Are these cars really that unreliable? If people are so strongly considering 3rd party extended warranties that would probably discourage me from choosing that vehicle in the first place.

Or start building up the tool collection and honing those wrenching skills...

 

Actually I did a lot of research into the general reliability of these cars before I purchased mine. After looking over various forums and talking with existing owners, I found that, in general, they actually are very reliable cars. A significant portion of the problems that have come up were on heavily modified cars. Not saying stock ones don't have problems too, but the trend seemed to favor the modified ones. While there are a ton of properly modified Evos out there, I have also seen a bunch of hack jobs.

Going with an aftermarket warranty is not an indication of an unreliable car. To me, it is just like an insurance policy. I generally keep cars for awhile, so I always like to get an extended warranty. Sometimes it is through the manufacturer (Subaru has a nice extended warranty) or through an aftermarket company if the manufacturer doesn't offer one (like Mitsubishi).

The EVO, especially the MR version, has some expensive components on it, so in my opinion spending $1,500 up front to cover me out to 8 years (probably will only own it for 5-6 years, but it really wasn't much difference in price to go out to 8) is not a bad deal. If I never use the warranty, then that is ok by me as it means the car hasn't had any problems. However, if I do need it, then I will be glad I have it as some things in particular, like the SST transmission, are very expensive to repair.

In regards to the SST transmission, from what I have seen, the issues seemed to mainly be on the earlier cars (2008 and 2009) and a lot were on Ralliart cars instead of Evo MRs. They seem to have sorted things out a bit as you don't see too many complaints on the reliability of the SST transmission on MRs from 2010 and above. Obviously there will always be a few lemons out there, it is the same with any car, but I wouldn't let it stop me from buying a car I liked.

 

Mine was awesomely reliable until I hit 450whp+...then **** starting breaking and its been downhill since, or uphill rather as in a struggle.

I think with the stock turbo in place these cars are awesome regardless of how much power/torque you make assuming your tuner knows his stuff.

Beyond that its a crap shoot.

I put 24k hard miles on my car, day in and day out and it was great up until I started making bigger power, then like I said no good.

I think the evo's are pretty damn reliable, especially when you consider how they get beat on. Even modded ones can be pretty good.

 

Canadian money isn't even real is it. Eh you can just go pick one up at Canadian tire , using your Tim's card. Lol