Just sold my 2000 s2000 daily and looking for a replacement. Requirements are something sporty but comfortable, quiet, some tech goodies maybe. The BMW 335 and 135 are my top picks but I'm considering the Evo X.

How is the reliability in general with only light mods? Real world mpg? Is the cabin quiet or lots of wind and road noise?

I like the luxury features of the MR but want a MT, is the GSR the one in want? Can I get one with under 40k miles for mid 20s?

 

This is based on my experience obviously so I can't speak for others. Reliability so far has been great (knock on wood) What do you consider to be light mods? Right now I only run a full turbo back exhaust and a high flow filter with plans of (u/l)icp and turbo inlet hose with a tune. Should hopefully increase my mpg to like 20 or hopefully a little more because I'm running so damn rich. Just got new tires and cabin is significantly quiter minus the random, incredibly annoying, dash rattle. That can be fixed and the ride is actually pretty quiet. I would highly suggest just going to test drive one. You'll know for the most part right away if it's what you want or not. You can check the forsale thread and you can find better than 40k for mid 20's. Hope this helps kinda sorta. Good luck with your decision.

 

Reliability is great, I get over 20 MPG on my mostly highway commute. Boosting around the city I get more like 16-17 MPG.

I find the cabin very very quiet, but then again I came from a similar car to the S2000 where road noise dominated especially on the highway. You can actually hear the music at a reasonable volume when you are cruising at 70+.

You can get the GSR with a full leather interior with the Sun Roof & Leather package, which includes additional sound deadening. The only downside to the GSR is the lack of a 6th gear so it's a bit louder on the highway. I recommend you at least try the dual clutch transmission because it really does work quite well.

I've seen a lot of people cross shop the BMW with the EvoX and in the end, it usually comes down to if you are looking for road feel and handling and are OK with driving a non-luxury car (EvoX), or want a reasonably fast comfy luxury car (BMW). You can't go wrong with either as a daily driver IMO.

 

It's all in the test drive.

 

I've driven a 2011 MR, highly modded 08 GSR before but only for short period of time and both on an autocross course which doesn't tell me much about how it is to live with day to day. They were both incredibly fun but I'm mostly worried about the reliability, mpg, noise aspects of the car.

 

Thanks! Great feedback. Is the full leather and sun roof/leather package called SSS? With those packages is it essentially the MR without the DCT?

 

I love my Evo to the core but I gotta be honest with you...Your requirements might be better suited in a 335 than a Evo...I find the cabin to be noisy...I dont think its very quite...The ride comfort is good but I doubt its going to be as comfortable as a 335...These Recaro's are my favorite but I must tell you on a long journey my back starts to feel it every time...Reliability is fantastic.

The reason that Im only stating all these is because of your requirements. Personally I couldn't be happier and the plus side of the ride not being as comfortable as a 335 is that it handles a hell lot better than a 335...The cabin might not be as quite as a 335 but i'd say they have done a good job with what it is and then getting that amount of performance out of it. It won't be as comfortable as the 335 but it will be very livable for daily driving. This is just my personal opinion and others might have a different perspective.

One final note, the 335 will keep you comfortable & happy but the X will always make sure you have a grin in your face.

 

Love my X as a daily-driver! Sounds like you might want to check out the 2011 GSR SS+SL package since that has leather, sunroof, and additional sound deadening material along with the nice stereo system and HID headlights while still having the 5-speed manual transmission.

I average about 18-20 MPG in my mixed city driving/commute. I have plenty of fun too so if I really wanted better mileage I could ease up on the right foot a bit.

 

Are there earlier/used GSR SS+SL available? Looking to spend around mid 20's don't mind an 08-10 either. I like the way the leather, extra sound deadening, nice stereo and HID sounds!

18-20 is pretty poor (I got about 24 mixed with my S2000) but I can overlook that. If the 335 is a 8 out of 10 for quiet/comfort would you guys say the Evo X is a 6 or 7? I want something fun but don't need hardcore handling etc, when I want that I'll just take my supercharged Elise out for a spin

 

I got about the same mileage as you with my S2k too. The GSR SS+SL is a new package for 2011, the only way to get leather and extra sound deadening previously was the MR Touring package. There is optional dealer-installed leather available though which my friend had done to his 2008; and it's easy enough to add Dynamat to the car yourself if you really want.

If you're giving the Bimmer 8/10 for quiet/comfort I'd say the X is probably a 5. It's a performance car with a few niceties tossed into the mix to make it fine for daily driving. I personally love the Recaro seats, even on the straight 1k mile drives I've taken. Go for a test-drive, I think that will answer a lot of your questions.

 

I do a lot of commuting for my job like about 20k maybe more a year. My X is my daily and I haven't had any issues yet (knock on wood). It's totally your call. I just know I love driving mine and wouldn't want anything else. You have to enjoy what you drive and be happy with it, why settle for anything less especially when you will be in the car everyday.

 

I think you've pretty much answered all my questions. Great feedback especially since you have experience with a S2000. I'm actually just down the street in Frisco. My commute consists of DNT to 121 to Lewisville each day so you have an idea of my driving habits.

If the Evo GSR is a 5 out of 10 it's probably not what I'm looking for. I'd say my S2000 was at least a 4/5 out of 10 for overall comfort and usability as a dd. It doesn't look like I can find a decent MR for mid 20's

 

I love my EVO X MR as a daily driver... but if your priorities are comfort, luxury/plushness and refinement... I really think you are better off going with BMW.

The EVO X is one of the most exciting daily drivers you could have... but I'd be lying if I said the interior was luxurious... and there is not a lot of sound deadening material. Go for the BMW...!

 

are you gonna be driving a lot on the highway? 5th gear is even shorter than the IX's gearing, and my engine gets pretty buzzy around 75-80mph... loudest noise in the car is the motor, and i dont even have a loud exhaust

 

5th gear @ 3k RPM is just over 60mph, similar to the IX.