Evo 8/9 reliable as a DD....?
The car can easily be DD'd as long as your expectations aren't one of Honda-like mpg and a Mercedes-like comfort level. I have no problems with mine. Gas mileage isn't awesome but it's decent for something with AWD, the kind of performance it has despite not being tuned for mpg or having any of the more recent mpg-assisting technology now being added to many cars. I average 21-22 mpg overall and can consistently hit 24-25 mpg on the highway, though I've hit a 30 mpg tank average once and 29 mpg twice. It takes a lot of self restraint though to reach those numbers, but hitting 24-25 on an all highway trip just requires limited shenanigans.
In terms of mpg it also depends on how you drive it and how it is tuned. I hit 27mpg on the highway without too much effort and 29mpg when I'm really trying. And around city is usually 24. On a road racing track I get 70 to 80miles to a tank, I didn't ever consider what that meant in mpg. 
High yield mods for mpg are: 1) tune, 2) boost gauge (you learn to adjust your right foot to optimize vacuum), 3) motul xclean 5w40 (yes very specifically this), 4) tires similar to oem size and grip. Obviously driving style matters too.
High yield mods for mpg are: 1) tune, 2) boost gauge (you learn to adjust your right foot to optimize vacuum), 3) motul xclean 5w40 (yes very specifically this), 4) tires similar to oem size and grip. Obviously driving style matters too.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Man, I wish I got that mpg with my hog. But when I was running 91, the best I could do commuting to work was 22. I blame the God awful grade in which I climb from 2000 ft to 500 ft in 15 mins. But city driving I only averaged 18-19 when trying. I thought that was bad, then I went E85 a few weeks ago. 14-16 average now..hahaha. But the pull from that fuel makes it soooo worth it.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From: Allentown, PA
I averaged 21mpg with my 2000 BMW 323. I just bought a stock IX MR and got 20mpg driving harder. I can see just from miles and the gas gauge that straight highway with the 6spd gets some pretty good mileage. I wish I could restrain my self enough to run a tank down without boosting lol.
Having an Evo was always a goal of mine too man. You won't miss your Honda.
Having an Evo was always a goal of mine too man. You won't miss your Honda.
depends who had it before if they took care of the car !!! Also upkeeps can get expensive as like fluids and tires wear and tear. Gas can get pricey if you dont stay off boost which is hard when you own one . Everything on evo's expect to pay money for !!!! If you can afford the car and insurance plus money to keep up with it and upgrades do it best thing ive done.
I've been really hard on my car from day 1, 6 years of serious use and I can say mine has been very reliable. Once you get into modifications, it's about what tuner you choose.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: OFallon MO
I've owned my 03 with 60k miles on it since December and it is 100% my daily driver. So far so good. It was pretty poorly modded when I picked it up, but after some work, it runs great.
I traded my 06 350z, which was a great car and I loved it. There's no going back now though, this car is awesome lol. Although like others have said, the MPG won't be anywhere near a civic.
Just look at my screen name lol
I traded my 06 350z, which was a great car and I loved it. There's no going back now though, this car is awesome lol. Although like others have said, the MPG won't be anywhere near a civic.
Just look at my screen name lol
I am in the same boat. I have a honda civic and am in the market for my dream evo. You know your not going to get that great of gas mileage, but i think the fun you are going to have driving it will make the money you are putting in the gas tank just a small price for fun and happiness every time you get in your evo ha!
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Middlebury, CT
The MPG is horrible in my car as well. Glad I drive a daily that is a lot better on gas with all the driving between school, work, the gym, etc I do a week. Love my car, not the fact I have to fill up that thing every time I want to do something.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
hmm, a pretty wide variety of MPG here. I'm not too concerned about that honestly, I know if I stay out of boost it'll be ok. I had an STi for a minute, so I know the turbo likes to drink gas like crazy. I drive my Si pretty hard and it sees shifts at 8,000+ RPMs consistently....so my MPG isn't what you think a Civic should get haha. My main fear with the 8s and 9s is the reliability, and I know that depends on the previous owner.
Evolved Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,080
Likes: 27
From: Southern California
Well, you can just have it checked out first, or if a major service hasn't been done, maybe go halfers on it with the seller, assuming that there aren't any problems found. When I did my 60k, the shop owner said my car was in great condition (which it should be, since I'm the only owner and have taken care of it), but he mentioned other times where people buy a used one, and when they drain the drivetrain fluids, they find a bunch of teeth flowing out with the old fluids.
My buddies evo 8 is stock motor making around 400hp and he abused it for the 4 years that ive known him and its still going strong. His has like 150k miles on it. Just maintains it rregularly. Motor got flooded with water at one point and its still making power and running lol