For a first year Mitsubishi? Well, you know what, you can bet that since MMC is looking to learn everything they can from the X in the real world, first year customers are usually fully backed so that they always leave with smiles! I mean that’s my opinion. My Z, S2000, and RSX were all first year cars and the number one thing I remember about servicing those cars was when it came to warranty work, there was never any hassle, a simple glance of my VIN and within a week the problem would be gone(unless you own a 2003 350Z, then your feathering problems come and go every 3k miles, prompting Nissan to offer replacement front tires for the vehicle up to 100,000 miles; I was in every three weeks just for front tires that within 1,000 miles would make my Jeep's 36s Super Swapper seem "quite").

I paid 39,896 out the door for my 2006 MR. I can't imagine being without the Bilsteins. I drove a GSR X, and for the first half of the next day after I test drove it I was still trying to understand how this nearly two ton vehicle had a suspension that was knife edge. I swear the shocks were probably filled with nothing more than regular oil, although, typical of most OEM shocks; unconfortable, and performance fit for driving ONLY in non-gravity situations.

Considering, however, the M3 went for an average price (for a mildly equiped coupe) from high 50s to low 60s. Now, a base M3 is nearly 55K. Add one or two options, and your easily within the 70K mark. In contrast, the EVO is just looking to stay competitive with its nearest competitior, and with the STi the only real competition within its category, pricing can initially be set high to decrease demand and further increase a "fair" price, while allowing for the stigma of purchasing an EVOLUTION to remain. For some people, including myself, the Evolution is to Mitsubishi what AMG is to M.-Benz; the Evolution seperates itself for every other MMC vehicle for sale. Ask any AMG owner what the difference is between the typical MB products, and AMG products; their answers will be nothing short of simple, and stunning: AMGs are the perfect benz, nearing the point that MB is where it is today because of the AMG. The Evolution is helping to shape MMCs. Can you say that able the Eclipse? Not even the 350z has heritage like the EVO.

EVOLUTIONS aren't good for much else but raising the performance bar. Not many people see the utility offered in buying a sports car that defines the sport, especially considering the amount to insure the EVO, the cost to maintain, and, the cost of gas. People by an EVO, because it’s an EVO; and cult car defined by living outside the social norm(i call this youth!).

I would buy the MR. Believe me when I say, that for as long as you own an EVO you will never be driving a car. People who drive Jeeps don't drive an SUV, or a Truck. In fact, I think most will agree that the Jeep is itself a type of automobile, while others follow the social clumping that determines whether a vehicle
is a 4-door, Coupe, Convertible, SUV, ect. A Jeep is a category in itself. Funny, the EVO feels no different.

Although my MR is aging gracefully, MRs will always stand for the epitome of performance balanced by technology. When you drive a car that is further limited by techno goodies, it is wise to remember what you purchased that day; an Evo.

Welcome to the EVO Family.