Sup everyone. I am in the process of acquiring my first EVO and have a few questions for you long time owners. What is the most common issue you have with your car? What to be on a lookout for when looking at an EVO? And any other knowledge you can share.

Full disclosure - I am more or less familiar with the platform and worked on a couple. I am fully aware of the whining transfer case and blown 6 speeds issues (however there are some people out there making solid power on 6 speeds).

Any advise is appreciated

 

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...oking-evo.html

 

Have a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) done by a knowledgeable evo shop.

 

No issues, really. Though it helps that I have a bone stock Evo.

With that being said, having owned mine for ten years since new and racked on a little over 103k miles, I've noticed that the mpg has gone down a bit over the past year or so. I track every tank of gas and don't drive crazy but more or less do the same drives so it's not my imagination. Obviously losing a few mpg is better than something breaking (and a small complaint), but it's something to consider.

 

Taking into the account that I will be traveling to purchase the car sort of takes the pre-purchase inspection out of the picture. However compression test will have to be done. I honestly have come across a major engine issue on a stock ish evo only once which was a burnt exhaust valve. Other than that they seem to be pretty reliable. Obviously when you start heavily modifying it becomes a totally different story

 

Just arrange for the seller to take it to a shop of your choosing and have the shop send you the results, before driving all that way. If they won't do it then don't buy it.

 

Easier said then done since there's cost involved. Not everyone will be willing to pay for the cost of diagnostics out of the pocket with a hope to get reimbursed from a potential buyer. However, that is a valid option and I am totally with you on that. Just not always feasible lol

 

Oh no, you the buyer has to pay the cost. You are paying a shop to inspect a car that you are interested in purchasing. The shop is doing this on your behalf not the sellers.

 

Yea...I tell someone to kick rocks if they were purchasing my car and wanted me to pay for an inspection. Buyer is definitely paying for the inspection...

 

You guys misunderstood what I was trying to say. Buyer does pay for inspection, no question about it. BUT being ways away doesn't help organizing the whole thing - picking the shop, taking the car there and lastly paying the bill. I mean not every shop will take CC over the phone (I know it sounds weird but its true)

 

That would be strange, but in that circumstance you could always mail a check or something. The fact you are far away is one of the most compelling reasons to have this done. Imagine going all that way to pick up the car just to find out there is something deal breaking wrong with the car.

It should basically go like this: "Hey man, im interested in buying your car. Im not local so would you be able to take it to X shop on a day of your choosing to let them check it out for me. They will tell me whats up and we can go from there".

Then based on the facts of the condition of the car as reported by the shop you can enter into a all cards on the table negotiation about price etc before going down there. Going down there and then negotiating puts you at a major disadvantage because you already invested so much time and money in getting there and the seller will exploit that.

 

Not arguing any of that, you are 100% correct. On the other hand, you can't keep paying for cars to get inspected left and right, you'll spend a ton of money. I guess all I'm trying to say is that buying a performance car long distance sucks *** LOL

 

It is what it is. I'd rather go through all the hassle now and spend money on an inspection than finding some expensive surprises later on.

When I bought my evo I asked the seller if he was willing to have a certified shop inspect the car prior to me buying it. Of course the expense was covered by me.

If he has nothing to hide and is being honest with you then this whole process should be easy and smooth. Good luck