Looking to add another car to the stable in the next couple months and I'm torn between a couple options. I'd like to get into something AWD and I've been taking a hard look at the EVO X. However, I'm REALLY intrigued by the Focus RS if the projected numbers hold up. I've considered the STi, but it's a bit of a bore to me. Generic and seen everywhere. Especially, it seems, around where I'm located. So here's the question:

In the price range of an EVO/Focus RS what would you consider purchasing (new or used)?

Requirements:
Seating for more than 2 (I've got the S for more "intimate" driving)
AWD
Manual

 

I have a s2000 for track events and an evox for DD/HPDE. The evox for me is almost perfect for a DD drivers focused car. However given the specs of the new ford focus RS I am definitely interested in that as my next DD. I always go for new with these type of cars since most people abuse them but if you do your homework you can definitely find gems.

 

If you are speaking new, this will be the last EVO, not sure if Mitsu will be leaving the North American market, and the one review I read complained about the fact it felt like the car had not been updated in ten years.

If new, I would personally scratch the EVO from my list.

You will for sure get a few Golf R folks who chime in, but that might also be extended to include the Audi S3 if the deal is right.

 

Ford RS will be a hot commodity and is quite cool. I'd only buy new. These cars are not long term keepers, so might as well get the best years out of it. STi has lost its allure over the years.

 

Personally, I would buy a used Evo (and choose carefully). You should test drive them all if you can wait for the Focus RS/Golf R to show up.

 

I own an evo x, it's not my daily driver though, I like it too much to take it everyday. Really cool car, but I'd never buy a used one, ever. The focus rs looks to be awesome!! I'd buy that.

 

I would think engine parts would be more plentiful for the ecoboost which is shared across the mustang. If you are into engine mod's, this would be a powerful influence.

 

I have an EvoX myself and personally if you can find a good preowned one it would be the way to go. The car itself is pretty robust and even with some basic mods can be pretty reliable. I have 50k miles on mine which most of those miles have been tuned with basic bolt ons (340whp on a mustang dyno) I use mine as a daily driver, snow, rain, sun, 2 kids lol so its no garage queen. The RS looks like a great buy as well but one thing a used Evo has going for it besides the really good awd system is that you won't loose as much to depreciation compared to a new car. Now if the RS is harder to find when released then you maybe able to break even after a year but hard to tell.

 

Definitely need to test drive an RS to pick it over two proven platforms like the Evo / STi IMHO

And definitely need to test drive all the cars you're considering before purchase

Edit: The STi sounds 100x times better than the Evo, which just sounds like a vacuum cleaner (I had an Evo IX and X, and also an STi swapped GC coupe) - so if sound is important to you I may hold off on the Evo till I hear the Focus RS and compare that to the STi's boxer rumble

 

Funny I can't stand the boxer rumble and greatly prefer the sound of an Evo or any I-4 really.