I am looking to purchase an evolution. In looking at several threads on different boards I am seeing several cars having problems. From engine knocking, replacing the engine entirely, and other major mechanical problems. Does this car have reliability problems, or are the dealers not prepared to work on these cars since they are new over here.

 

no, most of the problems you mentioned are becasue of bad engine tuning, the stock block will hold up to 550whp if tuned properly

 

Just in looking at some of the issues i this site you have Hotrod2448 who had a few weeks ago for a misfire and brought it to the dealer and its the fifth time it's been back.

you also had Boostnevonaz who started with a rattle noise and had a new short block.

Did those two tweak the car?

What I am looking for is just to buy it and drive it. Not do anything to it. Will this car hold up or will it live at the dealer?

 

Hi,

There was poll a month or two back that ask only owners with stock cars to vote. Eighty five percent had no problems with their car. The chances of getting a lemon are pretty small, but the probability is not zero. Forums such as these are always misrepresentations of the total user experience since the owners having problems will ask for help. Those with a minor problem or none are out driving.

With the exception of a small percentage (10%?), the cars are proving to be reliable in the absence of frequent drag racing, abuse and just dumb things.

EDIT: Here is a link to a recent poll.

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...ighlight=stock

Speedlimit...

 

Before I did anything to the car the clutch was burning up even on uphill starts. The car has a minor clunk in the suspension on left turns with small bumps in the road, I have not changed the suspension at all. I had the random misfire PO300 code hit before I put in the Xede and now two times after, Mitsu in working on a reflash for this though. There are intermittent rattles. The brake pads are too soft and leave uneven deposits on the rotors resulting in shuddering during braking. The car has always idled like a diesel truck, especially with the AC on. It is suceptable to near stalling when you move up a car length, like at right-turn-on-red situations, this was alleviated somewhat by the Xede though.

After all this I still really enjoy the car and am planning on modding it even a bit more. But if you think you are buying a Lexus, BMW, Honda or Toyota, in my opinion you should look elsewhere. Others have had better luck than I have, but just do a search on the various subjects I have mentioned and others you may think of and you will see what I mean.

I will not be buying another Mitsu product in the future that is for sure.

I have had bad luck with Max Madsen Mitsu in both sales and service, they lie and are to be avoided. I had a good experience with the Sycamore, IL store in regards to service.

Best of luck in whatever car you choose!

 

The EVO is an incredibly reliabe high performance car compared to most, but its important to remember that nothing is totally bullet proof, you need to have some level of knowledge in the basics of tuning/modifcation, this site is an extremely good resource. The problems you mentioned seem to be far more prevalent in the STI community lately, as their tuning options are far more limited with detonation probs even in stock trim unlike the EVO, where engineers quell detonation even on 91 octane **** through extremely rich fuel maps. The 4G63 is a cast iron block with strong internals and an extremely tuner friendly ECM, I'd highly doubt any outright failures unless due to the small instances of manufacturer defect which are present with all cars.

From what I've read Its my opinion that there must be a number of defective clutch setups out there as mine has 13,000 agressive miles on it with 0 probs(this is also my first M/T). The brake pads work extremely well but do wear quickly, thank Brembo for that, the pads are not Mitsu specific. As far as the Idling prob I find that our cars like to Idle closer to 1,000 rpm. Try adjusting the BISS, its a hole on the top right side of the throttle body, using a flathead screwdriver open it up 3/4 of a turn. Smoothed out my idle issues completely.

 

Im wondering the same thing. I love the Evo, and plan on getting one after my RSX. most likely next winter, so i may be looking at an '05...evo ix maybe? lol. anyway, im used to having a car that is w/o problems. my RSX is from the first or second batch made, and yes she has the 2nd gear grind, front wheel well crack, but thats it. ive never had to do maintenance (besides oil, and scheduled stuff). i dont plan on doing any major modifications, stock the evo is amazing, especially compared to my 160hp RSX. haha. will we be disappointed? i know the Evo isnt a luxury car, and its got its quirks, but is it gonna be a lemon?