So I am looking at buying a used EVO and the only ones that are in my price range are 03's with anywhere between 45-60,000 miles. I was wondering if it is a bad idea to buy an EVO with this kind of mileage, from either private sale or a dealership.. There are several EVO's for sale right now on auto trader, a yellow 03 with 48k miles for 20k, a black 03 with 57k miles for 18,999, and also a silver 03 with 50k miles for 20k.

I have heard a lot about the history of buying used 03/04 EVOs and that a lot of people have problems with the clutch going early and the fading brembos and transfer cases...


What specifically should I look for when shopping for a 50k mile EVO?

 

If i was going to buy a used evo i would be looking for the most stock looking evo around. And if not stock modified by someone who seems fairly intelligent. Next when driving the car listen to how the drivetrain sounds. Usually evo's dont lie about this. Ask the seller what intervals the fluids were changed diff's oil etc. Also when driving the car make sure the transmission shifts buttery smooth for the most part. Also ask what fluids were used in the transmission and diff's. If its a dealer your buying the car from i assume they wont have this information. Then all you can do is just hope for the best. btw if the private party seller isnt sure when they changed the fluids such as diff and t-case if they dont know buyer beware! Also might want to ask when the clutch was last changed because there is a 99% chance that it was and i would ask what kind it is as well. Anyway goodluck and you made the right choice losing the SRT-4

 

make sure the car wasnt in any accidents too

 

Tough call man,

Take my 03 for example. right at 45,000 now. Stage2 transfer case, KW variant 3's, and Cusco twin disk have less than 5,000 miles on them, plus about $1,000 worth of innovate motorsports gauges and sensor interfaces... thats $7,000 worth or nearly new parts. Engine was stock until about 36,000 when I added cams and cam gears and started ecuflash tuning. Mine was rearended at about 10,000 miles but I had the repair done at a friend of mines body shop so I know it was done correctly and we re sprayed the whole car at that time so it has a nice 3 stage paint job on it.


I know I will never get my money back hence the reason I will never sell it, but it just goes to show that there are some great used evo's out there, you just gotta take your time.

BTW I know of at least two 03's with some nice motors that are for sale one has an aem the other has an exed on it. Both are 3076 turbo kits, one is blue, the other is white. PM me if you want more info, they are at the shop I do tuning work for.

 

I would try to buy one from a private owner. Someone who has had the car since new or purchased it with low miles. Preferably one with service records.
I don't think I would want to get one from a dealer, and if I did Mitsu only.
Do all the things above too...

 

When should they be changed? My car is at 7,500 miles and I haven't done it yet.

 

Transfer case and rear differential should be changed every 10,000-15,000 miles. Transmission fluid should be changed every 6,000 miles. I change all drivetrain fluids (transmission, transfer case, and rear) every 6,000 miles.

If you have the money for drivetrain and engine repairs, then go for it. Otherwise, you are gambling with buying a high mileage Evo. These cars get beat on. Thats what they are built for. Thats what they are bought for. Try to find an Evo that shows no signs of tampering (completely stock), that will be your best bet. Even then its no guarantee, since many Evo owners switch their cars back to stock when they go to sell them. Good luck, and make sure you bring someone who is mechanically inclined with you to examine the car.

 

Buy mine

Clutch is in there already among tons of other upgrades. Check the for sale threads. Mines been meticulously maintained

 

Found an 04 EVO RS with 26,000 miles for $20,500 private sale, 1 owner...

 

how many mods? and what about the warrenty?

 

no mods, all stock... dunno about warranty, I would assume the factory warranty is gone by now.

 

listen for a whining from the transfer case, make sure it shifts into all gears.

 

Yea as long as its stock you'll get the remainder of subsequent 5yr 60k power train. The three yr 36k bumper to bumper is likely ran out. All subsequent owners get that. Original Owner gets the 10yr 100,000 mile.

Thats if you can get mitsu to warranty anything anyway. Good Luck. I have 73k on my 03 and never had an issue. My girl has 45k on her 04 RS and is problem free as well. Both great cars I would drive mine to California without thinking twice.

Normal maintenence and you'll be golden. Just make sure you check the car out throughly by somone who knows what to look for. If you can find somone in your area that knows these cars well bring them along to check it out.

 

I'd worry about the transfer case whine. Don't buy any one unless its pretty quiet on decel. I've been through a few TC's on my 03 and heard a lot of others whine pretty bad. I've also ridden in a few that are just fine.

If your comfortable paying a lot of money for something someone else has thrashed on for a considerable amount of time and distance, than go for it.

 

i bought my 04 rs with 45xxx miles for 23k last year and it had no "big" problems. the brakes were beat so i had to replace those and the tires wore not too long after so those had to be replaced. besides that the car has been great. just make sure it drives smooth and doesn't make weird noises. and i would not recommend a modded used one. everyone has fun with these cars but modded ones are usually beat on more. also make sure the tranny shifts smoothly with NO grinds.g/l