Hi,

I'm a new member here. I've been researching between the EVO VIII and the rx-8 because of the price and 4-5 seating arrangements. I'm looking more towards the Evolution. However, I'm rather concerned about the problems mitsubishi has been meeting with the past few years ever since they uncovered the hidden complaints. Ever since it's happened, have they upped their standards and fixed EVO issues? I've read about how the 2003 evo has rust issues, clutch problems, chipping/weak paint, voiding of warranty, bad service, etc, but have they made any improvements for the 2004 evo? It'd be nice if you more experienced EVO owners could list out the main issues of the 2004 evo for me to see so I can make a fair judgement. A simple reply of a list with the issues I'll be facing should be fine, or some spare knowledge you can impart to me. Oh and I plan to lease, rather than finance for 48 months. I was wondering if anyone here has a general figure for leasing per month payment.

Concerning the technical issues, I live in SoCal, so I don't expect harsh weather like rain or snow. However, if any of you SoCal evo dudes know of anything, please tell me.

Thanks

p.s. how do I delete posts? I accidently put this message on the wrong subject forum.

 

Ive owned my evo for 1 year and 1 month now and no problem or issues so far. I guess it just depend on how you drive the evo. If you drive the car as a normal car, I think it will last with no or fewer problems.

 

Yours must be an 03' evo. Hmm...interesting.

I plan to use the 04' EVO as normal highway/freeway commuting. Maybe go to the track once a year. Since you live in San Diego, your weather seems similar to ours in LA. I guess I can expect better results driving an EVO here rather than in a snowy/rainy area of the country.

 

There are some problems BUT for the majority of people I think they are pretty solid. With the exception of my 5th gear synchro(revised for the 04 models) It runs like a champ.

 

If you want raw power with four doors and awd >>>> Evo
If you want more luxury and refined car >>>> RX8
If you don't care about comfort, looks, and have money to mod >>>> Evo
If you don't care about speed or plan to mod >>>> RX8
Many people who found problems with the Evo just spend more and make it better i.e. better clutch, stronger transfer case, and so on. These are the same people who want POWER, RAW SPEED, 11 Sec. 1/4 mile and so on.

16k miles and no problems with the Evo. But this is what I want my car to be like. If I bought a RX8, I would be spending alot of money to mod it. At the end it might come close to what a stock Evo is like but would have spent a whole lot of money. I like RX8 but I like turbo, Brembo brakes, stiff suspension, wide tires, awd, and be able to accelerate fast.

Choose wisely to what you want.

 

Sounds good. What you listed above is exactly what I have thought of. I'm more for heart and soul rather than bling bling attention (but if I could have both, I would). That's why I prefer the EVO. I can't really modify the EVO I'm driving since I'm leasing. Maybe I'll put some vinyls on it, change the shifter, change the head unit, basically anything which I can put back the original stock equiptment without voiding anything. But mainly I will do visual modifications to be on the safe side.

 

what are those problems?

 

Hey GreenFox, I have driven both. Like the power delivery in the EVO WAY MORE!! I've had my EVO for over a year now and the only complaint i have is the paint as well i have alot of lil chips im guessing from highway debris and i notice some rust. My gf actually leased the RX8. She got the Grand tourin pack and spoiler. Cost her 2725 down 349 a month for 39 months. about half the price if you would buy the car. We went to 4 dealers and this was the best deal. Im not very experienced with manual trans. only have frequent experience since i've had my EVO. I think the RX8 was alil easier to drive took me a few minutes to adjust. ITs clutch is very light and the gas needs a lil more force move. I had fun tho, very fun to drive. I'd wait for the '05 Evo MR tho. just a tad bit more hp more torque and a hefty diet make it VERY appealing for the price. RX8 manual list just over 14 QT time the new EVO MR is supposed to be high 12's. Hope this helps.

 

Helps a lot. Thanks. I was wondering how hard you drive your car? I don't plan to push my car too hard. Maybe only every few months I'll do something racey, but mainly it's for commuting reasons. Where do you usually get your rust and pain issues? and how bad are they?

 

do any of you know if the evo 2004 is affected by the same problems as the 2003?

 

Clutch- Don't abuse it and it won't abuse your wallet.

Rust- Hmmmmm. Not too widespread, if so, it's easily fixed. Also, there is no exterior body rust on the EVO. It is all behind the bumper on the supports, if its even there.

Weak paint- It's common that cars are comming from the factory with weak paint. If it makes a good comparison, there's four cars at my house. Not one of them looks too much better or worse than the EVO. 04 STI, 00 Benz, 03 Benz. Most companies are putting out cheap paint.

Warranty Void- Take the chance to race it, take the chance to void your warranty. Subaru does the same thing except they include a free SCCA membership with a purchase and STILL void the warranty if you use it. This issue depends on how your dealer is. Get to know your service manager, see what he thinks will void warranty.

Bad service- This is an individual issue. It all depends on where you go for service, who you talk to, etc.

 

I totaly agree. If you are going to do any mods be aware of what part of the warranty that mod will void.

 

I have been driving an Evo since March 03 and have had no problems except the paint above the driverside back wheel well. I think all the Evo's who have had a paint problem it has been in this weird location. But hey it is very hard to see and touch up paint helps a lot.
As far as clutch problems everyone I know that has had it has abused it. Except one person who is having a syncro problem not sure on that one. Best of luck to your new purchase I am positive you will be happy with an Evo if you buy one.

 

Makes sense. Thanks for the advice. Now that that's addressed. I was wondering how good the stock 6-speaker stereo system is? I have a Honda 2003 pilot, and I am satisfied with its output. I'm not looking for ear-deafening bass or treble, but something decent. Also, would changing the head-unit void anything? I heard that having a head-unit and putting the head-unit's treble and bass to max might blow the stock speakers. Is this true?

Also, how is the option infinity speaker system and how much is it as an option?

 

Oh and anyone know where I can get Evolution or Evolution VIII badges (I'm looking for the evolution badge/vinyl that is on the center back of the trunk, I think they were stock on 03's?) or any vinyls specifically made for EVO VIII. I wanna vinyl my car like crazy, pretty much every place i can place a graphic I will.