I'm a new potential Evo owner and had just a few questions to ask. I'm into performance vehicles obviously and know my way around a car and it's components very well. Though I've heard that it's best to not buy Evo's with modifications already done to them, for the same reasons as buying any other type of car with modifications...

The Evo's I've been looking at are what seem to be good deals with anywhere from 50k to 70k or 80k miles for prices ranging from as low as $18k to as high as $24k. They all have either bolt ons and some appearance things done to them or have fairly built motors with a few forged internals or cams, ect.

To me, none of this bothers me because if I keep a car long enough, the motor gets rebuilt anyway in some way. So I'm not really relying on the stock motor to be with me that long, but I've read that it's best to purchase these cars bone stock (as with any other car).

My main question is, what are your takes on purchasing an Evo 8 or 9 that has anything "rebuilt"? The majority of the ads say all the major engine work was done as a performance shop and usually the shops name is listed.

This will be my daily driver, but if it's down and out for a couple days from something breaking or whatever, it's not the end of the world. I have other means of transportation. So knowing this and reading what I have to say/ask, please give me your knowledgeable opinions. I've always loved Evo's, just never really got into looking at them until now.

 

Evos are very hard to find stock. No body wants to buy an evo and keep it stock. It is okay to buy a modded evo, check for leaks, check oil, check for smoke, try to bring over a mechanic. Drive it normal then drive it hard and see how it responds. If the engine sounds smooth and healthy go for it.

 

Randal has the right idea; to elaborate a little check the plugs to see if the engine is running stoich, run a compression test if possible, pull the intake and check if there's any shaft play in the turbo and when you take it for a ride watch to see how the trans behaves.

 

Just like any used car, when you buy it you get the car and all of its problems.

Buying a modded evo isn't totally verboten, you just need to be smart about it. Does the seller have paperwork for the work performed on the car? Who did the work? Is that shop reputable? How was the car treated? Do the plugs look good? Can you see areas where the owner might have cut corners to save money?

You should also take any car you find to the shop YOU choose (don't let the seller choose) and get it inspected. This should also include a compression and leakdown test. The numbers should be within 5-8% of each other.

Trust your gut. If something doesn't feel right, be truthful to yourself and walk away.

Good luck!

 

I tell everyone that buys a modded vehicle, either bring a mechanic to check out or have the seller meet you at a shop you trust before giving up that green stuff. And never buy a vehicle out of state. I had so much problem in the past with that. But that's just me.

 

golgo13 has the right response. The only thing I would add is make sure you when you have it looked over the mechanic is VERY familiar with evos. The compression and leak-down test are pretty simple and most mechanics can give you the results.
I personally want to know the trouble spots to look for along with parts/tuners to avoid. Its why I've been lurking on here for so very long. At this point Im pretty confident on what to look for but take your time and read, read, read.
Then the hardest part, be patient if its not exactly what you want wait. Ive seen many evos go through the marketplace and thought wow thats the one! Only to find an even better one 3 weeks later. There will always be another one.

 

^ I can't tell you how many times I have said "wow, that's the one. I'll never see one like this again."
Then it's gone and a few weeks later I say it again haha.