The Mitsubishi Evo is one of the most iconic and legendary sports cars ever produced. It has a rich history of dominating the World Rally Championship and the hearts of enthusiasts around the world. The Evo was born as a homologation special for the Lancer sedan, featuring a turbocharged 4G63 engine and an advanced all-wheel-drive system. The Evo went through ten generations, each with its own personality and appeal. But which one is the best used Evo to buy?
The Evolution Of The Evo
The first Evo was launched in 1992, exclusively for the Japanese market. It was a stripped-down version of the Lancer, with a 247-horsepower engine and a five-speed manual transmission. It was followed by the Evo II in 1994, which had minor improvements in suspension, wheelbase, and aerodynamics. The Evo III came in 1995, with a more aggressive look and a 270-horsepower engine. The Evo IV debuted in 1996, with a major redesign that included a larger turbo, active yaw control, and two large fog lights on the front bumper.
The Evo V arrived in 1998, with wider fenders, bigger brakes, and more power. It also had a more refined interior and better handling. The Evo VI was released in 1999, with minor changes to the engine, suspension, and bodywork. It was also the last Evo to feature the famous Tommi Makinen Edition, named after the four-time WRC champion. The Evo VII came in 2001, with a new platform that was lighter and stiffer. It also had an improved all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed manual transmission.
The Evo VIII was introduced in 2003, with a more aggressive styling and a 276-horsepower engine. It was also the first Evo to be officially sold in the US market. The Evo IX followed in 2005, with a revised engine that had variable valve timing and a larger turbo. It also had better brakes, suspension, and aerodynamics. The Evo X was the final generation of the Evo, launched in 2007. It had a new engine that was smaller but more powerful, a dual-clutch transmission, and a more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. It also had a more modern and luxurious interior and exterior.
The Case For The Evo IX
While every Evo generation is iconic and unique in its own way, they are not all equally great sports cars. Some are more reliable, some are more fun to drive, some are more affordable, and some are more rare. Based on these criteria, we believe that the best used Evo to buy is the Evo IX.
The Evo IX is the last model to feature the beloved 4G63 engine, which is widely regarded as one of the best engines ever made by Mitsubishi. It is durable, tunable, and powerful, capable of producing over 400 horsepower with minimal modifications. The Evo IX also has variable valve timing, which improves low-end torque and fuel efficiency. The engine is paired with a smooth and precise five-speed manual transmission that delivers quick shifts and satisfying feedback.
The Evo IX also has an excellent all-wheel-drive system that provides superb traction and stability on any road condition. It has active center differential that can adjust the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels according to the driver’s input and the road surface. It also has active yaw control that can brake individual wheels to enhance cornering performance. The Evo IX also has Brembo brakes that can stop the car from high speeds with ease and confidence.
The Evo IX also has a sleek and sporty design that stands out from the crowd. It has a large rear wing that improves downforce and stability at high speeds. It also has a front bumper that has large air intakes for cooling the engine and brakes. The Evo IX also has Recaro seats that provide comfort and support for the driver and passengers. It also has a simple but functional dashboard that displays all the essential information for driving.
The Evo IX also has an advantage over other Evos in terms of availability and affordability. While the earlier Evos are rare and expensive due to their limited production numbers and high demand, the later Evos are more common and cheaper due to their higher production numbers and lower demand. The Evo IX falls somewhere in between, offering a balance of rarity and value. According to CarGurus, the average price of a used Evo IX in the US market is around $30,000, which is reasonable for such a high-performance car.
The Bottom Line
The Mitsubishi Evo is a legendary car that deserves respect and admiration from any car enthusiast. It is a car that combines performance, practicality, style, and history in one package. While every generation of the Evo has its own merits and flaws, we believe that the best used Evo to buy is the Evo IX. It is the last and best evolution of the 4G63 engine, the most balanced and refined version of the all-wheel-drive system, and the most attractive and aerodynamic model of the design. It is also the most available and affordable Evo in the market, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a fun and fast car.
