EVO VIII, still lookin' good

"Tom McParland" (tommcparland)
03/22/2014 at 17:45 • Filed to: DOTS, Mitsubishi, EVO

I wanted one of these so bad when they first came out. It would have been cool to tell people, "Just call me Tommy Mac." Corny, I know...but I was 23 at the time, and loved watching WRC.

DISCUSSION (11)

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Tom McParland
03/22/2014 at 17:47

They look great, even when they're on jackstands with the hood open for the 10th time in a month because yet another thing went boom.

Tom McParland > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
03/22/2014 at 17:50

What else was amazing about this car is that looked bone stock...that is probably why it is still on the road over 10 years later.

SteyrTMP > Tom McParland
03/22/2014 at 17:53

I have one.

Ok, I have a Super 16G in the Seven, pulled from an Evo VIII.

Tom McParland > SteyrTMP
03/22/2014 at 17:55

Still cool

WZAnon > Tom McParland
03/22/2014 at 18:43

Of course they look good. Why don't you have one yet?? 8D

Tom McParland > WZAnon
03/22/2014 at 19:29

Because at 33 my needs are more Volvo than Evo-

Kinja'd!!!

WZAnon > Tom McParland
03/22/2014 at 19:49

Then get both. and Lancer Evolutions have 4 doors just like Volvo.

Tom McParland > WZAnon
03/22/2014 at 19:59

My hoonin' days are over...and I don't have the monies for the Volvo...let alone both. :)

f86sabre > Tom McParland
03/22/2014 at 22:47

I will tell you the story of my blue '03 VIII. Like you, I loved WRC. It was the last golden era around then. I was a car nut and about 5 years into my professional career. I had traded my college Dodge Dakota for a 1997 Eclipse GS-T sometime around 2000, but I wanted more.

First, everyone wondered why the Evo and STi never came. Then there were rumors. Then hints and then it was announced that they were coming! I researched extensively. Every detail, every review. When the cars started showing up in the US I really started following the forums.

Around that time I took the Eclipse in for a timing belt change and the dealership totally F'd up the seals when they got one of the balance shafts a couple of teeth off. After several visits back to the dealer they eventually stopped all the leaks. Around that time my wife said the magic words, "Maybe it is time to get a new car."

The only requirement we had was that it needed to be a four door as we planned to have kids in a few years. "Sure, honey. No problem. I know a couple of four doors that will work."

Research went to a whole new level. The STi had cruise control. The Evo didn't. The Evo had a sun roof. The STi didn't. STi was quicker In a straight line and the Evo was quicker around a lap per the reviews. Prices were about the same. Seriously, I was getting nauseous when I was doing research.

Dealership time. The Subi guys were cool, but no test drives allowed. Hmmmm. I go to Mitsu and they had a test car. I go out and the young lady sales person grabs me and very quietly asks if I can drive the car off the lot. She can't drive stick. Sure. We take a nice lap and both get out grinning. She had never ridden in an Evo. I was impressed. One problem. We'll $32k worth of problems. I tell her if they ever go on sale let me know.

A month or so later I am at a picture frame place owned by one of my friends getting a cool Wonder Woman comic book page framed for my wife's birthday. I get a call and it is the sales lady. They are in the middle of a Labor Day sale and corporate was offering bonuses for sales targets and part of the deal was they had to sell three Evos. She then said the magic words. They are going for invoice. $27,750. I told her I would be there in an hour.

So I get there. There are some minor shenanigans about price, but we get through those quickly. I had pre qualified with my credit union for more than enough. They then look at my Eclipse and totally low ball me. Nope. I will sell it myself. If you still want to sell the Evo then it will be invoice and I keep the Eclipse. They relinquish and the deal was done. August 24, 2003. I still remember the thrill of driving it home. Awesome. I sold the Eclipse to a high schooler a week later.

I've had the Evo ever since. 135k miles. It has been great. Both of our kids came home from the hospital in it. It has taken a number of road trips and it has been to the GA mountains a few times. The kids live it. The Evo babies just fine. The soccer moms are very jealous when we roll up and they are getting out of their mini vans. It has been handy in the few snow events in Atlanta as well.

My Evo is stock. One of the rare ones I suppose that hasn't been boosted within an inch of its life. It has been adult owned and well maintained. We have no plans for getting rid of it. It's paid for. It's part of the family now.

Tom McParland > f86sabre
03/22/2014 at 23:00

Great story...your kids will have serious bragging rights! :D

WZAnon > Tom McParland
03/23/2014 at 17:01

That post looks like deja vu for me again.

The Volvo can be found for cheaper than the Lancer Evolution (not sure where you live). Jalopnik members hoonin days are never over. Besides anyone that finds specific interests like this one, you're commited to the cause. :P