Ok, I went out to test drive an Evo VIII yesterday, and I'd like your opinions on whether or not I should continue. I said I would like a new buyer's inspection and they were more than willing to comply. I've had a lot of experience with DSM's in the past (Eclipse GSX, Talon TSI AWD), and I'd like your opinions as I haven't been in the import performance loop in a couple of years.

The car was listed for 19,500. Carfax was clear. Title is clear. Had a friend who works at a car dealership run a history on it, and an engine swap came up at 43,000 miles or so, WHICH, the dealer was very up front about, but also said they stood behind their work, and the car was in great condition. Keep in mind, when I say dealer, I'm not talking about a Mitsu dealer, but rather, a used car dealer. ANYHOW....

General performance observations, Perrin Exhaust, new clutch, tubular turbo manifold, intake, intercooler piping, and GSR trim (has a sunroof, and power windows/locks etc - not an RS, and I don't think it's an MR).

In general, the car looks clean, and sounds nice. However, 2 things became apparent upon a test drive.

1) The Anti-Lock brake light does not go off. I'm assuming it's an ABS sensor, and they don't know what the issue is, but they've said they have replacement parts off the car they pulled the engine from, so don't worry about the parts, whatever they might be.

2) Around town driving was great, however, as soon as we hit the freeway, and I romped on the gas, it hit fuel cut almost immediately. Every time I'd give it some excessive gas, same thing, it would hit the brick wall, and sputter a bit, then regain it's composure. It will do this EVERY TIME I get on the gas.

SO.. that being said, here's my real question, and opinions are highly valued. Is it worth putting the car thru a new buyer's inspection via a shop, or should I pass on the car altogether? I don't really want to pay god knows how much to have the car looked over unless I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy it, but of course I won't if it comes back with an expensive list of things that need repair. I'm thinking the fuel cut has something to do with improperly hooked up boost control, or possibly the aftermarket exhaust system (don't know if there's an aftermarket downpipe on it...), but I can't be sure.

What do you guys think? I talked him down to 18,800 on the condition that I was satisfied with a new buyer's inspection. Should I steer clear? Or pay to have a shop put it thru it's paces? I guess I've got a bit of tunnel vision right now as there's not a lot of evo's for sale in my area, I've wanted one for a while, and the possibility of one being attainable is highly attractive. Thanks!

 

I wouldn't touch that car again.

 

18.8k? 43k miles on MOST of the car. Fresh clutch (I assume the new motor has under 1k on it and is an entirely new motor). Even with the few little problems (as long as the stutter isn't related to the new motor, on a severe level) 18.8 is TOTALLY worth it. Unless the 8s have gone down that much in value, which is great news for buyers. I traded mine in for 18.5 w/ 52k miles a few mods, and a 2500 dollar stereo system. Last anyone checked (back in August) the auction value of my car was 16ish... If you pay 18.8 and the dealer fixes all the problems or pays to fix them all I'd say that's a helluva deal. But make sure you get IN WRITING that the dealer will fix all those problems you find. I would've been screwed out of around 2-3k if I didn't check the Porsche over really well before buying it. And I had them sign a contract saying they'd fix it or pay to fix it.

Just be smart, and you'll get out ahead. The only thing I'd be leary of is the kind of labor the dealer does (do they typically deal with this type of car, first and foremost) and what experience their techs have. The dealer I got my car from was a used car dealer, primarily dealt with higher end luxury cars, and had two Audi/VW certified tech, one of which was also Porsche certified. Their only disadvantage is that they don't have all the Porsche diagnostic equipment.

 

It's highly possible that car was abused something fierce. Walk away.

 

You didn't say what year or what mileage (although you do mention new engine at 43k) and I'm sure you're right that it is not an MR. However, I would never buy a car that doesn't run properly unless it was at a considerable discount. The driving issues coupled with an engine replacement would make me very cautious. Who knows what abuse the tranny has seen? You need to think about how much risk you're taking vs. how much money you're saving.

 

I would steer clear of this Evo. I have an 04 and have owned it since it was brand new and before i sarted modding it it had next to no problems! As a new car manager of a Mitsubishi dealership for a year my experiance with Evo is that if they are properly maintained and properly upgraded you get very few problems. So an Evo that has as many issues as you are saying it has including the engine swap by a non-Mitsubishi dealership, tells me this car has most likely been very abused in its life. Even now my car is putting down 610 at the wheels and I still have had very few problems with it. There are plenty of Evos out there for sale either locally or through the web that you shouldn't jump in to an Evo that could cost you a lot more to own than it should.

 

be afraid.........be very afraid

 

18.8 with that mileage is not "TOTALLY worth" crap

I got my 2005 with 23,xxx miles for $21,000. There are better deals to be had. Keep looking.

 

Stay away!!! Like ^imcevo1^ said if everything was properly maintained the car would have no problems and this one oblivosuly was not.....03' are going for pretty cheap (under 20k) everywhere and I'm sure you could find another one that is in great shape...Another thing is that all of those used car sales men are scam artists...if you have the inspection make sure its someone that you pick and you trust because god only knows what kinda things could be found wrong...

 

Jesus then the values have dropped a TON since summer... Glad I got rid of mine when I did. If CRX2EVO is right, find an '04 with like 30k miles for 17-18k! I haven't looked at the Evo market in a long time I guess...

 

Well, I think I've heard enough. I'm going to steer clear for the moment. The drive train on these cars is a little more expensive than on my old DSM's, and you're right, if the car was abused, it's possible the tranny's got problems that haven't surfaced yet. I'll keep looking, and thanks for the input!

 

I'll admit that my case was rare. The original asking price was 23K but it was a friend of a friend looking to get out of the payment.

Evo prices remain inflated but if you look in the right places (flooded markets like So. Cal) then you can find better prices.