I have a Pathfinder as my daily driver and I agree -- it's a slug with no enthusiast leanings whatsoever. My wife has a Volkswagen R32 and absolutely loves it, but it only comes with two doors. Compared to the Mazdaspeed 3, I would recommend your wife consider a four door GTI. It's quick, nimble, has a very refined interior, you can get the excellent DSG if she prefers an automatic transmission, is suprisingly roomy, can haul a ton of stuff if you fold the rear seats, has a very presentable stock audio system (unlike the POS Bose system in my Pathfinder that I finally had to rip out and replace because of aural agony), and gets excellent fuel mileage.

If you want a more engaging SUV, the V6 powered AWD Toyota RAV4 is a worthy replacement for a Pathfinder for a modern mom that still will put a smile on your face when you drive it.

 

congrats on getting your new EVO !

 

Congrats. You have a very understanding wife!

 

I wouldn't have my Evo X if it wasn't for my GF, glad to see your back driving an X this time.So how do you like the AYC so far?

 

Congrats on the purchase, good choice. What are your initial impressions of the X compared to your old VIII?

 

Great car man. What were you thinking when you thought a German car can replace a Japanise BEAST.

 

*note to self* drive wife crazy --> she says something like 'go get it already' --> rock solid excuse to just go out and get it --> happiness with by having both an evo and a wife that rocks... heaven!

 

welcome back!

 

Compared to my VIII it does feel a bit slower in a straight line but to be fair my old one was modded and I don't remember the stock feeling.
Everything else though, the new one blows it away. The looks, interior, handeling and overall feel of the car.

My brother in-law works there and I could get insane deals. Trust me. I learned from my mistakes.

 

Welcome back, awesome color.

 

congrats! Sweet color.

 

my wife has the X and I have a 9 (untuned). I bought the cobb accessport for her X and it definitely transforms the car (ACN91 tune). Seems like it found a bunch more torque.

She has the Cobb Access Port, along w/ the Rally Armor Mud flaps. No more mods, the car is great aside from the clunky tranny which has a hard time going into reverse (gotta go to first, then reverse) and the cheap alcantra wanna be leather that loves to get dirty (fabric - somebody needs to make leather replacements stat) on the door trims and the center console. Staples sticking out on the chair sucks too.

 

Mazdaspeed3's I heard have some problems, Try the new 09 WRX wagon those things are badass with 265hp plus its AWD.