First Drive EVO VIII - Not blown away
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: MidTN
Originally Posted by vin11
Today I had the opportunity to test drive a new (left over) 03 EVO VIII. I had very high expectations and was excited to finally drive the car that I have read so much about. I can get a great deal on it and can get it for $27,500.00 plus tax. A savings of over $3000 off of the sticker price.
However, my first impression was not as I anticipated - actually it was a let down.
However, my first impression was not as I anticipated - actually it was a let down.
Compared to the high end Euro cars, the EVO isn't really ready for prime time off the lot. The tires still have release compound, the brakes aren't seated in, the engine and drivetrain aren't broken in.
A car you get to test drive is either not broken in and not ready to do 10/10ths, or was never broken in and was beat to death in test drives.
Despite 30 years of Italian machines, including the Ferrari, what I was comparing the EVO most directly to was the Celica AllTrac (ST165) it was replacing.
Compared to the ST165, the EVO is large, tall, and cheap feeling. But then, the Celica had the optional leather interior -- which included power lumbar support and side bolster adjustments ... something I couldn't get in a BMW (short of a massively overpriced M3). The Celica cost more -- as a 1988 leftover (in Mar '89) -- than your leftover price on your EVO.
I had a similar experience in that I got to test drive an EVO, but only got to sit in an STi. Yes, an STi parked is more comfortable than an EVO moving.
But I've gotten used to the EVO (as I had to get used to fitting into the Ferrari), and it's usable as a daily driver. It's not the car I'd pick to cruise on the freeway for a cross-country trip, but to dodge through the daily commute, it's livable. (Being used to coupes, I still don't like how far forward the B-pillar mounted shoulder harness is located.)The EVO has the bottom of the Recaro line, but the seats are adequately supportive. And if you really can't live with them, you should be able to install any Recaro on the same mounts -- including the $2500 ErgoMed DSs, if you need luxury.
Odd that you should mention the A4. I considered an A4 back in '99. I was extremely unimpressed with the interior layout, the goofy red-lit gauges, and the alarming amount of body roll in lane change exercises. And in '99 the dealer's bottom price was $39K. I bought my Ferrari instead (and paid less -- one good effect of the dot-com collapse).
While the three years of free service on the A4 sounded good (after seeing Toyota dealers who didn't know how to maintain the ST165), the biggest problem with the A4 was that I'd have to look at it. That car is just plain UGLY! -- at least after 30 years of Farina and Bertone designs. At least the EVO's big honkin' wing distracts you from the boxy design.
The throttle was extremely sensitive almost to the point it was jumpy. First gear was finished way before I was ready to shift, like a whirlwind and shorter than I ever expected.
I had no idea how fast I was going since I could not read the speedo. The black background was incredibly difficult to read and was almost useless. The numbers we so small and hard to see. Maybe its better at night, but in the middle of the day, it was hard to see.
I liked 3rd gear, the ratios seemed to provide the most pull without that "short" feeling. Once I had shifted to fourth and had the opportunity cruise for a few moments, I hit the throttle and expected the turbo to kick in and propel me to 90 in a flash, but this never happened. I heard the motor and slowly the RPMS grew and it for me, it was nothing special. Actually, I did not feel the turbo at all except for 1st gear which like I said was over before I knew it.
I had no idea how fast I was going since I could not read the speedo. The black background was incredibly difficult to read and was almost useless. The numbers we so small and hard to see. Maybe its better at night, but in the middle of the day, it was hard to see.
I liked 3rd gear, the ratios seemed to provide the most pull without that "short" feeling. Once I had shifted to fourth and had the opportunity cruise for a few moments, I hit the throttle and expected the turbo to kick in and propel me to 90 in a flash, but this never happened. I heard the motor and slowly the RPMS grew and it for me, it was nothing special. Actually, I did not feel the turbo at all except for 1st gear which like I said was over before I knew it.
