i found a 2003 used evo with only 16k miles for sale. there is a cracked windshield...dented rear 1/4 panel and also horrible brakes all which they are replacing this week...i was just wondering if there is anything i should make sure i check out before i purchase this car. thanks for the help!

 

I would check and make sure the tires aren't worn out. When I bought my used 03 the tires were completely slick. Also my ECU wires had been cut and taped back together, along with the o2 sensor wire. Those aren't really big issues if you plan on modding the car...or if it still has the things wired up in it. I take for mine was a trade in and the dealer probably removed what was left in it that wasn't stock.

 

Get the vin checked to see if there are/where any warranty restrictions on it. This will give you a clue as to its history even if it doesnt have any warranty left.

A compression check wouldnt be a bad idea either. Also, check for the CEL light to come on (and then go off) when you turn the ignition on. I bought an S2000 and the bulb had been removed.

 

the check engine light was on but figured it was from the brakes.....drove fine tho cept for brakes...

 

also has a clean carfax....i just wanna make sure its ok cause 18 is pretty low....i could prolly turn around and trade it in for more

 

DONT ASSUME ANYTHING. Have the code pulled at autozone and find out what it is.

 

oil leaks/drips around the trans and rear diffs.
maintainence records. Compression check is a definite.

just try to find evidence of extreme abuse. It's an evo so it would have been beaten on.
try to get a lower price if you see things you don't like about the car.
check the splash guards if their still there or ripped or watever. the door jambs with paint chips.

 

A price that low would surely merit further investigation. Compression and fluid checks are also an obvious start. If the brakes are already worn out it is a sure sign the car has been run hard so be very wary.

 

Check the vin to see the owner, I pulled my cars history thru a friend at ALLSTATE insurance he found that the owner was 48yrs old and I guess that is why the car was still stock...make sure tranny shifts fine, find out that code I dont think the ecu will throw a check engine due to bad brakes, take a good decent test drive, get on it a little to make sure.. I bought mine used with 14000 miles, still drives like a champ at 32000 right now...feels slower now though think I am getting to use to the power level.

 

brakes worn that soon normally means high rates of speed then slowing down quickly multiple times. Id be carefull i know your probably really excited to buy and evo and this seems like a great deal, but what if you get it and 1 month down the road the tranny and transfer case blow. Dont jump into the deal just cause you want one be VERY carefull, theres plenty of evo's out there that probably have been way less abused, just take your time searching for one. i hope this evo is good to go and you have no problems with it! GOOD LUCK.

 

Find out the car's history. An Evo that's been driven hard at numerous track events may have premature wear on the mechanical components. I'd be very careful buying an Evo that was tracked. Autocross is pretty easy on cars and that wouldn't be a problem to me.

I'd avoid Evos that have been modified beyond simple things. Things like catback exhausts, aftermarket rims and tires, and some cosmetic items are OK but I'd be very wary of engine mods, suspension mods, and anything done to the electrical system. Don't forget that these mods are usually done by amateurs, with varying levels of quality. This stuff can not only void warranties but also may lead to some funky problems that may be difficult to diagnose. This is true for any used car, not just Evos.

And never, ever buy a car without getting a CARFAX history.

 

the only way to tell if the motor is in good shape is by doing a leakdown/compression test.

 

One more thing, I ended up buying a new Evo because all the used ones I saw looked like they were beat on or poorly maintained. For sports cars (like the Evo or STI) that have a history of being driven aggressively, you might be better off in the long run to just buy a new one.

 

Make sure the trans feels good and also the clutch. Make sure it doesnt engage too close to the floor. Take a look in the engine bay as well.

Also, if youre interested in teh warranty, make sure it hasnt been voided!

 

a great number of people mod their evos and keep the stock parts. They put them back when they want to sell it.

I'd check that things are properly installed and wired up. MAF sensors and ecu plugs that get pulled by the wires that sort of thing. Other things you can find out as you drive the car. If the brakes are really far gone, check the rotors.

basically, look at the car and see if it really matches the odometer. if the pedals are well worn in or the car just feels tired, it's probably more than 16k miles. Having said that, they are built to be driven hard and so they tend to age a little faster than 'normal' cars. If possible get someone who owns an evo of a similar age to drive it with you.

Evo's store their odometer readings in the instrument cluster (tacho, speedo etc.). A 5 minute install of a new cluster can turn any evo into a low milage one. I got one for about $250-$300 with around 1000miles on it a few weeks back.