Graham, first off, can I just say that its good to see someone who has the cash and buying ability for an Evo 8, considering a 182.
Personally, I would donate half of my anatomy to medical research if it meant I could afford an Evo. Ive been an avid follower of the Evos since the Mk.4 (not sure why in particular, but that was the first version that really caught my eye) and would love a stripped out Evo VI RS-Sprint version. The Evo, in my mind, would only be pushed aside by one car if I had the dosh - a concours Porsche 959!
To be honest, with such a class car to start off with, you may not notice the WOW factor of the handling with the 182. I had a Punto GT before and anything handles better than that around the corners. The 182 just brings a smile to my face everytime I drive it and with mine coming up to the 2,000 mile mark, its loosening up nicely - especially on the gearchange, which had a sticky 5th when I first got it.
I suppose the biggest compliment I can give the 182 is when I took the MD out in it. He owns a fettled 911 Turbo with around 480bhp and thought the 182 handled brilliantly. I suppose the 911 is that good a car, that you really, really have to act stupid in it for things to go really bad - theres always a safety net there. The 182 gives you plenty of notice when its happy, ok or not too sure about the inputs youre giving it. It will probably save you a fortune in petrol and insurance over the Evo too!
Best of luck m8 - to give you some idea of pricing, I got a black gold 182 with the additional Cup packs for £12,200 from Lloyds-TSB CarSelect. Some people have got them cheaper, but the service and price were both more than reasonable.
Have you got a piccie of the Evo, please?!
D.