The Lancer Evo is Mitsubishi’s reply to the four-door sports activities sedan. In reality, it was made to compete with Subaru’s standard Impreza WRX of the time. It was in manufacturing from 1992-2016 and stays an icon to this present day. Within the 90’s and 00’s rally racing was actually taking off and followers wished to have highway variations of their favourite automobiles they noticed on TV. After seeing Subaru’s success with the WRX, Mitsubishi launched their model of an AWD mid-size sedan, and the rivalry was on.
Sadly, the US market didn’t get the Evo till 2003, however different nations resembling numerous European international locations and Japan acquired to take pleasure in it from the very starting. Although the automobile was in manufacturing for a complete of solely 24 years, Mitsubishi had 10 official variations of the Evo. The final technology was in manufacturing for practically 10 years, which means {that a} new model was pumped out virtually yearly.
The famed automaker claims that that a number of fashions till 2005 had 276 horsepower as a result of that they had a gentleman’s settlement with different automotive producers. We now know that these numbers have been downplayed as most automobiles simply had over 300 horsepower and a few fashions have been reported to have as a lot as 440 horsepower!
This information will offer you all the mandatory details about the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo in order that you understand what to search for and what its widespread points are when it comes time to purchase one. Utilizing this info will enable you get the most effective deal and arm you with very important details about this legendary sports activities sedan.
Professionals and Cons
Professionals:
- Not as widespread as their archenemy, the WRX
- Moderately priced
- Nice engine and drivetrain
- It’s a sedan
- Unbeatable traction in any climate circumstances
- Handles like its on rails
Cons
- Up till 2005, most fashions have been RHD
- Components are tougher to seek out
- Much less aftermarket help
- Comparatively heavy automobile for its dimension
- It is going to by no means attain the identical degree of fame because the WRX
Frequent Points
As everyone knows by now, no automobile is or will ever be good and issue-free, and the Evo is unquestionably not resistant to that. We might actually develop on this checklist and embody all the problems that include modifying the automobile which in flip places stress on numerous elements, however for the sake of this text we are going to focus solely on widespread points discovered on inventory automobiles.
Suspension knocking noise. That is mostly heard when taking corners; and consider us after we say that it sounds worse than it really is. The knocking is the automobile’s means of telling you that most certainly the struts should be lubricated. Sure, it’s so simple as that.
Whining noise. Some house owners have reported that they hear a whining noise coming from their gearbox and it solely will get louder when you attain 40 mph. That’s often an indication of the throw out bearings failing. Changing the output shaft bearings will remedy that drawback.
Dangerous scent coming from the local weather management. Sadly, the local weather management programs in automobiles often get missed and due to this fact the drain holes will get blocked. As soon as this occurs, the particles and dust caught in there has nowhere to go and finally ends up creating that ungodly scent. Merely unblocking the evaporator drain gap will resolve this difficulty for you.
Engine idling issues. This difficulty might be attributable to a variety of various things, however the commonest explanation for that is the idle management valve itself. In the event you discover that the automobile is idling at greater than 1000 rpm, then it’s best to take into consideration cleansing the idle management valve and if that doesn’t assist, altering it ought to.
Sudden jolts. The increase actuator on the Evo is effectively documented to fail prematurely. Sudden and unexplained jolts or discover increase loss excessive within the rpm vary, then the increase actuator is greater than possible your drawback. A substitute actuator ought to deliver the automobile again to regular.
So, there you’ve got it, the commonest points discovered on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. In comparison with another automobiles, this checklist is comparatively small. Preserve these widespread points in thoughts when it comes time to go purchase your very personal Evo.
Common Worth
As a result of the Evo is a a lot rarer automobile in comparison with the WRX STI, costs might be all around the locations. JDMBuySell.com has checklist of JDM sellers which have Evo’s priced wherever from $5,500 and go all the way in which as much as $55,000!
Let’s take a look at each ends of the spectrum and see what sort of automobiles you may get for 5k and see what 50k will get you.
View all Mitsubishi Lancer Evo vehicles listed for sale.
Comparable Alternate options
On the earth of mid-size sport sedans, there are many selections from a number of producers. Not all of them could also be turbo or AWD fashions, however they are often remarkably just like the Evo in different methods. Here’s a checklist of automobiles that might compete with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.
