I own an RS. Last night my evo badge was pried off by vandals, apparently a pocket knife was used, and in the process the punk SCRATCHED my paint in the area surrounding what used to be the badge, so I can't just simply by another badge and paste it on. I must, in addition, deal with the scratched paint that surrounds the badge. I obtained 2 estimates: both around $350--includes repainting the trunk and new badges.

My OPTIONS:

1) Have the trunk re-painted and have the origional badges pasted on.

2) Have the trunk re-painted and have the aftermarket "EVOLUTION VIII" badge--the one in big letters-- installed INSTEAD of the origional badges (that come on an RS: Just: "lancer." "evolution" and the mitsu emblem.)

CONSIDERATIONS:
1) I would prefer the look of the aftermarket badge.
2) However, I am concerned that it buying the aftermarket badge will take away from the origionality of the RS. My car is stock; and I intend to keep it that way. Also, I enjoy the rarity of the RS. Also, I recently read a topic in the general forum regarding the fact that used RS generally sell for about the same price as used EVO VIIIs. Given that, do you think it would decrease the market value to add the aftermarket EVO VIII badge?

--Basically what I'm wanting to know: Would installing the EVO VIII badge be viewed by fellow EVO owners as a departure from the RS' origionality and/or decrease resale value? (Keep in mind that my evo will remain completely STOCK.)

THANKS

 

Someone needs a hug from a nice carbon-fiber trunk. ^.^

 

I would go after a cf trunk myself, otherwise I would just have it repainted and leave off all badges so it won't happen again.

 

i have the badge.... why would it be a departure? Its still an evolution its not like your a lancer tryign to be one. I think your just thinking too much lol just put them on, and plus how can badges lower ur value

 

I would just paint the exterior of a Carbon Fiber trunk. As for the emblem... I like the Mitsu Diamonds with the USDM small "Evolution" badge only. Or Get the UK "Evolution VII" Badge and just put the "Evolution" part on it, of couse with the Mitsu Diamonds.

 

Other than weight savings, are there any advantages to a CF trunk?

So, if I decide to go with the UK "EVOLUTION" badge, I should leave off the VIII? (The logic being that an RS is not an VIII, right?)

So, basically, putting the stock badges back on (rather than the afterlarket EVOLUTION badge) is kinda silly--perhaps I'm overreacting about the loss in market value thing? (But--since the car is remaining stock--wouldn't the EVOLUTION badge turn off a buyer looking for an all-stock evo RS?)

 

Is the 'RS' only made for the US? If not, do overseas models have a special RS badge?

 

You are going to find that 90 % of people will have no idea what badges are on what cars, so quit worrying about it. Just do what ever you think looks good and don't worry about what others think.

 

I own an RS and I seriously doubt that the car is ever going to be a collectors item (at least in the next 20 years). The car will steadily depreciate for at least the next 10 years. While it is true that a modded car is usually worth less in the used car market than stock. the emblems are not enough for the car to be considered modded.

I say do what you want with the car and ignore possible minor effects on resale value.

In general cars make very poor investments, especially new cars, especially Japanese cars (in America there are no wildly valuable Japanese collector cars), especially sedans regardless of performance.

 

go cf trunk no badges....still have that rs look.

 

this is what i would do: carbon fiber trunk for sure. you already have no wing so no worry of holes or ever having to put holes in it, since you want to keep it an RS. get you a carbon fiber trunk then get the UK badge, the "EVOLUTION VIII". you can just use the evolution part and keep off the VIII, or you can use both. either way that silver badge will look tight as hell on a CF trunk. dont worry about badging man i wouldnt worry about it decreasing value of your car. also dont worry that you have an RS. while you have an RS, you sill have an evo 8 RS. you can badge it either way IMO.

 

^^^^ditto

 

I assume when you say get a CF truck, you're implying that I leave it the CF color (and don't paint it Red), correct?

Well, I'm starting to agree that using the UK badge will not significantly depart from being stock, BUT doesn't it seem that using an unpainted CF trunk would definitely make it look UN-stock?

[PS: Question: Generally when removing badges, may they be removed without paint damage?]

 

though it may not appear stock....it will be designed the same as a stock trunk. Also, you have an RS, a cf trunk would be further functional for the weight redux.


ps. badges are easy to remove with heat gun and adhesive remover.

 

the rs has an aluminum trunk.. no way does the cf trunk weigh less then the rs trunk. so why in the world would you buy a cf trunk and then pain it. You should either replace it with a cf trunk and leave it.. or have the stock trunk repainted.