Hello EvoM !

I am looking at a 2008 Evo X for sale at a local dealership. It has only 52k miles and it listed for $20k. I am very new to Evo X's/4B11 but did own a 03 Evo 8 so I know the CT9A platform much better (which I still love). This car peaked my interest but the thing that scares me most is the reason it is priced low is because it has a rebuilt title. Below is the link:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=73135&endYear=2016&modelC ode1=LANCEREVO&showcaseOwnerId=69146903&startYear= 1981&makeCode1=MIT&firstRecord=26&searchRadius=0&m axPrice=30000&extColorsSimple=WHITE&showcaseListin gId=0&mmt=[MIT[LANCEREVO[]][]]&listingId=397179961&Log=0


I have found out the following about the car from asking the previous owner (related to owner of dealership) assuming it's true and the whole truth plus I test drove it:

- had a new ACT Stage 3 clutch replaced a few thousand miles ago. This clutch felt ok but was heavy (not surprising) and released very very late...not sure if this is normal.

- currently is stock form --> used to have a Cobb AP & catback

- does emit a rotten egg-like smell after high lvls of boost. I suspect it may be due to a turbo/cat issue but the prior owner claims it is most likely because it is on stock tune and running rich (it is the first CZ4A?).

- rebuilt title; was in side impact crash --> needed new wheel, suspension, replaced passenger seat (not dash) airbag, side skirt, some paint and probably a few other items.

- KBB value is $24.5k --> car is listed at $20k, or $4-5k under a clean title/car.

I appreciate any info/advice you can provide from personal experience and word of mouth. The rebuilt title is the biggest concern for me - is there a way to put an accurate value on a rebuilt title or should I just avoid a car w/o a clean title? Also, should I avoid 2008s (first CZ4A in US)? I have read 2010/2011+ have cleared out most issues not sure if this is accurate.

If have questions/need more info please let me know. Cheers!!

 

Hell no.

Rebuilt = walk away imo.

 

Napalm,

I appreciate the feedback - I am leaning against it. It is just a little tempting to save $4-5k but I feel like the risk is higher of other things being off as well as I imagine it would be a nightmare to sell!

 

For 15-17k I might consider it if I planned on keeping the car for the long haul.

Rebuilt title cars are not only worth less money, they are almost impossible to sell.

Figure 30-40% of the value of a clean title car depending on the severity of the damage.

 

Agree with the above - only pays off it kept for the whole term.

 

I would pass personally, I just bought my 2012 EVO X with 16k on the clock for 26k with a clean title. I would keep looking because a rebuilt title is going to be super hard to sell later on and at 20k...you can find 08's with a non-rebuilt title for that you may have to travel but they are out there.

 

Does he have any pictures of the crash and receipts of the work done and what exactly was replaced? How long do you plan on keeping the car?

 

id pass thats overpriced for a salvage... I picked up a 2012 gsr sss package with 48k miles for $23k for an 08 that has a salvage title is only worth prob about 16k

 

Pass, it's pretty clear that the car used to be pretty modded, not worth it IMO

 

The rotten egg smell is more than likely a catalytic converter issue. Its the sulfur, you aren't burning it completely and its getting stored in the cat. When your going WOT you are forcing more air through it and releasing it. Thats why it only smells after high boost/WOT pulls.

 

Agree with first reply. Best off spending a bit more and starting fresh. I almost did the same thing getting a modded evo x not knowing what they did to it.

 

For an 08, priced that highly.... I feel as if should be lower mileage. I don't think it's a good deal for you.

The rebuild raises a couple of flags for me, I'd probably not even consider it. If you are serious, I'd ask them to work on lowering the price.

 

I wouldn't touch a salvaged car unless it was really cheap.

 

Hey guys, while this thread is pretty much the same as I want to post... I as well found an 08 Evo X with 73k miles. It's clean apparently, no wrecks. What do you think?

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invento...ting=116711287

 

Looks good i think you can get it for a less though. Also i would say its safe to say it was modded and put back to stock judging from the guages. So if you do buy it make sure you factor in the cost of getting a tune because well...who knows what its running at this point.