Did I hear my name mentioned
As Kazand correctly said I did indeed make the move from a Mk2 LCR to an Evo.
Like yourself I found myself in the position where I was able to finally (after years of lusting) be able to own an Evo. This wasn't simply a case of being able to afford to run one, but other factors came into play, like having space for a 3rd car (it's not a daily just a weekend toy).
For me having done some research before hand (check servicing schedules, known issues, common pet hates etc...) and signing up the MLR forum (I haven't paid the full membership fee because I didn't feel it was worth it for me) I got a good idea of what I wanted to do in terms of purchasing. I ended up taking the import route as I wanted a clean car (not the typical UK rust bucket that there seem to be a lot of) that was going to be used at weekends when I wanted to have some fun.
If you choose this route my advice would be to look carefully at who you want to import your car as some are certainly better than others (my buying experience was a good one, but I know of others than have had a less than pleasant experience).
In terms of difference they couldn't be further apart. The
Cupra (which I loved) was a great, comfortable, quick, well equipped, nice looking car, which (and I only mention this as it seems to matter greatly to some people) had excellent fuel economy for a 340bhp car. The Evo, while it has the quick base covered, really doesn't have anything like the refinement of the
Cupra. So if toys, fuel economy and comfort are in any way of concern then don't bother, the Evo is very harsh and very raw and will empty it's tank in no time at all (I consistently get less than 200 miles out of a full 50 litre tank).
If you go in with your eyes wide open and realise that you're not buying a modern new car (if you do opt for a 6 like I did then it's ~15 years old) and you're happy to accept that it's a money pit then go for it.
A good condition model has had the depreciation taken out of it, so as long as you maintain it and keep it in good condition, you won't lose any money come sale time. In that sense it's kind of a smart buy, as even if you don't end up liking it and you shift it on 6 months later, you're unlikely to take any real hit on it.
All in all for the 9 months or so I've owned mine it's given me a huge deal of fun and nothing I've driven before or since gives me so much confidence on the road, it really is a monster on the b roads. I'm really happy I've had the chance to get one and I have no desire to get rid of it any time soon. It's great to just go out and have a nice spirited drive on some nice windy roads, it always gets plenty of looks too, you'll see a Subaru pretty much every day, but an Evo (especially an older one) is quite a rare site nowadays.
I'll shamelessly dump a couple of pics here
you'll have to excuse the missing centre caps. I really should update my pics now they are on.