Hands On with the EVO

Posted on September 23, 2010May 5, 2015 by MD

Although I didn’t get to really put the Mitsubishi EVO through its paces as there was a lot of traffic, my initial impression was favorable overall.

Going in, I wasn’t really sure what to expect as I’ve heard mostly negative about the EVO. In fact, almost everyone I know says that the Subaru STI is a better value and a better car overall.

One of the biggest things I hear complaints about are the EVO seats and how uncomfortable they are. I sat in the base model EVO which is the GSR. This was eye opening after sitting in the MR. The cloth Recaro seats weren’t nearly as comfortable. The back was wider so I felt like I wasn’t hugged as well and the seat actually was too snug. I’m 5’5″ and about average build and weight, so definitely didn’t expect to feel like I was too big.

I found the Recaro seats in the MR to be very comfortable. It was a snug fit which makes me wonder how it would feel with a winter coat on, but otherwise, I loved them! I’ll be curious to at least sit in the MR Touring model as it has full leather seats versus the mixed material of leather and suede the MR does.

I like the way the car felt while behind the wheel. The spoiler wasn’t too obtrusive, the gauges were easy to read, and the dashboard didn’t feel overly large. I felt like the view through the windshield was comfortable.

The EVO MR we took out didn’t have the fancy GPS system which I’m not sure I would want anyway, but I really didn’t like the way the stock stereo is integrated into the dash. Unfortunately, I didn’t take a picture of it, so I’ll have to use this stock picture and explain that what this photo doesn’t show you is there are air vents on either side of it and the radio is fully integrated into the dashboard. I haven’t looked yet to see if there are after market options to fix this issue. Initial impression though is swapping out the stereo will be overly difficult.

The stereo is a Rockford Fosgate and I’ll admit that it sounded much better than most Japanese cars I’ve been in, however, in my experience, while there is certainly a difference in quality between stock stereos, they’re still not the same quality as an after market. It’s not a deal breaker, but it’s definitely a concern at this point.

Even though I wasn’t pushing the car very hard, I could feel the difference with the Brembo brakes compared to what I’m used to. I barely had to push on the brake pedal to slow/stop extremely quickly.

Going in, I was unsure about the dual clutch system. The standard transmission is only available in the GSR. The MR and MR Touring both have the dual clutch (or dual system if you prefer). This was kind of fun once I got to play with it. You have paddle shifters on the steering wheel with the left to down shift and the right to shift up. You also have the option to drive with it in automatic or push the gear shifter to the side and select gears that way.

While it’s definitely not the same as driving a standard transmission, I can’t deny it. It was fun. I think with everything being equal if I had the option of either the dual clutch or a standard transmission, I would probably choose the old fashioned standard. However, I think I would be happy with the dual clutch system in the long run.

The acceleration was nice although, getting used to a turbo would definitely be odd. I think a turbo gauge will be a must have. From what I could tell, the cornering was nice. It definitely hugged the corners much better than my Explorer Sport (surprise, surprise). What little I was able to drive it definitely brought a smile to face.

My final thought on the Mitsubishi EVO MR:

It was fun to drive and I could see me owning one, but I wasn’t so taken in by it that I wanted to sit down and start talking numbers. I got enough of a taste that it’s definitely still on my list, but I think I would want to spend more than a few miles behind the wheel (maybe take it up Floyd Hill) before I’m completely sold on it.

Quality Mitsubishi

Posted on September 22, 2010May 5, 2015 by MD

Image via Wikipedia

I have to say, overall, my feelings towards Quality Mitsubishi are mixed.

My initial email from their internet manager, Howard Nelms was short, to the point, and NOT a form letter. You’ll find that obvious form letters are a bit of a pet peeve for me. He responded specifically to something I mentioned in the comments as well as some of the current incentives being offered on the EVO and like a good sales guy, asked when today I could come in and look at it.

I exchanged a couple of emails with Howard letting him know I was specifically interested in test driving the EVO to see how it handled. He asked again when I could come in, I gave him an approximate day and time to which he gave me a simple “Great, I will see you then.”

However, in the meantime I also received two phone calls in the same day from one gentleman and a third the next day from another as well as an email from someone else other than Howard. Really? Hey Quality, are you guys communicating with one another over there at all?

This week, I also received in addition to my direct responses from Howard, some apparently automated responses that felt even more out of context considering I had started a dialogue with Howard and even told him when I would be coming in. Here’s the email I received yesterday afternoon after I had been at the dealership at the day and time I said I would only to find that Howard doesn’t work Saturdays. Hmm, not off to the best start.

Dear Melissa,

Thank you for reaching out.

My name is Howard, and I’m your Internet Sales Manager here at Quality Mitsubishi Inc..

I wanted to let you know that your request has been received, and I’m working on finding you the perfect Mitsubishi.

