This is my first time with a JDM vehicle and evo at that. My current vehicle is an 88 tII rx-7 AE so I am not a newbie car owner whatsoever; I am willing to learn and fix things myself. I'm just looking for some general information on this generation (IV) and some common problems or issues that are in this model and gen. Also what are some things to look or listen for when inspecting/driving it. Certain papers that I should ask for? Is the price reasonable?

I have read to look for AYC errors or issues and also Warped disc brakes.

I live in Edmonton, AB, Canada. This is said vehicle:
67,000 kms, 9,300.00

I looked through the forums but most threads or FAQS only apply to 03' and up and only USDM models

Thank you very much for your help and I am very excited to join this community!

 

thats a very nice car.

well it wouldnt be your first JDM, the rx-7 is JDM, unless you mean RHD/JDM.

I would look for turbo shaft play, if its close to going bad you might need a new one.
also worn pads or warped discs brakes shouldnt be a make or brake factor as far as trying to buy a car, because its somewhat of a wear and tear item, its almost like saying that you wont buy a car because the engine oil needs changed soon.

If the seller really wants to sell it, you can make a deal that if he changes the rotors and pads you will buy it.

the best thing to do is to take it for a test drive, but if you are unsure what to listen for and feel for take it to a mechanic so he can evaluate it for you, he will give you a honest opinion on the vehicle's health.

 

Yeah, sorry, I meant RHD JDM.

Thank you for the detailed response, I am probably heading down to that city to check it out, cash in hand to make a deal.

Do those kilometres seem legit? Or is it to good to be true?

 

i think somone flipped that car .. being...they bought it and now reselling it for a profit. it was purchased through zen auto works. i'm fairly sure i saw that car on their page a a few months back. why don't you call them with the vin number they'll be able to tell ya and provide you with info with the condition of the car at sale. I personally would just call up zen and order one for your self at a fraction of the price. btw i think that evo was for sale for about 6000$ when i saw it on the zen auto works page.

 

They did sell an evo recently, but the one they sold had 88k km's. I'm still giving them a call though, I didn't even know about them. Thank you for letting me know and i'll probably get them to find me one.

 

That is the whole point of a dealership, and sometimes private parties. IS TO SELL FOR PROFIT, and thats the nature of the beast and theres absolutely nothing wrong with that i dont understand how that would change anybodies perspective towards a purchase, because at the end of the day you should consider a vehicle for what the selling price is going for, and for what it is worth at the moment, regardless if the previous owner paid 2 cents, and now he's selling if for 9k. if the car is worth 9k, and the buyer is willing to pay 9k, 9k it is. doesnt matter if it didnt ran before he put it up for sale either. (while it would be nice to know about previous repairs) its a vehicle with mechanical parts, these parts wear and break, therefore its expected to have repairs.

with any used car, the condition is sold as-is. its up to the buyer to fully inspect it and convince ONLY himself that the condition and price of said car meets his desire/needs.

but if the seller is hiding information, and doesnt allow a test drive or 3rd party inspections then thats when it becomes an issue. also no where in the world (except carmax, U.S.) has fixed car prices, meaning you can haggle/prices are flexible.

to the O.P:
If you take cash in hand dont have it all in one pocket, you must Lowball the heck out of it, put your first offer in cash on his hand (lets say 70%) he will count it and fill his eyes with $$$. then if he still doesnt accept the offer-talk to him, if it turns difficult to convince him to accept the offer, go back to the car (evo)and inspect flaws, he will feel guilty and all that potential money will fly off his hands because now you "look" discouraged with the price/condition of the car.

then he might settle for only a fraction more, which you should accept, but not budging in too easy either, this extra money should be pulled out from you car (away from him) or from a friends pocket.

what also works is to take back the money you offered him and walk away, (at this point he knows you have CASH and WILLING TO BUY) so he might call you back and sell it. because unlike everybody else that shows up to look at the car BUT WITHOUT money, YOU DO HAVE MONEY!!!

oh, and if you read all this you deserve a few beers:

 

Thank you for the extensive response but unfortunately the vehicle is now sold and every other one in Calgary that I would like to look at for that matter. But your advice on the cash in hand (70%) and your other tips are very helpful and will always be in my mind for any future deals. I contacted zen works and hopefully they will be able to find me the perfect evo that fits my tastes.

Thank you both for the responses. I have wanted an evolution for a long time now and my dream is actually coming to a head now.