Just like the thread says, looking to pick up an Evo and looking at one this Thurs 5-21-10. Its an 03, seller claims an early 03 b/c it does not have the high rise spoiler? Spoiler looks like a stock Lancer piece, says it was the only spoiler option at that half in 2003. Any truth behind this? Car is stock other than turbo back exhaust and air intake, was told its running stock boost at 19? PSI? Has 92k on it. Thanks for any input, its greatly appreciated!

 

Congrats!
Not sure about the spoiler, the stock boost on the 8 is 19.5lbs, tapering to 16lbs I believe.

Here is a good guide that has alot of useful info
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...oking-evo.html

 

Most 03s automatically came with moon roofs and the tall spoiler. The lancer one was an option as well.

 

How much were they selling it for?

 

Thanks for the responses guys. I guess the seller does have some knowledge about the car which is good. Told me the Lancer spoiler was optional and stock boost was 19 lbs. (anyone know where to get the high rise spoiler? Been looking in classifieds...)

Moonroof not sure if it has it, i'll have to take a closer look at the pics to see if I can tell.

Im supposed to check the car in person tomm. Any warning signs or noises I should listen for? Any certain areas of the car i should pay special attention to? Common problems?


EDIT: Car does NOT have a sunroof...

 

Ask if the car has been tuned. If so, by who and how?

Inspect the engine bay very closely and look for signs that it may have been "returned to stock". Maybe bring a picture of a stock '03 engine bay photo with you. There should be a few of them floating around on this site. If the car does show signs of having been returned to stock ... RUN, don't walk, away (at almost any price).

Other than that, just the usual used car stuff. Check clutch engagement, uneven tire wear, rattles, squeaks, shocks, brakes, etc. Check the front brake calipers. They should be a nice bright red. Front caliper colors of dark red, brown, or black would be an indication of track use (in order of severity).

Sounds like a potentially decent ride. Good luck.

l8r)

 

If you have little knowledge of what you are looking for take a friend who knows more to look at it with you. You can also take it to a mechanic to make sure everything is functioning properly. Good luck!

 

Find out where the car is usually serviced. Call them and ask if they remember anything about the car. See what they will charge you to go over the car to see if anything needs to be fixed/replaced soon (usually if its the cars normal shop they wont charge much for this). Then see if the seller will split the cost of doing this with you. If he wont, then he likely knows the shop will find a list of bads. Even if you end up not buying it, the seller would have this report to provide the next potential buyer.

But really the best advice I can give is just to shop around. The first evo you consider buying is probably not the best car you could have bought.

Another option is finding someone with a dealers license that can get you one at auction. You can find them for like 8-9k, then just plan on putting a few grand into it.

 

You've received some good advise. I'd also suggest you have a mechanic that is familiar with EVOs check it out for you. He can take a look over and make sure there isn't anything major wrong.

 

Thanks again for responses, I do have another very important question too. I talked to the seller and he says on insurance and papers the Evolution just comes up as Lancer. Like say the bill of sale, if in person he sold it to me for one amount, but on the bill write i paid another amount, he said it reads it as comming up Lacer not Evo so no questions will be asked?

I am about to carfax the vehicle aswell. Tomm I plan on swinging a place and have them go over the car if possible.

 

From the your last post, I'd say it's a Lancer??? I can't believe I'm say this... a little mod here and there with a little Evo badge...
I just bought my Evo a month ago, as soon as I give my insurance company the vin they knew exactly what I had. Either way be careful and good luck.
If you end up getting it though, I've got a spoiler for ya.

 

Alright good news, I Autochecked the car and it came back clean, also it recognized it as a Lancer Evolution so thats cool.

Guess we'll see tomm, 11 a.m. is when I see it...

And i'll hit ya up for that spoiler!

 

If theres a Mitsubishi around you, you can also take it there to get inspected. It's like around 100 something if you don't have any people to help you.

 

+1 on Mitsu inspection. any good mechanic will tell you the same. good luck man