Evo X long term?
Discussion
I can't help you with a x but someone will here http://www.lancerregister.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1...
Well, my FQ330 SST has just had the box replaced, under warranty, at 18,000 miles due to premature clutch wear issues (constantly slipping when cold), so I'm not that hopeful. I've also had all 4 wheels replaced due to corrosion, the front discs replaced twice (internal corrosion), the AYC failing at 20k and front shocks are getting replaced this week with 22k on the clock. I'm afraid it just isn't made to last, and I'm pretty gentle on mine, and it's completely standard.
The problems I've had seem to be very common. The dealer certainly said they'd replaced at least 3 other SST boxes under warranty and the forums, both here and the US, seem to suggest that's common as well. One guy in the US seemed to come up with an answer as he stripped a few out of warranty boxes and found that, despite being sold as new, they had internal parts, especially clutch packs, marked as reconditioned. Although the boxes are Borg Warner, they're assembled in China and nobody from either Mitsubishi or Borg Warner has given him a reply yet to his questions.
The AYC pump issue seems to be universal on the X and one that's happening at far younger mileages than on previous Evo models. The explanation seems to be the placement of the AYC pump. While it was inside the boot of previous models, the X has it mounted externally, just behind the offside rear wheel arch, and it gets all kinds of crud thrown up at it. You could, as some have done, cover it in underseal, but knowing Mitsubishi's warranty department, any deviation from standard will probably mean they refuse a claim, and it's a £2000 job by a franchised dealer!
The disc corrosion seems to stem from how old UK Evo Xs really are. Most, regardless of reg plate, are 2008 cars. They were all imported back then, just before the market collapsed. So it took nearly 4 years to sell them all, including pre-registration schemes to vastly reduce their costs (I got mine at 1 year old and 8500 miles for only £21k!). So, even when I got mine, the discs hadn't turned in anger but had sat around for 2 years before being pre-registered. The discs themselves were corroding internally, and a replacement set provided were found to cause a constant knocking noise, hence I'm on my third set.
The shock problem is also a real oddity. It seems to mainly happen in the nearside front, more than 95% of them! Why, I have no idea, but it causes a low speed knocking noise constantly. Easy fix, but no explanation as to why? Are they shocks specific to one side and, hence, a faulty batch? Or is the proximity to the gearbox the issue?
The cars are also prone to all manner of rattles and creaks, as per usual, especially the dashboard frame rubbing against a pin just below the A pillar (just spray with grease). There is an issue with the fuel pump relays as well, so make sure that has been upgraded. Before they fail, they cause too low a voltage to the pump and the engine runs very lean, leading to eventual failure down the line, even after the relay is replaced. Replace it before it becomes an issue! Only other issue I've had is the vacuum return for the fuel pressure regulator starts to randomly come off as the rubber ages and because Mitsubishi never used a clip to hold it on! A simple cable tie works fine!
Beyond all that, it's still a superb car. I've had all manner of issue with my dealer though, not because they're nasty, but because they are so slow to make warranty claims. They often took 4-5 months to even submit a claim despite me constantly phoning up and being told the hold up was at Mitsubishi's end. Thankfully, I've found a far better dealer now who seem completely on the ball. Would I own another one? Hmmm. Only if a warranty was in place! Mine just crossed the 3 year barrier but I've taken out the gold level extended warranty at £60 a month (which can be stopped at any time) and I'd strongly recommend any owner to do the same!
The AYC pump issue seems to be universal on the X and one that's happening at far younger mileages than on previous Evo models. The explanation seems to be the placement of the AYC pump. While it was inside the boot of previous models, the X has it mounted externally, just behind the offside rear wheel arch, and it gets all kinds of crud thrown up at it. You could, as some have done, cover it in underseal, but knowing Mitsubishi's warranty department, any deviation from standard will probably mean they refuse a claim, and it's a £2000 job by a franchised dealer!
The disc corrosion seems to stem from how old UK Evo Xs really are. Most, regardless of reg plate, are 2008 cars. They were all imported back then, just before the market collapsed. So it took nearly 4 years to sell them all, including pre-registration schemes to vastly reduce their costs (I got mine at 1 year old and 8500 miles for only £21k!). So, even when I got mine, the discs hadn't turned in anger but had sat around for 2 years before being pre-registered. The discs themselves were corroding internally, and a replacement set provided were found to cause a constant knocking noise, hence I'm on my third set.
The shock problem is also a real oddity. It seems to mainly happen in the nearside front, more than 95% of them! Why, I have no idea, but it causes a low speed knocking noise constantly. Easy fix, but no explanation as to why? Are they shocks specific to one side and, hence, a faulty batch? Or is the proximity to the gearbox the issue?
