I have been lurking since last year when I bought my STi and I am pretty sure I have it sold. It's putting down 341.4 on 91 and just over 400 on 100. My wife says to get the EVO if I really want but I think it rides just as harsh as my STi does with springs and top hats. The other issue is dropping some coin to make it as fast as my STi. I know it will take a lot less to do but I want reliable hp, not a dyno queen.

I also don't kow if I should wait for the 9 or get a current 8. I have a Mazda B2600 as a daily driver. It sure would be nice not having a car payment for a while but a good friend of mine (housedj) has been telling me the pros and cons of the 9 over the 8. Any input from you moms and dads would be greatly appreciated. If I don't go this route, I will most likely get a TL. My kids will be my first priority, that's why I am asking now as opposed to later.

 

i've had a kid from dec 15, 2k3... he's about 15mo. now... i've got an evo... probably around 320whp... will be raised to 350 shortly... =P... the kid loves it... he likes daddy's "blue rolla coster" i still have a stock suspension though... the ride is harsh... i wouldn't want it to get any harsher for the kid

 

I do not have any children but I do take my nephews and niece around and they love to ride in it. You might want to consider an MR if you are conserned about the ride quality. The evo can make reliable power for not a large sum of money. I would say get the evo.

 

i have a daughter and i cart her around in the evo. she likes riding in it because she cries whenever we take the wifes car instead. my dyno numbers are below and for a reference stock sti's put 200 down on their dyno and stock 05 evo's put down 200 on their dyno, and 03evo's put 180. Power is not as linear as the sti, but i do like the rush of torque felt when the turbo is spooled. I've spent about 2500 on mods and am very pleased. I think the power i'm making is extremely reliable. I think it depends on how agressive the tune is, but mine is conservative and safe. I know if you're worried about the ride, the MR is a lot more comfortable to drive around than my gsr, but i like the stiffness of the kyb's on the gsr.

 

i have a couple kids that i just found out about, get the Evo

 

It doesn't look like you're asking a question, but here are my 2 cents:

I have a seven month old son and the Evo is a great car for transporting a baby. The base for a Graco car seat fits right in the back seat without messing up the upholstery. The door opens wide enough to get the seat in easily.

The ride is fine for a baby as long as you have the base strapped in correctly. I took an on ramp a little too fast before I knew how to secure it properly. I looked in the back and the seat was at a 45 degree angle . Wife does not know about that one. The baby is almost always sleep by the time we get to our destination when he ride in my back seat. I think it's the rocking and the bumps. It just vibrates him to sleep. He stays awake or crys when riding in my wife's SUV.

I bought a Recaro start http://tinyurl.com/bbzsc on Ebay last year right after he was born. He will be 20 pounds in a month or so and then it's bye bye to the baby seat.

Get the Evo!

 

the ride on the evo is harsher than the sti, but it is bigger inside.

 

I got a 13 month old kid. Yes it is bigger inside then the STI, Good for a baby seat. But my WIFE hates it.(EVO)

 

what about the loud exhaust? I suppose that's more of problem for adult passengers. Kids probably think its normal and goto sleep...

oh, as far as ride comfort, get a decent coilovers - more comfy than stock and MRs and adjustable for those track days!

 

First, xphillipjrx that was a good story, heh.

I have a 13 month old daugher. I drive her to daycare everyday. We had a Peg Perego baby carrier (2 bases, 1 seat), but now she's bigger and we went with 2 Britax roundabouts. The Roundabout is a bit of tight squeeze, but I'm short so I don't need to move the seat that far back. It will be easier when we make it forward facing...

Anyway, with stock suspension, it's fine, but I agree that an aftermarket setup might be too harsh. The MR setup is supposed to be much nicer as a daily driver...

She loves riding in my car, and usually dozes off or just rides quietly without any complaints.

Take care,

FB

 

After the infants are a little older, you can put them in one of these, perfect for an Evo:

http://www.simpsonraceproducts.com/p...4&prod_id=1909

 

can't wait till my kid's big enough... recaro baby seat here he comes... =P

 

I bought my Evo in March 2003, two weeks before our daughter was born. She doesn't complain and still goes to sleep even with the aftermarket exhaust and beaten out cat. I've taken her about five times on the 70 mile jaunt to the airport with no issues including the wonderful NYC roads!

Just buy an Evo!

 

My 15month old loves the Evo. Hit the gas and watch him smile
The stiff ride doesn't bother him at all, and the exhaust drone puts him out in no time.

 

My son was 2 and my daughter a year old when I bought mine. When my son got home he said Daddy got a Batmobile, and it stuck ever since. They both love to ride in the car, and rather me pick them up than the wife. As far as safety goes I have the graco car seats that match the interior they fit well and have the added safety hooks that tie into the back dash along with the seat belt that holds it in. Very secure and as safe as having 4 point seatbelts. They love Sunday outings in the Evo with the windows down, now the wife hates the ride, says it makes her ***** hurt. If I find a way to secure them, we're in business.