Hi,
My name is Emir and i am 17 turning 18 and just got done with high school and two years of college hence receiving my AA degree to advance in engineering. I am a into European cars since i am from Europe but since i started working on cars and fixing up over a dozen cars since the age of 14 half of those cars being high end JDM(no honda civic bs) got me interested in Evo 8 and 9. Now that it is time for me to choose a car for my self as a daily driver to school and back I only have one question in mind.
How reliable are Evo 8s and 9s? I am in love with these cars and since i live in the north west i am only looking for AWD car that is fun to drive. I stuck between getting a WRX 2002-04 or an Evo 03-06 Can someone please answer my question? Thanks in advance!

 

EVO all the way!

 

I had both cars Evo is by far better go with the Evo won't be disappointed

 

Not reliable at all. Dont buy one

The wrx is 1000000 times more reliable

End thread

 

Drives: Audi S4 2.7t ; EVO 2006 IX

 

Oh, a little about me. My current car is a 02 b4 S4 that i bought at an auction and rebuilt it with my brother. He gave me the car to drive until i finish highschool. I am looking to buy a car from dealership and my preference is a Evo 2006 IX. Sorry about the confusion sir!

To all above him. Thanks for the input! I have also just read on WRX forums that the WRX breaks down easily but the engine does last up to 200k miles.

Now, my S4 is packing 150k miles all highway and never had a problem. Alot of people say S4's come with problems after 90k miles. But being me, im a clean freak and organized. I do oil changes every 2.9k miles vigorously clean the engines components and keep it running good.
Now my other question is, The evo im looking at has 52k miles for 20 grand. I wonder how long will the engine last me? I do not want to be fixing the engine every week. I will be treating it like a princess and vigorously keep the engine clean and well running, but is there something i SHOULD be worried about?

Im sorry for alot of questions hehe, this is my first car to be buying from dealer to build my credit for the near future i just really want a nice, mean looking, fun car that will go the long run with me!

 

I will be taking your word for it! Since you do say you have both cars. I really hope you are right! Thanks

Why do you say that sir?


little more info on the car im looking at

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/3012153487.html

 

I wasnt being serious....

But really, an evo is an expensive car to maintain. The wrx would be cheaper and would still be a fun awd car.

 

It will be fine as long as you keep the car closeish to stock, and make sure to do regular maintenance on it, it will be plenty reliable. There's a reason these cars come with a 10yr 100k mile warranty.

 

it really depends on how it was treated by the previous owners. Evos have a very stout motor if taken care of properly. Test drive both and you will be convinced to buy the Evo

 

I agree. A WRX would be cheaper to own, maintain and still be fun. Just make sure you swap an STi trans into them as the 5 speeds, I heard, were pretty weak if you try to put more power into them.

Otherwise, Evos are pretty good on being reliable but it all depends on how the previous owner treated it. If the previous owner did nothing but beat on it and didn't do much of anything like an oil change, don't expect it to last.

And seeing as how that Evo you mentioned it's at 52k miles, you have 8k miles left before you need to do the 60k maintenance so make sure you have enough money for that. It's around $500 for the kit.

 

I looked at the one you posted that you found on CL, doesn't look bad however, be careful if you are financing at a dealership like that. Also check the car out because it seems like alot of dealers like that get their cars from auctions but you can use that to your advantage when negotiating on price since they have room to flex. Make sure to put some floor mats in it if you buy. Lastly, what is the total price of the car as it is not listed.

 

Wow, you guys have been a great help! Money is really not an issue for me parents are giving this car to me as a gift for getting my AA 2 years earlier than most kids these days. And as for other money i will be recieveing alot from scholar ships to use towards my car! I sure will have to go to test drive them asap! There is plenty of Evo's here in seattle being sold.

And 60k maintenance? Mind elaborating on that for me? I know for my audi 90k maintenance was timing belt and valve cover gaskets to be changed.

Thanks alot for all this help! Bless the EVOm community!

 

On top of how expensive it is to maintain, it's also extremely hard to keep "stockish". Overall mine has been very good to me, just change fluids regularly and don't skimp out on anything. You can't go wrong with an evo, I bought mine at your age and still to this day love it and invest a lot of money into it, not because I have to but because I enjoy it. I'm one to get sick of vehicles FAST, before I had this I couldn't keep a car for more than 6 months. I've had this for 5 years now.

EVO FTW

The 60k service just ran me $700 including timing belt, tensioners, water pump, thermostat, fluids and labor.

NOTE picture 2 shows the stock Recaro seats but picture 3 shows some aftermarket's, not sure what that's about. I'd recommend running Evoscan or getting it checked out by someone you trust that really knows these cars.

 

Evo 60k mile maintenance is timing belt, pulleys, and water pump. Serp belt is a good idea to change too as you'll already have all the necessary parts removed. It can be expensive if done by a shop, as it's not a quick job. Most shops take 3-4 hours at least.