Hi,

I am actually a owner of a subaru. My g/f is looking to sell her Nissan Spec-V. She was looking at the used STi (influenced by me of course) but they are just a tad out of her price range and we both like the look/rarety of the Evo. I had a few questions about the Evo.

1. We would be looking at a 2003, any reason not to get this year?

2.I know the engine in the Evo is great but what about the transmission/clutch. Seems like quite a few ones I have read ads for had new clutches @ 35,000 miles.

3. What are some common modifications that I should worry about (i.e. people who put BOV's on stock WRX's can cause damage to the engine over time due to running rich during shifting)


5. Should I look for one with 40 to 50k miles or as low as possible (somtimes i think people tend to sell them with low miles b/c they are having problems, but who knows)

4. Any suggestions on where to find one!!! Ha ha, they seem pretty rare up here in seattle area.


I will be searching the forums for info as well, just thought I could get some quick easy answers.

 

Try cars.com

Otherwise, drive it before you buy it. Ask a bunch of questions. All answers are "warranties" under the law so if there is a material misrepresentation of a warranty made to you, you can sue for damages. Get it in writing. ie, never in an accident, etc.

 

1. I own a 2003 Evo. Many 2003 Evos have a problem with throwing a P0300 random misfire code. It does not seem to effect anything in my car.

2. It's an AWD car, the clutch is week so most of the time it has already been replaced with an aftermarket one. Most fail within 20k miles, some last over 50k miles. If it hasn't it will probebly go out on you. The tranny is strong, but will break under race conditions if the fluid isn't changed regularly (at least every 20k miles for the diff and tranny).

3. Depends on mods and if the car tuned, abused, incorrect installs, etc.

4. Evo for sale classifieds! (sell your car first and buy from someone people on this forum can vouch for)

5. I would try to find an Evo whose prior owner is known by you. The more records he keeps the better the change s/he was on time with maintenance. There are a lot of Evos that have been abused. There have also been alot of Evos that have been babied.
My car has 48k miles and is very reliable and somewhat fuel efficient (20-22 mpg city & 26-28 mpg hwy).

Are you buying it, or is your g/f? You may want to get some bilsteins off an MR or she may get sick of the rough ride.

 

Yes look for one with the least amount of miles and mods is a safe bet. As far as the tranny it's good but you need to double check the clutch do to many times if you abuse it it will go first. As far as an STI being out of your price range then how are you getting an Evo there about the same. Whatever you get best of luck! I am sure if you pic an Evo you will not be sorry it's a great car.

 

just be careful because a month ago i bought an 03 w/34,000 miles from my mitsu dealer and the day i drove it off the lot it threw the ses light and started idling bad. they "fixed" it and a day later same thing happened, after the 3rd time in a month they decided to buy it back from me and i am getting an 06 ix mr on monday. I know the previous owner had to have some mods--- first clue was a smaller battery and a boost guage mounted on the steering wheel, other than that the car looked stock minus the 245/45/17 falken azenis tires

 

My suggestion is to Search! This topic gets covered twice a week.