Hi, I am about to purchase a used Evo X very soon. I've been looking around for ones in the low 20s. I've found a few, but most of them have from 70-100k miles on them. I know this is expected in this price range, and it doesn't bother me. That is still pretty low mileage imo. I just want to be sure buying one of these cars isn't going to leave me with a ticking time bomb. Is it ok to buy one that is somewhat modified? Obviously they have been driven harder, but how do I know if one is a bad deal?

 

I'd ask for any maintenance documentations (eg. service invoice, receipts of maintenance parts) and make sure they are consistent, and all the fluids recently changed. IMO the interior's condition and maintenance documentations speak alot for the car.

 

Since you live in Houston, see if they will let you take it to Kozmic Motorsports to give it a once over before you buy. Bare minimum you should get a compression and leakdown test, and a shop like Kozmic can tell you about the tune on the car and if it is safe etc..

The more you can do on the frontend to make sure you are getting a solid car, the less headaches you will have after.

 

Everything mentioned plus maybe look for one that was owned by someone mature and take a good hard look at the physical condition and cleanliness of the interior and exterior. If the cars appearance is well maintained than you can feel pretty confident that it was maintained and treated well mechanically.

 

I am in the same boat as OP. The only thing that scares me is buying a car from up North. Winter and salt worries me.

 

That would worry me too.

 

You might even ask Kozmic if they know of anyone selling one? Might get lucky if a customer of their's is looking to sell.

 

having purchased 4 Evos now (3 CT9As) and 1 Evo X MR, I will tell you it is all about patience to find the right one you feel 100% about.

With that said, don't "give in" to the temptation because you find one and you think "I have to have it" and you bypass any due diligence that everyone here already mentioned. Remember, the X is the most produced of all Evos so you will always be able to find one. Also, don't be afraid to expand your search and go out of area to find one. Every one of the Evos I purchased has not been local. Unfortunately, that is the way it goes with Evos for the most part.

Lastly, ask yourself these questions when you are looking at any car as it has helped me every time I purchased one.

How long has this dealer or buyer have this car for sale and it has not sold... so if that is the case, ask them if you can have the car checked out like someone mentioned. If it they really want to sell it they will accommodate your requests... and do not be afraid to walk away from one... if you aren't 100% after you thought it over... do not do it.. you will regret it later.

Have a list of preferred and desired things you want and does the Evo you are looking at meet that criteria... i.e. color, how stock or close to stock it is, mileage, accidents, etc..

Out of the 4 Evos, only 1 has turned into a bit of headache to get running but I knew that going into it as the car was sold for less and had a good number of desired mods that saved me quite a bit of time and money and to me it was a trade off to just fix the issue that it had.

sorry for the wall of text and good luck.

 

Another important part is to look at the frame of the car. Make sure no bends from any untold accidents

 

Everything he said is correct. I looked for 4 months and drove a bunch. The one I got was when I extended my search, and found one that was so recent, they hadn't even taken pictures yet. I knew as soon as I saw how well maintained it was, it was the one. I got a 2010 se with 37,000 miles for $25,000 a year and a half ago.

I also looked all under the hood at bolt heads on important things. If bolts on things like the motor have obviously been wrenched on, they probably did something to make it need to be wrenched on.

Private owner purchase might be worth looking into. If you can pull a credit union loan you get to meet the buyer. If he's really 20s with a blown Honda and a 240sx on blocks, not a good idea. If it's a more "mature" owner with a super clean evo, service records, and an immaculate garage, that's the one. Plus you usually get a better deal than a dealer will give.