Lilith and Wilf the Evo and Mini
Discussion
Thought it was about time post up a little background on me and my current pair of cars, ‘Lilith’ the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6 TME and ‘Freya’ the Subaru Impreza WR1 (I name all my cars 
). Hopefully my story won’t put too many to sleep!! 
‘Lilith’ a Scotia white Evo 6 Tommi Makinen Edition, which I bought in 2015. After a bit of research I decided on a TME for no better reason than I liked the look of an Evo 6 and I wanted a limited edition car. My preference was for red but white or black would be fine; however silver (not keen on silver cars) and blue (not a fan of that shade of blue) were out. The purists may gasp out loud in horror but I also wanted a modified one. Why modified? Well, personally I think good quality modifications can take a vehicle to the next level if they are done correctly. Many will disagree with my opinion and I know it reduces the future value of the car but hey, it is something I am in to. I have lined many a tuners/independents pocket with my previous modifying of cars so this time I wanted a car that was already done.
I missed out on a mildly tuned red one but saw a white one advertised on Pistonheads and as chance would have it, it was located only 3 miles from where I lived. I sold this as fate to the boss and went to view it. The rest they say is history as in my mind I had already bought it barring any issues in the condition of the car.
The car looks standard apart from the carbon wing mirrors, which I am not a fan of but I have standard replacements to fit. Underneath the bonnet however is another story. The engine is a 2.4 litre unit replacing the standard 2.0 litre with associated complimenting parts including a hybrid GT35 turbo, which is so laggy you could jump out of the car, run round it and jump back in before it spools up. I personally love this as it adds to the experience and it is what old school cars and turbos should be like. Brakes are uprated with AP products and it sits on Tein coilovers, which do not agree with the Wife’s constitution. In my ownership all I have done to the car is had the TME stripes fitted, get it serviced and replace natural wear and tear items. Touch wood it has passed every MOT since I’ve owned it; however big bills are on the horizon as the dreaded rust is appearing in a couple of places plus the underneath will need stripping and treating to ensure the car does not fall apart from around my ears in years to come.
The Evo on day of purchase
Stripes fitted
Final trip of last year
They say you go back to what you know and that was exactly what I did in 2017 when I bought my second current car ‘Freya’ a Ice blue Subaru Impreza WR1. A 22B was way out of my budget so the P1 was my first choice but finding a decent one with low miles was sadly again out of my price range. Second choice was an RB5 but they were like finding a needle in a field of haystacks so I looked at WR1’s. The WR1 was fettled by Prodrive to celebrate Petter Solberg winning the World Rally Championship in 2003 for Subaru. It was a UK market only release with 500 being built and it was the first UK car to be fitted with the DCCD (Drivers Control Centre Differential) system in the UK. All WR1’s were painted Ice blue, which split opinion. I fell on the ‘love it’ side and when it is clean, polished and the sun is out it really is a fantastic colour.
I found a nice low mileage totally standard car, which again was not too far from where I lived. I viewed it; test drove it and subsequently bought it. For a change this car is totally standard, even down to the original double DIN cassette/CD player and I have decided to keep it that way. The car was SORN’d last year; however an MOT, oil change and health check are booked in for a couple of weeks’ time so fingers crossed for a summer of happy motoring in the WR1.
The WR1
My thoughts and comparisons on the Impreza v Evo debate: To be honest this has been done to death but I’ll add my views to the mix. I cannot really give a balanced back-to-back opinion on my 2 current cars as one is standard and the other is not but I can compare with previously owned cars. The Impreza is an easier car to live with day-to-day and they are cheaper to buy on average. Servicing is less frequent and servicing cost, parts and insurance are cheaper. The fuel tank is larger; therefore less trips to fill up with the good stuff.
The Evo is a rarer slightly better driver’s car, more focused and more rewarding for a blast down your favourite roads. If looked after and treated with respect they are both extremely reliable. In over 10 years and over 100,000 miles I have only had to change a battery and a neutral position switch, which is pretty good in my opinion. Both cars are incredible to be fair and pushed the bar higher back in the day. They are not great handling cars but have tremendous grip and will flatter most drivers. Sadly some view both as having questionable images, which is thanks to the market dropping out a few years back bringing them into reach of………….well you know the types.
