I'm going to be trading in my lancer gt decided i want to step up to the big bad evo, Anyways i've been doing a fair amount of research i'm looking to get a 2008+ MR with under 40k miles and in pristine condition with no mechanical problems under 30k.

i've been searching for a couple months at dealerships and on cars. com i haven't really found anything i feel safe buying.

Advice on finding one?

 

The mileage you are looking for is a little rare as most of the low mileage ones are going to be above 30k in pristine condition.

If you are looking to spend 30k, why not just spend a little more and get one close to new or new?

 

I'm just trying to save as much as i can and find a good deal, I really want to avoid a beaten up car that will give me problems,
I'm currently looking at three cars two evo x's, one has 27kmiles for 27k and the other has 43k for 24k.

The other car i am skeptical about it's a very good deal but im on the fence and not too sure if i want to drive a manual as my DD all year round in upstate NY.

it's an 03 Evo 8 with 50k in mods with a complete parts list and receipts to match with only 39k, the owner told me he blew the transmission and turbo when he took it to the track everything has under 2000miles on it heres some links to vids he sent me and a parts list.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxRzUbMoGKY\




Exterior:
CWEST Front Bumper
JDM EVO IX Rear Bumper
Agency Power Shorty Antenna
JDM MR Vortex Generator
JDM MR Taillights
Factory Carbon Fiber Rear Wing
Factory Tinted Windows
Interior:

Sparco Milano Black Leather Seats
Black Leather Wrapped Rear Seats
· Agency Power short shifter

Suspension:

Ohlins Sport Coilovers with Cusco Camber Plates
Perrin Rear Sway Bar 25mm
Agency Power Rear Sway Bar Links
DC Sports Titanium Front Strut Bar
DC Sports Titanium Rear Strut Bar
Engine:

· 2.3 Stroker Motor

Garrett GTX3582R with External Tial Wastegate
HKS Cam Gears
Carbon Fiber Cam Gear Cover
XS Engineering Front Mount Intercooler
PWR Aluminum Radiator
Samco Radiator Hoses
XS Engineering Intercooler Pipe Kit
Agency Power Fuel Rail
1000cc Injectors
XS Engineering Ignition Amp
Custom CP Pistons
Pauter rods
XS Engineering ported head
XS Engineering RaceMax Camshafts
ARP studs
Buschur 500HP Fuel Pump
3 inch downpipe with custom 3 inch exhaust
Drivetrain:

Stage 1 transmission by Jacks’s Tansmissions
Exedy Twin Plate Clutch with Flywheel
Agency Power 5 speed Short Shifter
Wheels 18" MB Weapons
Tires Falcon Ziex 235/40/18
Electronics:

Apex I Power FC Engine Management
Blitz Turbo Timer
Stereo:

Pioneer AVIC N1 Navigation System
Diamond Audio Amplifier
Diamond Audio 10 inch subwoofer
Brake System:

StopTech Front 4piston 14 inch Big Brake Kit
StopTech Rear 2 piston 13 inch Big Brake Kit

 

I got mine last year. It's a 2011 Wicked White GSR and it had 18k Miles on it. I negotiated the price down to $29.5k. SSS package with the upgraded shifter and handbrake. Perfect condition except for the capital tires they replaced the yokohama's with.

Yes, I would say be prepared to spend around 30k or more.

 

If you are looking for something reliable to daily drive, an 8 that is essentially a track car is probably not the best idea. (Even though that list is definitely quality)

Try to go as new as you can, and as stock as possible.

 

The only reason i took a look at the 8 is because the price for all of that is ridiculous i could probably flip it as some people have told me but i'd have to get it shipped. He has it running on e85 at a conservative 420hp tune he said it's capable of 700 if you push the engine/turbo. So bad idea for a DD...onto a Newer MR....or should i get a gsr to save some cash? i just don't know if i really feel like driving a manual during winter all year round. Alot of my friends drive manual year round but i'm still unsure.

 

I'd get a stock MR, preferably under warranty of some sort.

 

Do not get a GSR if you plan on driving it through a busy city, with hills, especially if it's your DD.

Trust me, lol. Biggest regret of mine was buying a 5 speed and now I have to travel through busy city traffic with several hills on a daily basis. It's not difficult or anything, but it's inconvenient at times and it makes driving a hassle. If I could redo the whole shopping experience, I would go for the MR instead of the GSR.

My friend owned a 9 and I drove it as well, definitely a very "raw" car. It's like a straight up race car lol, so I don't think I would daily drive a 8 or 9 either.
The MR would be my choice if I was you.

 

I have a GSR as my DD and the manual does not bother me. Hills, traffic, etc are no bother but it really is a personal preference. I consider a MR just for the sixth gear, the GSR really needs a sixth overdrive gear...going down the highway in 5th at 3-4k RPMs is no good due to the short gearing (which makes the car even more enjoyable when rowing through gears just sucks on road trips)

I would include Autotrader in your searches and the for sale sections of the EVO forums.

 

This is exactly how I feel, and many others feel the same.

I'm still not ready to go automatic though.

 

yeah I still enjoy manual and will always pick it over a standard manual but dual clutch has been growing on me

 

The owner of the 2003 evo 8 said this when i asked him about the reliability,

"There is no reason to believe this car will have any issues other than routine maintenance for the next 100,000 miles if it is not abused and taken care of. It will need the things replaced that wear out the same as any other car. It is much more than a "track car. It is totally drivable and docile on the street, because it was put together by professionals with no expense spared using all the right parts, not some back yard mechanic that couldn't afford to do it right and cut corners. On a car like this, the labor is generally about equal to the parts. The original owner bought it new and put close to $100,000 more into it.

What do you guys think about the car as a DD in upstate NY, it has never seen a winter and i would get the bottom coated completely. I'm just worried about reliability long term...It seems like a hell of a deal the guy is offering me hes only selling it because he's buying realestate from what he has told me.

He's asking 22k + Shipping fees....should i do it?

 

^^ There is a lot wrong, with a good deal of that. ^^

Not saying it hasn't been cared for, not saying stuff will break, but the odds are you will be doing more than routine maintenance.

Again, if you are looking for reliability and daily driving, get a newer car with a warranty.

 

I really don't know how you put $100k into a car. Is that including the price of the car?

 

Got my 2010 MR Premium with Navigation with 18XXX miles for $29,998.00
The car was purchased at a Dodge/Chrylser dealership in Valencia, California just done the street from Six Flags Magic Mountain.