View Full Version : Finally; I find a good reason to write a letter to AutoWeek
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.
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
02-06-2003, 09:28 AM
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 jap/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
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!
Originally posted by 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 jap/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
02-06-2003, 10:39 AM
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
02-06-2003, 11:01 AM
I would buy one if I had the money (and it was available in Canada). Where is that darn drool emoticon?
http://www.mazdamp3.com/members/Grimace/evo.jpg
dafababa
02-06-2003, 12:22 PM
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.
Originally posted by 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.
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 shit that went on when the Honda S2000 was first introduced.
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
02-06-2003, 01:18 PM
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.
Originally posted by 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.
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
02-06-2003, 01:59 PM
Originally posted by AGR#7
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
02-06-2003, 03:37 PM
I'm just praying it doesn't come over with those same gaytezza lights it had in the Autoweek article.
Originally posted by rodslinger
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
02-06-2003, 03:56 PM
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?
Originally posted by 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?
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
02-06-2003, 04:08 PM
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
02-06-2003, 04:08 PM
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.
2004 sti or EVO
Which one would you want? Probably should be a poll or something in the off topic forum
Originally posted by newf
2004 sti or EVO
Which one would you want? Probably should be a poll or something in the off topic forum
Personally: I like the look of the WRX STi much more than the EVO. It does have 300hp / 300 ft. lbs of torque. Subaru has been doing AWD on production cars longer. Quality wise, I would go with Subaru also.
Now,,,,,if Mazda was offering a MAZDASPEED with 275 hp / 275 ft. lbs. of torque (or something similar) for the same money, I would go with the Mazda. Forget the AWD. That doesn't matter to me. I'm not rally racing.
Besides, I like the looks of the MAZDASPEED better than either of the other two. The Evo and the STi look like something out of Saturday Night Fever - a little too Disco!!
For clean lines; I really love the subtle look of the Audi S4. The Audi's just look great in general. (of course; this isn't giveaway month at your local Audi dealer)
dafababa
02-07-2003, 12:17 PM
I have always loved the evo's but the sti is good to. its kindda like 6 of one, half dozen of the other
phantom
02-07-2003, 12:41 PM
i wouldn't buy the evo8 with that kind of fascia (look dumb) and an evo without AYC...
sti is way overpriced.
dafababa
02-07-2003, 01:05 PM
wouldn't buy the evo8 with that kind of fascia (look dumb) and an evo without AYC...
That is one of the things they had to get rid of to keep prices down
phantom
02-07-2003, 01:19 PM
still, without the AYC is a bit like loosing the feature of an evo
dafababa
02-07-2003, 01:31 PM
I totaly agree. but it still is a hell of a car
slug420
02-07-2003, 02:12 PM
evo8<04 sti<evo5
droooooool......
Originally posted by slug420
evo8<04 sti<evo5
droooooool......
This has been a fun thread, but let me just say this; I love what I've got. I love my MAZDASPEED! It's practical magic, without an insane monthly note.
dafababa
02-07-2003, 03:18 PM
yes I love my mazdaspeed as well, I also love the sti and evo, and i love chicks to esspecially the hot ones
phantom
02-07-2003, 03:26 PM
it will be real nice if Mazda and Mitsu make a "EvoSpeed" which have anything mechanical in the Evo but the looks/interior/handling of the MSP!!! I'll do whatever you want to get that car!!
gb5mx
02-07-2003, 05:40 PM
Remember, dealers where charging mark-ups on Subaru WRX's when they came out and you can now get them far below MSRP... heck even Chrysler and VW dealers found a few suckers to pay well over sticker for PT Cruisers and New Beetles a couple of years ago.
jsgolfer
02-07-2003, 07:25 PM
i'd go with the STi all day everyday. the new EVO is ugly. the front end looks like that damn SUV they make. they should have given us the older one with the lancer front end.
Originally posted by jsgolfer
i'd go with the STi all day everyday. the new EVO is ugly. the front end looks like that damn SUV they make. they should have given us the older one with the lancer front end.
I agree; between the two - the STi. Did you also notice the EVO somewhat resembles an ugly ass Pontiac?! But; don't let me get started on those horrid vehicles!
Grimace
02-07-2003, 08:28 PM
Yeah, but would you still choose the STi if its a few thousand $ U.S. more?
Originally posted by Grimace
Yeah, but would you still choose the STi if its a few thousand $ U.S. more?
Over the EVO? Yes. Again; I'm not keen on Mitsubishi automotive quality, and the things I have read (over the years) about them in consumer reports publications.
Either one of those (WRX STi or EVO), are certainly more prone to visiting the shop more then our MAZDASPEEDS. And yes; we all are aware that higher performance vehicles are this way, but that sure as hell doesn't mean because it is higher performance, I want it in my garage.
Plus; and I say this again; I will never have a car note that is $600.00+. And; my friends, without a substantial down payment, there is no way to avoid it with a $30,000 + car. That's just the facts.
I don't need 270+ HP. I want a car I can drive daily, have a f*#king blast with, be proud to own, and know that the Mazda name is quality!! For me; My MAZDASPEED is the answer. Period!
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