeah, there are things I can live without and things I cannot. I can deal with the absence of the wing, the door hinges are no big deal though it kinda sucks, the HID's can be just as cool with xenon bulbs as if it really had them haha. I wish you could add certain things to the RS, so have it semi stripped. I just saw the japanese release site for the EVO IX and the EVO IX RS had no recaros, just regular seats... NO RIMS! just junky base model honda element type things, it was gross. I sure as hell hope they don't try to sell the RS with no rims.

 

EVOe1ght, They sell them like that to accomodate the race teams and tuners who buy them. They want to install their own full-on race seats to accomodate 5-point harness, their own full-on racing wheels, etc.

For instance, there is a stream of take-off wheels, seats and other STi components that come out of Prodrive as a byproduct of their rally car preparations.