I am trying to decide between an 04-05 sti and an Evo VIII....I know all the obvious differences and have driven them both. Funny that the 05 evo I drove felt stronger than the 05 sti with more hp. I will have to buy either one used and would like to know all the flaws and problems to look out for that you dont notice at first glance.
Thanks

 

my main problem is I dont have one...

 

I can't stop driving mine...

 

my biggest problem with my EVO is that i am constantly having to buy new underwear

 

My turbo is in backwards so every time i hit the gas, i slow down and when i start it, it does a huge launch down the street. (Imagine trying to explain to your neighbor why your in his new flower bed with a car).

 

Clutch gave up at 23,000 miles.
Top of rear carbon fiber spoiler is cracking.
Brembo brake calipers, the red paint is peeling.

 

First off, the 05 STi does not have more hp, so you can erase that from your thought process.

Problems to look for on an 05?

1) Ensure the clutch is in good condition
2) Check for 5th gear grind
3) Check for excessive brake noise (squealing under light load is expected, but not all the time)
4) Check clear coat for damage on the wing

These problems aren't even necessarily prevalent on 05s, but moreso on Evos in general. I have had none of these problems so far in my first 6500 miles. The only thing I had was the annoying windshield rattle, but that became a TSB and got fixed for free.

 

1. Its too fast
2. It handles too damn good
3. Looks better
4. Doesn't have cheap scoops and spoilers

These are my major problems with my Evo

 

Funny thing is this is the very first new car that never gave me any issues or even a need to go in for warrenty work. Go figure My subaru had 3 items repared under warrenty with the same amount of mileage as the EVO.

 

Never enough gas and gas prices suck!

 

110 octane turbo blue gets expensive!

 

at 980 miles I have no problems...

except my breaks squeek under light load (when im slowing down to park or something, or coming slowly to a stop at a light). Evo guys, is this gunna go away? I know they are high performance brake pads, but will the squeek ever go away? Actually its not that big of a deal, i dont really care as long as its NORMAL.

 

10000 miles on my 05 and no problems what so ever, been to the track many times, clutch still holding strong, if u treat it right the car will last a long long time.

 

 

5k on my RS and no probs beside super thin cheap paint.. save your car, buy a clear bra