The cars are also prone to all manner of rattles and creaks, as per usual, especially the dashboard frame rubbing against a pin just below the A pillar (just spray with grease). There is an issue with the fuel pump relays as well, so make sure that has been upgraded. Before they fail, they cause too low a voltage to the pump and the engine runs very lean, leading to eventual failure down the line, even after the relay is replaced. Replace it before it becomes an issue! Only other issue I've had is the vacuum return for the fuel pressure regulator starts to randomly come off as the rubber ages and because Mitsubishi never used a clip to hold it on! A simple cable tie works fine!
Beyond all that, it's still a superb car. I've had all manner of issue with my dealer though, not because they're nasty, but because they are so slow to make warranty claims. They often took 4-5 months to even submit a claim despite me constantly phoning up and being told the hold up was at Mitsubishi's end. Thankfully, I've found a far better dealer now who seem completely on the ball. Would I own another one? Hmmm. Only if a warranty was in place! Mine just crossed the 3 year barrier but I've taken out the gold level extended warranty at £60 a month (which can be stopped at any time) and I'd strongly recommend any owner to do the same!
Ali_T said:
The problems I've had seem to be very common. The dealer certainly said they'd replaced at least 3 other SST boxes under warranty and the forums, both here and the US, seem to suggest that's common as well. One guy in the US seemed to come up with an answer as he stripped a few out of warranty boxes and found that, despite being sold as new, they had internal parts, especially clutch packs, marked as reconditioned. Although the boxes are Borg Warner, they're assembled in China and nobody from either Mitsubishi or Borg Warner has given him a reply yet to his questions.
The AYC pump issue seems to be universal on the X and one that's happening at far younger mileages than on previous Evo models. The explanation seems to be the placement of the AYC pump. While it was inside the boot of previous models, the X has it mounted externally, just behind the offside rear wheel arch, and it gets all kinds of crud thrown up at it. You could, as some have done, cover it in underseal, but knowing Mitsubishi's warranty department, any deviation from standard will probably mean they refuse a claim, and it's a £2000 job by a franchised dealer!
The disc corrosion seems to stem from how old UK Evo Xs really are. Most, regardless of reg plate, are 2008 cars. They were all imported back then, just before the market collapsed. So it took nearly 4 years to sell them all, including pre-registration schemes to vastly reduce their costs (I got mine at 1 year old and 8500 miles for only £21k!). So, even when I got mine, the discs hadn't turned in anger but had sat around for 2 years before being pre-registered. The discs themselves were corroding internally, and a replacement set provided were found to cause a constant knocking noise, hence I'm on my third set.
The shock problem is also a real oddity. It seems to mainly happen in the nearside front, more than 95% of them! Why, I have no idea, but it causes a low speed knocking noise constantly. Easy fix, but no explanation as to why? Are they shocks specific to one side and, hence, a faulty batch? Or is the proximity to the gearbox the issue?
The cars are also prone to all manner of rattles and creaks, as per usual, especially the dashboard frame rubbing against a pin just below the A pillar (just spray with grease). There is an issue with the fuel pump relays as well, so make sure that has been upgraded. Before they fail, they cause too low a voltage to the pump and the engine runs very lean, leading to eventual failure down the line, even after the relay is replaced. Replace it before it becomes an issue! Only other issue I've had is the vacuum return for the fuel pressure regulator starts to randomly come off as the rubber ages and because Mitsubishi never used a clip to hold it on! A simple cable tie works fine!
Beyond all that, it's still a superb car. I've had all manner of issue with my dealer though, not because they're nasty, but because they are so slow to make warranty claims. They often took 4-5 months to even submit a claim despite me constantly phoning up and being told the hold up was at Mitsubishi's end. Thankfully, I've found a far better dealer now who seem completely on the ball. Would I own another one? Hmmm. Only if a warranty was in place! Mine just crossed the 3 year barrier but I've taken out the gold level extended warranty at £60 a month (which can be stopped at any time) and I'd strongly recommend any owner to do the same!
Not quite true re the AYC pump location, they have always been mounted outside underneath the car but the X is in a slightly worse position than the previous models but they all corrode, several of the independant specialists do a rebuild service for about £500. A company called Auto Torque based near Aylesbury can do a conversion where the pumps are relocated into the boot and they also do exchange rebuilt pumps for all of the models.The AYC pump issue seems to be universal on the X and one that's happening at far younger mileages than on previous Evo models. The explanation seems to be the placement of the AYC pump. While it was inside the boot of previous models, the X has it mounted externally, just behind the offside rear wheel arch, and it gets all kinds of crud thrown up at it. You could, as some have done, cover it in underseal, but knowing Mitsubishi's warranty department, any deviation from standard will probably mean they refuse a claim, and it's a £2000 job by a franchised dealer!
