Decieded to save some ca$h and buy a low mileage used evo. First what year is a better one if any between 03/04/05? If I buy a modded evo what mods will give me any warranty issues? Lastly what should I have checked out on the car prior to purchase?
Thanks

 

1st and foremost, call mitsu and find out if it has a warranty or if it has been voided!

 

if you get an '03, i think those came with 3yr 36k warranty? if that's true, u might want to ask the dealership if they could extend it a few more years at a decent price.

things off top of my head i would look for:

1. if possible, see how much brake pad is left. stock pads are expensive ($500 just for the pads). and if the car has low mileage and brakes are already worn down, that's pretty good indicator this thing has been tracked or driven quite aggressivly on the street.

2. when test driving, see how well the clutch responds. does it feel little worn out? perhaps because the previous owner did a lot of hard launches?

3. test drive other used evos if possible. if you have never driven an evo, then it might be hard to know what one should drive like.. so see how the car you are interested in, compares with others used evos on their lot.

4. obviously, check for any body damage, paint chips, interior damages etc..

5. tire tread. even "cheap" yokohama es100s can run you $500-$600.

6. see if you can get a compression test on the motor, or perhaps they have already done one as part of their standard "pre-certification" process.

7. one of those "carfax" thingies.. see how many previous owners, previous accidents, etc...

there are probably lot more things you can do.

 

the 03s came with a 5 yr 60k powertrain warranty

 

05s get the ACD, better front diff, and a 100k powertrain warranty. When I was looking just two weeks ago the price didnt appear to be any different for the model years with similar mileage (ie both had 15k miles they were about the same price regardless of age).

 

i agree with some and not with others haha the pads can b replaced with better aftermarket ones for less then 200$

i would for sure makes notes on the clutch if it tends to grab awsome and feel good then 99% chance the car was driven good cause most people who cant drive or beat on it lose the clutch by 10K

ask for records of service the few recalls oil change etc...

 

The stud on the top of my radiator was broken where the mount goes over it.

Just take a long hard look over the engine bay. See if there are zip tied vacuum lines, any missing bolts or anything.

And definitely feel out the transmission.

 

+1 on the clutch comments.

Take someone with you that has seen modded Evos and have them take a very close look at the car. If it looks like it has been modded before ... RUN, don't walk, away from the car.

When test driving the car, see how it shifts above 6000rpms, if gears arent' engaging smoothly, talk to the dealer about applying the synchro TSBs before you buy.

'05s are best if you can find one at a good price. I'd demand service records, warranty info, etc.

l8r)

 

look under the hood for rounded nuts. this is usually a sign of a modded car that had the stock parts put back on.