Mine did. I'm on my second Evo right now, though both were purchased brand new. And almost seven years later, even bone stock, it still amazes me. But the trick, especially if you plan on keeping the car for the long term and you daily drive it, is to not drive like a madman at every opportunity. When you commute, then just commute. And when you have those opportunities for fun, take them if it's appropriate, and you will appreciate its capabilities. Owners can do what they want, but I feel like the guys who are going WOT all the time get used to it very quickly and lose their appreciation for the stock car, and feel the need to constantly get more power out of it. And then thousands of dollars later, they're over it, and wish that they stayed stock since they can't sell it without losing a ton of money despite investing money in mods.

 

100%.
It helped that my roommate in 2006 bought his 9MR brand new, which I wrenched on just a bit. But I knew what I was getting into.

Find a good local tuner/tech. This will make or break your Evo and your enjoyment.
I bought my car already modded, but of course, most of it was done like crap. From boost leaks to brake calipers that were only held on by 1 cross-threaded bolt, to all speakers held in with zip ties and a mess of wiring...
Bought the car, dropped it off at my tuner in the first week, and just said fix it. It had nice parts so I knew it had potential, but I didn't want the headaches of continuing to find things breaking, so I said fix anything you find. Had to bite the bullet up front, but I had a great car from then on and love it every day.

 

First evo was fun. 11' mr. SST tranny couldn't handle the power. Still miss the driveabality.

 

I'm in love with the MR but my husband wants a GSR. Someone is going to have to give before we buy one. Reading all the commentary is just cementing my desire for it even more.

 

A stock Evo did not meet my expectations. Infact it was kind of a disappointment. A modded Evo however, was well beyond my expectations. Highly recommended if modded.

 

lol, it sure as hell did for me. but i regret selling it every single day. specially when i see a black ix omg my heart.... here is the story:
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...esa-ca-10.html

I really do feel bad sometimes for the people who start modding the cars and run into their first big engine failures or transmission failures, I can tell they are in pain lol. I'm also an ex mitsubishi tech so i'm pretty adamant to modifying my cars severely. With that said i have to admit that i did enjoy my car A LOT. I loved every single second. I loved it so much that i tracked it down twice and tried to buy it back but the first time the owner backed out, and the second time i didnt get a response. I even got pretty emotional when i saw my beautiful tarmac black ix se that had been put through some new process that kids are doing called plastic dip??? they made the thing this ugly satin white omg the pain. Thank god the new owner removed all that stuff and brought it back to its glory, very glad he's loving it and treating it good.

Right now i'm currently looking to buy my second evo. I'm looking for a 2010 SE now, and i will very probably NEVER sell that car. And when i pay it off i might buy another 06 in tarmac black any trim.

By the way if you are reading this and have any 2010 SE leads here's my wtb thread:
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sa...l#post11005062

 

I have an Evo v still stock and it still lives up to my expectations even to this very day couldn't live without it.

 

Just got my first Evo last month. Have to definitely say that it's worth every penny! (Not only my first Evo, this is my first post too!) Granted, it's only been a month, but this car is far exceeding any of my expectations... That and I can't say that I love it that it scares the crap out of my wife when I need to be a little aggressive with it, too!

 

When I got my 04 bby it met some expectations, exceeded others and fall short on some. In general, great looking car, SSL and the rt color I wanted. Ride was far from superior, but after some GXworks springs and bilsteins, bushings and bars--it finally road like a real car- not skittering across the tops of the bumps in the road. As for the track, the car exceeded my expectations in handling, to this day I have never had a car handle as well and I have built a lot of street cars and suspensions and driven and road in a lot of highend vehicles. Lets just say this is the car I had to modify the least to get it how I wanted it.

 

I love my evo. I had been thinking of buying one for years but never pulled the trigger. My previous car was an 00 prelude and I honestly wanted a V8. I went to a dealership to test drive a mustang and camaro. They had an 05 evo there and I took it for a test dive. I knew within minutes it was the right choice. I have done several 500+ mile trips with no problems, except a numb ankle from the lack of cruise control.

 

I think this is very sound advice, thanks. this thread is making my wait till march seem even longer...

 

This is my first 8 and it's amazing. I'm shocked how easy they make power and how much boost they can take from factory. I love how sensitive the steering is and how well it grips on corners. Aside from the plain "lancer interior", it's a all around great car.

 

I'm on my first EVO VIII GSR for a year now, and I don't think I will ever sell this car. Before this car I had multiple RWD nissans, most recently a 350z. In comparison, I like my Evo a lot more in terms of power potential, all season madness, and 4 doors for family seating. Not to mention the body lines are aesthetic. If your into tracking, your in for a real treat.

 

Yea im not tracking, its gonna be my DD.

 

6+ years and going strong. Best car choice I ever made.