http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/2467588121.html

Hey guys, I am new here [obviously] but have been looking around on here for a while. I have found a 2003 Evo VIII that is easy to afford for me right now, even if it is priced a bit high at $13k. My question is, there are a lot of upgrades listed and I figure I could use the opinion of the forum before I make my final decision to over-pay for a car with 106,000 miles and a few upgrades! And how do the Evo VIII's hold up to 100,000+ miles?

Originally, an Evo IX was my preference, but they seem to be so expensive in my area [$23,000 average] that it's hard bringing myself to make a $500+ payment. However, I am very ready to join the Evo community and I think this car may be a good first Evo for me, but all the upgrades and the miles freak me out a little, being a newb.

Thanks guys!

 

car looks good with some nice parts on it. 13k is too high a price if you are buying from a private seller. They are not providing a warranty or any reconditioning service. If you can get it for 12k or back i would think you got a good deal. Also maybe see if you can get some stock parts with the sale, they are always good to have if you have any problems with emissions etc. Others will also suggest you do a compression test, this would be a good idea for a high mileage evo.

 

Yeah, $12k is what I was thinking as well. I will hopefully be able to get the car looked at very thoroughly before I do anything. I will mention the compression test, is there anything else drive train wise to be checking for other than the usual transfer case whine?

 

A point--- used cars are up 30% in price the last few years... What would have been over priced 2yrs ago is std pricing today---so your going to pay more then you think you would.....or in your case what others think you should pay.. If you can get close to a price---try KBB for instance, call your bank---now there are a few good places to get pricing... then you can make an informed decision. Without actually looking the car over and seeing it in person your not really going to get an idea if its a good deal or not. A car with 106k and owned by an adult and one with 106k owned by someone younger--- well you get the drift--tell me which one you would buy.. just a thought. Try getting a car fax on it as well, that will give you an idea of other issues. I just had to deal with the same thing last week when i bought a used truck, not what I wanted to see, it just was---thank cash for clunkers for driving up prices for you!

 

They hold up if taken cared of....... 12k seems good if it all checks out

 

It wouldn't be a bad idea to just go look at it if your really serious about it. Kelly Blue book isn't bad choice to give you a good idea or NADA. Take a look at some on Ebay that are similar and see how much they sell for. When you do go to see the car you need to check the owner out too. Just like what has been mentioned about age (which isn't always true) but can be a clue how it was treated. The persons personality and appearance may tell you all you need to know. Is that stereotyping? Oh well, your buying a car not arresting someone. Stereotype away.

 

I brought mines with 99000k on it. Its like new. No leasks or anything besides the whine, but what i here is normal. THe guy i got it from was older and knew what he was doing. Plus, interveiwing the sells person is not a bad idea also. you find out what type of driver he is by asking questions. The car i brought had a car sit in the back But drive the car and see for yourself. Drive it hard.

 

Oh and i got mines for 11700

 

I know of a few people (they have bought stock parts from me) that buy tuner type cars and sell off the go fast goodies and put stock parts back on to give the illusion the car was never altered from stock.... giving the idea it was a taken care of commuter. Evo's are a little more expensive than a honda though. I would still look it over for anything that doesn't look right.

 

As long as you know what to look for in a bad evo. You should be good

 

Thanks for everything guys! I think I am going to go check it out this weekend!

 

Good luck and happy hunting. There is nothing worse than getting a new car and a month later look at it and think Damm! "could have gotten ____ for ___...if I only waited....why didn't I look at that___. Do your research like your doing and you will walk away content with your decision. Let us know what you come up with.