2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7 from UK and Ireland - Comments

No faults whatsoever.

The most capable real road car money can buy? Perhaps. Certainly for the money, nothing will touch one of these.

280 bhp turbo engine is a peach with very little lag and a fantastic growl. This car goes like absolute stink - 60 in around 4.5 seconds and is capable of an indicated 150 with a small amount in reserve.

Handling is silly. Turn the wheel, it goes round. Everyone's seen Tiff Needell drive these on telly and seen the ridiculous powerslides the car can do, but the speeds you need to be doing are nigh on impossible on public roads. In the real world, your brain is the limiting factor, and the car will string a good B-road twisty sequence together as quickly as you can point the nose in the required direction.

I bought one of the original Escort Cosworths in 1992 and planned on replacing it with an Impreza WRX, but was very disappointed with the Scooby in relation to the Escort. In fact, apart from the engine, it was inferior in every way. Not so the Evo - a real step forward as you might expect from 10 years extra development. Far sweeter engine, more "chuckable", meaty steering, top brakes. The higher limits mean you can't slide it around so easily, but what the hell?! It's an awesome bit of kit. Looks cheesy, but then so did the Cossie.

Like the Cossie, I will keep this car until I find something better for similar money. I wouldn't mind betting it will be another 10 years.

Went out in an FQ300 version of the Evo 7 (301bhp upgrade pack) and I agree fully that it is stupid quick. I live in Devon and my mate at Mitsi had one for the weekend (he is a high flying salesman). He is a professional driver and took me out in it. I have never been in a car that has made me into a shaking wreck when I step out of it. It is sensationally fast, and round the Devon twisties, it is immensely grippy, but with the ability to slide with ease. Scary scary car, but I am hooked and want one!

I am lucky enough to own an FQ300 Evolution VII. The car is mental in every way and I still (2 years on) have an grin from ear to ear, every time I drive it.

If you can keep up with the heavy financial burden of 4500 mile service interval, and single figures MPG when you boot it, I truly believe that the Evolution is about the best performance you can have in a "practical" every day car.

I love mine, and will treasure it forever.

I did consider a Subaru, but sorry to say they are far too common on UK roads. The Evolution is rare enough to attract admiring glances and the odd wave, every time I go out in it.

I always wanted an EVO, but 12 months ago the price for anything half decent was out of reach – so I got myself a Scooby – they are common its true, but man does it go. An import WRX 260bhp with a bit of extra push courtesy of Blitz - I trade it in next week and I have been having second thoughts – it is like trying to dump the girl you really want for the one you think you want.

On the other end of the trade is a seriously tasty EVO 7 import.

So thanks very much for putting my mind at ease – thanks for the good times scoob… but its time I started to go even faster!!!

OK, I live in Cyprus I'm nearly 19 and I'm in-love...

Every time me or my friends see an evo, we all shut up in respect and admiration, I have not been in one, but I've been in my girlfriends dad's scooby, that was scary and nearly wet myself! I'm wondering if the evo7-8-9 could beat it (i know it can its just hard imagining a car that fast ;P)