I count myself very lucky and fortunate to own these 2 great iconic cars. It was been a long road to get to this point with many ups and downs along the way. Thanks for reading and I hope I’ve not bored folks too much. The cars do come out to play so hope to see fellow Pistonhead members out and about the future. Happy, safe motoring all
.
Winter hibernation
). Hopefully my story won’t put too many to sleep!! ‘Lilith’ a Scotia white Evo 6 Tommi Makinen Edition, which I bought in 2015. After a bit of research I decided on a TME for no better reason than I liked the look of an Evo 6 and I wanted a limited edition car. My preference was for red but white or black would be fine; however silver (not keen on silver cars) and blue (not a fan of that shade of blue) were out. The purists may gasp out loud in horror but I also wanted a modified one. Why modified? Well, personally I think good quality modifications can take a vehicle to the next level if they are done correctly. Many will disagree with my opinion and I know it reduces the future value of the car but hey, it is something I am in to. I have lined many a tuners/independents pocket with my previous modifying of cars so this time I wanted a car that was already done.
I missed out on a mildly tuned red one but saw a white one advertised on Pistonheads and as chance would have it, it was located only 3 miles from where I lived. I sold this as fate to the boss and went to view it. The rest they say is history as in my mind I had already bought it barring any issues in the condition of the car.
The car looks standard apart from the carbon wing mirrors, which I am not a fan of but I have standard replacements to fit. Underneath the bonnet however is another story. The engine is a 2.4 litre unit replacing the standard 2.0 litre with associated complimenting parts including a hybrid GT35 turbo, which is so laggy you could jump out of the car, run round it and jump back in before it spools up. I personally love this as it adds to the experience and it is what old school cars and turbos should be like. Brakes are uprated with AP products and it sits on Tein coilovers, which do not agree with the Wife’s constitution. In my ownership all I have done to the car is had the TME stripes fitted, get it serviced and replace natural wear and tear items. Touch wood it has passed every MOT since I’ve owned it; however big bills are on the horizon as the dreaded rust is appearing in a couple of places plus the underneath will need stripping and treating to ensure the car does not fall apart from around my ears in years to come.
The Evo on day of purchase
Stripes fitted
Final trip of last year
They say you go back to what you know and that was exactly what I did in 2017 when I bought my second current car ‘Freya’ a Ice blue Subaru Impreza WR1. A 22B was way out of my budget so the P1 was my first choice but finding a decent one with low miles was sadly again out of my price range. Second choice was an RB5 but they were like finding a needle in a field of haystacks so I looked at WR1’s. The WR1 was fettled by Prodrive to celebrate Petter Solberg winning the World Rally Championship in 2003 for Subaru. It was a UK market only release with 500 being built and it was the first UK car to be fitted with the DCCD (Drivers Control Centre Differential) system in the UK. All WR1’s were painted Ice blue, which split opinion. I fell on the ‘love it’ side and when it is clean, polished and the sun is out it really is a fantastic colour.
I found a nice low mileage totally standard car, which again was not too far from where I lived. I viewed it; test drove it and subsequently bought it. For a change this car is totally standard, even down to the original double DIN cassette/CD player and I have decided to keep it that way. The car was SORN’d last year; however an MOT, oil change and health check are booked in for a couple of weeks’ time so fingers crossed for a summer of happy motoring in the WR1.
The WR1
My thoughts and comparisons on the Impreza v Evo debate: To be honest this has been done to death but I’ll add my views to the mix. I cannot really give a balanced back-to-back opinion on my 2 current cars as one is standard and the other is not but I can compare with previously owned cars. The Impreza is an easier car to live with day-to-day and they are cheaper to buy on average. Servicing is less frequent and servicing cost, parts and insurance are cheaper. The fuel tank is larger; therefore less trips to fill up with the good stuff.
