yeah i would check every inch of the car from treads on the tire to the air filter. I mean if you're spending 26k. i wouldn't want to regret my purchase later. I made a mistake buy jumping the gun and buying a S14 couple years ago, and i found it the peoples that put in the engine did it wrong D: man i felt like a jackass

 

I bought mine from a dealer with 4006 miles on the clock. It seems fine I now have 12000 miles. It won't look completely new, because my exhaust manifold was rusty with 4k miles. I am afraid that the first 4000 miles of my cars life were rough, but what can I do. The reverse lights didn't work when I got the car, so I took it to mitsu, and the mechanic asked if the clutch had been replaced. I said no. I asked why he would think that, and he said that the switch for the reverse lights corroded, and it might have something to do with a clutch change, but he wasn't sure by any means. So I wonder if the previous owner actually managed to fry the first clutch before hitting 4000 miles, or maybe the mechanic was looking for excuses for a faulty switch. Then I had to replace my tires at 8000 miles, because the front was slightly out of alignment. the inside of the front tires were worn to the strings. After an alignment the car has been trouble free, and neither me nor my regular mechanic can see any evidence of abuse. My mechanic said that it was not uncommon for the alignment to be off the little bit that mine was off. My new tires are wearing slow and evenly.

 

Check the two step rev limiter. If you are in first with the clutch in it should only rev to about 5000 rpm before it hits the two step limiter. If you are rolling the limiter won't work so hold the parking break or make sure you are still.

 

Thanks for all the input. I didn't go up today I was still undecided I am doing a lil more research before i go and drop that kind of cash. I really want a clean Evo 9 so if anyone knows of any in the miami, ft. lauderdale area let me know. I still think im gonna be buying the one im looking at just want to know all the facts before i go up once again thanks for all the input

 

With that amount of investment on buying a car, if I were you, I would take the car to a professional mechanic shop that specialize in evo or even a dealer. Pay for them have it inspected inside and out (compression check, trans diagnosis, etc).
What is <$100 vs regretting the purchase in the future? The decision is still up to you. Good luck and congrats!

 

I am planning on contacting some of the local dealers and doing exactly that. I want to know that the car is covered under warranty.

 

never can go wrong with warranty

 

If its only got 12k miles it shouldn't be too badly beaten up (lets hope anyways) and make sure you do a carfax!

 

Well I drove up to see the car this morning, left at 330am to get there and find out that the car had been badly abused. The car looked outstanding inside and out, and then i popped the hood and it looked like my 7 year old was in there with and air wrench. Clutch was slipping, bolts missing under hood, tires badly worn to the point where if i had purchased it, I would have had to buy them before i could drive it and the list goes on and on. I am so disappointed was looking forward to owning a clean evo IX well ill have to keep my eyes open. Thanks for all the input and help guys.

 

Sorry to hear that but at the same time I'm glad you checked it out properly to see that it was abused.

I thought 26k for a 06 SE with only 12k miles sounded just a littleeee bit fishy.