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Picking up a 05 SSL Evo VIII

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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 11:33 AM
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Picking up a 05 SSL Evo VIII

What should I be looking for? What are some signs the tranny is on its way out? I know the tranny will whine if its getting there. What else is a problem on these cars?

Thanks
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 11:35 AM
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Look real closely at everything. Remember you would like to find one as stock as possible. Look at the radiator fins. Are they slightly bent; does it looks like someone has been playing around in there, maybe changing turbos and putting the stock one back on? Is the stock intake solid, or does it feel loose like it has been put on and off a few times? Check the oil, does it look fresh or is it low and black looking. How do the tires look? New tires especially for this car can be expensive and they are one of the key elements to how this car performs. How does the transmission shift? Naturally the tranny is a bit notchy but you can till what its supposed to feel like. How does the outside of the car look? If it has been neglected, most likely the rest of the car has been too. When driving the car, slam on the brakes. Does the wheel pulsate like the rotors are warped, or is it a smooth stop? And finally, one of the best things you can do. Take down the vin number and call Mitsubishi. Ask them what kind of warranty repairs have been made. One of the cars I looked at had about 6 different $800 to $3000 repairs all on different items on the car. That right there tells you one thing. The car has been driven hard and you dont want it. Also get a carfax report. Most dealerships (if thats where the car is) give a free one. If you have to buy one, its worth the money. Be very thorough and remember that you are spending a good amount of money here. Take your time. If something doesn't look right, ask about it. Good luck, and don't rush a purchase, its worth waiting a little while longer for a nice one.
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 11:36 AM
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These cars have noisy drivetrains naturally. To test for the Transfer case death wine. Get on the highway do around 80 and put the car in neutral. If you hear it whine than don't buy it. Transmission noise is normally though.
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 11:59 AM
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^good information
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by tripperfx3
These cars have noisy drivetrains naturally. To test for the Transfer case death wine. Get on the highway do around 80 and put the car in neutral. If you hear it whine than don't buy it. Transmission noise is normally though.
cool info didnt know that
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 12:13 PM
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lets go get it and rip apart both our evo's Joey!!!
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 01:07 PM
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good luck with the purchase...
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 02:23 PM
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Originally Posted by tunit
Look real closely at everything. Remember you would like to find one as stock as possible. Look at the radiator fins. Are they slightly bent; does it looks like someone has been playing around in there, maybe changing turbos and putting the stock one back on? Is the stock intake solid, or does it feel loose like it has been put on and off a few times? Check the oil, does it look fresh or is it low and black looking. How do the tires look? New tires especially for this car can be expensive and they are one of the key elements to how this car performs. How does the transmission shift? Naturally the tranny is a bit notchy but you can till what its supposed to feel like. How does the outside of the car look? If it has been neglected, most likely the rest of the car has been too. When driving the car, slam on the brakes. Does the wheel pulsate like the rotors are warped, or is it a smooth stop? And finally, one of the best things you can do. Take down the vin number and call Mitsubishi. Ask them what kind of warranty repairs have been made. One of the cars I looked at had about 6 different $800 to $3000 repairs all on different items on the car. That right there tells you one thing. The car has been driven hard and you dont want it. Also get a carfax report. Most dealerships (if thats where the car is) give a free one. If you have to buy one, its worth the money. Be very thorough and remember that you are spending a good amount of money here. Take your time. If something doesn't look right, ask about it. Good luck, and don't rush a purchase, its worth waiting a little while longer for a nice one.

Pretty good points but for the warped rotors, slightly touching the brakes at high speeds will indicate warped rotors rather then SLAMMING on them like you suggested.

I also think that neglect on the maintenance aspect will cause a car to fail rather than the car having been driven hard..since most evos are, mine too since day 1 and im at 50,000 miles still on stock clutch and no warranty work done (like I'd even let them touch my car) But my car is a 2005 so they fixed most the bugs. I suggest an 05 evo 8 or 9

Check the calipers paint they might look really shotty like mine
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 02:25 PM
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P.S. do a donut & smoke all four to make sure AWD is working okay !











....j/k
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 02:47 PM
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^ what they said + a Carfax report.
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 02:49 PM
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Nice bit of info.
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 03:32 PM
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I recall a while ago i saw a similar thread by some guy who was looking for a MR and had posted a very very thoroughly detailed list of things to check on the car. Pretty good info.
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 04:14 PM
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Originally Posted by tunit
Look real closely at everything. Remember you would like to find one as stock as possible. Look at the radiator fins. Are they slightly bent; does it looks like someone has been playing around in there, maybe changing turbos and putting the stock one back on? Is the stock intake solid, or does it feel loose like it has been put on and off a few times? Check the oil, does it look fresh or is it low and black looking. How do the tires look? New tires especially for this car can be expensive and they are one of the key elements to how this car performs. How does the transmission shift? Naturally the tranny is a bit notchy but you can till what its supposed to feel like. How does the outside of the car look? If it has been neglected, most likely the rest of the car has been too. When driving the car, slam on the brakes. Does the wheel pulsate like the rotors are warped, or is it a smooth stop? And finally, one of the best things you can do. Take down the vin number and call Mitsubishi. Ask them what kind of warranty repairs have been made. One of the cars I looked at had about 6 different $800 to $3000 repairs all on different items on the car. That right there tells you one thing. The car has been driven hard and you dont want it. Also get a carfax report. Most dealerships (if thats where the car is) give a free one. If you have to buy one, its worth the money. Be very thorough and remember that you are spending a good amount of money here. Take your time. If something doesn't look right, ask about it. Good luck, and don't rush a purchase, its worth waiting a little while longer for a nice one.
awesome post! i never thought of looking at the radiator fins
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Old Mar 8, 2008 | 02:07 AM
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yea thats some good info.
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Old Mar 8, 2008 | 02:46 AM
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dam tunit! bought a few cars have we,lol. very good advice man. op do what he says.lol. got nothing else to add really.good luck with your purchase
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