The Evo is a rarer slightly better driver’s car, more focused and more rewarding for a blast down your favourite roads. If looked after and treated with respect they are both extremely reliable. In over 10 years and over 100,000 miles I have only had to change a battery and a neutral position switch, which is pretty good in my opinion. Both cars are incredible to be fair and pushed the bar higher back in the day. They are not great handling cars but have tremendous grip and will flatter most drivers. Sadly some view both as having questionable images, which is thanks to the market dropping out a few years back bringing them into reach of………….well you know the types.
I count myself very lucky and fortunate to own these 2 great iconic cars. It was been a long road to get to this point with many ups and downs along the way. Thanks for reading and I hope I’ve not bored folks too much. The cars do come out to play so hope to see fellow Pistonhead members out and about the future. Happy, safe motoring all
.Winter hibernation
Edited by wolfie28 on Monday 1st April 20:10
Edited by wolfie28 on Monday 1st April 20:11
Edited by wolfie28 on Thursday 11th April 00:55
Edited by wolfie28 on Tuesday 20th August 12:11
Little update:
A trip to RCM in the Impreza for a check over after hibernation and a MOT pass meant she was good to go. Went to the Pistonheads Sunday Service at Aston Martin, which was a very good meet (thank you all involved) and Horsepower at the Showground at Newark and that sadly has been it so far this year. Work, weather and life in general has prevented more outings but hope to get her out on the roads a little more soon.
A trip to RCM in the Impreza for a check over after hibernation and a MOT pass meant she was good to go. Went to the Pistonheads Sunday Service at Aston Martin, which was a very good meet (thank you all involved) and Horsepower at the Showground at Newark and that sadly has been it so far this year. Work, weather and life in general has prevented more outings but hope to get her out on the roads a little more soon.
Nice, I like the juxtaposition of both cars, being alike, but so dissimilar.
I am with you on Ice Blue, I think it suits the WR1 well with the gold wheels.
The TME is probably my favourite of the 4/5/6 Evo's. The engine sounds like a great thing to drive.
I've only ever driven a Classic Impreza WRX and not an Evo. Two things I need to put right at some point.
Enjoy.
I am with you on Ice Blue, I think it suits the WR1 well with the gold wheels.
The TME is probably my favourite of the 4/5/6 Evo's. The engine sounds like a great thing to drive.
I've only ever driven a Classic Impreza WRX and not an Evo. Two things I need to put right at some point.
Enjoy.
Mudgey said:
Nice to see both, I have to say that IMO the Subaru has aged better due to the design of the headlights mostly and is my fav shape out of all the Impreza models, so much so that I am looking for one right now 
Are we at a point yet that the models are starting to creep up in value?
The Evo still looks hard as nails mind. The WR1 is a little bit more rounder. Are the gearboxes in these the stronger or weaker ones?Are we at a point yet that the models are starting to creep up in value?
I am harboring thoughts of selling my M5 and looking for a WR1 or Evo X.
Cannot believe it has been 5 years since I updated. Time flies eh!!
Evo:
Lilith is still with me but it has been a love/hate relationship over the last couple of years. The clutch had been slipping for a while so a couple of years ago I finally got it replaced. Not cheap for a Exedy twin plate affair but then again what is cheap these days.
After its winter hibernation last year I attempted to get it out of the garage but the brakes were stuck on solid. I stupidly tried over and over again to get it rolling but I burnt the clutch out. That left me with no choice but to take the front wheels off and remove the offending pads. If only I had the forethought to do this first. Luckily I had enough room to remove the pads and after much swearing and brut force the pads came out. So on the back of a transporter she went to get the clutch replaced again, pads ground down and a service. I got her back with a clean bill of health and a MOT with no advisories.
Went to a few shows/events and all was well until the Pistonheads event last August when en route the ABS light and accompanying warning lights came on. Did not want to chance the remaining journey and subsequent trip home so called it a day and limped it home. A couple of teeth on the phonic wheel on the drivers side drive shaft had corroded and fell off. This meant that the ABS sensor could not detect the rear wheel. Luckily they had a good secondhand drive shaft so it was replaced and sorted.
