I am looking to buy a used Evo, and the budget I have allows only a IV, V or a VI. I am looking for advice and/or opinions on the various incarnations of these models. Most of you may not have any empirical experience with them, but I'm sure that your collective knowledge and research will yield some clues as to in which direction I should proceed.

Luckily for me, I live in Japan

 

What are the prices for the IV, V and VI around there? are those stock or with mods?

 

Prices run from about USD6K for a (slightly tatty) stock IV to USD18K+ for a modded VI. Vs are harder to find stock or mod due to low JDM production figures.

 

I will say stay away from EVO IV since that's the first model year to equipped with AYC, which is not perfect at all. In addition, there were recalls regarding the AYC on the IV...

Otherwise, the EVO VI is known to have issues with their Brembo brakes (see some discussions on Lancer Register and you will know).

http://www.lancerregister.com/

Therefore, I'd suggest to get a V or an TME, not to mention they're my favorite ones in the CN9A-CP9A body style.

 

Many people regard the Evo 6.5 (TME) as the most fun and rewarding EVO to drive. I really wish I could back that up.