So as titled, I am new to the forum and currently in the market for an Evo but have a couple of questions.

What are some of the more common issues/problems with the Evo X?

I understand this forum is for X's specifically but do you guys like the Evo 8/9's or the X's better and why?

How is the marketplace for upgrades? I assume huge but expensive also?

Really having a hard time parting from my '12 GLI but I've always loved and wanted an Evo.

Any information is much appreciated!

 

Get a 2014 because the 2015's don't have Recaros
Car is solid, but as with any turbo car, if you do a bunch of random mods, don't tune it, then floor it without downshifting to pass someone, expect things to go boom.
MR is capable but costs more to mod or maintain due to the proprietary transmission
The MR is not an automatic, it is a dual clutch transmission
downpipes aren't the first mod like a subaru, but generally something you only put on after a larger turbo
Cars are very solid when modifying them, as long as you do it properly.
Everyone is all over the map on which EVO is the best. I'd say get an X because they aren't super old, and finding an unmolested older EVO is difficult.

 

Ahh yes, modifying without tuning.
Seriously though I'm having a hard time choosing between the 3. I prefer the look of the 8 and 9's more but X's are just a nicer place to be inside. Also debating on buying a built Evo to possibly skip some of the waiting and expensive upgrades but still unsure what I'll do there. I'm looking mostly in the 18 - 22k range to hopefully lower my payments a little but I won't settle with anything above 50k miles and that could take a minute lol. So downpipe after upgraded turbo eh? If I were to get a stock evo, which is doubtful, a downpipe and tune would be at the first of my mod list.

 

Thanks for asking the questions OP. I've literally been on and off the fence about an X myself.I would just hate converting my Veloster back to stock LOL Been in love with the X ever since test driving one though, just wasn't too much of a fan of the Recaros though.

I think I read somewhere to avoid the 2008 X's too right? Due to something with a time chain or similar of the sort?

 

For the price range you listed I would say go with a Evo 8. There great cars and just as capable as a 9 and not as expensive. A 9 with low miles would be hard to find and over 22k 9s hold there value though since such low production of only 1 year. I owned a 8 and now a x I love both cars can't go wrong with any of them, all good cars.. As far as modding there's a huge market for after market parts for the evos and there still very reliable if you don't go crazy with the mods stay around 400hp and you'll have a very fun dd.

 

Right on man you should do it as well. I personally love the Recaros but I also don't dd with them. As far as demodding goes, sell all of your old parts and buy Evo parts!

 

Yeah I'm finding a lot more 8's than anything. Still leaning more towards a lightly built one but we'll see. So 400 is the magical spot huh? Non-built I assume? And is the aftermarket world decently affordable? It's pretty pricey with my GLI lol

 

Ya 400hp non built... E-85 will make it alot safer too. Ya parts I think are fairly cheap as compared to other cars. Can usually find good deals exspecially used, people are always wanting to go to the next level and sell off there old parts pretty cheap.

 

that's pretty much all anyone needs to know.

 

Sweet that's good! I have an Evo that I'm looking at right now but would like some opinions on it. It's a 2004 Evo 8 SSL with 67k miles with pretty decent list of mods and it's super clean. I think it's a good deal and it's claimed to have 380awp on 91 and 490awp on E85 which is pretty close to the range I'd like to be. Only thing I would want to do with it other than changing a few parts for different ones would be building the bottom end. I would also prefer not to disclose the price as I'm pretty serious about it but it's under blue book. If I go through with this, I will have nearly a 20 hour trip back to my home state so I'm a bit nervous about that one. Let me know what you guys think, really looking for some feedback. :beer

 

Cant say how good a deal it is cause no one knows the true condition of the car. but "sounds" like it may be a good deal for you. you could always pay to have them take it to get a ppi and send a copy to you and worst case you would just be out the money of that if it has some hidden issues since so far away. but honestly if it runs and drives well no whining noises and shifts good than prob not anything to major since you say you wanna build the bottom end anyways. even if you do have to fix anything would still prob come out ahead than starting from scratch if you planed on building but power levels are pretty much maxed out for stock block. I wouldn't personally run that power on stock block but its definitely been done. Now driveline stuff is probably gonna need some upgrading.

 

If it's from an area with snow, I'd be hesitant. Try and find something from a dry warm climate if possible imo.

 

Be hesitant about coastline ones as well, picked up a 240sx back in 2000 in San Diego that literally had a lot of surface rust. The salty moisture air is a car killer. If you plan to keep the car for a long time, stay within the inland regions.

 

Yeah I should be good, it's in California and was originally from Georgia I believe. It is in excellent shape inside and out and has been garage kept for most of it's life. I think I'm going to pull the trigger on this one if all goes well.