Here’s my story:

The EVO and STi have caught my eye, but before I couldn’t see a $30k+ value in them. As a previous Infiniti and Lexus owner I appreciate luxuries like climate control, nice stereos, nice leather seats, etc etc. However, I decided to part with my last car, a wonderful Lexus LS400 (1997). I owned the car, so I sold it private party and purchased a 2003 Mazdaspeed Protégé in 2003. I only bought the car because I could have it brand new for $15,900 (special in the newspaper).

I did test drive the Mazda 6, and in the past have test driven quite a few cars, but I decided I wanted a new car, and the price could not be beat. I loved the way it handled. I falsely assumed since it was turbo I could cheaply and easily mod it for an extra needed 30-50 HP.

What I have discovered is that this car is not for me. Although it handles great, it comes at serious costs. The poly-urethane bushings squeak like hell when it’s cold out; I fought with the dealer for two months about a rattling rear deck (where the rear speakers are). On top of the fact that the engine is tuned so rich that the engine stutters (although an ECU update from Mazda helped, it hasn’t completely alleviated the problem). Finally, upping the boost on the car has recently proved to be risky. Now, all of these sacrifices for a FWD car that handles amazingly but makes a lot of racket, has a poorly tuned engine, has no available fuel management mods, and well just seems a little cheaply built are enough to turn me off on it. I’m willing to spend an extra $200 a month on a car payment to drive something I’m truly happy with.

I then researched a bunch of cars, including the RX8; thinking swapping for another Mazda would be the easiest thing. I quickly found out that the RX8 has far worse issues then the Mazdaspeed does. I continued to search amongst cars in and around the $30k bracket. I really like the G35c, but it gets pricey with options, I also am a large fan of the new GTO although I haven’t sat in or driven one yet. I do however like driving a small four door with nuts handling and aggressive styling; which brings me to the EVO or STi. Now, frankly I’m more of a fan of Subaru as a company then Mitsu, but I think the STi got beat with the ugly stick. The wing doesn’t look right, the new front is too round (looks like a Neon), and overall it just isn’t sharp enough. The EVO is a great looking car to my eyes (with either the small or large wing). I know the EVO is supposedly more fun to drive, quicker, handles better while the Subaru is more solid, more potent off road, more expensive, and has a stronger transmission.

So I’m asking EVO owners, will I truly be happy with this car? For $30,000 am I getting a quality vehicle that will provide reliable, fun, spirited transportation (I don’t beat on my cars, but I get on them once in a while). Do EVO’s have a lot of little rattles and build quality issues? On the hwy are they quiet enough, or are they horribly loud? Is it something that I’d feel confident driving my 60 year old parents in? I’ve always enjoyed fast cars, have owned a 300zx TT, an 11PSI Supercharged Nissan Maxima, a heavily mod’d GSR. On the other hand I’ve also owned some luxury cars, Lexus LS400 and Infiniti I30. I really liked my fully loaded Maxima because it performed and was luxurious. Will the EVO (even without creature comforts) be a reliable, solid car, or should I look into the A4 or G35?

Also, what is the expected resale value, and are the dealers dealing on them at all?

Thanks

 

Also, my Mazdaspeed only has 2700 miles on it and is in perfect condition. I only owe $15,000 on it (sticker is $20,500). How is Mitsu with trade-in's?

 

ok, if you're looking for amenities and a car to transport 60 yr old parents in, this car MAY not be for you...

BUT!

admittedly i've only had my car for something like 1300 miles, but the interior seems very solidly built, i don't have any problems with rattle, but please remember: there isn't that much sound deadening material. it's a bit noisy but not any worse than say a civic or protege. the ride quality (cushiness) is definately rougher than the protege.

but if these things aren't that big a deal, (which to me aren't) then you've got yourself an amazing car. it feels like a tightly coiled muscle ready to spring. the brakes are simply awesome. i love this car more every day!!!!

so yeah i don't think you'd regret it in any way, especially if you don't like the sti. they're both awesome cars... though i don't know where you got the sti was more potent off road... but whatever.. anyway, get the car, and driiiive. only question should be: what color?

 

I've read several reviews that say the Subbie does better off road; I'll see if I can dig them up.

