so im checking out another one this week and if what i hear it has 15k miles but had to get the clutch replaced. im thinking that the previous owner probably beat the hell out of it and thought maybe i should pass it up but the price is pretty nice. will dealers let you run compression checks on the motor?

what other checks can i do while im there? i know to check the vins on body panels, and gas it pretty hard to see if the clutch slips. anymore little tidbits so i can pick out the right evo?

 

Well a lot of owners here have replaced their clutches anywhere between 5-30K miles. Whether it's due to abuse or driver error I do not know but I'd assume the former.

If that guy toasted a clutch at 15K I'd say he launched the car without a doubt. The short clutch life could be a result of improper launching so the transfer case would take the abuse. The only way of checking whether the transfer case is in good shape without physically taking it a part is audibly. Loud whining in or out of gear when cruising indicates a TC on it's way out.

Make sure all 4 tires match. Check for any odd vacuum hoses near the fuel pressure regulator where most tap into for a boost gauge. Check to see if it has an erratic idle when coming to a stop or if the idle dips below 700 and almost stalls. Check to see if the bolts attaching various body parts are gold which are OEM, a lot of times if it's been in an accident they will replace stuff with whatever is available.

Everything else is basically common sense when looking at a prospective vehicle purchase.