Finally; I find a good reason to write a letter to AutoWeek

[AGR]

As a long time subscriber to AutoWeek, I find it an excellent weekly publication. However; this past week on the cover is the new Mitsubishi Evo, with an interesting caption. No doubt, a great car.

On the cover: AutoWeek Feb. 3, 2003

First Drive
SOCIAL CLIMBER
Is Mitsubishi's Hot Lancer Evolution Pocket Rocket The Next Step In Affordable Fun?

here's my letter....

I must say when speaking of affordable, the line must be drawn somewhere. It's all relative, I suppose. But for me; my 2003 Black MAZDASPEED is true affordability when it comes to Pocket Rocket sedans. And what a great Pocket Rocket it is!
The EVO, for God's sake is a $35,000 small sedan. And make no mistake, that's what the dealers will be charging. I have already talked to one. Sure, it's higher performance, but for the price, it better be.
'Affordable Fun' as the Feb. 3, 2003 Cover implies.....not for me. Social Climber, indeed.

Greg

By the way: When AutoWeek reviewed the '03 MAZDASPEED a few months back, it was a favorable review.

 

[Newf]

I agree completely....affordable! Yeah right. I don't even want to know how much the EVO is going to be around here.

The speed is the real deal. Of course obviously the Spec, SRT4, SVT are also great deals as well, before I offend anyone

 

[dafababa]

I personally cant agree. The evo is such a different monster than any car the united states has ever seen. not even the wrx is close to the capabilities of this machine. you could spend 50,000 dollars and still not come close to the performance and ppersonality that the evo has. Even though the us version has "only" 271 horses, it has a more compatent and complex (and expensive) all wheel drive system than any car on the road today (I know that the US version has a different system than the Japanese/euro) in america. For me there is no other car that I would sell my soul for. Think of it this way our cars are amazing in there own respect, but Evos are amazing in all respects. Just my 2 pennies

 

[Newf]

I'm not saying the EVO isn't a good performance vs $$$

But affordable it is not. At least to the average Joe ( not even Joe Millonaire )

It all depends on what you call "affordable". And I think that was the basis of the arguement.

If I had the money, I'd take an EVO over the Speed ANY day......speed who? Zoom Zoom whatever....buy bye. Hello Evo!

 

[AGR]

I personally cant agree. The evo is such a different monster than any car the united states has ever seen. not even the wrx is close to the capabilities of this machine. you could spend 50,000 dollars and still not come close to the performance and ppersonality that the evo has. Even though the us version has "only" 271 horses, it has a more compatent and complex (and expensive) all wheel drive system than any car on the road today (I know that the US version has a different system than the Japanese/euro) in america. For me there is no other car that I would sell my soul for. Think of it this way our cars are amazing in there own respect, but Evos are amazing in all respects. Just my 2 pennies

Indeed; at $15,000 more. But even a $100,000 yearly income home won't generally buy the new EVO. It's still a compact sedan. I would most likely (personally) go with the STi WRX. I'm not so keen on Mitsubishi quality. They have had some QC issues in the past. I doubt seriously I will ever buy an AWD car. 'More to go wrong, I'm not racing, and the climate I live in doesn't really call for that application. Sure better in the wet, but I'm used to FWD.

I guess if I were to spend $35,000 on a car, I would strongly consider the new 350Z Track Edition. No kids at home, already a sedan in the family. Perfect! As far as the upcoming RX-8, that is one I will have to see in person to make a final decision on. A bit odd.

 

[MP5Raycer]

well just my 2 cents .. my last car before the Mp5 was over $35,000.00 and it was a two seater Roadster and im only 22 (NO MOMMY AND DADDY DIDNT BUY IT FOR ME LOL)

 

[Grimace]

I would buy one if I had the money (and it was available in Canada). Where is that darn drool emoticon?

 

[dafababa]

First I am not trying to attack or anything but number one they are not 35,000 the base stick is going to be 29,500 ish. the only options are the 2 stage carbon fiber wing and a sun roof, those are the only options. All that I am saying is that the evo is a different car than anything ever sold in the usa. possibly excluding the 911 gt2, witch has the same kind of all wheel drive system. but that car is a hell of alot $ more than the evo. I dont think most people will pay 30,000 for a mistu, let alone a lancer. this car is not made for those people it is made for people like us, people that see cars as more than just a status symbol or plain transportantion. This is the best thing that could happen to the auto market in the us. now every car company will be producing factory rockets like they did back in the 60's and 70's.

 

[AGR]

First I am not trying to attack or anything but number one they are not 35,000 the base stick is going to be 29,500 ish. the only options are the 2 stage carbon fiber wing and a sun roof, those are the only options. All that I am saying is that the evo is a different car than anything ever sold in the usa. possibly excluding the 911 gt2, witch has the same kind of all wheel drive system. but that car is a hell of alot $ more than the evo. I dont think most people will pay 30,000 for a mistu, let alone a lancer. this car is not made for those people it is made for people like us, people that see cars as more than just a status symbol or plain transportantion. This is the best thing that could happen to the auto market in the us. now every car company will be producing factory rockets like they did back in the 60's and 70's.