I’ve sort of fell out of love for the Evo and flip between selling and keeping almost daily much to the wife’s frustration. Not sure if I’ll even put it on the road this year, which will be the first time that’s happened during my ownership. Time will tell I guess what happens next with it.
Evo:
Lilith is still with me but it has been a love/hate relationship over the last couple of years. The clutch had been slipping for a while so a couple of years ago I finally got it replaced. Not cheap for a Exedy twin plate affair but then again what is cheap these days.
After its winter hibernation last year I attempted to get it out of the garage but the brakes were stuck on solid. I stupidly tried over and over again to get it rolling but I burnt the clutch out. That left me with no choice but to take the front wheels off and remove the offending pads. If only I had the forethought to do this first. Luckily I had enough room to remove the pads and after much swearing and brut force the pads came out. So on the back of a transporter she went to get the clutch replaced again, pads ground down and a service. I got her back with a clean bill of health and a MOT with no advisories.
Went to a few shows/events and all was well until the Pistonheads event last August when en route the ABS light and accompanying warning lights came on. Did not want to chance the remaining journey and subsequent trip home so called it a day and limped it home. A couple of teeth on the phonic wheel on the drivers side drive shaft had corroded and fell off. This meant that the ABS sensor could not detect the rear wheel. Luckily they had a good secondhand drive shaft so it was replaced and sorted.
I’ve sort of fell out of love for the Evo and flip between selling and keeping almost daily much to the wife’s frustration. Not sure if I’ll even put it on the road this year, which will be the first time that’s happened during my ownership. Time will tell I guess what happens next with it.
Freya the WR1:
After 4 and a half years I traded her in for Wilf, a Mini GP2. If I’m being honest selling the WR1 was not an issue as I felt like I’d done the Impreza thing to death. After driving the Evo it felt like have a cuppa with skimmed milk; watered down driving experience. Freya was my third Impreza and although it was a great car I just wanted a change.
I owned a Cooper S many years ago and really enjoy it so always yearned after another Mini. Went to buy a Mini Challenge 210 but the dealer offered me a stupid trade in value on the WR1 so walked away. After a bit more searching I found Wilf a relative low mileage, well speced GP2 that was reasonably close by. The deal was done in April 2022.
Wilf:
Such a fun little thing. Not super quick but speed is not everything. Like they say; it’s the journey not the destination. To my average driving skill I think it handles superbly and is a blast to drive. Smile inducing I’d say. Done a few shows in it over the last few years and loved every mile.
MOT passed this week with no advisories and off for a service next month, then hopefully a summer of fun in it. Tempted to get it to a stage 2 tune as I think it could handle a little more power. Nothing stupid as I think it would ruin the driving experience, 260-280bhp would be about right I think.
Anyway enough rambling from me. Safe motoring all.
After 4 and a half years I traded her in for Wilf, a Mini GP2. If I’m being honest selling the WR1 was not an issue as I felt like I’d done the Impreza thing to death. After driving the Evo it felt like have a cuppa with skimmed milk; watered down driving experience. Freya was my third Impreza and although it was a great car I just wanted a change.
I owned a Cooper S many years ago and really enjoy it so always yearned after another Mini. Went to buy a Mini Challenge 210 but the dealer offered me a stupid trade in value on the WR1 so walked away. After a bit more searching I found Wilf a relative low mileage, well speced GP2 that was reasonably close by. The deal was done in April 2022.
Wilf:
Such a fun little thing. Not super quick but speed is not everything. Like they say; it’s the journey not the destination. To my average driving skill I think it handles superbly and is a blast to drive. Smile inducing I’d say. Done a few shows in it over the last few years and loved every mile.
MOT passed this week with no advisories and off for a service next month, then hopefully a summer of fun in it. Tempted to get it to a stage 2 tune as I think it could handle a little more power. Nothing stupid as I think it would ruin the driving experience, 260-280bhp would be about right I think.
Anyway enough rambling from me. Safe motoring all.
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