Multiple choice poll above

I'm going to TRY to make myself wait until next Spring to buy a new car, because I want to have my student loan completely paid off. This would result in a car loan being my only debt, and it frees up more money for modding!

It's probably anybody's guess as to what Evo(s) will be available in April 2005.

Will the Evo VIII MR and RS still be available?
Will the Evo IX be introduced or imminent? (2+ yrs after Evo VIII arrival)

To start even more bickering:
Will Subaru counter with an "upgraded" STi by then?

 

I don't forsee the IX showing up until the fall.

And I'm sure there'll be a Spec C or something similar from Suby.

 

Can someone overview for me what the GSR is? Ive done all the research possible on the MR and focus only on the MR... I thought the GSR was the slower automatic one or some **** with a softer suspension...Someone correct me pls.

 

the "gsr" is just what they call the standard-issue evo in the uk, japan, and elsewhere that got RHD cars. mitsu dropped the gsr label for the USDM evo...it's just an "evolution" here, not an "evolution viii gsr". the viii gsr was like our viii's except it had more hp, acd/ayc and 6-spd.

the "mr gsr" is the standard-issue mr in japan, uk and other markets. probably near identical to ours except possibly for output, minor cosmetics, and AYC (and RHD, of course).

 

The Evo IX will have surfaced in Japan by then but probably won't be available in the US until the fall. At least you'll be able to see what it looks like and how it has evolved over the VIII.

 

I know the GSR and VIII labels aren't used for the U.S. model, but what I meant is the standard US-spec 2005 Evo. I just tried to keep it short in the poll.

I may have to force myself to wait for the Evo IX if it comes out in the fall of 2005. It'll be hard to do that, but I got screwed the last time I bought a car, missing out on the VQ35 and 6-speed manual. When the Evo IX specs and looks become public, I'll see if it's worth waiting for.

 

from what i've read, evo ix will ride on a new platform. the first gen of a new platform is often sketchy. since the viii platform is proven, the mr seems like a better bet imho, but who knows? maybe the ix will rock.

 

A new platform would certainly open up some exciting possibilities. A shorter, lighter hatchback would be particularly interesting, though not as functional in day-to-day usage.

Regardless, waiting for what's next is a futile game - buy what you want as soon as you can. Something better will come along, but you can't wait forever.

 

Your thinking of the "Gentlemans" Evolution Mits put out about 2 years ago in the VII, it had an Automatic tranny, low wing, and was just built for a smoother ride.

 

Yeah, that's the Evo VII GT-A. It also had no hood vents.

http://www.apexjapan.com/news/evo_gta/evogt_a.html

I didn't think of this until now... will bring a Evo VIII GT-A to the States?

 

Dude, screw worrying about a student loan, they probably have the lowest interest of any loan you'll ever have in your life (assuming they were after 1996 or whatever blah blah blah). Get the toy, stretch the student loans and enjoy it as long as you can.

I'm kinda in the same boat, although I got a ton of student loans. 30 years to repay at less than 3% is fantastic though. That's only $2.50 of interest per month per $1,000 financed. Plus you're building equity in the car, while the equity in the student loans is a piece of paper. I hope to have at least $10,000 to put down by time the end of the year rolls around and second rounds of MRs are to be had.

 

I doubt this. They have traditionally run three Evos on each chassis. This being the CT9A is due for one more. And it will probably have the Ralliart style front end like somebody posted earlier. I-III was CE? then IV-VI was CP I think. One exception I think, the IV was referred to as CN, but was modifed into the CP just not completely different like the going from the 3 to the 4, or 6 to the 7.

The new chassis, is of course, the one that Chrysler will use for its Neon and the motor will be based on the joint effort thing between DCX, Mitsu and Hyundai - but I'm pretty sure that won't show up until the X.

 

Crazy29187,

I'm older than you think. I finished college before 1996, my student loan interest rate is 8%, and the balance is around $8000, not eligible to be refinanced at the new low rates the youngsters are getting. I can get much lower rates on other loans thanks to my excellent credit rating (ex: my current car is refinanced at 4.59%). I earn enough extra income to make more than quadruple payments on the student loan every month, thereby saving myself $1600+ in interest if I pay the student loan off in one year.
I had $6K+ in credit card debt one year ago, $12K+ two years ago, but now I have zero credit card debt. It was a great feeling to pay it off through discipline and smart money management, and I learned my lesson. I expect to feel the same way after paying off the student loan. It's like giving yourself a raise when that extra money has nothing to do but pile up in your savings account.