08 here. 52k no problems. Regular maintenance and stage 3 clutch full bolt ons and e85

 

Threads like this really scare perspective buyers like myself. I'm in the process of replacing my two DD's with once vehicle and the Evo is at the top of the list now. The thing about threads like these is you can find them on ANY car. So far it seems like the Evo is pretty reliable compared to other performance cars though. I've also been looking at Subarus and BMW's and they both have their issues as well

 

'08 X GSR with just over 100,219 miles on it. The Evo is my DD and I drive a Lot. I usually drive casual and on occasion somewhat aggressive...tracked it a few times here and there but nothing too exclusive. Major issues I've ran into so far...replaced clutch twice. Routine maintenance is a Must for me! Other than that haven't had that much downtime since I've rolled it off the lot back in Feb. '08.

Guess I'm knocking on some serious wood here!

 

I see a common mistake on some threads where the car can be blamed for the problems. Its just funny how things work. Usually if you take care of it well you wont have any issues, which you sound like you treated her well, but even then sometimes its just that SOL problem where just everything goes wrong man. You win some, you lose some. I just bought an 08 EVO X and test drove but now that its off the lot sometimes 3rd gear slips but no real biggie, it also dies when coming to a stop, so i ended up leaving it in gear until its close to a complete stop and doesnt happen. Im trying to diagnose that now. Anyways, the best of luck man, sh** happens :/. I just prefer PS3 (Evo) over Xbox (Subaru). Idc if the STI is stocked higher i just think the EVO is a sexy car, i dont like the look of the subaru. The sound it makes goes back and forth sometimes i think it sounds amazing other times i think its an over powered lawn mower.

 

45k. replacing tranny with a jacks tranny due to an awful noise and occasional 2nd gear lockout issues. weird.

 

And Subarus have the ringland issue. They are know for their reliability but that problem is fairly common.


BTW on average what does it cost to replace an Evo clutch?

 

I am thinking around 2-400 if you buy an aftermarket clutch (it can vary so much depending on what you want) and do it yourself. I am sure the labor costs always add like 2-500 depending on where you go :/. Unless your going OEM.

 

Wow, makes me scared to have a high milage evo. I am very **** about
Maintenance, but sounds like th op had alot of bad luck.

 

I have 45K on mine:

1. One of the DRL went out, replaced it with HID ones.
2. One of the mudflaps fell of, replaced all four (whoever came up with the idea of having to buy a set of mudflaps all at once, should get beat with a bag of locks.)
3. Did regular maint. & oil changes, no engine or mechanical problems whatsoever, tires, brakes, all in great shape. I don't really get on it too much.
4. Interior is clean, since I'm a freak when it comes to cleanliness I wash and clean the inside of my car on a regular to borderline psychotic basis.

I'm happy with my Evo.

 

I had issues also when I had my X had me pissed off also sold the car with in weeks of me getting it.

 

Sad to hear you've had so many problems with the car. I just picked one up a few months ago and I'm hoping I have decent luck with it.

 

Hey OP, you definitely had alot of bad luck there, and I feel bad for you. IMO, the failures that you experienced seem consistent with dd'ing a car in an area with cold weather and crappy roads (which NJ has plenty of).

When I was looking for my first Evo, I remember people saying the same thing about the 2003. Lost of trash talking about: weak clutch, tranny, transfer case, rear diff. etc., well I decided not to listen to them and buy one anyway. And I just sold my 2003 Evo 8 after owning it for 8 years and putting 100k+ miles on it, and I can honestly say that it was the most reliable car I've ever owned (in that car, I replaced the stock clutch at 90k miles).

About 6 mos ago, I bought a 2012 WRX STi sedan brand new with 6 miles on it. I purchased it with hopes of using it to replace my Evo 8 when time came. However, once I went on IWSTI and read about all the ringland issues (they affect the WRX too, BTW), I decided that peace of mind was much more important than owning a new STi...so I sold it. I do miss the way my Invidia Q300 looked and sounded though...the exhaust note is intoxicating.

Anyway, my rant was aimed more at prospective Evo owners than the OP...enjoy your new WRX

 

sorry to hear OP....just looks like a streak of bad luck on that vehicle.

I had a 05 VIII and loved it when I go it but had to let it go. Rattles, clutch issues, you name it. Just wasn't working out. Not even a week ago I went and got a new 2013 GSR...I can honestly say I had so much fun with this vehicle before that it was alwasy in the back of my head. The new WRXs are nice...my wife just did not like the looks of them and she was a deciding factor in the purchase (go figure).

It happens with all vehicles though. I had a 2010 camaro ss....tuned, LT, gears, you name it...handled like a champ...just went through tires. On the other hand, there were guys on the forum that had them for 10K miles and were having some serious issues.

In the end, get what makes you happy....but sounds like you just got a bad seed in this one.

 

When I was shopping for an evo I had my heart set on a 08 X. Ended up going with an IX, after reading this I'm happier about my decision.