To help me serve you better, would you please answer a few questions for me?

1) Would you like to talk via e-mail, the phone, or in person?

2) Have you test driven your Mitsubishi yet?

3) Are you interested in more than one Mitsubishi?

By answering these questions, I’ll know the best way to provide you with what you want: a hassle-free purchase or lease experience with one-price shopping. And, if we don’t have the exact Mitsubishi that you’re looking for, we’ll do our best to find it for you.

You can reach me by email at (email removed) or by phone.

I look forward to working with you.

Thankfully for Quality Mitsubishi, Chris Clifton came in to save the potential sale.

I have to say, the customer parking isn’t very clearly indicated in my opinion and so I missed my turn the first time around as I wasn’t sure where their drive was (they were between dealerships) and where as a customer I should park. A frustrated customer is never a good way to start. You don’t want a customer deciding to not bother with you because they can’t find your entrance, or worse, pulling into the wrong dealership and potentially seeing something they want.

Chris greeted me in a timely manner and asked if I was there to see anyone specifically. I told him I was and gave him Howard’s name to which he replied that Howard doesn’t work Saturdays. This wouldn’t have been an issue if when I told Howard I would be by the dealership Saturday afternoon he didn’t tell me that he would see me then. I told Chris the big reason I was there: to scope out, get more info on and most importantly, test drive the EVO. As I expected, Chris said they don’t let the EVOs go out without a signed deal. I told him, that was definitely an issue as that was the only reason I came in and I specifically told Howard I wanted to test drive and wasn’t given any indication it would be an issue.

Chris said he would ask his manager what they could do for me, but in the mean time, would I be interested in checking out an EVO.

I won’t deny it, especially when car buying, I can be a difficult customer. I know a lot about cars and especially one I’m considering. I will ask questions that I know the answer to just to see how the sales person will answer as well as questions that I don’t know the answer to. Chris was awesome. He was able to answer almost all of my questions and those he wasn’t able to answer, he found an answer to. This was a welcome change as I have had salesmen in the past try and make something up, patronize me or try to BS me. If you don’t know something, say you don’t and find the answer. Not a hard concept.

As I was saying, Chris was awesome. He was very knowledgeable not only about the EVO but the Mitsubishi line and was able to answer some of my most random questions about the EVO and how it compared within the trims and to the other Mitsubishi cars. Like a good salesman, early in our conversation he asked what other cars I was considering and was fairly knowledgeable about many of them as well and could point out aspects of the EVO that were different (and of course better).

While it’s great to look at cars, what you really want to do is see what they’re like behind the wheel (and I don’t just mean sitting in one). This of course looked like it was going to be an issue, but as I told Chris, I had no problem taking out a used model, but it was very important for me to see how the car could drive so I could determine if it was staying on my potential car list…. or getting crossed off.

Luckily for me, Quality Mitsubishi was able to work something out for me and I got to take a car out. However, that is another post.

Chris did a great job explaining all the features of the car. I also spoke with his manager, Aaron Moore after my test drive. I was very open with both Chris and Aaron about what other cars I was considering and that I had no definite time line in mind for purchasing. Especially as some of the cars I’m considering haven’t come to market yet. I never felt pressured or patronized and if I decide to buy a Mitsubishi, I will certainly buy from Chris Clifton.

Getting Familiar with Subaru

Posted on September 21, 2010May 5, 2015 by MD

I can honestly say the Subaru Impreza WRX STI almost didn’t make it on my list, but as they’re bringing back the sedan in the STI for 2011, I was willing to consider it. My husband has a WRX and absolutely loves it. I enjoy driving it on occasion, (mostly because of the standard transmission), but I can’t see me owning one. At least, one of the little hatchbacks. I was rather surprised at how much he enjoys it as his previous car was a Roush Stage 1 Ford Mustang. From his experience with the WRX, and others with Subaru, I know pretty well that they do well in the snow. Ok, so the STI is on my list, but how’s Subaru’s website in comparison to some of their competitors?

The Subaru home page isn’t too bad. It’s relatively clean and easy to navigate. I like how the models are visible regardless of the what is shown on the slider. I’m not fond of the photos they picked for the slider however. This one for example feels extremely washed out with the grey sky and the greyish tarmac and the greyish blue sedan and white hatchback. When you hover over the photos, a slightly larger version with three options pops up. A couple of times the hover option got stuck so it remained up blocking what I was trying to view on the lander. Their lander doesn’t have a pause button or directional arrows, so if you want to take a closer look at something on the slider, you’ll have to wait for it to come back by.

