Hello everyone at EvoM. I would like to start by saying I DO NOT own an Evo, YET. I am going to explain how I am getting one. I recently suffered the death of a grandmother, and the house she had got split between my uncle and Mother. My grandmother made some very good financial decisions in her life, and left a good will for her family. My mother is getting about 200,000$ for the house since my uncle is buying out her part, I am in high school, but graduating this year. I will be attending a local college. My mother wants to buy me a newer car, any car I choose from around 10-15k. I currently own a 1991 Talon Tsi. It is my daily driver and I love it. Since before I even knew what a DSM was or thought to even own one, I LOVED Evo's. My neighbor had one as a kid, and I loved it. I am wanting a nice mostly stock Evo. Mainly wanting a 2003 Evo 8 GSR. I have found a few on this site already for the right price. I will be getting this money for the car in May, so I am not pming anyone about their car for sale yet, since it will most likely be sold. What I am making this for is maybe for some advice. I know DSMs very well, as I rebuilt mine. I am just looking for a reliable, fun, 4 door car. Evo matches description perfectly. What I want to know is about reliability. I live in South Carolina and about twice a year I take a trip to VA. I take my fathers truck on that trip, since I do not trust my Talon for that trip. I want a car I can hop in and head on up and not think twice about it. I know Evos require maintenance, like every car does, I just want to know about reliability and what you guys think of me picking up my dream car for college. I have a good paying job for my age, so I can maintain it. Let me know if you guys think this is a good idea, or if maybe I should go another direction. So a quick summary of what I am asking.
1. How reliable are they if maintained properly?
2. How hard is it to find a mostly stock with lower (50k-90k) mines for around 15k?
3. Will any of you have a Evo for sale in May?
4. Is this what you guys would do if you were in my situation?
5. How many miles does your Evo have?! I see plenty of evos with 50-60k miles. Nothing like 180k miles. How long do they typically last?

I thank each and everyone of you for being part of what looks like a great site, and appreciate and advice in advance.

 

It can be reliable but only as long as you maintain it and drive it properly. It's not hard to maintain it but just be conservative with it dont beat on the car all the time thats all. The car is not all that hard to find but finding one for a good price is key. make sure you drive it with someone who knows about these cars in general. Look for leaks and listen for the deathwine.

That is when the transfercase is on its way out. Also keep in mind of smoke coming from the turbo and exhaust if the seals are shot and headgasket issues with leaks from the head or oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil with that milky brown **** everywhere. Miles don't tell you much but a full inspection and testdrive can. I personally would do your research on her and see what you come up with.

 

I agree,

if you can find someone to test drive it with you that knows what to look out for that would be best.

 

Well, if I by one, it will probably be from one on here. I don't think I will search craigslist. There seems to be a good amount of nice Evos on here, i am just not looking for a Evo on here now since I will not be getting my money for one until May, I will then be looking for one within about 10 hours of me and if it looks suitable I will get it. I will be buying from someone on here, not to say they will always be honest. Like I said, I won a DSM, I know about the coolant to oil and all the basic stuff. All the under the hood stuff, such as turbo smoke etc etc I would detect, but my DSM is FWD, so I would not know much about the transfer case.