Mitsubishi Newbie

[JETS8]

Hey Y'all! Names Sam :)

I am in the process of obtaining my first EVO. 03' Evo, which needs some work such as a clutch and a tune right off the bat. Negotiating with the seller currently, so it was only natural to get on the right forums, right away.
Also wanted to ask those on here who have much more experience than I do, where would be some good places to do general maintenance as well as tuning later down the line? The evo already has some minor additions here and there AFC management, cams, intake, etc.

Any pointers, or general guidance for some good tuner shops, would be MUCH appreciated!!
Thank you Evo Veterans

[Macky]

First of all welcome!

We have some very knowledgeable people here when it comes to the Evo. Where are you located? There are a few shops scattered all over southern california, so depending on your location, we can certainly recommend you there.

[Apex Hunter]

Welcome Sam. What he said ^

Worth noting that OPP (other people's projects) are often better avoided. Unless you are getting the car stupid cheap and/or have some mechanical experience or money to burn. If you can, i highly suggest taking the car to one of Socal's reputable Evo specialists for a Pre-Purchase Inspection. Best case scenario, the car is just what you thought, and they find a couple little minor issues that you can use to negotiate a better price. Worst case- the car is a miserable POS and you get to walk away unscathed. If that is not an option, try to do as much inspection as you can, maybe a compression and leak down test, bring someone who is familiar with 8/9 with you too. Buying used, modified Evos can be risky business. I'm not saying that the one that you are looking at now is bad, i'm just saying be cautious.

All that said, they are excellent cars. I've had a bunch of Japanese stuff, and my 2003 Evo has been unbelievably reliable. Most reliable car i've had, actually, and it sees a good amount of track use. So buy a good one to begin with, and you'll be glad you did.

[Tristan Holtz]

Pre-Purchase Inspection.

THIS, OH LORDY THIS! would have saved me like $4K

[JETS8]

Thanks for the replies everyone! Things are looking pretty good so far. I was debating the PPI as well, but instead opted to have a close friend of mine who has owned several EVO 8's and now an X to come check the vehicle out with me. Safe to say I will be taking the Evo home and looking forward to making it "my own" with various different mod's I already have in mind.

On a more important note.. it seems you guys have some shops already in mind to tend to the needs of these vehicles? Any and all pointers, always appreciated!

[Apex Hunter]

Cool!
Where are you located?

[JETS8]

Havent been able to get on much lately! but I am located in San Diego, CA!
What about the rest of you folks? I'm scouting for any EVO meets around Socal

[Apex Hunter]

I'm in San Clemente. Much to my dismay, seems like Facebook is the place to be for the social side of the car scene. Hope to see you around.

[JETS8]

I dont have a facebook unfortunately.. perhaps its time to make one..