I can’t help but appreciate the 2010 Impreza WRX STI Special Edition description of “Limited edition STI with a Nurburgring-tuned JDM STI spec C suspension for track-taming ability.” Granted, your average car buyer won’t appreciate the Nurburgring reference, but any enthusiast would love the opportunity to take a car on the Nurburgring track. (Can I have an EVO MR and a WRX STI to test on the Nurburgring track? Pleeeeeese?)

Clicking on the WRX model pulls up another page with a large photo of the WRX hatchback and links to “Photos and Videos” and Key features. If you realize there’s more on the page (this picture filled my screen in a way that I could see some customer not realizing there’s more below it) and scroll down, there’s a very basic overview of the WRX models showing price differences and some of the key feature differences. Most of the models are available in the 4 door or 5 door models, however, when you click on the options, not all of them pull up the correct photo. When you click on the 5 door WRX option, it still shows the sedan instead of the hatchback. Subaru’s primary goal seems to be to get you to request a quote as it’s highlighted within a blue arrow. However, there are options below it to Build Your Own, Estimate Payments, and see Special Offers.

I’m interested in the WRX STI so I click on the Limited Edition Build Your Own link and after inputting my zip code I’m on the first option page. On the right hand it lists the correct vehicle, however, the photo is not the correct vehicle. It shows the hatchback which while available in an STI is not available in the Limited Edition. As a consumer, I even clicked back to the previous page to make sure I didn’t miss something. Nope, STI Limited is only available in the sedan.

One thing I liked about the Mitsubishi site is it showed how many steps you had left and you selected your options then clicked next. On the Subaru site, you select your option then click on the next box down to go through your options and either print it, or request a quote. Again, their goal seems to be to have you request a quote as that’s most obvious. Selecting you accessory options is rather unwieldy. It’s a long scroll bar with check boxes similar to the Mitsubishi site, however, unlike the Mitsubishi site, the Subaru site automatically pops up hover windows for each option with pictures, descriptions and prices. Package options aren’t clearly marked here either. Personally I found the hovering of each option as I tried to scroll through to be a distraction and chose to not select anything.

I click Request a Quote to signal I’m done and am met with something I don’t really understand either as a marketer or a consumer.

To request a quote, I need to re-input the year, make and model information. I’m assuming they’ve decided to do this in case you were last building a model that you decided against, however, I would think most people would go back to what they did want and build it with the options they wanted before requesting a quote on that car. Maybe that’s just me?

Either way, it appears that none of the information I just took the time to input carries through to the next step so whatever dealership gets my information (at least I get to choose) really knows nothing more about what I’m looking for than it’s a 2011 WRX. As there are such large differences between the models and even just the fact of whether or not you want a sedan or a hatchback, I really don’t understand why they would waste so many people’s time. I’ve wasted my time building my own car to both get an idea of what I want as well as to give the dealership an idea of what I want as well as the dealership’s time. All they know is they have a warm lead. At least I was able to choose what dealership my information was sent to.

Getting Familiar with Mitsubishi

Posted on September 19, 2010May 5, 2015 by MD

The first step in my search was to start visiting car manufacturer websites. I decided to focus my attention first on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (EVO) as it’s one of the few cars on my list that is currently available.

My initial impression of the Mitsubishi website (once I found the correct URL) is favorable, although I will admit I had to resort to a search engine to find it. It’s mitsubishicars.com if you’re interested.

It’s simple, well laid-out and intuitive.

It’s easy to find the information you want from many different avenues and in a variety of formats. There’s plenty of photos and videos for those who want more visual stimuli, there’s plenty of specs for those who want the facts. They also make it easy to compare the various models within each make.

Now the important part. How functional is the build your own model aspect of the website.

I’ve narrowed it down to the EVO model and click that I want to build my own. It next asks me what trim level I want. I have four options: the GSR, SE, MR, MR Touring. The photo, price and description changes as I click on each option. This is very good as your customer may not quite remember which trim package they were liking the best and this provides a reminder without taking up a lot of valuable real estate.

After selecting the model, you are asked to select the color. It’s a small thing, but the color changes on the photo as I click each option.

As a consumer, this is something I really want. Yes, some people know exactly what color car they want because it’s their favorite color, others pick a color they think looks best on the car, and others will pick when they’re at the dealership. Regardless of how they pick a car color, it’s important for the consumer to see their option. If you have the default as yellow and I want a black car but am forced to see the yellow car every time I make a choice, I may abandon the process before I finish. Yes, believe it or not, many consumers are that finicky. Not only that, but if I’m building “My Car” than it should reflect the options I’ve selected.

I am next taken to the Packages and Accessories page. This is an area that could be slightly more user friendly. You click next to any options you want and it selects them. The name and price are listed as well as a spot you can click to pull up a description and/or picture. However, most car companies offer many of these options either separately or as a package, yet no package deals are listed. Not all of the options have photos, and some are only photos without a description. The price keeps a running total as options are added and subtracted.

