In 2010 I bought a new Evo X GSR SSS 2010. Still have it. 100% stock, 100% payed off, about 70K on the odometer (it's my DD), original clutch and I'm on my 4th set of tires. I love this car.

But... I hate the seat. Im 6'1. The lack of a telescopic steering wheel, and the terrible driving positions has led me to develop health issues. My lower back constantly hurts, my left knee bumps the steering wheel when i shift (steering wheel tilted all the way to the top) has me clutching in at an angle. (now my left knee constantly hurts and pops)
My right shoulder is all messed up from the terrible shifter location. Trust me I have tried so many seating positions in this car.

I have traded cars with my dad for a month (he gave me his old 2004 infinite FX 35 SUV).
After a month, most of my health issues disappeared. Knee is still clicking but no more pain. Lower back is good as well.
Now my pops wants to switch back to his infinite and give me back my evo.

I dont want to sell my car, but i can't drive it. I checked Kelly Blue book, ranges from 22k-25k at best. Car is in perfect working condition.

Here are my questions. WTF do I do?

1)How much is the car really worth? (i have done all maintenance according to the manual, have all records and have done all required recalls. Basically, I baby the $hit out of my evo.)
2)What do I buy for 22K-25K that is at least comparable to the evos driving experience?
The only thing I can think of is a new WRX or the new STI (but the STI is like 35K)
3) Do I buy a beater and keep the evo?

I never wanted to sell this car, i wanted to keep it till it dies. But I cant.
WRX and STI are manual, and im sure their telescopic steering wheels will be better + driving position wont hurt my body as much, but im not sure.

4) Do I go back to a 2 pedal car?
If so, what 2 pedal car wont make me hate my life? ( I am really not trying to drive a boring family sedan)

My health is more important than the evo, but i dont want to completely give up driving a fun car either. Any suggestions, criticisms, and advice are welcome. Please help a 30 year old single male driving enthusiast out.
Cheers.

 

Go get a 2015 MR and swap out your seats. The MR is a great and fun car, this coming from a lifelong stickshift driver.

 

Dude, I swear I have the same problem as you.
I love the car, but I just could not find a perfect sitting position. I found my solution though, the problem is the seat it self.
I don't want to swap my stock recaro, so here is what I bought:Bucky Baxter Lumbar Support Pillow,Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FFN76E/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_0cJIvbV5JQK6D

I am About 6.06 feet.
With this, I slide my seat to to about 2 clicks away from the max distance, putting this pillow the the lower back position. Now you back have a better support.
Been with this for a few months now. Since I am only 2 clicks away, my knee will never touch steering wheel.
No more back pain during traffic anymore.

 

Pictures worth 10000 words.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...2021.37.02.jpg

This little thing makes a huge difference for me.

 

Sell the car the evo is not the only fun car to drive. There are plenty of fun cars to drive in the 20+
thousand dollar rang.

 

Hmm... The MR might be a solution. They have the same seats as the GSR but with leather correct? The 2015 has ...regular seats? MR is going to be close to 40K though. I cant bight that bullet.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I have used a variety of back support pillows and whatnots in that seat.

The problem is... if the seat is far back enough where my knees don't hit the steering wheel, I cant comfortably reach the steering wheel with my hands haha. The shifter is also a stretch.
I was 25 when I bought the car, and the crappy seating position never bothered me lol. Until now.

 

Would you like to provide some examples please?

 

My 8 was kind of the same way. Have you tried seat lowering brackets? They helped a lot in my car. IDK if they're available for the X, but its worth a shot..

 

What about the new M3 like an 08 I've seen them go for around 24-28k

 

Buy a solid used m3 or 335i. My moms 335i is ****in badass and SO comfortable.

 

How reliable are 7 year old BMW's? Especially M3's and 335is'?

 

I'd find a 2013 MR with leather then it will be in your pricerange and with the options you want. It's a really fun platform and is insanely fast to drive. I owned a 2014 GSR and a 2014 MR back to back and if I had to walk onto the lot and buy either one, today, I'd get the MR. It's scary quick shifting and makes driving a complete blast.

Good luck whatever you do.

 

You know the answer to this already.

 

Sigh, I do.