Mazdaspeed Proteges are pretty stiff but I think it's fine. The Mazda Mp3, a little tamer then the Mazdaspeed one actually can out-slalom an EVO VII, the Mazdaspeed is even more tuned for the turns. Thus, I imagine they're rides are similar:

http://protege5.com/vbb230/attachmen...&postid=106835

 

Also, my parents live in a different state, they visit once a year. I just don't want something that will be embarassing (e.g. way too loud, back breaking suspension, etc.).

 

take what I say with a grain of salt, I've only got thirty miles on my new evo.

You will not be happy with the evo. It makes noise, it bounces over the smallest bumps. It feels like a two ton truck from the 1970s.
It is a blast to drive.
I have a feeling, if driven as intended it will have upkeep problems.
So what.
It's a blast to drive.


The only reason to get an evo is because it is a blast to drive.
It is not suitable for hauling grandparents around, unless they are driving it.

Bruce ,old enough to be a grandparent

 

I don't get it. In one sentence you say the EVO got beat with an ugly stick but then in the next you say it is a great looking car.

Just go drive it. If you love it enough like many, you will overlook the few little quirks. If not then I don't think the car is for you. I would not be looking for top notch reliability or high resale value with either car simply because of their complexity and unknown production numbers.

 

Yeah I thought when I bought my MSP I could sacrafice the ride for something that's a blast to drive, but the MSP just doesn't do it. The hesitation and lack of power (170HP turbo) just isn't exciting enough. I think the EVO would be worth the costs. I'd really love to rent one for a week or something to see if I could live with it.

 

The Evo is a pure sports car and with that comes some little nuances such as rattles and some wind noise. The interior isn't up to par with such cars as lexus and infiniti, but it does get the job done with a nice set of Recaro seats and good pedal and shifter placement. Don't forget the Momo steering wheel either. It will outhandle, outbrake, and out accelerate cars that cost nearly twices what the evo costs. It is a no frills sports car, and if that is what you are looking for then this is the car for you. It also has much more tuning potential the the Scoobies right now.

 

I've read on other forums about weak clutch and trannies in the EVO which makes it a little concerning to mod. On the contrary, the Scoobies don't seem to have that problem.

 

I meant the STi did. I'll change it, thanks.

 

i own an evo and have driven a mazdaspeed. the owner of the mazda speed and i both agree that the mazda speed is a rougher ride than the evo. so if you dont think the speed is too bad the evo will be fine.

 

Actually I give credit to mazda on the mazdaspeed's suspension. It handles amazingly, it doesn't roll at all, but it handles bumps great. It doesn't jolt. I have no complaints about the ride of the Mazdaspeed, just issues about bushings making funny noises in the cold, the rear sway bar clunk, and a REALLY loud highway ride on some surfaces.

 

I love my Evo. But I have to admit the car is not for everyone. The interior quality, for example, is not on a par with BMW or Lexus. You can't get nice stereos, leather seats, climate control, or even cruise control! The engine is buzzy, the suspension is stiff, there are no electronic driver aids to keep you out of trouble. If you found the Mazdaspeed too stiff, uncomfortable, and unrefined, you'll probably be unhappy with the Evo.

The only reason to buy the Evo is if you're one of those people that can't stand all the electronic nannies, weight, and bull**** on most modern cars. I'm one of those people that hated the E46 M3, Audi S4, and Porsche 996 C4 becuase they were too soft. I hate electronics that try to outsmart the driver. Hell, I even disable my ABS when I head out onto the track. The Evo offers a very raw, pure driving experience. If that's not what you're looking for, I would suggest you stay away from the Evo.

Maybe consider the Audi S4. I personally hate the wooly steering, over-boosted brakes, and sluggish understeery handling...but most drivers seem to love it. But you can get pretty close to the perfomance of the Evo even though the feel will be blunted.

The Evo is the first car I've ever owned that I didn't feel the need to modify the day I brought it home. It has balance, poise, and feel that can't be matched by your typical "performance car." But you definitely give up some plushness.

Emre

 

just buy another LS430, if you don't know what this car is, is capable of doing then just buy a LS or another mazda mp3. reading magazine does no harm but you have to buy a car that you like and not what others say.