Normally drive an 03 WRX wagon with PPP, 18" wheels and Prodrive springs but for the w/e have had an Evo IV.

Initially the Evo feels much better with flatter cornering and faster pick up but then you realise that the suspension has no compliance so the ride is unacceptable and the good pick up is mainly due to lower gearing which makes motorways very noisy. Wind noise is also high.

Overall, an interesting experience in a car which is a tad faster than the WRX PPP with better handling but the compromises are too much. I live with my WRX day to day, the Evo IV I could not (and that's before we talk service intervals!)

Therefore Evo good for a blast but not to own long term? Scooby not quite as fast but bearable on a long trip/commute etc and a damm sight better fuel range!

Everyone agrees I presume?

I went for a test drive in an EVO 8 FQ300, and to be honest I was disappointed. It didn't feel as fast as I had expected, and the firm ride was uncomfortable, especially when I was a passenger (didn't notice it so much when I was driving).

As for the feeling of speed (or lack of) there are two reasons: firstly, the power is more progressive. My 03PPP kicks when the turbo comes in, but the FQ300 was much smoother. Secondly, the red against black dials and the small text on the speedo meant I wasn't watching it much. Although my other half couldn't believe the speed I was driving at. I know I was into 3 figures on the motorway, any less would have felt slow.

All in all, too firm and quite deceptive speed-wise !

Oh.. and as you also found out, the service costs were an eye-opener !

Yes, forgot to say, I could'nt live with a car which needed servicing every 4 or so months!

Its only the AYC oil that needs changing every 3000 mile.
its a £50 job!!And i think mitsubishi were going to extend this.

Everyone goes on about the servicing on the Evo range,but i have also had a modded wrx for 2 years and i serviced them both every 3000-4000 mile anyway for peace of mind.High performance cars need regular oil changes to keep everything running sweet.

I have had the Evo IV for over 3 years now and always change the oil and ayc fluid every 3000-4000 miles.Its also a good opertunity to have a look over the car and check the brakes,pipes,exhaust etc.

If your using the car on a day to day basis and spend a lot of time on the road then the Evo probably wont be to your taste.
Its suspension is hard,but the faster you go the better it gets.To me it only feels a little stiffer than my old 93wrx suspension?

I find when driving the Evo i can change gear a lot sooner than my ex wrx and use the torque of the motor better.
Yes the fuel tank is small but the Evo range aint motorway cruisers.
Get it on some twisty country lanes once you learn how to drive it and theres not much that will come close in cornering speed and point to point driving,bikes included!

Dunc

I like evo's but like you said the servicing is a bit harsh, and I would miss the sound of my scooby, theres nowt like it! :D

I was quoted the following:
1000 miles: £133
4500 miles: £220
9000 miles: £284
18000 miles: £419
27000 miles: £276

Main dealer prices for the FQ300.

Jiggerypokery,
Your summary matches exacly my thoughts of my FQ330 test drive. Although I got lift-of oversteer on a roundabout, which my 01 does not suffer from. Perhaps this was due to the tyres ( standard Yoko's) which I didn't rate the in the damp condititions.

You havent then heard a Decatted Evo with A blitz Nur spec R {baffles removed)!

Add A hks downpipe and turbo elbow and all hell brakes lose! :eek: