Good Evening
I am looking at a used 2011 Evo X MR in Texas. It's got low miles, and was supposedly purchased by a previous owner of a X GSR model but subsequently traded back to the dealer after about 3000 miles for something cheaper due to financial reasons.

The car looks great and is stock condition, however I am wary of buying it for fear that the previous owner may have either had issues with it so has decided to dump it fast, or hammered the TC-SST and it didn't hold up to his abuse after trading up from the GSR.

Good news it's still under warranty, but I really don't want that type of hassle. Is there anything I can have checked to truly know the shape of the tranny, or is there any shop in the Houston area that could take a good look at it and give it a clean bill of health.

Any suggestions or advice is much appreciated. Maybe one of you know the previous owner?? Dealer says he traded it for a VW Golf or Jetta

Thank you

 

I believe the TC-SST is a sealed unit that for the most part only the OEM can work on. Because of this they can be very pricy for repairs and I don't believe there is much a normal shop can do for you to check it out prior to purchase. As with any used car purchase you will be taking a gamble although probably small gamble since the miles are so low.

 

Found out the car was ordered by Mitsu Corporate in Texas for company car use, then turned over to Lewisville TX Mitsubishi, purchased with about 8k on the dial, then it turned up at auction with about 10k on it......then sold from and traded back in at Fred Haas Toyota.....really like the car, but very concerned over how it may have been treated by it's previous 3 owners within 13kmiles

 

With 13k miles and a fully factory powertrain warranty for 5/60 I really don't think you have anything to worry about. These cars were designed to be driven aggressively, and with proper maintenance hold up just fine. I would get the SST, transfer case, and rear differential fluids (and SST filter) changed and call it good. I'm sure you can negotiate that into the purchase of the vehicle.

 

You're right - shouldn't be very worried about it and I'm sure the Mitsu rep wasn't overly harsh on it as it had to turned in to a dealer ready for sale.

I wonder why two owners have bought the car and haven't kept it though.

 

Evos are notorious for quick turnover; mostly due to the people who desire them often times can't actually afford them. People squeak by a loan for them, but forget to factor in the cost of insurance, gas, maintenance, etc. Hell, I'll be on my 3rd set of brake pads and 4th set of tires by next summer, constant drivetrain fluid changes, frequent spark plug replacements, and < 20 MPG to top it off

 

That all sounds like fun to me actually - minus the insurance costs - I'm awaiting a quote now

 

great info. this helps the decision for me.