Good afternoon! New to the forum and hope to be new Evo owner. I've done a fair amount of research and I'm looking for a Evo 8 or 9.

Found this one: http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...90005/photo/#0

Owner has been communicative and said car needs a new clutch plate soon and I figure if that's being done the rear main seal should be done as well.

For a car with this mileage (150k) should I demand a compression check too? Any other real red flags on these cars? It comes with what I feel are tasteful upgrades. Anyway, I'd like to afford a lower mile one but it's not in the cards and I'd just like something fun.

Thanks and looking forward to learning and contributing.

Casey

 

Yes, you want compression. Also be willing to pay for an assessment by a profession mechanic. Also, I suggest trying to find someone in the area who owns an Evo and have him/her drive it for you. These cars make some strange noises that are perfectly normal for a 2003 Evolution that even a trained mechanic might find strange and some other sounds that are red flags. If the car is short on clutch tell them to take it easy.

 

A clutch job costs an arm and a leg on the evo, dealer charges over 1200 for labor only, a shop might charge 500-600, plus the clutch itself which is about 500-600 atleast depending on what you get, rear main will cost about 100-200 in labor since the transmission is going to be out giving the mechanic/technician access to the flywheel. other than that, suspension parts may be worn, when you go to look at the car, make sure the car is cold, so when you start it. it will show if the car is smoking/burning oil or not, also, obviously be sure to check for leaks. If it has been maintained properly, it will last a long time, but honestly, for that price I would just put the additional money you would be spending on parts and labor and buy yourself a nicer lower millage evo, hope this helps.

 

thanks for the replies.

Owner states it just needs the clutch "plate"? Does that make sense? His quote:

I guess he bought a 2nd hand clutch and just the plate needs changing.

Anyway, I'll talk to him about a comp test. Any Evo folks in San Jose wanting to check it out??

 

Forgot the ad!

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/5386158462.html

Meticulously maintained it inside-out for over three years. Car has never been smoked in. It starts effortlessly every morning, pulls strong, and stays planted rain or shine. I enjoyed the speed and power but it's time to pass this Lancer Evolution to the next enthusiast who will take care of it.

Price lowered for quick sale to put money towards a newer car.

Willing to show and demo car (ride along) for serious buyers. Third party inspections by certified mechanics at buyers expense welcome. No test-drives unless ready to buy car.

Low ball and trade offers not accepted.

Title: Clean Title and Car Fax Certified; Car is Paid-Off with No Outstanding Loans/Lien
Registration and SMOG: Renewed 10/15/2015
Mileage: Approximately ~150,000 Miles (Driven daily; Mileage will increase)
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Engine: 2.0 Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
Drive-train: All-Wheel Drive
Vehicle History: One Prior California Owner
Major Service: New timing belt, accessory belts, water pump, and spark plugs at 120,000 miles; Next major service at 180,000 miles


All oil (full synthetic), transmission, and differential fluid changes performed on time. All major service and work done by professional automotive shops. Records of all services and fluid changes archived for reference.

Major modifications to the vehicle were professionally installed by either Works Motorsports, located at Sonoma Raceway, or Speed Element Performance in San Jose.

Professional Upgrades:

-ACT clutch and flywheel replaced at 123,800 miles
-Works Ohlins DFV Coilover Shocks and Struts (height and damper adjustable)
-Works Front Adjustable Camber Plates
-Works Rear Sway Bar
-Mitsubishi RS Trunk Bar
-Front Ralliart Strut Tower Bar
-Works Slotted Brake Rotors
-Project Mu B-Force Brake Pads
-Steel Braided Brake Lines
-Short Shifter Kit
-Steel Braided Shift Lines
-Samco Coolant, Intake, and Intercooler hoses (blue)
-Engine Electrical Grounding Kit
-Defi BF Amber Gauge Cluster Fully Functional (Exhaust Temperature, Oil Pressure, Boost Pressure)
-Defi Link Gauge Controller with Custom On/Off Switch, Gauge Brightness Adjustment, Individual Gauge Alert Adjustment, Record/Playback Gauge Readings
-Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Turbo Recirculating Valve
-Works EVO Brain Flash P2
-New Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires
-ACT Heavy Duty Pressure Plate
-ACT Monoloc Collar
-ACT Streetlite Flywheel
-ACT Street Sprung Clutch Disc
-Alpine CD/MP3 Tilting Stereo with Remote
-Viper 2-Way Alarm and Keyless Entry, LCD Remote Shows Status/Break-In
-Mitsubishi RS Aluminum Trunk
-Works Weighted Ball Shift Knob
-Works Croxx Plate 2 (Not Installed)
-Works Exhale Cat-Back Exhaust Muffler
-Works Exhale Exhaust Intermediate Pipe
-Hella Supertone Horns installed at 121,560 miles
-Custom cleaned up front bumper with no license plate holder holes


Standard Equipment:

-New Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires on all 4 wheels at 143,350 miles
-Transmission and Transfer Case fluids changed at 140,600 miles
-Front wheel bearings replaced at 120,100 miles
-Project Mu B-Force brake pads on all-around installed at 117,700 miles
-Working A/C and Heater
-HID Headlights (Adjustable Aim Height)
-Moon Roof
-Side-view Mirrors, Adjustable
-Variable Windshield Wipers
-Rear Windshield Wiper
-Rear Windshield Defroster
-Headlights Turn Off Automatically when Igniton is Off
-Recaro Microfiber Bolstered Seats
-Enkei Silver 17" Rims
-Factory Brembo Brake Calipers Repainted
-Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII Carpet Floor Mats
-Stock Suspension Included (OEM shocks, struts, coils, strut tower bar)
-Automatic/manual inter-cooler spray

Cons:

-Previous owner had a fender bender with superficial exterior damage. Front-right fender and bumper replaced on 12/3/2008. No frame, engine, or wheel well damage. I've been driving the car for 3+ years with no major mechanical issues.
-New clutch plate needed in the next few thousand miles.
-Small chips in paint on front bumper and hood from daily highway driving. Not noticeable unless looking at paint up close.
-Rear bumper has three small spider crack in paint about the size of a quarter each. These cracks are in the paint, hard to see, and are not broken bumper plastic, just paint abnormality. Clear coat still intact and protecting these small inconspicuous areas.
-There is a crack about 1-inch behind the edge of the rear license plate holder on the rear bumper. This is difficult to see since it's recessed and hidden by the shape of the license plate well. Plastic is still solid around this area and license plate is held firmly regardless. Rear bumper mounting and stability not affected.

 

Owner has been honest to a fault - based on our conversation he decided to do a compression test. It's down across 3 cylinders. Time for a rebuild.

 

Bullet dodged it would seem

 

If you get him down low enough to cover part of the motor build you could still get a good deal on it