Finally, you’re given a run down of everything you’ve selected and given the option of printing it, or requesting a quote. Upon inputting your zip code, you are able to select a dealership. As a consumer, I very much like the option of being able to select which dealership my information is sent to rather than it automatically being sent to my “closest” one because maybe I’ve had experience with a particular dealership in the past and may or may not want to do business with them again. Or perhaps, I would want a dealership close to work instead of home or for some other reason. Either way, consumers like choices.

As part of the information request process, Mitsubishi requests (although they don’t require) your current vehicle make and model. No big deal right? I select my year and then my make. But when I get to the model selection, I run into a hitch. Apparently the Mitsubishi marketing department only thinks those Ford drivers interested in the EVO drive cars. There isn’t a single option for any of the Ford SUVs or trucks. The only options that aren’t currently visible are the Thunderbird and Crown Victoria (which interestingly enough isn’t in alphabetical order like the rest of the options).

Some may say so what? But this is actually rather important. All marketing departments should be aware of and abide by the GIGO principal. (Garbage In, Garbage Out). If you’re taking the time to request the information, you want it to be correct and useful. By not offering all options, you’re forcing your customer to either select a different vehicle, or not provide you the information at all. If the information you’re requesting is so unimportant that you don’t care if your customer doesn’t answer it, or provides you with incorrect information, than why are you asking it? You’re wasting your consumer’s time and yours, not to mention you’re getting inaccurate information which is basically useless.

Now comes the fun part. It has been my experience that many dealerships try to automate as much of the next step via email and drive you nuts with phone calls. I will be curious to see how Quality Mitsubishi (my chosen dealership) handles me.

Let the Car Search Begin

Posted on September 19, 2010May 5, 2015 by MD

I’ve mentioned it quite a bit on Twitter recently, but I’m slowly starting to look for my next car. I’m a bit of a gear head, so this isn’t a process I take lightly. Whereas some people go through cars every few years, I tend to stay with one car for a very long time so I put a lot of effort into my search to make sure I really get a car I’m going to love driving for several years.

I’m actually in a great position to start my research as I don’t need a new car. There’s not much worse than shopping for a new car when you current one is on its last legs. I’ve been keeping my eyes open though for awhile to see if anything might catch my fancy and this year there are a few cars that have. As I’ve started going through the process, I thought it might be interesting to share the experience from both my consumer perspective as well as my marketing perspective.

My intention is to share my experience completely from the manufacturer websites to the dealerships to my experience with the cars themselves. To that end, here is a little bit of background.

My current ride:

I currently drive a ’99 Ford Explorer Sport with a 4.0 SOHC V6. It’s 4×4 and does well in the snow which is really good as my commute is currently 24 miles each way.

What I love:

4.0 SOHC V6. I hit the gas pedal and it accelerates well enough to keep up with a stock 3.8 Mustang
It’s blue!
It handles well in the snow.
Ride height isn’t too high, but am able to maintain good visibility over the majority of cars.
The way it drives. Before I bought it I was considering quite a few vehicles, but after getting behind the wheel of an Explorer Sport, I knew it was my next car. I haven’t had that feeling with another car yet….
I’ve personalized it. I’ve swapped out the turn signal covers (yellow to clear) and added blue lights, I have after market tail lights, tinted windows, a brush guard and an after market sound system.

What I dislike:

It’s an automatic.
It’s an automatic. Yes, I’ve intentionally listed that twice as that is truly my biggest issue with it. I like a standard transmission, especially in the snow. Unfortunately, in SUVs and trucks it’s nearly impossible to get a standard transmission anymore and unless I wanted to go with a smaller engine, I had to go with the automatic. Not to mention the fact I would have had to have one special ordered.
Manueverability. While it’s acceleration is pretty good, I still have to plan out maneuvers. At times I am not able to change lanes simply because I don’t have the room and can’t accelerate quickly enough to get the needed room. I’m not afraid to admit that part of this dissatisfaction probably stems from riding my motorcycle.

What I want in my next car:

Standard Transmission – I’m not entirely sold on the new dual clutch transmissions but am open to considering them. Especially as my afternoon commute is often gridlock.
Good acceleration – I do a lot of highway driving so I need something that can get to highway speed quickly and won’t leave me in the lurch when I need to pass.
Fun to drive – I spend a lot of time in my car, so if I don’t enjoy driving it, why bother buying it?
Handles well in the snow – Colorado may not get as much snow as some places, but a rear wheel drive car isn’t a smart decision. I want to know that I can get home from work in a snow storm.

The options I’m currently considering:

Mitsubishi EVO

Subaru STI

Volvo S80

Nissan Juke

Audi S4

Nissan Xterra

Toyota Tacoma

Ford Explorer

Ford Edge