Hi everyone,
My name is andy and i am 18 almost 19. I really like the evo more than i like any other sports cars. not because its popular or because everyone has one, i like it for the feel and all the other good things. My question is - is an evo a realistic car for an average 19 year old to own? i dont know too much about the "problems" that the evo has and i was wondering if it is too outrageous to think a kid can own one. i have a job and i get to keep all the money, but its not much. I just wanted to get some opinions from some actual owners. Any comments are appreciated.

 

Insurance will be unreal

Payments will be high

Maintenance is expensive

Are you super responsible?

So in short. Is is a good fit for a 18-19yr old? NO not really. I think you'd be better off starting with a lower cost car that is cheaper to insure, modify it properly to perform to the level you would like to be at.

However I have a friend who is 18 who owns a Evo IX MR. Right before he went to college it got damaged at the dragstrip and is on blocks right now. He has finally come up with the money to get a his tcase rebuilt and tranny rb for it. Currently the car has 7k miles and has already been through a clutch, tcase, and tranny. I would like to add that he wasnt driving the car when any of these parts were broken but I guess you could blame the damage on responsibility. Overall he's probably $40K plus into the car by now and it's on blocks for the moment. Also he's been bitten by the speed bug and is on a quest for 11's so its probably not going to get any cheaper.

 

thanks, i really appreciate comments like that. i have a rsx right now and its getting old because it has 100,000 on it. I was looking for an evo but i didnt know how realistic the idea was.

 

^ What model year and trim level RSX do you have? If you already have 100k miles on it, then it sounds like your lifestyle involves a lot of driving. The Evo can definitely handle mileage, but even in conservative, non-stressful driving conditions like daily driving, the wear-and-tear parts will get burned through. I don't know why you drive so much (if it's for work or if you travel a lot for fun), but the OEM tires don't last too long (which is why some people try to switch to more durable tires), synthetic oil can get pricey, etc.

 

If you're going to track the car, I'd say wait unless you're independantly wealthy. If you're going to keep it stock (or slightly modified) and daily drive it, it'll be much less expensive. Don't get me wrong, its not going to be cheap. think $1000-2000 for a clutch replacement, super gas, $60 oil change, insurance at like $200+ a month, ect... I hope you have a good amount of income.

Also, be careful driving. As an 18 yo you will have less driving experience as others that have crashed their Evo's. Be careful, and know your limits of driving and you'll be fine! Other than that good luck with your purchase.

 

i have an 02 base (5spd). my life used to involve a lot of driving. now that i have moved to San jose i only have a 6 mile round trip drive. i used to drive roughly 50 mi a day. thank you for your input, these are all factors in me actually buying the car.


I do not plan to take the car to the track at all. i just want the car because it will have the power when i want it. i would be too scared to take it too fast and i dont really get chances anyway.

 

im in the same situation, except i have an 06 civic si....i am going to get an evo, whether its soon or a few years down the road...I dont drive to much since im away at school and never go home, but im saving up my money now for downpayment and i should get a good amount of money for my car. I am also getting a job down here to save up even more money, i figure if i want my SI to be fast ill need to turbo it...and thatll cost over 5gs w/ installation and tuning and such...when all i really want is an evo....so we will see hoping to get one next summer!!! by the way i live on this site now...im addicted and i dont even own one yet

 

I'm 19 going on 20 in a few months and I have a 06 IX MR SE, but I also work a full time and part time job, so I am financially capable of properly maintaining the car. I personally don't think age is the factor in a situation like this. Responsibility, maturity level, and finances are all factors that to me would let you know if you can handle a certain car. Just my opinion though, best of luck with whichever route you go!

 

im 17 and going on 18 in feb and im very responsible with my car, but the only problem is the money because i fund almost all of the money for my car by myself and i play football so i cant work at this moment, so money is tight

 

Thank you all so much for all of your input. it seems like the evo is a dream that i can not acheive yet. i might just have to wait until i am ready to get an evo. dont get me wrong but it seems like its pointless to spend all of my money on any car.

 

Got my first evo at 22. Still in school and working, but was able to make the payment and save to upgrade as well. All depends on your desire of owning an evo.

 

Sounds like a smart decision to wait. I was in your situation a few years ago. Im glad I waited until i finished college. These cars are very expensive to own, run and modify. Its also a great idea to have a cheap daily driver to go to and from work.

 

I'm 19 myself, and just got an older (04) Lancer RA... and even that is amazingly more expensive than I was expecting. (Payments + Insurance are around $600/month)

But what's with the "kid" comment? I dunno, I'm 19 almost 20 so maybe I'm just more mature than you, haha!

Well, if you do get an Evo, you can count on me being jealous

 

well im 23. Got my sti at 21, now i have a 9 mr. Like everyone has said. It all depends on ure maturity lever, responsibility and intelegence level. If u drive like a a$$ hat, u may very well be a statastic in the making, but if ure smart i see no problem.

Def check ure finances. U dont want a car that u have to work 24-7 for. Its a lot of money, inscurance, upkeep and mods. Good luck

 

No. Unless you are making $50,000 a year or more and living at home, you won't be able to afford the payment, gas and insurance. Think $400-700 for the car payment, another $400 per month for full coverage insurance, and another couple hundred dollars a month for gas.

If you make $2000 per month before tax, that leaves you with about enough to eat ramen noodles every day until the car is paid for, you make more money, or your insurance drops. But we know that won't happen because you will almost certainly get into trouble with a car like that.

If you're an 'average' 19 year old.

No, it's not, but you need to make a lot of money to support one. You have to pay to play.

I would save my money, buy an LS1 Camaro or T/A for about $8000, and keep liability only on the car so you can afford the insurance. They are fun, fast, reliable (except for fit and finish) and you might be able to afford it.

I had one when I was 18, and still do. I'll never sell it.

Just try not to kill yourself, OK? They'll come up on 160MPH stock. In a hurry.