Just wanted to say what a great site. I am going to purchase a used Evo VIII this summer as finances allow, probably an 03, as my limit will be ~$20K. Hopefully I can find a decent stock one near home here in Austin Tx.

Just wanted to ask if there was anything special to look for- mainly with the 2003 model year? I am generally confused with what the RS models are lacking, and will probably look for a regular Evo with the power windows and sunroof.

Besides clutch and tires, what would be the first things to be needed in a used Evo with ~50 to 55K miles on the clock??

Oh and mods will be limited for me, I would like to have around 300hp vs the stock 271, and assume I could get there from a re-flash, intake, exhaust, boost controller, and I'll add a turbo timer, too.

Any general advice pertaining to 2003 Evo would be great. I'll be doing a lot of searching here. My current car is a PT Cruiser with only 150hp it's built for car audio only, ( I attached a pic), but I've had Audi's in the past, so I'm familliar with turbos and AWD, but not the high hp of the Evo. And it will be a daily driver, so no abuse for it.

 

welcome fellow texan

 

a stock evo has around 240whp and with a reflash, intake, exhaust, and boost controller will put u around 280-290whp dependign who u get to reflash yours

 

Thanks, I would be very satisfied with 280-290 whp. It appears to me that the flashes vary in cost, A PT Cruiser turbo stage 1 (to 235 hp at engine, not wheel) goes for $500, so I guess they all cost comparable. I would be looking for a daily driver friendly one. The same with exhaust, something nice sounding, but not to obnoxiously loud.