Pretty sure one guy went from a 350Z to a GTS, but that's not really a good example. It's so new, not many folks have made that switch yet...

 

Ok, I didn't want to type it earlier cause I was at work, but the reason for the change is I'm planning to move to NorCal. I need something a little less expensive and friendlier on gas since my cost of living will be increasing....hopefully so will my salary.

Need to take some steps now to make sure the move isn't a financial strain.

 

I made the switch from an 03 EVO to a GTS. First off, I will say that my experience with the EVO wasn't all that great. The car had some problems and I had to put a lot into it when I first got it. The damn thing even got broken into the first 2 weeks I owned it, quite a pisser. Even when I traded it in for the GTS it needed work to even begin to compare to my buddies EVO which is practically stock save a few SIMPLE mods. The car still had massive amounts of power and I loved every minute of owning that car, even when I wanted to drive it into the lake. Trading was a hard thing to do, but easy at the same time.

I ended up going with a GTS with CVT, don't ask me why. The car is extremely nice, I love it because it makes daily driving around so much easier and gas is cheaper too. I've also tried hard to get rid of it several times to get my hands back on an EVO, I will be the first to admit I've lost a lot of sleep wishing I would have never traded my EVO, but people me STUPID mistakes. It was stupid to buy it and it was stupid to sell it, lol. My opinion is this: If you enjoy your EVO for what it is, and you're willing to put up with the cars occassional **** fest then keep it. You will notice a major difference in power, handling, and over all feel.

Some people may not share this opinion with me, but try and read this from the point of view of somebody that really, really loves EVOs.

 

One of my friends buddies traded in his Evo for the GTS, just because of the lower payments, just like you are looking to do. I don't know about how he feels about losing power and such, so I can't help you there.

 

Oh, don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Evo. It'd be even easier if I had a bunch of problems with it, but (knock on wood) it has never been in the shop for anything but routine maintenance.

Between payments and insurance (before even putting gas into the equation) I look to save at least $250/month. If I didn't really need to, I wouldn't. And the thing I have to keep in mind...it's just a car. It's not like I have the only Evo in the world, I can always get another in a few years.

 

I'd wait and see what the new RalliArts are like. Mine is plenty fast yet still gets 28mpg. Though I'm sure the new one's will be quite different. Probably cost a lot more too.

 

Yeah, given the price of a fully loaded GTS, the new RalliArt would be a bit more expensive and a bit more to insure, which would be less impactful to my checking account.

 

Well, if you are planning on buying a new EVO in a few years and you're confident that this purchase is the best decision then, by all means, do it! I guess I wasn't really ready to trade. Since my budget is very tight it takes me longer to pay off vehicles or own a vehicle, like an EVO, and modify it.

 

I just did and I dont regret it a bit.. the dealership here is buying the crap out of evos right now and they did a consignment for me. I hated to see it go but I got what I owed for it. If your from the Springs Im sure youve seen me. It was a black 04 I had it on craigslist for a bit but wasnt getting any bites. I owed 24000 and they sold it all said and done for like 26500 paying off my loan and taking thier share of the fees. They got me into a Aqua 2008 GTS that was just traded in for a Red one it only had 3400 miles and I got it for 20000 out the door loaded. I thought I was getting ready for the Evo X but I think I need to slow down a bit. I really like the car minus the no AWD I really liked that in the winter and Im going to miss it. But NO regrets what so ever.

guess I forgot to put the whole point of this on here. I traded mine in for the same reasons. I have 2 boys 7 and 8 and they loved the EVO but it was time to save some money and I wanted a little bit more cush in my ride. The 08 Lancer had all of the Tech that I was looking for in a really nice looking package. So I really did it for the same reason that you want to. It has saved me over a hundred off of my payment and half off of my insurance. So for that reason alone I can afford to go a little slower. Not to mention it puts you into a whole new class of (not being the one everybody wants to race at stop lights) Ive gotten as many looks in my new car as I have the EVO even from other EVO drivers. So you wont loose the I want that appeal.

 

I have never done it, but it sounds very practical to me.If you get the need for speed maybe in a few years. You could buy another evo.

 

I saved money buy just buying a daily beater. I insure my car at only 5k a year, which lowers my payments. I get 35 mpg from my civic, I spend less on oil changes and wear and tear, and keep the miles down on my EVO. The gas alone will save me $200 a month, plus insurance and maintenance, thats a good $250 saved. I guess it just depends on your situation.

 

Well for me I debated over and over to keep or trade in my evo VIII. I just couldnt do it so I kept it and I still bought an 08 GTS last June. My older brother traded his evo and two years later, he bought an evo IX!!! If you have cut cost, you gotta do whats best for you.

 

... Good looking car the GTS is. Definately not an Evo tho. I can't see alot of people making that trade unless the Evo wasn't for them in the first place. That would be like banging a super model and trading her in for a county fair pageant winner.

 

^lol No shame in trading the Evo in for another car imo as long as your not up to your neck in debt.

 

I can't say that I'm in the same exact boat as you, but it might kinda be similar. I bought the GTS in April as the first car that was ever my own personal car. That was something I was dreaming of for a real long time. Before I actually made the purchase I was looking at all types of vehicles with hp and performance very much in mind. When I started looking at what it would cost me and what would be left after the cost for me to spend on day to day stuff though, I sadly had to let go of that idea. That being said, I'm just about to hit 10,000 miles on the GTS and I am really happy with it. Granted it doesn't have the horsepower I'd want in an ideal situation, but it can still scoot. It's definitely got enough power to move around in traffic and make passes without any problems. If I'm not paying attention, I can get upwards of 90 mph without even knowing it. It handles especailly well with the sport-tuned suspension as well. I've had friends in the passenger seat notice just how well it reacts. Add all that to what I think is one of the nicest looking bodies on the market and it's a pretty damn satisfying car to own. It's not an all-out burner like the Evo, but it's a luxo-like sport compact with ok power, great handling, great features, and a great look. I've thrown in a SRI and a new crank pulley too and that's helped out with low-end power (total cost under $300), so if the power thing really bugs you, you can help it out for pretty cheap. Uhhh, what else? It's got 7 airbags... so it's pretty safe too. Bottom line is that you'll obviously miss things about the Evo, but I think you'll like what the GTS brings to the table, especially considering the impact it makes in your wallet. And I'm sure your kids will think it's pretty awesome too with all the features you can get on it and how good it looks. You're already in the frame of mind, so I just wanted to give you an endorsement for the GTS, should you go that route, so hopefully it won't be as hard to make the switch. The way I see it, the situation you're in is like starting a relationship with a new chick. You might miss some things about the old one, but there will be some cool stuff about the new one that you'll learn to appreciate. Anyway, the decision is ultimately up to you, so good luck making up your mind and I hope you're happy with whichever little lady you choose.