This is my first post here, after several weeks of reading. After yesterday's test drive, I figured it was time to contribute what I have experienced. I was headed back from the Ford dealership where I had just test driven a 2001 Cobra, which was pretty quick. I decided to stop by the Mitsubishi dealership to make a closer examination of the Evolution.

After a few minutes speaking with the manager, he gave the keys to a salesperson who was asked to let me drive it. The salesman walked me around the car, pointing out features I had not yet read about. He was the most knowledgeable salesperson I have worked with to date. I sat in the driver's seat and was immediately impressed with the Recaros. The side bolsters aren't too large to be uncomfortable, but will surely keep your body in place for spirited driving. The guages were the only aspect of the interior that bothered me, but I imagine that could be solved with a different guage set, eventually.

Pulling out of the lot, I was impressed with how stiff the suspension was. It really seemed alot like the Type R suspension I had experienced a couple years ago. The steering was so precise my mouth was hanging open. A slight twitch of the wheel to the left or right will get the car turning.

Once I put my foot in it, the car had decent power, until the turbocharger kicked in. The thing just rockets forward like crazy, with the turbocharger hissing like a leaky steam pipe. I was expecting a more subtle sound like the WRX, but this was certainly a pleasant surprise. I was instructed not to take the car past 4500 RPMs, so I didn't get a chance to really go through the gears, but feel the turbocharger spool.

When I finished the test drive, I was in extremely happy. The car is by far the most pure sports car I have driven to date, and seems like a great bargain for what they're currently selling for. This car is now at the top of my list for next car to purchase, provided I get the opportunity to do so. As far as color, it would either be white or silver with the CF wing. I've never been a fan of white cars before, but the white with red calipers and HID lamps looked very nice. In summary, my assesment of the EVO:

Power:
Susp:
Brakes:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:

 

Yeah, my initial test drive was the same as yours, except I took the Evo above 4500 rpm (only b/c I had heard the guys at the dealership did too). I was almost scared when the power kicked in at first. It sets you back.

White is a good color to go w/. Silver is also gorgeous.

 

I had no test drive before I bought mine. No one would let me test one, til I "signed contracts." In fact, this is my first bought car, so I had no idea what to expect; I knew it was hyped up, hehe--it blew me away!

 

I tested two on the same day (and a 350Z and S2000).

 

Yeah, I've driven all the cars I am currently considering. The Cobra, 350Z, WRX and EVO

 

the stealerships allowing test drives on the evo i think isnt right.... until the papers are signed sayin thats its YOURS... because unless the CAR IS YOURS you will not treat it with the respect a BRAND NEW unbroken in EVO should be! great to hear you loved the test drive though... at least you didnt take it above 5k =) u didnt miss much though above 5 k power drops like crazy but nothin a bc couldnt fix

 

If you think I'm going to buy a car that I haven't driven first, you're absolutely nuts.

 

Would I be better off buying a used WRX and taking it to Vishnu for a Stage 1 and suspension upgrade? The total cost would be about $22,000 compared to $28,500.

 

mr bonus... i did and have no regrets... my only test drive was after the loan got approved... and the title was mine... im sure at least 50% of the people on this forum werent allowed for a test drive

 

Personally, I think buying a car without driving it is idiotic. If you go off the opinions of others and hate the car, you're stuck with it, right?

 

I'm happy to be stuck with my Evo!

 

Yeah, after driving it, I would be also. But imagine buying a car you THOUGHT you would love, only to hate it after driving it? The chances may be small, but high enough to make a preliminary test drive a requisite.

 

I guess some people get married before they have sex too...

 

Yah, the Evo is a super fun car, I got to test drive one not too long ago, took it up to redline 80% of the time, only had 26 miles on it... I feel bad for the guy who gets suckered into buying that demo car...

 

Are dealers still not letting people test drive EVOs? That's kind of silly. I understand why, but it's not very realistic.

When my father bought his last car, a BMW 540i, they gave it to him for a day long test drive.

He now has a Porsche C4s, and we recently went to the dealership to test drive the Cayenne. He took a Cayenne turbo out with the salesguy, my wife, my little brother, and me. After a few minutes my Dad says he wants to sit in the back so I can drive, hehe.

Still, when I got my EVO I didn't buy the one I test drove, I got one with 4 miles on it, lol. Dealers should have dedicated demo models or something, then you should have the option to drive the one you intend to buy as well. Oh well, not sure if that will ever happen.

Take care,

FB