That's right; the sticker isn't $35,000. But; that is what the Memphis dealers are going to be charging. It's the same s*** that went on when the Honda S2000 was first introduced.

 

[Newf]

This is the best thing that could happen to the auto market in the us. now every car company will be producing factory rockets like they did back in the 60's and 70's.

This i agree with, and I have to say about that is

BRING IT ON!

 

[Lawerence]

First I dont really think thats the best reason to write a publication. I would imagine that a $30,000 (its actually around 28K) is not that un-affordable to the general public.

Seccond I think its actually priced very competitevly and for the money there is not much better. Dealer mark up is negotiable. You can always get the car for at MOST MSRP, i mean hell I bet some shmucks are paying 2-3K more for their MSPs...I wouldnt say the MSP is a good deal for 23K. Anyhow its foolish to pay over MSRP for any car.

also how old are you? No offense, but when dealers see young kids they think they can instantly charge them more and manipulate the situation.

 

[AGR]

First I dont really think thats the best reason to write a publication. I would imagine that a $30,000 (its actually around 28K) is not that un-affordable to the general public.

Seccond I think its actually priced very competitevly and for the money there is not much better. Dealer mark up is negotiable. You can always get the car for at MOST MSRP, i mean hell I bet some shmucks are paying 2-3K more for their MSPs...I wouldnt say the MSP is a good deal for 23K. Anyhow its foolish to pay over MSRP for any car.

also how old are you? No offense, but when dealers see young kids they think they can instantly charge them more and manipulate the situation.

I think that the pricing is competitive, no question. But; I don't really consider it an 'affordable Pocket Rocket'. I am 48, and as far as writing a letter to AutoWeek, I think what I have to say is quite inline. It's just a reader's opinion. I paid under $20,000 for my MSP. In time; I'm sure the EVO might fall under $30,000 (real time), but I am told here, locally, they will go for close to $35,000 to begin with. Remember the S2000s when they were released? Locally listing for $32,000 - selling everyday for $38,000+.

The Evo is mad power, handling and all (not to mention an exotic new drivetrain), but I doubt it is the overall quality of the Mazda. Mitsubishi's never have been. The Evo will probably be visiting the service dept. more, also. Just the nature of a higher performance car like it is.

For me; I would go ahead and go full sports car, not sedan when exceeding $30,000+. I like the 350Z (as a daily driver). But; my MAZDASPEED, I am sure I will be quite happy with for a few years to come. I don't need 270 horsepower, and a $650.00 a month car note.

 

[Lawerence]

For me; I would go ahead and go full sports car, not sedan when exceeding $30,000+. I like the 350Z (as a daily driver). But; my MAZDASPEED, I am sure I will be quite happy with for a few years to come. I don't need 270 horsepower, and a $650.00 a month car note.

I agree, I would get a 350Z over the evo, only because its more of a daily driver car.
I also agree that a $650 monthly payment is expensive. But I honestly believe you WILL be able to get EVOs for MSRP...the problem is going to be finding one.

 

[rodslinger]

I'm just praying it doesn't come over with those same gaytezza lights it had in the Autoweek article.

 

[AGR]

I'm just praying it doesn't come over with those same gaytezza lights it had in the Autoweek article.

The front end of the EVO is a bit too busy for me.

 

[dafababa]

I am just wondering how an all wheel drive car with a hell of alot more cargo space, would not be your every day driver over a rear whell drive 2 seeter with 3 glove boxes as storage? Just seems backwards to me thats all. In the northern states you would not even be able to move the 350 z on a normal winter day. also I really love the new z and the old z's, but if they are such great cars why is the local nissan dealership in kalamazoo sitting on 6 z's that nobody wants?

 

[AGR]

I am just wondering how an all wheel drive car with a hell of alot more cargo space, would not be your every day driver over a rear whell drive 2 seeter with 3 glove boxes as storage? Just seems backwards to me thats all. In the northern states you would not even be able to move the 350 z on a normal winter day. also I really love the new z and the old z's, but if they are such great cars why is the local nissan dealership in kalamazoo sitting on 6 z's that nobody wants?

Like I said,,,,,no kids at home. Cargo space is meaningless to me. We have an ES Protege for that. I don't live where it snows. All I need really is a 2 seater sports car for my car. The 350Z would most likely have been my choice if I would have been spending near $30,000.

 

[dafababa]

I do have to say that the 350 is a dream car. performance for $ value is very high in both the 350 and evo. they both start at 29,500 ish so you get a sh!t load of car for that price

 

[Grimace]

If I had an Evo, all I would want would be a convertible, like a Miata. Then my garage would be complete. The Evo is enough of a push-you-back-in-your-seat-and-hold-on sports car for me that my only other requirement would be a drop-top.

 

[Newf]

2004 sti or EVO

Which one would you want? Probably should be a poll or something in the off topic forum