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Need advice for new purchase.

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Old Jun 17, 2015, 03:01 PM
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Need advice for new purchase.

I'm looking at getting a 06 evo. What should I know about them before buying. Also what should I specifically look for when I'm inspecting it(evo specific issues). Also I have a couple questions.

1.Do these cars have a timing belt or chain? I did some looking I read chain but I see belt repair kits.

2. How expensive is maintenance for these cars? I have a vw so I'm used to higher then normal costs for things.

Thank you in advance.
Old Jun 17, 2015, 03:39 PM
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search about the issues, there are plenty of issues.
the one ur looking at has a timing belt, the new X has chain.
very expensive to maintain, if you think vw is high i think u should look else where.

you might be lucky and find a gem and your only maintenance is oil change. however you will soon find out fluid change, tire change is relatively expensive. and the 60k / 120k service is expensive as well as any major repairs.
very often the tcase has problems im sure your aware of. the acd pump failing, clutch service. all those things are in the thousands.

not trying to scare you away, but since i've had my car, i've had to replace all those known issues already. but of course i daily drive mine everywhere.
Old Jun 17, 2015, 05:36 PM
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do some searching on this site
Old Jun 18, 2015, 10:29 PM
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I do not find them expensive to maintain.. not really any more than any other car ive owned. maybe i've been lucky but besides major service intervals the basic maint is not bad oil changes, tires, brakes all are pretty normal prices. If you dont beat your car to death it'll last a long time and be very reliable!
Old Jun 19, 2015, 12:55 AM
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i was wondering what a 2006 mr with 6000 miles stock is worth... 40k seems pretty steep.
Old Jun 19, 2015, 02:25 PM
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Doing one's own maintenance is the only way a lot of people can afford these things.
Old Jun 19, 2015, 05:49 PM
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ill second slvrevo84's notion. in my case, maintenance costs is about the same as every other car ive owned. i was a little hesitant too before i got my evo because of people telling me itll cost me a pretty penny to keep her running, but that definitely isnt the case.

im having a major service done on mine soon (that includes timing, balance & alternator belts, bearings, hydraulic tensioner & water pump.. ALONG with a "major fluid change" that includes gearbox, transfer case, rear diff, ayc, power steering, engine oil and oil filter. total cost isnt THAT much.. but then again the workshop im taking it to was able to supply & install, and give me a package deal. maybe if you find a evo specialist workshop in your area you'll get the same treatment.

i daily drive mine and i rack up A LOT of mileage quickly, but minor services dont cost me much. can change the oils myself, but i can just give $200ish to a workshop less than minutes away from me to have it all done. win-win for me.

good luck with that 06 ix.. you'll love it
Old Jun 19, 2015, 06:26 PM
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For the three years I have owned mine, it has been reliable. Only real issue being an oil leak.

But - I've kept after the routine maintenance, took very good care of her, and I bought a relatively straight clean example.

Of course, my luck may just run out tomorrow. What's that noise? What's that smell? Are flames supposed to come shooting out of the hood like that?!?

At that point, you might as well accept that this is not a cheap car to operate, not for routine or for unscheduled maintenance.

Last edited by mrowka; Jun 21, 2015 at 06:58 PM.
Old Jun 19, 2015, 09:04 PM
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Steep or not but they have timing chain which is what's up.
Old Jun 19, 2015, 09:30 PM
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Drive like a normal person, run some all season tires that never wear out, cheap brake pads and the expense is like any other car. The trouble is, you've made it into an ordinary car.

Run the tires and brakes the car should have and it is starting to get expensive.

But then you discover the Evo isn't a car, it is a blank canvas for you to paint on. You can build the car to two or three times the stock horsepower and make similar changes to the suspension and drivetrain. If you can't resist this then look for a high paying job.
Old Jun 20, 2015, 06:56 AM
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Need advice for new purchase.

To answer some questions
It's a belt. only the X is a chain.
Check to see if car has good record on it
Do the gears grind if so you may be replacing or pulling Transfer case for rebuild.
Look for leaks specific to engine
If it's overly modified evo it could be a pretty abused car.
Expect to pay 14k-30k for a good evo these days depending on condition.
Salvage may be a little less
Some stuff to think about.
Old Jun 22, 2015, 12:01 AM
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Originally Posted by salvador87trev
i was wondering what a 2006 mr with 6000 miles stock is worth... 40k seems pretty steep.
I just bought a built 06 MR with 22k on the odo for about 25k. I personally wouldn't pay 40k for a stock car but that's just me.
Old Jun 22, 2015, 06:58 AM
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I find standard maintenance is cheap, but I just discovered that my car had aftermarket injectors at one time, and that the clutch had been replaced. I bought it in 2007 with 4000 miles on the odometer. I thought it was unmolested. I just hope that the previous owner didn't abuse it. Nothing has broken and I have 68000 miles now
Old Jun 28, 2015, 12:19 AM
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Originally Posted by CrypticApathy
I'm looking at getting a 06 evo. What should I know about them before buying. Also what should I specifically look for when I'm inspecting it(evo specific issues). Also I have a couple questions.

1.Do these cars have a timing belt or chain? I did some looking I read chain but I see belt repair kits.

2. How expensive is maintenance for these cars? I have a vw so I'm used to higher then normal costs for things.

Thank you in advance.
When buying an Evo, make sure you check its vehicle history via carfax or anything similar. Save your time and trouble and buy one with low mileage, under 100k miles, the lower the better. Ask to take it to a certified mechanic and have it up on a lift for a inspection, evos are prone to oil leaks (around the cylinder head and by the oil pan). Inspect the engine bay and interior, if there's electrical wires running around everywhere it's not a good sign. Stay away from hack jobs and "projects". Of course test drive before you buy, ensure it drive straight and no strange noises.

1. 03-06 Evos have timing belt. You can purchase a timing belt kit for under $500, for example : http://www.awdmotorsports.com/produc...9-no-water.htm. You can pay a reputable mechanic to put it on for you.

2. How expensive on maintenance really depends on your Evo, if you buy a lower mileage and well taken cared of Evo, more likely it won't give you problems. Like some have said above, I believe Evos are enthusiast cars, meaning you should know how to do basic maintenance on your car. It is fun to learn and will save you money in the long run. Synthetic oil change every 3,000 miles, check for leaks every now and then, and use good gas.
Old Jun 28, 2015, 01:19 PM
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Originally Posted by barneyb
Run the tires and brakes the car should have and it is starting to get expensive.
This is true.
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