I'm checking out a used Evo that's 30 miles away from the nearest qualified mechanic. If that one's not what I'm looking for, I'll still be in the market. What can I look for to see if it's had modifications removed to sell better? What are the easiest signs of an abused evo, in general? I don't have the equipment to do a compression check or anything...

To be honest, I'm kind of paranoid about buying a car that runs ****ing 19psi, stock; but it'd be hard to settle for less than the evo.

 

try a search..i saw a couple of these threads a few days ago...

 

Listen for the transfer case whine. Get it up to about 80mph and then put it in neutral. If you hear a LOUD whining noise than the tcase is shot and figure 3k in repairs give or take. The trans of the Evos will make noise, but that nothing to be afraid of (excessive noise of course is a cause for worry). Also the injectors will tick. Thats all i can think of right now. I bought my 03' evo used with 34k on the clock over a year ago and ive had no problems other than the clutch and ive now got 50k.

Just find one with the lowest mileage possible. These are reliable cars and can take a good bit of abuse. I have friends with over 100k on their Evo and multiple mtn. runs and track days.