First off, this is my first post here on this forum so please, be gentle .

I recently have started looking at potential new cars for me to purchase here in another 16 to 18 months or so once I am done with college. I know it seems kind of far out, but I like to research early and, frankly, I just can't wait (you should see me at Christmas...my wife can't put presents underneath the tree until the night before.)

The main reason for purchasing a new car is because once I am out of school, my wife and I want to start a family. My current car (1999 Honda Civic Si) is a coupe and doesn't really allow for anyone in the backseat, let alone a babyseat with a kid in it. I really don't want to go with a SUV since my wife has one, but I need something with four doors and I definitely want to go fast (without my children in it of course.) My answer seems to be in the form of the EVO VIII (and now the MR) as I have been a long time fan of this car, and after living in Japan for 2 years, was definitely happy to see it come to the States. I do have a few questions about our version though and would like to have them answered by someone who isn't trying to sell me a car. Here's some lingering questions I have:

1. How is the ride quality and back seat space? Is it pretty harsh and firm since it does have a rally heritage? Is there enough space for a normal sized person to get in there? And the million dollar question, is it big enough to put a kid in a car seat in there without his/her feet kicking you in the head? EVO owners with kids can really help me out here on this one.
2. What's up with the clutch? I have read some things on here about the clutches being an issue (i.e. going out after 13000 miles)? Was it just the first batch of EVOs that came out or is it an on going thing similar to the "crank walk" issue experienced by earlier Eclipses/Talons? Should this be a first mod as soon as it rolls of the showroom floor? I take my Si out to autocross now and then (I really suck, but its fun ) and would like to hopefully do so with the EVO if that gives you any indication of my driving habits in regards to this.
3. How restrictive is the warranty in regards to modifications? I have heard that some dealerships won't cover anything on the car if someone does even the slightest thing to it like an air intake. The dealership here locally tried to tell me that I would have to watch a video prior to them selling me the car if I wanted to buy it. I thought they were kidding. What is the real story here? I thought SEMA worked with car manufacturers to prevent this kind of thing? What have your experiences been?
4. How is the insurance? Is this thing treated as a sports car or a sedan? Is it pretty high? Inquiring minds want to know.

Well, those are the ones that have been rather pressing on my mind. I have read some awesome things about the mods for this car. The ATP Stage III turbo upgrade especially caught my eye and looks like something I will definitely do. Another appealing factor to the EVO is the fact that I can probably make alot of power without breaking the bank vs. how much I spent, and am still spending, on my Si. That definitely appeals to me (and my wife.) Thanks ahead of time for the info and dirt. Also, I will apologise ahead of time to the moderators if I put this in the wrong forum. Thanks again and may all of your traffic lights be green and your gas 100 octane . Peace.

 

Welcome, ironmonkee. The Evo is definately a good option if you want something fast w/ 4 doors. Regarding the ride quality, it definately reveals a good amount of whats goin on under the tires, which is great for the performance aspect but idk about the kids in the back seat (dont have any myself). Back seat space? Well I had a 2000 vw jetta before the Evo, and the Evo has far better backseat space. The typical 6 ft adult can fit back there no prob. As for the clutch issue, Mitsu deliberately made it weak, so that you wouldnt instead blow out the transfer case, or transmission internals. The easy fix would be to get a good racing clutch. I, personally havent had any problems with my clutch yet. Now the whole warranty deal really depends on the dealer. My dealer does not have any problems w/ doing turbo-back exhaust, intake, and suspension work. Anything else, w/in reason of course, they would rather install to be able to garrantee a good installation. All doing this without voiding the warranty. And last but not least, insurance. Surprisingly mine is considerably low, ($150 a month) most likely because my insurance doesnt have a full description of my car. (when I went for a quote, it took nearly a week because they had no clue that my car existed)

I hope this helps, good luck on your futur purchase.

 

That is really good to hear (except that clutch part .) I am sure that as long as a 6' tall adult can fit back there that a car seat can as well. I know what you mean about the Jetta. Initially, one of the options I had been considering was the new GLI or an Audi A4, but after riding in the backseat of my friend's car on the way to Dallas once, I felt I needed to go to a chiropractor (I'm 6' 1".) Also the price-to-power ratio seems a little skewed to the "not enough side." Since the ride in the back is my biggest concern though, if anyone with first hand kid experience can chime in that would be great. The insurance part is really sweet. I have a very good driving record, and being over 25 (just turned 27 Friday before last) and married will give me really good rates. I already can't wait! Keep the info comming in, people and thanks for the reply johnnysixer.

 

Welcome to the Forum!

1) ride quality is very stiff. There's alot of room in the back seat.

2) Clutch is fine if you know how to launch an AWD car.

3) Depends on Dealer. Find a good dealer. Most dealers are **** about mods.

4) Insurance costs is reasonable. Cheaper than STi

 

The back seat has plenty of room for a child seat. I have one behind pass. seat and there is plenty of room. It sure has a lot more room then the WRX I used to have.

 

I have a pic of my twin in the back seat but it is too large of a file to attach. I did post it on another site. Will see if I can find link.

 

Well, I cannot figure out how to send to you unless you want to give email, nevertheless I have also had 3 adults in the car and could still pull on other cars.

 

ill help you out i have a four month old baby boy and he cannot ride in the evo it is way to rough for an infant so if you dont have an alternate form of transportation then i would suggest another car for you. hate to say that i love my evo but we have another car to carry him in so it doesnt matter to much.

 

Thanks guys. I must say this is the most helpful forum I have been on. x2. I appreciate the info on the backseat. Remorseless, you can email me those pics if you want. It would be great to have a visual of how it would look with a car seat back there.

Thanks for the critique of the ride quality for kids, Jason. Luckily, we do have another vehicle to transport our future children in besides mine (my wife's 2002 Montero Sport XLS) so it should not be much of an issue. Personally, I don't think the EVO's ride quality will be much of an issue for me. However, my wife doesn't like to ride in my Si that much anymore because of my aftermarket shocks and springs which I am sure will translate to her not liking the EVO's ride. Looks like purchasing a good set of adjustable dampners is the way to go when hauling the missus and little ones around in the EVO then. Good to hear about the insurance info on the EVO vs. the STi. It was one of three cars I had been considering (the other two being the EVO and A4), but the wife thought it was "ghetto" looking (I like it, but I need her to sign on on this too, so it's no longer an option.) Thanks again, everyone.