Whats up guys and girls. My name is Paul from Tampa, FL currently in the military and currently looking at a black 03 EVO witch brings me to my question. The car in question is being sold for 20k, it has 54k miles. My question would have to be is this a dumb buy. I asked someone else on a diffrent evo forum awhile ago and he told dont do it but I wanted to get some more input. Me personally I dont see why I wouldn't I mean I have heard they have poor powertrains and trannys (could be wrong just what i heard and read). My budget really wouldn't allow me to get a IX or anything above 20k so getting a new one will not be a option but if anyone has any info and input that would be great. Again hello and NICE CARS to everyone.

 

If you can't afford a car worth more than 20k, then getting a used 03 with 54k miles is the _LAST_ thing you should do. It's POSSIBLE that the particular Evo you're looking at is pristine, has never been modded, never raced, never abused, and has none of the MANY quirks that 03s had, but I _highly_ doubt it. That's a lot of mileage to begin with, and the 03s are the most problematic. Add to that the fact that only being able to afford a 20k car means you will be in deep **** when things start breaking, you need to replace the clutch ($1500), the tires ($1000 for stockers, or $600 for decent replacements), the brake pads, and then anything drivetrain related, since you're out of warranty.

Without knowing any additional details about this Evo, my recommendation is to just buy a new Scion TC or something.

 

I agree with Warrtalon, it isnt logical scrapping by just to buy and keep a car that's beyond your means. Buying it is one thing, maintaining/modding it is another. I think a used WRX or SRT4 might be a better alternative or if you'd like a new one, the Si seems pretty nice.

 

I think most people on this site would agree with Warr- we know how we all drive our cars, and you could imagine what an evo with 54k miles has been through. You're going to have to replace alot of stuff soon at that mileage just because of general maintenance, not even counting problems due to hard driving. I wouldn't do it.

 

Offer 18.5. If you were committed and searched the entire USA for a couple of months, you could probably get one for under 20k, but I don't know if you have the time or if you even enjoy that sort of thing or not.

 

Man with 20K you're so close to the 25K+ that South Coast Mitsu is asking for a new RS. Hell, even I can almost afford 25K for a new RS.

 

It's actually closer to 26k+ with all the extra stuff you have to pay for(tag title ect) but in tampa you would have to get that ship all the over there too so add another 1k... so ya... i would go wit a different car...

 

Not to change the subject but you will hear of all these 'problematic' issues 03 evos have had in the past. My evo is not the case and there are MANY others out there just like mine. I bought it used w/13,000 miles on it from a guy who autox'd it on weekends......still no problems.

Right now I have around 52,000 miles on my 03 modded evo 8. NOT 1 problem yet. I have not had one issue. I've had the Stage 1+ kit now for around 37,000 of those miles. Never dragged.

Don't count out ALL 03s.....just have it checked out thoroughly.....if you still decide to buy an evo.