I am looking at an 03 or 04 EVO with a limited budget. I'd like it if someone could break down the common problems and what the real world cost to repair/replace/take care of the problem was.

I've done a search and get tiny pieces of part of the story but I just want to know what I am getting myself into. So many have over 100,000 miles, beat it daily and say it runs like a top with no problems just above average cost of maintenance, tires etc...

When I say real world costs I mean for example:

NOT REAL WORLD REPLACEMENT COST:

To replace the clutch in my SRT-4 I would have had to pay $525.00 for the OEM modular clutch, and they estimated 5-6 hours labor time @ $95.00 an hour...

We're talking almost $1200 bucks to replace an SRT-4 modular clutch = bull****

REAL WORLD COST (if you're reasonably resourceful) and have half a brain:

I found a used one with 7,000 miles on it on the forums for $50.00 bucks, and had a friend do it for $300.00 cash. PRESTO! Cheap and done right.

This is what I am aware of for common problems but I am unaware of costs:

Transfer case going bad: You will hear the death whine... ok great but how much does it cost to fix right (I don't plan on making an AMS clone drag car with this thing, I just want something that can take the fun driving and bolt ons)

Bad syncros: I've been told the EVO 5 speed is actually really strong, it's the 6 speed in the MR that is overall weak... but the syncros have a habit of going bad.

Ok, so say my 3rd or 5th gear starts to grind? How much to take care of the problem?

What kind of timeframe do I have on the grinding gear before I run into serious problems with it?

Stock clutch: I've been told it's crap, but that it's crap on purpose to save other stuff from going to **** from those who think you can rev up, dump the clutch and do 4 wheel burnouts with sticky tires on hot pavement and have everything be ok...

How much to replace? With a stock clutch...

How much to replace with aftermarket?

Besides other quirks those are the only major issues I am aware of...

I've heard of engines going bad at low miles but I would think those are isolated incidents or straight up abuse.

I am looking forward to someone filling the blanks for me and helping me out with my search to finally get into the EVO game. I am hoping to start with a one owner stock car.

Am I missing anything else?

I can deal with stupid noises and whatever. I just want a fairly not so problematic fun experience with this car I've always wanted to have... I will daily drive it, but not be an ******* doing handfuls of 5k clutch dumps showing off.

 

There are a lot of answers to these questions out there in the forums. Do a search on each thing your looking to find the cost of and there will be multiple threads on each with people talking about their experiences. I don't see this thread being open too much longer

 

You're expecting someone to estimate the cost of used parts and how much one of your buddies would charge to install them? Umm, yeah...

 

just buy an evo bro

 

Your going to have alot of trouble deciding **** if your getting this organized with buying a mitsubishi. its like "OK REAL WORLD COSTS" now " FIXED COSTS" now "MY REVENUE OF INCOME IF NOT BUYING THE CAR"

yo.
drive it. does it make you happy?
yes?
buy it.

 

Good luck with 4 wheel burnouts.

 

Dude I wish I had answers for you. I just made an account to say these members are useless. Buddy is asking for sane replies and no can even answer a question or pipe up with actual experience. Guaranteed no one owns an evo here lol.
P.S I’m trying to decide if I should buy one but can’t find common problems and prices like this guy ^

 

Well it is a 10 year old thread lol. At this point there isn't anything that hasn't been covered, recovered, argued about, resurrected and argued about again. If you can't find the answer your looking for its 99% likely you just aren't searching well enough.

As to your search for an Evo, the cars are pretty old now. Pretty much everything about the car is fair game to be problematic. What I would recommend is doing as much research as possible, but also finding a local place that specializes in at least the platform if not evos specifically to help you with a Pre-Purchase inspection on anything you are serious about purchasing. It will be the best couple hundred bucks you can spend and will likely help you avoid buying someone else's money pit.

 

Awesome and helpful answer! Happy Friday

 

Hey Kevin @Kevin Aird

Welcome

Yeah, would be great to get you into an EvO. Hang out w/us on the boards & if you have any questions, let us know

Joe