First is usually short on turbo cars. But the shift points on the tach aren't all that different from my Alfa -- low revs in 4th is still around 40 MPH. (I had a southern cop sure that there was something wrong with my old GTV-6, because the speedo was only a tiny gauge off to the side ... the big, dead center, "important" gauge was the tach.)
Once you spool up the dual stage turbo ... yes, 19psi does get you to the top of the tach in a hurry.
You're not complaining that it's too quick, are you?The one "take-away" from the test drive, though, and what sold me on the EVO, was the handling. During the test drive, the (not-yet-seated) brakes weren't as impressive as I expected, and the lack of insulation means you hear every noise the car makes where it meets the highway. But, on the test drive, the EVO took an I-95 clover-leaf off-ramp without slowing at all.
The steering responsiveness is comparable to the (admittedly older) Ferrari, and it only falls short on max-Q cornering because the turbo lag interferes with heel/toe shifts ... at least, when done by someone who learned on high compression Italians.
Now don't get me wrong, I understand I am compairing a $27K Evo to a $85K Porsche 911 -but I expected that this car was unbelievable.
The STi might be more capable of drag-racing your 911, but if you want handling for the winter, get the EVO. (Or one of the RS or MR models with the better diffs.)
The Nokians don't have the dry performance of the Yokos, but the Yokos are useless below 40F. (But after experiencing the Advans on the EVO, I might put A032Rs on the Ferrari, next set.)
So here I am contemplating this purchase with mixed feelings. I can honestly say it did not blow me away like I thought that it would. I would like to try it again without the rushed salesperson atmosphere, but you all know that is next to impossible.
Overall, I'm fairly happy with my EVO. The clutch is a bit notchy, but so was the M3's I test drove in '99. The interior is something you don't mind tossing a set of winter boots into.
But the front mounted intercooler has better airflow and doesn't get heat-soaked like the STi's top-mounted one (and doesn't have the bird collecting hood scoop
).And I like having a sunroof. (Yes, it's not all about handing.)
A better interior option would be nice ... and they now do have a leather package option on the '04s. Maybe you should look at the newer ones.
yes evo brakes are superior to 95% of the cars out there... even other cars that share the same brembo brakes just dont brake like the evo does... sti? no.. the 350z? no... the evo even beat the former leader in braking from 60-0, ferrari modena according to car and driver magazine...
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Originally Posted by Lee_K
I agree that this thread has turned mostly into a bashing session for people with views that differ with yours. I know where you are coming from, though. The first time I drove an E46 M3 I was most decidedly underwhelmed. From all the rave reviews and mystique surrounding the car, I was expecting to be blown away. But I wasn't. My reacton was, "Ho hum, another slick luxury car". I didn't like how quiet it was, how cushy the leather was, and how isolated I felt from the exhaust note. It was very quick, and handled nicely, but I felt that it was perhaps too refined, at least for me. Does that mean the $55,000 M3 is a bad car? Of course not. But it felt more than a little ostentatious, a trait that always makes me feel uncomfortable.
It sounds like interior quality is important to you. No argument from most of us Evo owners: the Evo has a very plain and inexpensive interior. Mitsubishi has a long way to go to even come close to emulating what Acrua and Audi are doing nowadays in this department.
The best observation from the car magazines came from the comment in Car & Driver about how instantly comfortable the reviewers were when driving the car very fast. They did so almost immediately, as the Evo has few vices that have to be minded when running at ten tenths. I believe that this is what Mitsubishi nailed so well -- a car that can go fast and reward the driver with supreme confidence. Sure there are faster cars, there are cars that have more luxury, and there are cars that even handle better. But the Evo puts it all together very well in an affordable package. What I keep marvelling about the Evo is that it is a true driver's car. It rewards you with all the visceral inputs that define that single-minded purpose. The exhaust growls, the tires squeal, the transmission whines, and the world rushes by in a unique way caused by the excellent seating position and outstanding sight lines that the car provides. It's hard to describe, but for those that value the pleasures of just driving for the sake of driving, the Evo is a remarkable vehicle.
