i am new to the board, but i have been reading a ton trying to learn about this car. i have owned two turbo cars prior to this, so i am just looking for some advice. if you were buying a used EVO, what would you look out for? what are the problem areas and how do you detect them? thanks in advance for any help...


also, please don't tell me to search, i am already doing that, but there is a lot of information on this board to sift through and i am trying to make sure that i don't miss anything...

 

Search! haha, just kidding, i hate people who say that too

For starters check out all the fluids for metal and whatnot... and also check the clutch and transfer case and make sure they're both still running strong and not making weird noises. Those would be what I would start with.

 

awesome, thanks!!!

 

make sure you do a compression test on the motor and DO NOT buy it if the previous owner was a 17 year kid

 

i will check on the compression, what is the compression supposed to be?

 

Compression (w/warm engine and throttle fully open) should be 150-180psi. Minimum is 138psi.

 

thanks...lowness, where do you guys meet up in houston?

 

See when the current owner replaced the clutch and tires. If he had to replace the tires at 10k miles or the clutch at 15k, then the car has probably been driven pretty hard. I replaced my tires at 19k and have almost 22k on the stock clutch, but I drive mine pretty conservative, which is what you want. The stock clutch should last at least 25,000 miles. Good luck.

 

so if it is still on the stock clutch at 18,000miles, then that is a good thing, right? this is on a totally stock EVO....

 

Don't let your desire/emotions push you into making a bad decision (e.g. buying a lemon).

 

yup, i won't...i need this car to last me a long time, so i will make sure it is in good shape before i chunk down my money...keep the suggestions coming, i appreciate all the input guys!

 

Do you already have an Evo your interested in buying?

 

not yet, i have just been looking, it is hard to find one that has been taken care of and not beat to death...keep your eyes open for me, let me know if you see anything

 

run the vin through your local mitsu dealer to see if there are any flags on it

 

ok, i will, thanks!