Looking to dump my 330i BMW and get an EVO, any years to stay away from if I decide to go used? I test drove a 06 MR and a 06 STI and I have to say the EVO is much more potent than the STI.

I found a few 03 models for like $24k, any thoughts?

 

avoid the 03, they had an open front diff.

 

I think you will be pleased with any year model Evo you get, they are great cars!

 

Doesn't 24 seem kind of high for an 03? I have never really checked pricing on used evos but I would would probably sell my 05 for something like 27.5ish.

 

I drove a 06 for awhile, but couldn't get financed, definately better then my 05, oh well its still the best car I've owned. RIP 98 1G in a 2G GST, may the wholesale auction find you in good hands, since the dealership coouldn't.

 

yes 24K does sound a little high for an 03 and yes i would stay away from an 03 for tha fact that they were the first year of the evo and because of the diff

 

Great, all this talk about the '03s and I just purchased myne 3 months ago. Oh well, i'm happy and it was the best decision of my life. I bought my '03 with 9,500 miles for $22,000. Good luck

 

Hey I bought mine 2yrs ago and no regrets. But definetly dont buy used, just get a new one. Mitsu doesn't call it the evolution for nothing. So the latest would be the greatest.

 

Did you buy from a dealer??? I was just talking to a dealer this morning who is getting an 03 in next week and will be asking $22,500 for it with 40,000 miles. I know I can get him down but is it really worth it for me??

 

$22,500 w/ 40k seems a bit high. I paid 28,500 out the door with only 4miles. It should be under 20K at least..

 

I tought $24K was to high myself for the 03. I saw a 05 6 speed for $28K so I guess its a MR and if so is it the first year of the MR, has teh BBS rims on it or the picture seems it does.? I really liked the EVO 06 but for the $ thought the IX was the way to go over the MR and the transmission didn't really matter to me. I commute an ungodly amount but like most I am a turbo fanatic hence my website www.xn85turbo.com but at last I drove a BMW for the last 3 out of my 4 cars and decided they are just to expensive to hop up and their handling will never equal that of a awd (though they make the 330XI). They just cant put out the EVO power for the low $ investment.

 

buy a new one, i mean you dont want one someone "beat on" you will regreat not buying new if your able to

 

I used to own a 330i too with everything except navigation. I dumped it last November and got a brand new EVO IX last month. I was looking into getting an old EVO but the IX has some minor changes that I liked (new front, nicer looking (in my opinion wheels), carbon fiber interior trim, suede seats, etc.). I heard it's configured more like the JDM model (someone told me but I'm not sure). The engine also has more hp (tiny bit), bigger turbo (I think, but not by much), and a little more torque. Because of the MIVEC some people have told me they were able to get gains of more than 300+ whp by just getting an exhaust and a flash. One of the biggest reasons too I got a new one is because I figured someone who used to own an EVO probably drove it hard and I wanted to make sure I broke in the car myself and knew how it was treated. Believe me it was a big step for me since I've only bought used cars before. It took a while to get used to less luxury but I think it's more fun to drive and the modding potential is greater. I'd say take a look at the older EVOs and the newer ones, test drive them and observe the changes they made. From there you should be able to decide which one you like best. I test drove tons of other cars in a one month period before I bought mine. You can PM me you have any other questions since it looks like I was in the same boat as you are 4 months ago.

 

At least with me I can't afford a brand new one but a used one is more reasonable. I was hoping to find one that was not beaten. I'll see what the dealership says and how low they will go with it.

 

The 03's are fine! Just try to find one that was not abused.