Just like your relationship with a girl, you really can't know a car really well until you have had it for a while and can begin to appreciate its nuances. Sometimes that works out for the best, and other times you realize that little things end up grating on you.
The STi is an outstanding car, and anyone who professes to be an automotive enthusiast would tell you that. I'm sure that I would be happy with one, though the juvenile hood scoop and wing give me pause. But that is just me. I wish you luck on your search. I'm convinced that there is a car out there that will ultimately give you the satisfaction that you crave. It might be an STi, or it might be an S4. We can't tell you what is best, only what we know.
It sounds like interior quality is important to you. No argument from most of us Evo owners: the Evo has a very plain and inexpensive interior. Mitsubishi has a long way to go to even come close to emulating what Acrua and Audi are doing nowadays in this department.
The best observation from the car magazines came from the comment in Car & Driver about how instantly comfortable the reviewers were when driving the car very fast. They did so almost immediately, as the Evo has few vices that have to be minded when running at ten tenths. I believe that this is what Mitsubishi nailed so well -- a car that can go fast and reward the driver with supreme confidence. Sure there are faster cars, there are cars that have more luxury, and there are cars that even handle better. But the Evo puts it all together very well in an affordable package. What I keep marvelling about the Evo is that it is a true driver's car. It rewards you with all the visceral inputs that define that single-minded purpose. The exhaust growls, the tires squeal, the transmission whines, and the world rushes by in a unique way caused by the excellent seating position and outstanding sight lines that the car provides. It's hard to describe, but for those that value the pleasures of just driving for the sake of driving, the Evo is a remarkable vehicle.
Just like your relationship with a girl, you really can't know a car really well until you have had it for a while and can begin to appreciate its nuances. Sometimes that works out for the best, and other times you realize that little things end up grating on you.
The STi is an outstanding car, and anyone who professes to be an automotive enthusiast would tell you that. I'm sure that I would be happy with one, though the juvenile hood scoop and wing give me pause. But that is just me. I wish you luck on your search. I'm convinced that there is a car out there that will ultimately give you the satisfaction that you crave. It might be an STi, or it might be an S4. We can't tell you what is best, only what we know.
You need a track day to help you make the move.
Thought I would chime in and say that after owning my evo for about a year I can say you wont know the car until you get it on the track. Oh, and I dont mean a drag strip. You need to take it out to a road coarse and feel/watch things start to happen. I am not a particularly special driver at all I just had the opportunity to take mine out on Road Atlanta, bone stock and she is very capable. There were porches and mustangs etc., however, the evo can take'em on. Oh btw, if you want a car to message your ego with gadgetry etc. dont stop here, this is a raw machine...
everythings all about expectations... if you hear how AWESOME an evo is... you can jump in expecting it to rearrange your organs and although it will FEEL like it, it wont actually rearrange it 
note it grip, braking, power, handling then note its price? only the sti comes close... a fact...
note it grip, braking, power, handling then note its price? only the sti comes close... a fact...
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Aberdeen, NJ now in Ca.
I'm sorry if I've been a bit harsh.
Any car is a canvas that you must apply your brush to if you want something different. Some car makers put money into interior, others into drivetrain, and others spend the money on the suspension. The EVO is a good starting point with a well-rounded package and
did not spend a ton of $ on the interior...that can be cleaned up easier than a bad suspension by Joe Wrenchboy. Also, the engine is a well tested design that in good hands is capable of producing 700 hp. If you rebuild the tranny, transfer case and drive axels and cryo treat everything, it will hold those ponies.
With a well placed 60K, you could make this little 4 door an absolute crusher in any arena.
Here is a vid of what the evo can do with some work and someone that can drive.
