hi, i am new to the evo world, but i have been doing some research on the cars and was curious about a few things. I am looking at getting a 2003 to 2005 evo 8, and was wondering if there is anything i should look out for when choosing a car. I am looking to get one with low to mid miles and most likely have it upgraded with the basic bolt ons,exhaust, cams and eventually a turbo swap. So my main question is, which year is the best one to buy to get the best overall starting point before adding mods and not having to worry about major mechanical issues that might of been fixed after 2003. Also do these cars have any well known failures that i should look out for when buying one ? thanks in advance and i look forward to reading what everyone thinks.

nick

 

Don't buy an 05 buy an 06. 06 = More power and less mileage. 05 = Potentially someone elses mess that they are trying to pawn off on some kid that knows nothing about the Evo. Well unless you can find a "New" 05 then i would still tell you to buy the 06. Common failure point......clutch when you get into the high 300 HP/TQ area (mitsubishi under rated its clutch to protect the valve train) but then again you'll probably find alot of clutches that go out with increased power LOL. But do a little searching and i am sure you will find plenty of other threads on the same exact topic.

 

warrtalon should be here soon, get your flame suit on. This should be in the newbie forum but since i was a newbie once stick with an 05 or a ix they both come stock with acd. Just make sure it wasnt modded, look at the boost solinoid hose's to see if they have white stripes. If they have the white stripes they are stock and he most likely didnt have a boost controller. Take it to a mechanic you know and trust and have him check it out.The 03's and i think the 04's suffer from transfer case problems. As far as a good starting point im kinda bias to the ix. It all depends on what you want to do, if you wanna build the crap out of it buy an older (03) viii. If you want a dependible fast (330hp) bolt on daily driver get the ix. Which ever one you choose you will be amazed with the handling.

 

Nick,

This topic has been done to death. I would highly suggest that you utilize the search button to forego any and all flaming that will be coming your way. The search button is definitely your friend.

 

that answers almost questions as well, there is a difference in stock horses between 03-04-05 and 05 got the most stock horses before Mivec was introduced in evo