The lease on my Mazda Mx5 is up in about 6 months, so I'm doing my research...

Part of that research was test driving a Lancer Evo.

Now I must get a Lancer Evo... Plain and simple. I had an RSX Type S before the Mx5, and I miss the speed. I can't get the feeling out of my head of getting my back sucked against the seat when the boost kicks in. That test drive told me all I needed to know.

But is it smart? I'm going to the source (you guys) to figure that out.

2005
I've found some for around $20k with about 50k miles.

2003
Research shows them at about $17k or $16k with about 70k miles.

The exterior and interior look identical, so that's not a factor. I checked out some threads on here saying that the evo is a "Money dump" and not to buy one if you can't afford pretty consistent maintenance. If I got a 2003, I'd have some good pocket change each month, but the 05's would cut into that.

I've no intentions of taking it to the track, modding, or anything. Just taking off hard from traffic lights and low-clutch stress stuff (Heard the clutch likes to die). 4.7 0-60 is just fine for me. That being said, should I still expect it to fall apart?

If so, should I spend more initially for an 05 and expect it to be more reliable, or just get an 03 because they'd both be running into the same problems anyway?

Your thoughts? While checking through the posts you guys seemed pretty helpful. My thanks in advance!

 

honestly, Id stick to an 06, or possibly 05
Yes, they are money pits. i will not lie. Everything on these cars are more expensive then the other cars I had.
Keep this in mind.
Insurance is retarded on them. I pay double what I did on my 07 350z for reference.
but all that being said, its deff a cool car.
Just know what your getting into.

 

all the information you are looking for is on this site scattered around but i will try to help you out a little bit.

For what you are using the car for there is no major differences from the 03's - 05's so id say just go for whichever one you get a better deal on. They all have their common problems but then again most of us are pretty modded so that causes all the extra damage. If you leave the car stockish it will be reasonably reliable. The stock clutch is fine for stock power as long as you can drive a standard well.
A few things to watch for/ keep in mind are..
- paint fading from calipers
- wing clear coat fading
- tire life is kinda short so ensure you have a good alignment
- 93 octane should be used
- mobil 1 oil changes every 3k. (mobil 1 is a lil pricy)
- change your tranny and diff fluids every 30k or so

other than those and some other small things a stock evo will be a pretty reliable car

 

My Insurance isnt bad at all, what kills me is the addiction to costly drop money on mods! There is unlimited amounts of aftermarket parts so boredom is never an issue. Welcome and hopefully you choose an EVO, you wont have any regrets!

 

Honestly I don't think the EV0 is a money pit....I think very few people leave their cars alone. Power is so easy to get on these cars you get sucked in and before you know it you are going from mods that make sense (tuning for better performance and fuel economy) to doing the bolt on's because the power gains are almost like videogame jump in power to trying to stop before you hit 400-500. Along the way things wear out....its inevitable. The car has a turbo and a motor good for 400+ from the factory...brembo brakes. Brake jobs aren' going to cost the same as you base modem Civic CX.

As far as performance cars go its cheaper to maintain or as expensive as other cars in its class (and in some cases below it). Of course if you can wrench yourself then you can save a ton of cash (like any other car).

My insurance is cheaper then my wife's IS300....she hates me now. LOL. I only pay 100 bux a month for full coverage and additional policy for aftermarket parts.

Get it...sounds liek you already made up your mind and you are looking for more reasons to re-inforce the decision

 

****ttttt, 'cmon man! Don't make it worse for me by planting the seed of destruction! D: Seriously though, I can honestly say, I had NO desire to mod, but now you're kinda selling me on it... Greeaaaat

I didn't make the decision, everything after 3,500 RPMs did! Seriously, I think it's impossible to test drive the car and take it above 3,500 and not want it. Some people hate the boost delay, but I LOVE it! It's like a granny car until all the sudden **** starts shaking and your tach turns the other way.

If everyone could, when they respond, say either 03 or 05 would be the better choice for me. I really appreciate it, and you guys are awesome!

 

03

 

05, I think the newer the model the better...

 

I'm sort of like you. I don't plan to mod at all, or at least for a few years. There are so many cops around where I drive, it's pointless to do. I'd love to track it but it's my DD. So far I did the 30K service myself and oil changes and it's not too bad. $~30 for an oil change every 3 months won't kill you. 30K service was about $200, if I remember right. 60K will probably cost a ****load though. At some point the clutch will go. Mine's still good but I'm reading up about how to remove the tranny and think I may try it and save myself a $800 install. See where I'm getting at? If you do things yourself, you'll save a ton of money.

Also....I don't use summer only tires, so they will last longer. The evo is really fun in the winter with snow tires on though but getting new tires every 6-12K tires is too much for me.

 

This car might get me started on becoming more knowledgeable about how they work. Right now, I'll be honest, when I push the pedal on the right, I go forward, that's about as much as I know

OK, perhaps I'm not that bad, but up until now I've left things to the pros, all the way down to the car washes. Call me Southern Californian. I don't really have the gear to work on a car, but perhaps it'd be worth it.

Then again though, diving into car repair and maintenance for the first time on a 20,000 dollar machine may not be too bright...

 

If you honestly have the money to let the shop/pro do the labor, without a doubt let them do it.
But if you don't have the money and it is your only choice, I would get someone from this site that would be willing to lend a hand and help you tear your motor down...

 

Holy crap, no way... There's actually a chance someone on the site is in Southern California? AND willing to help me?

My doubts are strong, but seriously if that happens I'd be amazed.