Buying a used Mitsubishi EVO VI (1999-2001)

After tempting Australians with various Galant VR4 and Lancer GSR AWD versions, Mitsubishi gave up battling ADR hurdles for its later, more specialized models until a change of heart in June 2001. 

Keen to establish a local Ralliart division to lift the Magna, Mitsubishi offered only 100 Tommi Makinen editions of the awesome Evo VI under the latest low-import requirements to kick off its new local performance commitment.

Built in September 2000 they were a welcome if expensive $79,990 addition to the local performance scene. One drive of this Evo VI and its hard-edged, specialist build and capabilities would have you looking past its humble Lancer origins in an instant. An absolutely inspiring drive devalued only by an almost $20,000 price cut on the 2004 Evo VIII but get over that and see it for the bednchmark classic that it is.

Prices
Strong resale only brought back by availability of later models. Unbelievable value when prices start in the low to mid-$30,000 range.

Check 
Important to identify local delivery bona fides before paying top dollar. Look for local special SEV compliance plates and documentation from Mitsubishi, not an importer, and special Ralliart compliance work including local mirror glass, instrument panel rheostat, child restraint anchorages and unleaded fuel nozzle restrictor plus re-engineering of the side intrusion bars.

Highly-tuned engine was one of the few special Japanese performance engines NOT detuned for local fuel and must run only on Premium unleaded. Gob smacking 206kW/373Nm and grip in strengthened wide track 1280kg shell in wet, dry or loose conditions must be experienced to be believed. 

Evo specialists suggest that fussy owners should opt for semi-synthetic oil changes every six months or 5000km to extend life of turbocharger and other internals. Peak power occurs at 6500rpm so good oil is critical. Listen for any noise that shouldn't be there including whistly turbo, exhaust leaks or internal rattles. The engine is beautifully engineered for sustained rallying but unsympathetic drivers and inept aftermarket tweaking can quickly use up the generous durability margins.

Engine must have the genuine Mitsubishi coolant specified for this engine or equivalent as high aluminium content and stresses are a recipe for disaster if electrolysis enters the equation. Two years/45,000km whichever comes first must be viewed as an outer limit.

Clutch is the fusible link in five-speed manual viscous AWD system which has Active Yaw Control in the rear axle to adjust torque to the side with the most grip in a corner. It also does the same thing under acceleration or braking. Boost the engine or abuse the clutch with this level of grip and the clutch will break.

Brakes are awesome Brembo four piston fronts/two piston rears getting to the stage where the expensive rotors may need replacing. Regular fluid changes also important when these cars are usually driven hard and often see track work.

Don't overlook importance of sticky Z-rated tyres which are expensive. Choose tread pattern and compound carefully depending on whether you intend to drive it as a dirt road or tarmac blaster.

Service history is critical and finding out what the car has been through is important. Most had names against them before they were sold usually with a special purpose in mind. Look for the authentic Makinen DNA spread around the car including tagged Recaro seats, special steering wheel and gearshift knob particular to this model which came here only in Passion red, Pyrenees black, Satellite silver and Scotia white. If airbags and air-con are missing find out why.