I have the chance to trade my 00 S2000 in for an 03 Evo. The reason I am considering this trade is because Im looking for something alittle more practical. I realize the performance of the two are comparable, but I fear the build quality is not. I am yet to have a single problem after 50k miles of beating on my S, and I would like to retain the same track record with an Evo, if I purchase one.

I know the 4g63 is near indestructable but I have read of issues with the transfer case and front diff. Along with that I hear there are a good number of rattles and what not in the cabin.

I guess my question is, have you had enough enough issues or complaints with your Evo to consider selling it? Thanks.

 

i just got an 03 evo not too long ago...about a month and so far no problems. it only had 17000 miles on it. i guess the problem with them is the clutch and transfer case, but i'm not gonna test it to see if it's true. i'm just gonna get a ACT clutch and i have a tuner friend that's looking into the transfer case problem...he's trying to find out how to reinforce it.

just get the evo.....i use to have an 01 s2000. i loved that car too, i almost bought another one until i started looking into EVOs

 

i love my evo but it is no honda. Hondas hold up good and hold there value way better then a mitsubihi. If its a good deal i would do it, but you will miss the looks of the s2k. Evo is no where near as nice looking IMO

 

Though I don't have an Evo yet, I am still able to answer your question, or some of it atleast.

Every car is gonna have its issues, you can't get away from that. However, when talking about the Evo, every Evo can be different. There are Evo's that are flawless when it comes to problems, and there are Evo's that are full of problems. Another thing I might add, is that it all matters on how you take car of your car, if you don't beat the crap out of it, and get the regular check ups, etc. You should be fine.

Now with issues, I have read about the Evo. I have read how the stock clutch has problems for a lot of people. I have also seen people mention that their Recaro seats have some small tolerable problems. Other than that, I haven't seen too much concerning the Evo and problems.

Don't forget, the Evo is a 'race car' in some sense. Therefore it is a bumpy ride to some people. Its just something you have to get used to, if you like that car.

Also, the S2k is a very nice car. But, where I sit now.. I would take an Evo over it, because I am just so in love with the Evo, and have wanted one for a good year or two now!

Hope this helps.

 

The EVO is not for everyone. The fact that you are concerned about comfort or "Honda build quality" do not bode well for you as an EVO owner. The EVO outperforms the S2000 and has awd, a backseat, 4 doors and a real trunk.

I find that the EVO is built like a tank. I have 12,000 miles on mine, including at least 3,000 racetrack miles. I beat on it all day long and nothing has ever broken.

But it's not a Lexus. Make your own decision.

 

It's just difficult.

I have a great car now and that only compounds the difficulty of the decision.

Im going to go test drive the Evo again. What should I listen/look/feel for? Keeping in mind its an 03.

 

Someone mention the price...

11k miles
'03
Pristine condition
$26,000 out the door.

 

I got an absolutely perfect (sans warped rotors that were fixed under warranty) 03 with 20k on the clock for 23,500.

I'm not sure if you mean out the door when you say out the door, but my definition of out the door is: Cost of Car + Tax, Title and Tags. My cost out the door was probably like....um....I think it was like 26k

 

I mean absolutely everything you mentioned.

The more I think about it the more I think I will enjoy the car.

Im still alittle weary on the reliability however.

 

i dont think that the evo will hold up as well as your s2000. its a different beast

 

forbes rates the evo8 as having the best resale value or somethign alogn those lines

 

J/K. As for build quality, service, and comfort, an EVO is no Honda.

 

I think you will find that the Evo is actually a very sturdy car. It gets a bit of a bad rap in regards to clutches and transfer cases as they generally fail due to abuse.
If your thing is drag racing, you are going to have problems. If you slip the clutch heavily on launch you are going to burn the clutch up. If you dump the clutch and spin the front wheels and generate wheel hop then you will damage the spider gears in the front diff requiring replacement of the transfer case.

There are a couple things to look for when buying a used Evo.
1) If there are any records. Look for a pattern of abuse i.e. transfer case and clutch replacement
2) Check with the Dealer to make sure it is still under warrantee. Mitsubishi has voided many warrantees due to modding.
3) Check the color of the brake calipers. Of they are no longer bright red but instead a darker burgundy then the car has probably been tracked.
4) As with any car, do a PPI. Make sure the compression is still solid and that there are not signs that a bunch of mods that were recently removed.

I have not even considered selling my Evo yet. At the same mileage with my WRX I was already bored and had bought a Porsche in addition. I personally believe that it is a great car. It is, however, not for everyone.

BTW – the best way to strengthen the TC is to replace the diff is this is what primarily fails. Do a search on Quaife.

 

If launching the car is a form of entertainment for you look elsewhere. The Evo is such a fun car to drive that it begs to be driven hard which it is built to do. Just no launches.

The S2000 just does not have the torque that the Evo does so the Evo transmission is heavier and does not click through the gears like an S2000. It would be best to try drive it from a cold start in the morning to pick up any transmission issues. It will not just snap into gear but a nice slow deliberate shift should always make it in. If not consider another Evo. If it is pretty good shifting from a cold start then it should be good. The shifting can be improved a bit latter when you own it.

Also do a carfax check on it.

 

if u want performance...go for da evo...if u want comfort stick with s2000