I wish to learn the Dark Ralliarts of the Three Diamonds

Specifically, the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback, a.k.a. the Evo Jr. What I know is that they are AWD, have possibly the best dual clutch flappy paddle gearbox on the market, and possibly the worst interior on the market. Like, one that makes the Mustang's look palatial in comparison.

I'm not interested in the sedan because the Lancer sedan's trunk is tiny. It's universally agreed that the non-turbo Lancers suck, even the AWD versions. The Evo is too hardcore and too expensive for a daily driver. So, would the Ralliart be just right? What else should I know about them? What would I be looking out for in terms of trouble areas?

I know I'm going to hear "just get a WRX," but I want to explore some alternatives. And like I said in my "learn me Audi A5" thread I'm spitballing here. There's no serious purchase on the horizon. Maybe.

I here you re alternatives to the subi option. Everyone sais get a subi then you read about all the head gasket problems.

I've driven both the RalliArt and the Evo and ended up buying an Evo.

So, don't drive an Evo .

Seriously, I didn't like the seats in the RalliArt and found that there was less headroom in the RalliArt compared to the Evo.

Check if the steering wheel in the RalliArt is adjustable for reach (the one in the Evo isn't) - that's my main issue with the car, so make sure you can get comfortable for longer distances.

BTW, the RalliArt sedan has a bigger trunk than the Evo, too. I don't think the RalliArt hatch offers that much more trunk space unless you pile it high.

RexSeven wrote: Specifically, the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback, a.k.a. the Evo Jr. What I know is that they are AWD, have possibly the best dual clutch flappy paddle gearbox on the market, and possibly the worst interior on the market. Like, one that makes the Mustang's look palatial in comparison. I'm not interested in the sedan because the Lancer sedan's trunk is tiny. It's universally agreed that the non-turbo Lancers suck, even the AWD versions. The Evo is too hardcore and too expensive for a daily driver. So, would the Ralliart be just right? What else should I know about them? What would I be looking out for in terms of trouble areas? I know I'm going to hear "just get a WRX," but I want to explore some alternatives. And like I said in my "learn me Audi A5" thread I'm spitballing here. There's no serious purchase on the horizon.

You are on your own as far as Internet knowledge goes. If you have a Ralliart, the answer to any question is "Sell it and get an Evo." even if you just want to know how to set the clock or something like that. Apparently if you have an Evo, your intelligence quotient drops thirty points and your douchebag quotient goes up by forty, if the online community is any indication.

(If Evos are so good, how come they didn't make one as a wagon?)

What I have gleaned is that nothing Evo interchanges, the turbo is different, the flappy paddles don't have the super sport mode, and there's less power. On the other hand, to me this all means that parts are probably a heck of a lot easier to get since they're probably shared with some Dodge products. I was toying with an AWD Dodge something-or-other (Stratus?) that was all Mitsu AWD running gear.

In reply to dean1484:

HG's are only a problem typically on the 2.5L NA motors and specifically the 97-99 DOHC motors. Once fixed properly they are rarely an issue. Way overblown issue. Almost every manufacturer has some Achilles Heal.

BoxheadTim wrote: I've driven both the RalliArt and the Evo and ended up buying an Evo. So, don't drive an Evo . Seriously, I didn't like the seats in the RalliArt and found that there was less headroom in the RalliArt compared to the Evo. Check if the steering wheel in the RalliArt is adjustable for reach (the one in the Evo isn't) - that's my main issue with the car, so make sure you can get comfortable for longer distances. BTW, the RalliArt sedan has a bigger trunk than the Evo, too. I don't think the RalliArt hatch offers that much more trunk space unless you pile it high.

Odd, are the LanEvo and Ralliart chassis different somehow? I thought the only difference was the Evo has fender flares and the Ralliart doesn't. I'm not a tall guy so roof height shouldn't be a concern. Good to know about the seats and the steering wheel.

I will try to avoid test-driving an Evo. As much as I like and admire them, insurance rates are horrific and mileage isn't great. The last thing I need right now is another car I can buy but can't afford.

In reply to NGTD:

All 2.5s eventually leak oil at the head gasket. SOHC, DOHC, turbo, nonturbo. But it happens at like 200k. I've seen a few SOHCs blowing coolant into the oil, too. Yank engine, new head gaskets, valve job, slam it together, and it's good again.

Well, good except for the EJ engine piston slap, anyway.

RexSeven wrote: I will try to avoid test-driving an Evo. As much as I like and admire them, insurance rates are horrific and mileage isn't great. The last thing I need right now is another car I can buy but can't afford.

Oddly enough, when I was looking at Evos last year, the insurance rates were not terribly crazy. Being an old fart with a good driving record helps a lot. I think my insurer wanted to add $100/month for comprehensive on an Evo IX. (I'm right on $110/month for liability on four cars, right now) Wasn't looking at Xs since the only X that I would want is an MR and boy HOWDY those are expensive used.

Knurled wrote: If Evos are so good, how come they didn't make one as a wagon?

They did... in Japan only and for one body style only (le sigh). Behold, the Evo IX wagon:

RexSeven wrote: Odd, are the LanEvo and Ralliart chassis different somehow? I thought the only difference was the Evo has fender flares and the Ralliart doesn't. I'm not a tall guy so roof height shouldn't be a concern. Good to know about the seats and the steering wheel.

The Evo has additional bracing (for example, it has a firewall between the passenger cabin and the trunk which the RalliArt doesn't have). As a result, the rear seats in the Evo don't fold down. Also, the battery and the windshield washer tank are behind the rear seats.

Oh, forgot - the Evo also has better suspension and better (well, bigger, but that's better, right?) brakes.

RexSeven wrote: I will try to avoid test-driving an Evo. As much as I like and admire them, insurance rates are horrific and mileage isn't great. The last thing I need right now is another car I can buy but can't afford.

Insurance isn't that bad. Yes, it's not that cheap, but it's not out of the ordinary. But I'm old(-ish).

Mileage is actually pretty good, I'm getting around 30mpg on my normal commute. I get about 21 in the 996... Yes, you can get it down to single digits if you try but in normal driving, the MR is pretty good on gas.

Alright, I guess the Evo can stay on the table if I can live with the trunk size and get my insurance down some. I'm still (barely) in my 20s so although my driving record is clean the insurance companies may still think I'm some testosterone riddled brotato, which is what worries me about the rates. I think the Ralliart is still worth a test drive at least.

RexSeven wrote: I think the Ralliart is still worth a test drive at least.

AWD turbo with flappy padles? That rates a test drive even if you are shopping for minivans.