Hello guys, first time buying an Evo and was wondering what are things to look out for? Will probably end up with a VIII unless I find a good deal on a IX. Thanks!

 

listen for transfer case whine. other than that, pretty much anything you would look for with any used cars. you can Google what to look for and some really nice checklists to take with you.
oh, and if the OEM parts look newer than the rest of the car and the owner says it's never been modded, then look EXTRA close LOL

 

Yup, Listen for Transfer Case whine and look for the following:

1. Rod Knock - don't confuse this with lifter tick or injector tick.
2. Transmission Shift feel - does it go into every gear smoothly?
3. Slipping clutch
4. Bent radiator fins - indicates work around exhaust manifold.

The list keeps growing, but at that point it can go for any car, not just the evo.

-pal215

 

Thanks for the info guys.

 

As a fellow newbie i suggest looking in the newbie/FAQ section under evom forums

But this helps a ton: https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/evom-newbie-faqs-forum/317064-beginners-read-me-new-your-evo-looking-evo.html

 

Fellow noob here as well & I agree, that thread has taught me a lot!

 

In addition to what to look for, have roughly $6k in savings for the unknowns that will happen.

 

Emphasis on this. Im not saving for a down payment on one im saving for this lol

 

That's one thing I didn't want to hear lol. So what kind of unknowns are we talking about NewbieEvo8. I thought Evo's were fairly reliable for what they are? Thanks!

 

Every car will have problems. When you mod and beat on a car it will break

 

never not do a PPI (pre-purchase inspection)

 

Clutch, transfercase, transmission, motor, anything in the braking system, rear diff...etc

Yes you can inspect these items pre-purchase but do yourself a huge favor and have imho at least $6k sitting.

Just the maint. on these cars is expensive.

 

I agree with this 100%. Even at the PPI things may seem great, but you really won't know all the issues the car has until owning it for a month haha. 6k is a solid amount of back up cash to keep you safe and on the road.

-pal215

 

PPI means you take it to a shop and they do a pre-purchase inspection that you pay for. Then they give you a list of all the stuff that is wrong with the car. Usually costs a couple hundred bucks. Unless of course you are an evo expert and know what to look for, which i assume op is not since this thread exists.