Hi,
I've decided that maybe buying a new EVO would probably not fit my budget. So with that in mind. I was thinking about buying a used one. I was browsing auto trader and saw a few close in my area from some private buyers. which were some were cheaper then others. My Question Is What Should i Look for when buying a used EVO? Should I Take the Car To Do a Compression Test? What To look for for wear and tear in the Car? Any Info, or Suggestions Would Help. Also do you think a 2003 Evo with 28,000 miles is worth 20,900? thanks very much everyone in advance!

 

'03s were problematic, if you can try to get a '05, i heard the '04's are pretty rare, not too sure, since you're in SD you can also try socalevo.net

 

what was wrong with the 03's if i can ask? thanks for the BIG tip. I Will avoid the 03 at all costs now. thank you for the tip and the fast response!

 

I was in your boat a few months ago.I also just about dove into a few 03's for 20-21k.I took my time and read a bit here then stumbled across an 05 with 38k for 22k.I feel better about having a warranty for 22k more miles on the 05.

 

'03's had weak transfer case's and the trannys were also problematic, not to mention the altezza tail lights jk

 

2003's were not problematic. I just sold mine with almost 60,000 miles on it and never had a issue with it. I think the owners were the problem, not really the cars.

Do a CARFAX on the car and have a dealer or someone you trust as a mechanic look the car over for you. Unless the car was abusedor not maintained properly, you shouldn't have any problems with the car.

 

Like a dumb a#$ i bought an 05 off of EBAY. from a dealership in Illionois well i got a pretty good deal and it runs great, the only problem i ran into after i bought it was found out it was reported stolen and all the VIN numbers were de etched and it was a hassle trying to register. SO yes im sure my car has been rode hard but it was recovere with no damage. Please beaware of EBAY vehicles and the scams that go along with them.

 

yea i haven't had one problem with my 03 either... bought it used WITH MODS, drive it everywhere and it runs awesome, only problem so far was the alky pump(flojet go figure) just crapped out on me.

 

I bought my 03 with a lot of mods on it, the mileage is only at 43k but it still runs awesome and handles like a dream... have not run into a single problem with the car so far.

 

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH 03's...
My car is rock solid w/49k. I haven't had any major issues with it.

If I were you I would try to get one from a private owner, with service records, the more info on the car the better. Also, check all the door jams for signs of it being hit. I feel there are reliable cars IF the previous owner hasn't beaten the death out of them. Trust your gut...

 

yah theres is nothing wrong with the 03s

 

Avoid any evos with mods.

Don't buy used from a dealership, only private and the original owner.

Avoid ones that were owned for a small period of time or ones repoed or previously owned by a bank then auctioned.

05s and up have front lsds

 

The only problem I had with my 03 when I bought it was the the plastic bolts were gone out of the ram air part of the intake and it was sucking up to the hood under high loads... put one in and its fine.... good luck... I think thats a great price too.

 

75k on my 03 and better than it was new. Never had a problem.

 

buying new is like throwing money into a fire. buy a car with 10k miles and save 5grand