Almost 48k on my '03, still on stock everything.

 

2003 EVOs are just fine, they do have a little more issues than other EVOs from my understanding, but performance wise they are still awesome cars.

 

How has the evo gotten worse? Have you read much about what tuners are doing with minimal mods on the IX thus far?

"Pampered doucebags"? Are you talking about people who want a car to perform well out of the box?

 

Bought my used Tarmac 03' VIII a couple months ago and have been lovin' it since. It came with an intake, exhaust, and boost gauge, but it only had 10K miles, so I went for it. It's been great! Planning to mod some more, but gotta get priorities outta the way.

The only thing that came up the other night was the CEL for the dreaded P0300 code(random misfire w/plugs or wires), but upon "searching" I see that it's common for alot. Not worried. I just reset the comp and it's gone away for now. But the car was not driving any different, still pulled nicely.

 

I'm on my second [both purchased used] 03. No year model related issues here...and I like the money I save buying low milage 03's in great condition

Most of the issues you find on this forum are related to the way the Evo was treated, not the way it was built.

$.02

 

this is funny, the minute new model comes out tons of poeple say that its not good. the 03 model got the most press and it was the car that was described as the best car in the US, why would that change? it is still the same car and if you are buying a well taken care of one, it is still amazing. just for fun, why don't you ask people if they would buy an evo 6 if they had a chance and see what they say....

 

Having frequented a lot of threads even before purchansing an '03 in Sept. I do think that the EVO got a couple of minor materials "downgrades" in '03. First is the T-Case. Getrag who actually built the Front Diff. which is inside the T-Case and is actually the breakable part there, has a four spider gear design that was not put into the USDM EVO. I also believe the clutch material experienced a downgrade which may have been an engineer's decision once the Front Diff. was determined to be a little dicey on its production runs.

Additionally the USDM EVO got a front bumper bar (weight) and a non-adjustable wing. Other than those things, I'm still estatic Mistu. has brought over the EVO. Frankly (jabbing at Subaru) the EVO is the market segment leader. The platform is nimble and usable. Its a little less powerful in the raw displacement catagory, but you can't beat an inline four in terms of turbo characteristic and driveability.

Another factor is for the most part the EVO chassis is practically the same across the board. We all hear stories of "Subaru short stroker motor, blah, blah, on the blah blah chassis." The last time I checked, the EVO over in EU and Japan has the same chassis and engine worldwide. That's extremely powerful in terms of being able to find parts and support, even in the midst of some harsh MMNA financial problems.

Cheers,

~j.

 

You could also say.. Would you drive an 02 WRX? In 2001-2002, it was a great value because there wasn't much to compete with on that platform.. But times are different and we have the Evo, STi, etc. Our expectations get raised more and more with cars as improvements are made. So we get spoiled. There's my theory..

 

Mine has been perfect. It's lightly modded, but I know what I'm doing and I don't fall for any of the "fad mods" and even wait to see what the results are on aftermarket fluids before I put anything other than stock in my car. 42k on my 03 and it runs like a champ. NO problems other than wing/caliper replacement....even on the stock clutch which is perfect as well. You treat an Evo right and it will return the favor.

 

^ +1

 

I would take an VI if someone gave it to me but I wouldnt trade or get rid of my 03; this is fair weather friend mantaility that some people have and that is where the misinformation and hype comes from.

Each model will have its problems and benefits; Just buy what you like and be careful the car wasnt beaten on or abused. This could happen with an 03, 04, 05, 06 etc etc etc.

 

Yeah, the good thing about Evos is that you can usually tell if one has been abused. My car feels like a damn luxury car compared to about half the evos I've ridden in. Maybe I'm different, but I don't want a loud bov/exhaust/cams loping at idle.....so I don't

 

I have 30k miles on my 2003. The car has had about 300WHP for a little over a year. I haven't had a single problem with the car. Surprisingly I'm still on the stock clutch and hit holds the power like a champ.

To me the only decent sized perk the 05s have over the 03s is the front limited slip diff. Most people wont even use what it has to offer them but it does remove a weak link in the 03s. As for the rest of the stuff like the hotside, thats a $250 mod that I consider minor and not worth making an issue about.

A decent sized perk the 03s have over the 05+ evo is HIDs. Everyone got them so there was no need for SSL or the MR. After having a car with HID's I will never own another one without.

Instead of waiting for the next best thing you might as well buy an EVO now and enjoy it. The good times I've had in this car have provided much more enjoyment than buying a new car and getting bent over as I drive it off the lot.

The EVO is a very stout car. They were made for the style of driving that some call abuse. Even EVO's that have been driven hard and put away wet will last well beyond 100k miles.

 

My 03 has been great! 25000 miles and not one single problem.
She's been to Mid-Ohio for 3 track events and Gingerman twice!

 

My 03 has been great! Not a single problem with it (knock on wood). I've had it (new) since April of 04 and I hope to keep it as my daily driver when the Evo 10 comes out.