As the title states - anything I should scrutinize? An SST transmission is unfamiliar/new territory for me, so I'd like to know what to look for noise wise ( I'm aware that they can shift a bit more aggressively than your standard run of the mill automatic ) What service history should I look for? Engine looks 100% stock from the photo, anything to check for on the 4B11 ( beyond your standard oil drips, coolant leaks, hacked wiring, etc ).

 

Since ur looking at an 08 look for oil leaks at the back of the engine near the timing chain cover. I havnt gotten mine resealed.

 

Miles on the SST and how much of the warranty is life for it

 

About 55k. I'd imagine the 3 year/36k is up, and since we're in 2012, the 5 year one also about to be gone, so, no warranty?

 

The powertrain warranty goes until 60k/5 years and that covers the tranny. Honestly, I would NOT purchase a almost 5 year old MR at this point. Even if you got it for sub 30k. It just wouldn't be worth all the probable issues and EXPENSIVE maintenance you will have to do shortly after buying it. Have you tried looking for 2010+'s in your area?

 

If the SST fails a new one is like $10k.





You saw that correctly $10,000.

 

Also, adding to this, explore what money you could save long-term by buying new at a new-car interest rate, opposed to buying an 08 at a used car interest rate.

The savings of the financing difference might be difference enough in the asking price (also counting difference from new to used of course)

 

look for a white mr, white looks good. no but seriously even if it has less then 60k Mitsubishi voids warranties if a car has ever had any mods besides a cat back and mr trannys make me nervous thinking what if anything happens to it

 

Hm... I guess I will look into that.

http://bit.ly/TX3ZIW is the said car I'm eyeing. It looks like it's been well taken care of.

Part of me wants to avoid a new car because driving it off the lot it depreciates immediately, but, you do bring up a valid point.

http://bit.ly/SeoEZ2 I did come across this one.

 

If warranties are the most important aspect in someone's purchasing decision then maybe an Evo of any type, MR/GSR new/pre-owned, might be the wrong choice. With a '08 I'd be worried more about timing chain stretch than any imagined weakness of the SST gearbox.

 

The 08s have timing chain stretch? O_o

I mean, I'm not ruling out GSR's either, I'm just a lazy bastard that hates sitting in traffic with a clutch. ( 2 hours to go 15 miles can suck if I'm ever on the road at that time ). If I have to worry that much about the SST though....

Also, I know this is bound to be asked, but my plans would be to daily the car with the once in awhile spirited drive in the mountains, highway or something. Figure at most upgraded upper and lower ( I know if you upgrade the trans cooler for the SST you cannot upgrade the LIC ) IC pipes, intake, exhaust, and maybe a 1-1.5" drop at a close to OEM spring-rate if possible. Nothing anywhere near a lolwut omg ur a dyno queen!

 

This^

 

EvoForumUser12 brings up a solid point though on how Mitsu responds to warranties.

Shopping your local mitsu dealership is more about shopping for the Evo, it's about shopping the service department and their history of caring for other Evo owners.

Also if you plan to be stock or modify will influence your choices too.

I have a friend with a 10' MR. He loves it and DDs it. His track-**** is an 03 Evo8. Given that he just does the daily grind with his SST and his only mods are wheels and suspension. He has total confidence in his MR.

And even though I point out the cost of replacement, I will point out the SST is made by Getrag. It *is* a quality transmission. You (and other MR owners) should feel a sense of trust with it's reliability.

My quote might of been high too..I know the dealers are starting to get authorization to do some repairs on the SST, but all depends on what it is.

But, it's something to ask about while you shop a new 13MR and compare the costs.

 

This is the main reason that scared me out of the idea of buying a ralliart, cause after i thought about it, why pay for a non-evo when the tranny is the same as the evo when comes to maintance and the possibility of replacement cost, might as well just get the evo cause least it will be worth it.

And if your looking at MR's i would not go older than 2010. In fact i would just avoid the thought of 08 MR's altogether unless you want a project fun car,,

 

So far the only seemingly valid reason to avoid an 08 is for the off-chance possibility that the SST transmission has problems and won't be covered under warranty?