Hello anyone that's reading. I've just recently created my account because I was looking for some feedback in terms of an Evo.
Small backstory; I've loved the Evo ever since I was 7, currently 15, because of Need For Speed Most Wanted. My grandmother died about 2 years ago and all I did was talk about cars. So I'm blessed, really blessed, to be granted 30,000$ from her that was in her will. I know that makes me seem spoiled, but I don't want it to be viewed that way.
Anyways, I have been really conflicted if I want the Evo or not. I met a guy online who works on STI's and he said that any car with a turbo has to get the turbo cleaned every 6 months to maintain it well. He said that's 600$ on average, but I want to learn to do it myself if I do get the car. On to my main point, how is it like having an Evo 9 as a daily driver. When I turn 16 all I will do is just drive during the weekends, I like to walk to school since it's 1 mile away. I just want to know how it's like driving an Evo as your main driver and if it's a good idea to get one. Also, the guy I met said that the maintenance is compensated in how much fun you'll have with the car. Also, what's a good amount of miles to buy a car from and how long does the car typically last.
Thanks for reading and any responses,
RafaJW

 

Very bad idea for you

 

I appreciate your feedback, if you don't mind elaborating a little bit I would appreciate it!

 

Sorry for your loss.

On to your post.

The EVO is a car that needs love in the form of maintenance. You are wanting a 9 so keep in mind they are appox 10 year old cars. That being said you'll want to find one that was properly maintained and as close to stock as possible. The stock part will prove to be a bit difficult since these cars beg to be modded. That all being said I would wait a little while before buying one. It would be really unfortunate for you to get one then have something go wrong and no finances to fix it. Now not knowing your financial situation it's my best guess that you wouldn't have a couple of grand laying around if your newly acquired EVO needed some fixin'. Also keep in mind tires and other maintenance will be a little on the expensive side. Also the car has a lot of power for a 15-16 year old and I think that is what evo8426 was getting at, you might kill yourself with the power at that age.

That being said, I remember when the EVO came to the states in 03, I was ecstatic. I had to have one. I started working when I was 15 and ended up with a bunch of cars over the years, ranging from a S2000 to an STi. Now I finally have my dream EVO (WW IX GSR) that I'm 26 and it was worth the wait. The car puts a smile on my face everyday. So when / if you get your EVO, I'm sure you will not be disappointed.

 

I think its great that you want a evo but the price to insure it is going to be a lot. I would start will something else seeing you don't even drive yet as I think a evo is a bit much for a first time driver, get something cheap and save your money to pick one up a few years from now.

 

Invest your money in an IRA or something, and focus on school.

 

the evo is great and it is cool you love the car but at you age, you should just focus on finishing highschool and getting a job. 30k is a nice chunk but what happens when the 30k is gone? you are still very young and cars/fun can come after you have a strong self foundation. i do not recommend getting one for such a young guy. stay in school.

 

Solid advice. At 15 I'm assuming it'd be your first car?

 

I would like to start this off, since I'm overwhelmed about how many responses were given to this post. Anyways, I'm really appreciative of the fact that I received so many responses, and not even that, in such a small amount of time! I thought it would take a while, but it's really nice to see that there's people that take time out of their day to help someone out.
Anyways, I'll probably just respond to everyone individually in one post.
I'm going to start off with Uneekvisions; If you don't mind could you tell me, in the most summarized way possible (don't want to waste your time), what forms of maintenance and how much would it cost; or how long if I would do it myself. You're right on the point of I don't have cash laying around.
Onto CtfpevoVIII, I'll respond with a general question later on.
Swoln, BHSJ3, and Builtforsin gave similar responses so I'll respond to you three at the same time. I appreciate that you're thinking in that manner, because in all honesty I wasn't.
Now on to the more general question that if anyone could respond, I would once again be very grateful! I'm not trying to gloat or be conceded or anything honestly, I really am not. I'm just going to give you my position in life right now, I don't want this to be taken as me being conceded. I'm 15, currently in Florida. I attend a very large high school that's known as one of the few public schools that gets people into IVY league schools. I'm currently enrolled in 3 AP's as well as 4 honors. I get Straight A's and participate in Engineering club, and if the club is alive this year; the Car Club. I love cars and love attending any meet that's offered near my area. I just want to put it into perspective, just so you guys have an understanding of how my life is.
I really love the Evo 9 and I appreciate all the advice all of you are giving me, I'm a little narrow minded when it comes to somethings but I understand all your perspectives. I'm not that irresponsible, but I can't speak for my future self. I've driven extensively with my Step-Father who is a retired Police Officer for Miami Dade. He's taught me awareness and to understand my surroundings and know everything that is going on even behind me at all times. He's conditioned me to always expect to unexpected by doing a rather dangerous approach. (Yanking my wheel to either side, putting the car in neutral, turning my wipers on playing with the radio, flickering the lights in car etc.
I know it's difficult to see how it would be logical for a 16 year-old teen to get an Evo, even if you don't agree I want any of you to see my state, if that makes any sense. If there's anything else you guys/girls can elaborate with that would convince not to get the car, PLEASE DO! I'm more than open with others opinions and/or ideas, I'm a very open-minded person.

 

somewhat on subject: i got $10k when my grandmother passed away. i thought i'd be smart and used the money to buy a house. great investment, right?
well.. had i taken that $10k and used the money to pay bills while i finished school, i'd have a house that's three times larger, and my Evo would be finished.
this is all assuming you have to pay for your own schooling like i do. i can't stress enough how hard it is to work full time and finish school. if i had $30k i could pay for classes AND pay my bills during. that would be epic.

$30k can make you a BUTT load of money later, if you use it right.

when i was your age i wouldn't have listened to me either, so take it as you will LOL. if this is play money because you are well off and/or have parents that hook you up, then none of this really matters anyway haha. i've never been given anything, so i'm basing my advice on my experience.

if you decide to take your nest egg and spend it on a car (horrible investment- count on the money being gone forever) and you decide on an Evo, take the above posts very serious. they require quite a bit of maintenance that is expensive unless you do it yourself. it's also an expensive car to learn on.

as for the dude that said you have to clean turbos every 6mos? NEVER take advice from that guy LOL.

 

P.S. a 15/16 yr old really, really, shouldn't own an Evo as a first car. that is a really, really, really bad idea. everyone i know has wrecked or otherwise destroyed their first car. i'd hate to see that happen to an Evo. that and it may tempt you to do stuff that gets you killed.

i hate sounding like an adult LOL.

 

I appreciate your feedback, as it was a tad more "fatherly" or "motherly" than the others. I understand what you're saying, the second I feel a minor amount of tension I know I'm wrong. I appreciate that you responded, so yeah. I probably am not going to get the car and maybe get it when I'm older.. if the cars are still in existence or even under 100K miles. Thank you all for your responses and I appreciate greatly!

 

look at it like this: use the $30k in a useful way now and you can pretty much buy anything you want later.
if someone had given me that kind of money while i was in high school, i wouldn't be 41yrs old and STILL trying to finish school. this is all taking into account that cars are an addiction for me and i couldn't stop long enough to use car money for classes. i'm always trying to do both. i'll admit it.
on the bright side: my son has learned from my mistakes LOL.

you have a VERY awesome opportunity.

 

All of this. There are plenty of fun cars that are easier to find, more reliable, and safer.

When you are 25 you're not going to kick yourself saying "man, I should have spent $20k on an Evo at age 16".

 

Do you mind recommending any from an exterior perspective without an bias?
Thank you!