There it’s. Among the greatest rivals to the Evo. There are others that may very well be added to the checklist, be we determined to maintain it brief as to not throw you off monitor from getting your dream automobile.
Fashions and Specs
Evo I (1992-1994)
The unique Evo was launched in October 1992 and used the drivetrain from the Mitsubishi Galant. This included its turbocharged 2.0L engine and AWD system. The one transmission possibility was a five-speed guide. It used a restricted slip differential and produced a complete of 244 horsepower and 228 lb. ft. of torque at 6000 rpm.
Evo II (1994-1995)
Produced till February 1995, the Evo II consisted of some, however necessary upgrades. This consisted primarily of suspension and dealing with enhancements resembling lighter sway bars and barely wider tires. The physique additionally obtained an even bigger spoiler as effectively. Horsepower was additionally bumped up from 244 to 252 from the identical four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0L engine. Similar to the Evo I, a guide 5 velocity transmission was the one alternative.
Evo III (1995-1996)
Driving off the success of the Evo I and Evo II, Mitsubishi launched the Evo III with a way more aggressive look consisting of latest bumpers, aspect skirts, and a improved hood that delivered extra air to the radiator, intercooler, and brakes. As well as, the motor had improved compression and the engineers improved the turbo as effectively. All these modifications now produced a formidable 270 horsepower and 228 lb. ft. of torque. Similar to earlier fashions, the Evo was solely provided with a five-speed guide transmission.
Evo IV (1996-1998)
The Evo IV introduced with it a number of main modifications together with turning the engine 180-degrees for higher weight distribution. The now profitable automobile got here in two distinct variations that consisted of the RS and GSR. Each variations got here with their distinct exterior modifications that made it capable of inform them aside. Most notably, the massive fog lights that the RS got here with as a manufacturing unit possibility. Each fashions obtained a brand new, twin-scroll turbocharger that bumped the facility to 276 hp and 243 lb. ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. It ought to be no shock that the five-speed guide was nonetheless the one transmission alternative.
Evo V (1998-1999)
This technology Evo got here with many drastic modifications resembling higher Recaro seats, widened monitor, elevated brake grasp cylinder, and so forth. As soon as once more, for the fifth technology Evo, Mitsubishi additional upgraded the turbocharger to now produce the identical 276 horsepower and 275 lb. ft. of torque. Many speculate that the facility was a lot larger, however Mitsubishi had a gentleman’s settlement to cap the facility at 276. It ought to be no shock by now that solely a five-speed guide transmission was obtainable.
Evo VI (1999-2001)
By this time, the Evo was a real star within the automotive world and cherished by its followers across the globe. With this technology, Mitsubishi determined to focus its efforts on sturdiness and cooling. In fact, there have been just a few beauty modifications however, an even bigger oil pan, bigger intercooler, new pistons, and extra notably, a titanium-aluminide turbine wheel have been additionally added. Energy and torque remained the identical because the earlier technology, however we extremely suspect that it was elevated over the earlier mannequin. This technology was additionally the one the place the uncommon Tommi Makinen version was created. It featured bigger wheels, totally different seats and entrance, alongside many different small modifications that each one added up for a greater and quicker Evo. And also you guessed it, a five-speed guide was the one transmission you may get the automobile with.
Evo VII (2001-2003)
The Evo gained some weight in its seventh technology, however that was made up by a stiffer chassis. As well as, a greater helical limited-slip differential was added alongside an improved heart differential. The inside additionally obtained extra luxurious choices resembling a full velour and leather-based Recaro inside, chromed door handles, new instrument panel, and many others. All this added as much as a better-looking automobile so as to entice new prospects. And Mitsubishi did want new prospects, as a result of for the primary time ever, the Evo was provided with an optionally available automated transmission alongside the basic five-speed guide. They rapidly realized that their prospects had no real interest in an automated transmission and due to this fact discontinued it after this technology. Fortunately, horsepower was bumped as much as 284 an the torqued moved up barely to 276 lb. ft.
Evo VIII (2003-2005)
For the primary time ever, the Evo was provided in America. Initially, Mitsubishi was planning for the Evo to solely make one look within the US, nevertheless it did so good that they determined to maintain on promoting it stateside.
Cosmetically, not a lot had modified, however there have been now just a few trim ranges provided with the highest trim being the FQ-400 which was offered solely within the UK. What’s so particular about this mannequin is that it made an astonishing 405 horsepower from the manufacturing unit!
