see also:
EVO 9 Performance Part Power Test
Mitsubishi EVO Tuners
Mitsubishi EVO Specs
Rolling Roads
Japanese Car Importers
Track Day Organisers
Import Car Insurance Specialists
Subaru Impreza Tuners
Performance Car Insurance Brokers
The EVO I, EVO II and EVO III were only available as unofficial imports and look quite dated now. The EVO IV and EVO V which are also only available as imports look much more aggressive, have improved handling and performance, but for nearly the same money you can buy an EVO VI. The EVO VI is the favoured model amongst enthusiasts especially the Tommi Makkinen edition. The UK EVOs are slightly more expensive than the Grey Imports.
The softer looking EVO VII is often accused of being a less driver orientated car, but it is still an awesome tool and can be had for the same money as an EVO VI.
The EVO VIII series saw Mitsubishi return to aggressive styling and these models were the first to be available with a six speed transmission, their handling and straight line performance is deeply impressive. Most EVO VIII and EVO IXs are still covered by the Mitsubishi 3 year warranty as long as they still have their Ralliart service
history. When buying an
earlier EVO get the dealer to offer you some sort of warranty. The high
power FQ
versions of the EVO command high prices where as the lower powered 260
is hard to sell with prices
reflecting this. The RS and Extreme models are extremely raw and as
such, some people find them too
much to be a daily driver. With regards to tuning, its extremely rare to
find a standard EVO. The most
common modifications are a
performance exhaust
system, performance
suspension
and
big brake
upgrades.
For more advanced mods it is highly recommended to get the car inspected
by an
EVO tuning
specialist to ensure they have been installed properly.
A full service is absolutely essential and this must be verified with
the dealer that has stamped the service
book. It is imperative, as with all super high performance cars, to get
an inspection carried out by a
competent garage who are familiar with the Mitsubishi EVO. Most
EVO specialists
should be able to help
you out with this.
Mitsubishi EVO insurance is never going to be cheap so its worth ringing
round a few
car insurance
brokers to get some quotes beforehand. All Japanese imports must have a
UK service record from when
they arrive in the UK and double check that all the necessary items have
been converted to UK spec
(Speedo KPH>MPH, Rear Fog Light etc etc) These items are required for
the car to pass the MOT.
General Car Buying
Guide
Engine
The Mitsubishi EVO 46G3
unit is incredibly tough as long as it serviced regularly and fully
synthetic oil is used. The oil should be changed every 4500 miles with
plugs and timing belts every 45,000 miles.
Fuel
Cut Defender and Boost Controllers
should be treated with caution if fitted to the vehicle your looking at.
Again get the car checked by a specialist to ensure everything has be
set up as it should. Standard boost
pressure is around 1.2 bar for the EVO IV> and under 1.0Bar on EVO
I>III, any deviations from this could
be due to a rusty waste gate actuator which will cost £300 to replace.
Avoid any cars which display engine
warning lights.
Transmission
The standard clutches
are not especially tough and wear out quickly. Check for slippage and
high biting
points to assess the condition of the clutch. Gearboxes can wear out,
the symptoms being hard/difficult
changes into 1st, 2nd, 5th and Reverse. Gearboxes are never cheap to
replace so keep an eye out for
signs of difficult operation and whining.
Recalls: 156 EVOs manufactured from 20th December 1996 and 17th July
1998 were recalled because of
an incorrectly programmed AYC ECU. Check that this has been rectified by
calling Mitsubishi on 01285
647774.
Banging from the front of the car could indicated
LSD
bolt failure, this costs £2000 to repair. The ACD
pump has been know to fail so check that all the green lights light up
properly when switching between
snow/gravel and tarmac. The pump is incredibly expensive to replace.
Wheels
and
Tyres
As always, check for
curbing damage and tread on the tyres. The wear should be even, if not a
geometry
check is on order,
factor this into the purchase price. Make sure the tyres are of the
correct size and of a
suitable speed rating and that the wheels have the correct offset. An
incorrect offset can cause scrubbing
on the arches and negatively effect the handling
Suspension
Bushes that wear out
include top mounts, anti-roll bars and drop links. Wear can be
identified by knocking
when turning. The EVO has a massive range of after market
performance suspension
kits
available from
various manufacturers and most owners go down this route when replacing
their standard suspension.
Speak to your local specialist to select a set up that suits your
driving style.
Brakes
Take a pasting on all
EVOs so many have
uprated brake systems
the most popular appear to be AP
Racing and Brembo. Whatever is fitted check that the car pulls up
straight and smoothly by braking heavily
from speed. Brake fluid should be changed every 18,000miles.
Bodywork
& Exhaust
As with all cars check
for sign of over spray on panels and windows, check the suspension for
signs of rust
as well as the underneath of the car. Rust in the boot lid in common. If
the car your looking at is fitted with
a decat pipe get the old cat form the owner, if its not available,
factor the price of a new cat into the
purchase price as you will need a cat to pass the MOT.
Interior
All the warning lights
on the dash should go out when the car is started, if they don't, walk
away. Again, as
with any car check that all the interior electrics work.
Mitsubishi EVO on
Autotrader
Related Links
EvolutionM - US Forum
Lancer Register - Forum
and Technical Resource
Top Gear - Mitsubishi EVO Video
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