Im currently in the market for a new car and am thinking of buying an older evo. Im not too sure what i should be looking for problem wise with these cars as im quite new to them. Is there anything specific i should be checking/looking for problem wise when checking out the car?

Thanks

 

Do you want a new car? Evo's aren't new anymore.
Question is are you a mechanically inclined person or have lots of cash?
A lot depends on prior ownership. What do you want to achieve with the car. Restore / track car?
Northern cars can have rust issues. I have no idea what the Canadian market has to offer.

 

Kinda looking for a fun daily/something to work on aswell
Just before i get into it, i wanted to know some prone to happen problems, or stuff i should look for pre inspection.

 

I say go for it! The evo platform is amazing and will take care of you if you take care of IT. The hardest part about this purchase is finding one that someone has meticulously taken care of. Maintenance is key with these cars so if you find one you like that seems solid and doesnt have maintenance records behind it, make sure you dive in head first to freshen everything up before anything. Timing components, fluids, drivetrain fluids, bushings, bearings etc. These cars are old enough now that things can just go out of no where. Just do your research and keep your patience to find the right car for you. Goodluck!

 

You gonna...import right outta Japan? Not a bad idea really(I brought in a IX from USA so not scared of importing, just get a broker) because our 15 year law means we can get stuff before price spike from 'Murika.
If you plan on buying locally I suggest joining some local FB chat groups(Evo Underground is surprisingly big n active) as it's a good way to learn about local cars and hear about sales.
Budget is gonna be the big question because a reasonably reliable Evo is 20k no matter how you cut it. That's before mods.
That said, if you got wrenches or deep pockets and iron feelings(you will cry) then you're in luck cause we can get almost all of 'em. Like real deep pockets you go get a LHD EUDM 6.5 TME(100k+).
Join some groups, make some friends and maybe squiggle into a ride. No BS lotta engine pop stories lately. And the GTA guys are murdering trans all ***** nilly with too much powah. So if you wanna go Evo and daily, stay sane with power and work on handling.

 

I've been looking locally mostly, theres a dealership called "Velocity Cars" that strictly does imports i believe, they recently just got an EVO 8 that has a good record of no mods on at the moment (still have to look at it in person to see if it has been or not and ask more questions) They also have another EVO coming in soon, i can give a link to their website if it would help with anything, other than that the car looks really clean. https://www.velocitycars.ca/vehicle/...on-8/15440?s=1 But yeah, not looking for much power just basic use daily, for now.. I also hear this car is very reliable according to most of these threads, just basic wear and tear on dailies and normal maintenance so far when its not modded like crazy! Any feedback is welcome, kinda wanna get a feel if im making the right decision or not thanks!

 

Thanks so much! Will keep in mind and set aside more money for fluid changes!

 

Look for signs of going "back to stock" unless the seller has specified it has been taken back to stock. I would much rather have an honest seller say it has mods than someone say its "stock" but its obviously been modded.

Another thing that grinds my gears is an obsession for bone stock, 1 owner vehicles. Dont let a multi-owner, modded car deter you. My 2005 was a 3 owner when i bought it in 2008 and believe me when i say it hasnt burst into flames or become a lemon just because it wasnt a one owner. Just make sure you do your inspections/investigation with any evo that checks off the boxes.

Another thing that bugs me about those in the evo market is cheapskates. This whole "a bone stock 60k mile evo sold last year for 8k so im not gonna pay a penny over 8k for one" is rediculous. These arent ford fiestas we have. If it looks/drives good, passes pre purchase inspections, and is in your price range, just buy it. If you dont, someone else will scoop it up.

Evos are very fun and rewarding to drive. Theres nothing quite like it. One of the reasons ive held onto mine for nearly 13 years even tho its not my dream car.

Sorry for the rant lol but hope something of this helps. Good luck!

 

Dont worry about the rant! Thats exactly what i wanna hear Thanks for the tips!!!

 

I've had a 06 MR since new with 85k miles and not a single issue... ...it all depends on prior ownership. As long as regular maintenance is performed and the mods (if any) are well done, I don't think you will have any major issues.

 

Unless you know what you are doing (don't take this the wrong way, but if you are asking these questions, you are probably not an Evo expert) buy the best cleanest straightest Evo you can afford and be prepared to spend money on preventative maintenance from time to time.

That's what I did when I bought my Evo. I knew that I only knew enough to be dangerous, so I bought an Evo with as few stories as possible, and made sure I took care of it. It's been a reliable family hauler and grocery getter for nine years now, which is why I post so rarely.

Another thing: bodywork. Whatever else you do, get a car with a straight body. Engines can be rebuilt, suspensions and transmissions upgraded, but it's hard and expensive to get a body as good as it was from the factory.

 

You better love the evo, if not sure about it, then look for other car, better yet buy a new car, it not cheap to own an Evo, it not cheap to buy now and it not cheap to by parts, by the end it will cost you like a new car, unless you do everything by yourself and know how to do it.