In whole there have been six trims provided all lover the world. These included the RS 5-speed, RS Six-speed, GSR, MR RS 5-speed, MR RS Six-speed, and MR GSR. All of those had slight variations in between them resembling totally different wheels, shocks, decrease experience top, and some minor engine modifications to set them other than each other. This was additionally the primary time we see the choice of a six-speed guide transmission alongside the basic five-speed.
Evo IX (2005-2007)
The second final Evo ever made was unveiled in March 2005 in Europe and Japan and one month later in North America. This time across the automobile produced 287 horsepower and 289 lb. ft. of torque from its 2.0L inline 4 engine. There have been slight variations in energy and weight from one trim degree to a different, however nothing too important. A complete of six trim ranges have been obtainable of which three have been commonplace trim and the remaining three have been MR (Mitsubishi Racing). This technology had three transmission selections. One five-speed guide, a six-speed guide, and sure, one five-speed automated. If you may get your fingers on the six-speed guide, contemplate your self fortunate as solely 15% of the automobiles made got here with that alternative.
Evo X (2007-2016)
This technology Evo was by far the longest operating, reaching virtually a decade. The mighty 2.0L engine produced 276 horsepower in Japan, whereas the American model was bumped up barely. Nonetheless, as soon as once more the UK acquired the FQ-badged Evo’s which produced an astonishing 300-360 horsepower. This technology was produced across the time when twin-clutch transmissions have been all the fad. Mitsubishi jumped on the bandwagon with their model that they named the “Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission” (TC-SST). Lengthy identify, nice transmission. Fortunately, the GSR trim was nonetheless provided in a five-speed guide as effectively, however no six-speed in sight. As time went on the automobile acquired increasingly luxurious and tech ridden, which in flip added to its weight. As gross sales began to say no, Mitsubishi lastly pulled the plug on the enduring automobile in Could 2016.
FAQ
Briefly, sure. There are many issues to think about when asking if a automobile is dependable. Has the automobile been modified? Was it pushed onerous? Which mannequin are we speaking about? And so forth. We’re completely happy to inform you that almost all house owners have mentioned that they’re exceptionally dependable automobiles. One factor that has been effectively documented is that the automated transmissions on the later fashions don’t appear to be all that nice as they’re vulnerable to failure when in comparison with their guide counterparts.
Sure. There’s loads of aftermarket help for them, possibly not as a lot as a WRX, however there are many corporations that dedicate their time consideration strictly to the Mitsubishi Evo.
Completely. The Evo is a cushty, sporty, AWD sedan. Which means it’ll carry your complete household, undergo any form of climate circumstances with confidence and has tons of energy when wanted.
Sure. These automobiles have been provided in lots of international locations in Europe the place they drive on the left hand. Nonetheless, not one of the early Evo’s have been ever provided within the States. There have been stories of individuals changing RHD autos with elements from the Mitsubishi Mirage.
Under no circumstances. It is going to really feel somewhat bizarre at first grabbing the shifter with the flawed hand and you’ll always really feel the necessity to follow the appropriate aspect of the highway, however after the primary week you’ll really feel proper at house. Plus, you can be the king of parallel parking.
Probably not. There are nonetheless a lot of good examples on the market, however they’re turning into more and more rarer, particularly inventory examples. These automobiles have been a rally car for the highway, and most of the people couldn’t resist the temptation to mod them. With somewhat little bit of persistence nevertheless, the appropriate automobile will present up in your crosshairs.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_Lancer_Evolution
- https://www.carthrottle.com/submit/w65rd66/
- https://www.evoxforums.com/threads/pros-cons-of-evo-life.388217/
- https://www.breakeryard.com/car-parts/mitsubishi/lancer-evolution/common-problems
- https://www.reddit.com/r/mitsubishi/feedback/8j8in6/evo_x_reliability/
- https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-car-buying-guides/mitsubishi-lancer-evo-vi-used-car-buying-guide
- https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/opinions/mitsubishi/saloon/saloon/owner-reviews
- https://www.evolutionm.internet/boards/evom-newbie-faqs-forum/7093-left-hand-drive-evo-s.html
Learn how to Import a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
Learn our final information, How to Import a Car from Japan.
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