Take a ride
Any car is a canvas that you must apply your brush to if you want something different. Some car makers put money into interior, others into drivetrain, and others spend the money on the suspension. The EVO is a good starting point with a well-rounded package and
did not spend a ton of $ on the interior...that can be cleaned up easier than a bad suspension by Joe Wrenchboy. Also, the engine is a well tested design that in good hands is capable of producing 700 hp. If you rebuild the tranny, transfer case and drive axels and cryo treat everything, it will hold those ponies.With a well placed 60K, you could make this little 4 door an absolute crusher in any arena.
Here is a vid of what the evo can do with some work and someone that can drive.
Take a ride
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Joined: Jun 2004
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bout guy thats not blown away by evo first immpression
man to him and all the people in there replying that supposidly have evos.how the hell are you hoing to say an evos acceleration is not impressive or its not ment to be?? a car with mild tuning that will run 11's isnt a dragter???thats crazy,i just had to get that out! a evo stock will beat most v8's and with a lil work an evo will beat almost any v8 modded or not .i dont know many street legal v8's running 11's without n20.evo is a bad *** mo fo when it comes to hadeling and dragin its got it all.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Southern California
The bottom line is your buying a factory race car. for 27k you're buying a car that will out perform EVERYTHING even remotely close to it's price range. And give cars, worth double, a huge run for their money.
no one buys an evo for it's plush interior, it's freeway race potential, or it's crazy *** sound system. if that's what you're into, get a supra.
no one buys an evo for it's plush interior, it's freeway race potential, or it's crazy *** sound system. if that's what you're into, get a supra.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Someone end this thread. All of this is old news and pointless. Nothing can be done to change someone's mind when it's already made up.
I love my Evo and would never ever sell or trade it in. I may add to my car collection, but my Evo will forever be with me. I will drive this car 'til I can no longer drive.
I don't care if the interior looks plain. I don't care if the build quality isn't up to par with Mercedes. I don't care at all.
What is important is that I see the car for what it is and I love it.
I love my Evo and would never ever sell or trade it in. I may add to my car collection, but my Evo will forever be with me. I will drive this car 'til I can no longer drive.
I don't care if the interior looks plain. I don't care if the build quality isn't up to par with Mercedes. I don't care at all.
What is important is that I see the car for what it is and I love it.
Originally Posted by Boni
Me and my friend drove an evo the other day, I was also not impressed at all. 19 psi ? lol it feels like nothing ... but that is stock so what do you expect. the evo smashes with mods. On the other hand, we drove an STi, wow, that was a nice car. good day.
vin11,
I don't understand why you are posting.
So you are unimpressed with the evo because the interior is "cheap" and it goes through the gears too fast and you think the STI has a better interior and you are trying to test drive it. So what? It is impossible to prove an opinion wrong.
I can tell you I was first checking out the STI and I am so glad I went with the Evo. I wouldn't own a more expensive car except to sell it an buy an Evo!
I don't understand why you are posting.
So you are unimpressed with the evo because the interior is "cheap" and it goes through the gears too fast and you think the STI has a better interior and you are trying to test drive it. So what? It is impossible to prove an opinion wrong.
I can tell you I was first checking out the STI and I am so glad I went with the Evo. I wouldn't own a more expensive car except to sell it an buy an Evo!
MAN I SURE DO LIKE GRAN TURISMO! WHEN I DRIVE MY EVO IT MAKES MY THUMBS SORE! WOO HOO!
That's sort of what I imagine the reality of this situation is. In fact, in a lot of cases on car forums, I get the distinct impression that the most critical people do all their driving via analog controller. :P
That's sort of what I imagine the reality of this situation is. In fact, in a lot of cases on car forums, I get the distinct impression that the most critical people do all their driving via analog controller. :P
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You will probably ask the exact same question on Elise’s forum after you test-drive it this September (if you are lucky enough)
Why is it so cheap inside and noisy inside? Can’t they make a better interior and provide more HP on a $40k car?
It’s built to bring you the joy to "drive" it, just as simple as that.
Why is it so cheap inside and noisy inside? Can’t they make a better interior and provide more HP on a $40k car?
It’s built to bring you the joy to "drive" it, just as simple as that.