So you found an Evo 8 for sale, and you weigh whether or not you should pull the trigger. We get it; it’s a big decision, especially since there are so many variables to consider, such as cost, condition, miles, and modifications.
Shopping for an Evo 8 can be daunting, but with the right preparation and research, it can be fairly straightforward. To help you on your search, we have put together a guide to help make sure you get the car of your dreams in top condition.
Evo 8 For Sale | Buying Guide
Before we begin, the Evo 8 was an iconic Japanese sports car that was made from 2003-2005. With only three years in production, a limited number of these cars are available for sale, but you can still find them on the used car market.
Like the Nissan Skyline R34, the Mitsubishi Evo 8 made an appearance in the Fast and Furious movies with Tyrese Gibson and Paul Walker. Paul Walker was lucky to drive it, while Tyrese Gibson got suck with the convertible Eclipse.
The Evo 8 has a 2.0 liter 4G63 turbocharged engine that can put out around 280 stock horsepower. The problem is that there are a few that are still in stock. Previous owners modified most, and some were taken to extreme levels with up to 700 horsepower.
Next to the Evo 9, the Evo 8, in our opinion, is one of if not the best Mitsubishi Evolution models. It’s reliable and fast, plus it can handle a dream with just a few modifications.
When shopping for an Evo 8 for sale, it’s important to take into consideration the cost, condition, miles, and modifications. Before you make a final buying decision, make sure to check the following:
Cost
When looking at an Evo 8 for sale, you need to determine your budget. Nowadays, it’s hard to find a quality Evo 8 under $20,000. Realistically, you may be looking in the $30,000 to $35,000 range.
When looking at cost, you will find that there are people who are very proud of their Evo 8 for sale and will price them at ridiculously high prices.
We recommend checking out several sites to see what other people are selling for based on miles and condition. As always, watch out for scammers. If you see a deal that looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Condition
The other tough part about finding an Evo 8 for sale is finding that it hasn’t been driven like a rally car. You want to find someone who treats the car like it’s their second child.
Ask if it’s been garage kept or at least a car cover and what type of driving conditions it has been put through. Ask for pictures of the undercarriage and other hard-to-reach areas to make sure there isn’t any rust or corrosion underneath.
Also, ask about the interior and make sure it’s not ripped up from years of racing or drifting. You also want to make sure they weren’t idiots and smoked in the car because it’s almost impossible to remove the smell.
Lastly, take a look at the condition of the tires, brakes, and other common maintenance items.
Miles
The other important factor to consider when buying an Evo 8 for sale is the miles. You want a car with low miles, so you don’t have to worry about major maintenance in the near future.
Most of these cars will range from 50,000-70,000 miles. The higher the miles, the lower you can expect to pay. But at the same time, you should expect more maintenance costs in the near future.
Most people drove their Mitsubishi Evolution VIII like bad-ass race cars, so even with low miles, they still may have worn parts that need to be replaced. In addition, Evo 8’s with 70,000-100,000 miles is similar to a car that has 200,000 miles on it.
Consider this before buying, and do your best to ask questions about how the seller drove the car.
Modifications
The scariest part about buying an Evo 8 for sale is what the current and previous owners may have done to it. We all know that Japanese cars can be modified, and with the Evo 8 being such a popular car, many owners decided to take it to the next level.
However, it’s common for these owners not to know anything about performance upgrades. Many throw on a huge turbo without upgrading the exhaust, fuel system, or other components.
Some will even throw a boost controller on to increase the power of the engine without understanding how it works. This can result in serious damage to your engine if you aren’t careful.
When buying an Evo 8 for sale, be sure to ask questions about any modifications that have been done and ask if they have a dyno sheet showing the results of their work.
If you are new to modifications and not an expert on these cars, then that’s okay, but take the time to go to an expert or a shop to check out the car before buying it.
If the seller doesn’t let you take the car to a mechanic, then ask if your mechanic will come to you. It may be worth it to pay a bit extra for peace of mind and make sure what you are buying is worth the money.
Vehicle History Report
It doesn’t matter if it’s a Honda CR-V or Evo 8 for sale; you need to check the vehicle history report. A vehicle history report will show you any major issues that have occurred in the past, such as accidents or significant mechanical problems.
This can be a great tool to help you determine if the car is worth purchasing and how much you should pay for it. Most reputable dealers will provide this information up front, but if you are buying from an individual, then make sure to get the report yourself.
If you see that there have been accidents or major work done on the car, then you can use this information to negotiate a better deal. Better yet, walk away if the car doesn’t meet your expectations.
Will Evo 8 Go Up In Value?
Like the Nissan Skyline and other classic Japanese performance cars, the Mitsubishi Evolution VIII has become a collectible car. These cars are becoming increasingly rare and more sought after by collectors, so it’s safe to say that they will go up in value over time.
If you don’t believe us, the owner of this site bought a 2005 Mitsubishi Evo 8 for $17,000 in 2013 with 70,000 miles on it. The car was perfect except for one gauge in the hood, which looked like it got keyed by an ex-girlfriend. Now, that car is probably worth close to $28,000.
Of course, this depends on its current mileage and condition, but you get the point. Buying a used Evo 8 can be a great investment, so do your research before buying, and you should have no problem making money in the long run.
Where To Buy Evo 8?
You can find an Evo 8 for sale by doing a simple Google search. There are usually a few Evo 8’s for sale on eBay Motors, but it’s best to avoid buying from sites like that if you don’t have any experience.
If you are okay with traveling, you will find more Evo 8’s in bigger cities such as Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago. Craigslist is also a great resource for finding an Evo 8 for sale in your city.
Websites such as CarGurus and Autotrader are great resources for online shopping for a used car and can be more reliable than sites like eBay Motors. Be sure to do your research and ask any questions you may have before committing to a purchase.
Do Evo 8 Have Sunroof?
You can find the 2005 Evo 8 with a sunroof and leather seats, but they are hard to find. However, the car was never meant to be luxurious, so the majority of Evo 8s don’t have a sunroof or leather.
Plus, a sunroof is just another thing that could break down, and the last thing you want is to have a leaky sunroof in the middle of winter or during the rainy season.
Are Evo 8 AWD?
All of the Evo 8 for sale will be AWD (All Wheel Drive). Most of the cars are equipped with an active center differential, which can transfer power to the wheels with the most grip depending on the driving conditions.
This allows you to drive confidently through rain or snow without getting stuck. Additionally, Mitsubishi used a Super All-Wheel Control system in later models that further improved the AWD system by allowing you to switch between different driving modes.
Are Evo 8 Expensive To Repair?
It depends on what kind of repairs you are looking at. Generally, the Evo 8 is not difficult to maintain and is relatively affordable if you take it to an experienced mechanic or do the work yourself.
However, if you need to replace or rebuild the engine or transmission, then it can get quite expensive. That being said, it’s always a good idea to keep up with regular maintenance and check for any potential problems before they become major issues. Doing so will ensure that your Evo 8 runs smoothly for years to come.
Final Thoughts On Buying An Evo 8 For Sale
There is no doubt that the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII is an incredible car. If you have the money and do your research, you can find a great deal on an Evo 8 that will last for years.
Keep in mind, though, that the car is not without its issues. Make sure to have any potential car checked out by an experienced mechanic before buying, and use this information to negotiate a better deal. Better yet, walk away if the car doesn’t seem right.