As Subaru bring yet another facelift model out in '06, my plan of getting a new STi in the Summer has gone out the window. One of my other 'runners' is the Evo VIII and was wondering if anyone knows how much you can pick up these bad-boys in the UK?
Over here in Germany, they are 24 and 26k respectively and 400 coming in at 37k.

 

If those prices are for brand new cars, then they're cheap....other option is to buy a 260 for circa 20k, and spend a couple more modifying that. Cheap way into it.

 

Bought an FQ330 (53 plate) with 7k miles for £22.5k from Ralliart dealer, was actually up for £24k in the showroom. Truly spectacular car, savage performance. With respect to the impreza in 06, I am holding off and think I will fair better with a trade in value of the evo than I will with my recent STI 03.

I kinda figured that the used dealer impreza market may be somewhat full when the 06 comes out.

wheelie_sti

 

The 260 is 18.5k here, but I don't fancy the 'cheap' Evo

The main thing that puts me off Evos is the ridiculous servicing (non) interval. Can't decide whether the extra 20 bhp in the 340 is worth the extra 2k.

 

There's a theory that the 320 is the best compromise. Btw, if that's 18.5k list, have you thought about what you'd actually pay? Think I'd cope pretty well with the "cheap" one if it came in at less than that! .My V111 was 20k approx 2 months ago.....that's for an '03 280 jap spec model with 8k miles. I have the option from the seller ( trader ) to upgrade very cheaply to 340, however I don't want to have the car any noisier than it is now. Wouldn't dismiss the idea of the 260....the 5 speed box is meant to be much superior, apart from anything else.

 

The 340 does have lhalf leather seats though which are much nicer IMO than the cloth ones. I have a 330 too.

 

MattW, what's the spec of yours, i.e., HKS exhaust, filter, etc?

 

I have just done a deal on a new MR 300 I paid £26k for it with met paint Ralliart matts ,12 months RFL and full tank of petrol plus 3 years or 27000 miles free servicing . They also gave me £15000 for my 03 WRX PPP, PFF7, Prodrive quick shift and lowered spring kit plus bits done 24000 miles Uk supplied so I am well happy.
I went for the MR300 as standard they are rated 314 bhp I have ordered a Magnex cat back exhaust with cat by pass, along with HKS panel filter which will give me according to Extreme (RalliArt) 340 to 350 bhp.

Regards

John

Ps two more sleepless weeks to go LOL

 

.....and satnav

 

I bought a 320 over the 340 because it was a fair old wack cheaper, and apparently the unichip in the 340 won't adjust fuelling for say a decat pipe. My dealer and the guy who services my car both say that they would prefer a 320 over a 340.

 

KyL3cook, Very nice motor looks very good in red.

John

 

Just paid the deposit on a MR340. PX my 04 sti plus £8k which to me seems a really good deal. Just done 1700 miles has the rallyart mirrors (carbon fiber) like the mr400 and will have the mr400 wheels as the present owner (who must have piles of cash) who has order the mr400 put bbs wheels on the 340 that I'm buying and wants them on his new car so I get the 400 wheels!

I have driven the 300, 320, and the 340 and imoho the 340 blows the other 2 away. Not only in performance but in handling and driveability.
Either full on or just round town it feels so good. The car feels "active" as to the sti that felt "passive" if that make sense.
Anyway I can't wait

 

As stated above,there are some concerns about the 340 in terms of its crude engine management upgrade. Look at rc developments site they explain it and there was a mention of it in Autocar this month. Evo MR in general is well tasty though

 

Errm My has a decat pipe fitted by the dealer.
Don't you think Mitsubishi UK would be a bit concerned about the "unichip" problem, seeing that there giving the car a 3 year warranty?

 

They were looking for a fix for it IIRC

 

Mine's standard apart from 18's, HKS exhaust is standard on the FQ's

 

I'm just stating what the mitsubishi technician (one of the top evo blokes at a mitsubishi dealer) said....he said in no uncertain terms that the unichip that mitsubishi have used on the 340 is a pile of poo. He also said that the 320 with a decat will be a better performer than a 340 with a decat, because of this chip. I've never driven the 340 so I couldn't comment, but that's what someone in the know says.

 

Go for the 320,better base for modding...sat nav on the 340,is the women on the phone type!!!,just ask for the leather upgrade on the 320...decat,ralliart ecu,boost controller,fuel pump...370-380hp easily and safe!!!! and all for less than the 340....all MRs come with the Bilstein suspension so no difference in handling at all....the 320 with a decat will be up around 345hp at least and that only costs £50!!!!!!...the 340 does not like decats due to the piggy back chip...all the above mods are approx..£1500,leather,£500,Ralliart ECU,£50 Decat,£200 fuel pump,£250 boost controller...so for approx £2500 more you get near enough MR400 performance...i know wot id do....

 

I'm sure something ***** told you in confidence and now you've just plastered all the the www. for his employers to see will no doubt please him to the upmost!

 

it's a well known problem amongst the evo community, so it's by no means a secret. Look how many other people have said the unichip is a problem.....but just in case....I'll edit my post

 

Fine if you don't mind losing your warranty.
I saw a second hand 320 for £27.995 and I'm paying £28.000 for the 340
Which would you have for the money.
I had a choice of either modding my Sti with PPP (losing the warranty) or going for the MR340 and retaining the 3 year warranty. It's a no brainer to me.

 

The Unichip issue is NO secret. One of the major car mags( I'm quite sure it was autocar) mentioned how many of the test cars were billowing black smoke and not very smooth through the revs. Also see www.redevelopments.com they actually took the 340 apart and give a detailed account.
The 340 upgrade is just bolted on by mechanics here in the UK when the car arrives.
I'm not having a dig at those who have bought a 340 by any means,but it is not a no brainer. Get an imported Evo8 for £18k(not MR perhaps), £4k will buy you a professionally fitted and personally mapped 350+ BHP car ie £22k. When you sell the car you can sell the upgrades for at least £1500,so really costs £20500.
Complicating issue is insurance which is always much higher for greys