Buying Guide / 2001 - 2015
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
A rally car for the road. The Evo VII through X combine turbo four-cylinder power with advanced AWD, but the drivetrain carries risks every buyer must understand.
A rally car for the road. The Evo VII through X combine turbo four-cylinder power with advanced AWD, but the drivetrain carries risks every buyer must understand.
The Lancer Evolution is Mitsubishi's homologation special, built to win rallies. Prices have risen sharply as supply dries up, but the turbo drivetrain and import origins carry risks that can turn a purchase into a costly project.
We've compiled 8 known issues for the Lancer Evolution in our database. Here are the five that matter most, drawn from specialist communities and owner experiences across the UK.
Go deeper: Run a free Carwise report on a specific Evo to see which issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history, mileage checks and a personalised buyer checklist.
The 4G63 engine's thrust bearing can fail, allowing the crankshaft to move axially. This destroys the engine. Most common on heavily-tuned cars and those with aggressive clutch engagements. Evo X uses the 4B11 engine which is not affected.
With the engine running and clutch depressed, listen for unusual metallic noises. Check for excessive crankshaft endplay. A specialist inspection is recommended.
The Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) on the Evo X can develop shudder at low speed, harsh shifts, and eventual failure of the mechatronic unit. Regular fluid changes are essential. Manual Evo X models avoid this entirely.
Test at low speed in traffic for juddering. Check for harsh 1st-2nd shifts. Ask about SST fluid change history. The manual gearbox Evo X is the safer buy.
The ACD pump can fail, disabling the active centre differential. Warning light on dash and reduced traction. Rebuild kits are available from specialists.
Check for ACD warning lights. Test on a loose surface if possible - the car should feel balanced and controlled.
The factory turbos can fail due to oil starvation, excessive boost from aftermarket ECU maps, or simply age and mileage. Aftermarket upgrades are common but quality varies.
Listen for turbo bearing whine or grinding. Check for blue smoke on boost. Check oil change history.
Most UK Evos are Japanese imports. Japanese cars were not undersealed for UK conditions. Sills, rear arches, boot floor, and chassis rails are vulnerable. Salt damage accelerates the problem.
Inspect underneath thoroughly. Check sills, rear arches, and subframe mounts. A Japanese car in the UK for 10+ years without rust treatment will likely have issues.
The Lancer Evolution is a rally car for the road. The combination of turbo four-cylinder, advanced AWD with active differentials, and lightweight construction creates something uniquely focused and fast. The Evo VII-IX with the legendary 4G63 engine are the purist's choice. The Evo X brought a more refined experience with the 4B11 engine but the SST gearbox is a known weak point. Manual Evo X models are the smart buy.
Prices have risen significantly as supply dries up - Mitsubishi no longer makes the Evo, and each passing year makes clean examples scarcer. A well-maintained, low-owner Evo with documented history commands serious money for good reason.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Carwise Score.
Check a vehicle nowCompiled from independent expert sources, specialist communities and our database of 8 known Lancer Evolution issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.
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