Hi Guys,

I am probably the ULTIMATE stalker, ie I have been a member since late

2003—early 2003 & have enjoyed the interesting observations,extremely

informative advice & the numerous wise-*** comments (that are funny as all hell)

this site has for all to access but I had NEVER posted here before. I have an 03’

VIII which I purchased new in 4/03 which was left completely stock because it

was a daily commuter from L.I. to NYC.. Twenty six miles each way in stop & go

traffic but I wouldn’t trade it for anything!!! After 36k miles on the stock clutch &

NO problems I still absolutely love this car (even stock) & am shocked by all those

who complain about it’s reliability & feature set. We are all amazed at what

Mitsubishi was able to give us for $30k (at that time) & yet we find fault w/ plastic

interior bits that aren’t the most upscale…HELLO…if you want world-class

performance for $30k something has to give…if it doesn’t enhance performance

who gives a sh*t!!!

If there is anything that annoys me about this car it’s the idiotic “Lancer”

gauge that is taking up valuable real estate on my dash where the factory should

have placed a proper boost gauge. Beyond that don’t push me I find no other

major faults. Now before you classify me as an “Evo nut” understand where I am

coming from: I am 42yrs old & I have had more than my share of sports cars. I

now have a 993 twin turbo & an E46 M3 both of which I’ve had since new. While I

love these cars (I’m a certified car nut) & thoroughly enjoy driving them (when I

get the chance to) they fall far short of my experience w/ the Evo. The Evo is

so “elemental”, so “raw” … it has such an edge to it, it feels similar to earlier 911s

I owned which were a far different car then the current 993/996 breed. The

Porsches, like the BMWs have grown “fat” & try to mix in luxury w/ sport. The Evo

is true to it’s roots & forgoes all else for the sake of “connectivity” between you,

the car & the driving experience. I cannot tell you how many times I have run out

on a weekend errand & my choice ride is always the Evo (even though I drive it all

week!!) while the other 2 cars collect dust in my garage. When I drive the 993 or

the M3 I find myself longing for the mechanical “riflebolt” feel of the Evo’s shifter

the others seem too soft, too insulated from the driving experience. This is the

reason why I am taking a bold step & I have traded in my beloved Evo VIII for a

new Evo IX (more on this shortly). I was waiting like everyone else for the arrival

of the Evo X & fully anticipated stepping-up at that point but the more I hear &

read I am convinced that while it will without a doubt be a better performing car it

is also moving upmarket & my concern is it too will suffer the same fate as the

993 & the M3. Don’t get me wrong…these cars are better performers than there

predecessors but in trying to be all things to all buyers they have lost that raw

edge which made all of us fall in love w/ them to begin with. Even AUTOMOBILE

Magazine commented in their year-end issue which picked the Evo as one of the

best cars of the year that the Evo was “more like a Porsche 911 than a 911 was”.

My unwavering admiration of the VIII is so strong 3yrs later I believe since

the IX offers so much more it might very well be the last of the “true” Evos. So

with this in mind I have purchased a IX MR from Brad Benson Mitsubishi w/ the

Turbo Trix stage III Kit & a set of TT 272 cams (ALL Factory Warranties remain

intact through the dealer similar to Buscher’s deal w Medina). I will pick it up on Fri

& I hope to have as trouble-free an experience w/ it as I did w/ my VIII (although

I know the mods may have something else in mind!).

If the Evo X proves my theory wrong I too will get on line & ante-up to

experience it’s “supercar” performance but, on the other hand if my fears are

realized & the Evo becomes the next 996 then I will be happy to own the “Last of

the Great Evos”.

Sorry it was sooo long but WTF… it was 3.5yrs in the making!!!

“Let’s Roll”
MDP

 

That's awesome definately post some impressions of your IX when you get it.

 

well put! I have owned an 03 Evolution VIII and love driving every minute of it. I hope you enjoy your Evo IX!

 

Nice thoughts, well said. Glad to hear your feelings about it echo my own. Truly, it is a wonderful car.

 

Spaces are your friends.

Besides that, good post. I am sure none of us want the Evo to get "fat" like some other cars out there today.

 

As well as new paragraphs/indentions ...ouch.... Good view on things though

 

Gotta say I agree with all that you said - well though out.

I wish I could get a new IX before they are all gone

Good luck

 

Here Here!

I have had the same concern as I sit here waiting for the X. I have finally resigned myself to the fact that I will keep the VIII, (Maybe get a IX at some point), and purchase a new X as a daily driver.

Everything I have read makes me believe the X will be a little more comfortable as a DD, but a little less of the automobile it has been in the past, (which, ironically, is the exact reason I didn't buy an M3 or Carerra 4S when I bought my first EVO in '03). At that time, I wanted no-frills performance. I now have that, and believe the X will be the perfect alternative to collect dust.

I just can't seem to bring myself to part with the thrills of the VIII/IX in trade for the "luxury" of the generations to come.

 

Great ****ing post. The Evo is an ubelievable car. Period.

 

 

You have captured the essence of the Evo. I'm sure that thirty years from now, the Evo VIII/IX series will go down as a significant milestone for performance cars sold in America, the way the 83 VW GTI and the 93 Toyota Supra did. Of course, the WRX and STI will be lumped in there too.

I agree about the constant complaints about lack of luxury items and the overall chintziness of the interior. I just don't get it, and I suppose that those who are doing the complaining don't get it, either. The Evo is, to steal BMW's mantra, the Ultimate Driving Machine. If you like to drive (not road race, not drag), but really drive -- the Evo is hard to beat. It's a remarkable piece of machinery.

 

your picking up the car today! Let us know how you like it.

 

Coming from someone else with grey in their hair... damn fine post sir.

 

Love my 9

 

well said...