The disc corrosion seems to stem from how old UK Evo Xs really are. Most, regardless of reg plate, are 2008 cars. They were all imported back then, just before the market collapsed. So it took nearly 4 years to sell them all, including pre-registration schemes to vastly reduce their costs (I got mine at 1 year old and 8500 miles for only £21k!). So, even when I got mine, the discs hadn't turned in anger but had sat around for 2 years before being pre-registered. The discs themselves were corroding internally, and a replacement set provided were found to cause a constant knocking noise, hence I'm on my third set.
The shock problem is also a real oddity. It seems to mainly happen in the nearside front, more than 95% of them! Why, I have no idea, but it causes a low speed knocking noise constantly. Easy fix, but no explanation as to why? Are they shocks specific to one side and, hence, a faulty batch? Or is the proximity to the gearbox the issue?
The cars are also prone to all manner of rattles and creaks, as per usual, especially the dashboard frame rubbing against a pin just below the A pillar (just spray with grease). There is an issue with the fuel pump relays as well, so make sure that has been upgraded. Before they fail, they cause too low a voltage to the pump and the engine runs very lean, leading to eventual failure down the line, even after the relay is replaced. Replace it before it becomes an issue! Only other issue I've had is the vacuum return for the fuel pressure regulator starts to randomly come off as the rubber ages and because Mitsubishi never used a clip to hold it on! A simple cable tie works fine!
Beyond all that, it's still a superb car. I've had all manner of issue with my dealer though, not because they're nasty, but because they are so slow to make warranty claims. They often took 4-5 months to even submit a claim despite me constantly phoning up and being told the hold up was at Mitsubishi's end. Thankfully, I've found a far better dealer now who seem completely on the ball. Would I own another one? Hmmm. Only if a warranty was in place! Mine just crossed the 3 year barrier but I've taken out the gold level extended warranty at £60 a month (which can be stopped at any time) and I'd strongly recommend any owner to do the same!
The other big problem with the X is the number of cars with MAF failures, this is a major problem with the tuned cars but is also affecting standard cars also, most of the owners with tuned cars keep a spare MAF !
Thankfully not had a MAF failure yet. When the vacuum pipe came off the regulator, I thought my MAF was on it's way out though. Currently working my way through the relays, replacing them with the updated ones! Thanks for clarifying the AYC. Someone at my dealer told me the older ones were internally mounted! Shows how good that dealer is! Which does bring up another point. Most franchised dealers seem to be utterly terrible. THere are a few out there that are extremely good and knowledgable, but they are in the minority, especially as so many Mitsu dealers are now tagged onto something else. They just don't see enough Evos to diagnose them yet seem allergic to looking up the good forums to get advice or help! I've ended up self diagnosing most of my issues and subtly pointing the dealers at the problems.
Chuck328 said:
Ali, thanks for the very involved reply, I'll be scouring the MLR over the next few months to what else has been said.
I think Lancer G has the right idea though....
Anyway, again, a fantastic (if what worry some) reply.
Any other X owners share similar stories?
The 9 does seem better built regarding parts quality, but it's a worse car to live with on a daily basis. I nearly bought an VIII MR FQ320 but got an RX8 PZ instead, then a IX FQ 360 but got an STI 330S instead, because I just couldn't live with either. Even after an extended test drive on Scottish roads, I was quite glad to get out! The X brings a whole new level of civility with it. Yes, the purists look down on it as a result, but it's still a bloody marvellous car. It's telling that I'm still trying to get all my issues fixed after 2 years, rather than just giving up in disgust and buying something German. When it's healthy, it's an amazing car. There's a rumour on the Lancer Register that Mitsu UK might bring over 40 Evo Xs next year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Colt Cars and, despite al the hassles I've had, I immediately found myself wanting to put a deposit down! But I'm hoping it's a manual....I think Lancer G has the right idea though....
Anyway, again, a fantastic (if what worry some) reply.
Any other X owners share similar stories?
I know what you mean, I'm sure you have beeen in a VI. I have to cross the forth road bridge near Edinburgh to get to work, those expansion joints in a motor that has a rock hard ride is some thing else. 
Nice to hear you are sticking with it though. I still look around, the only thing that could tempt me to go German is more cylinders but it doubt I will whilst there are plenty of evos about.
Interestingly, the new Merc CLA 45 AMG saloon looks good , however would it ever be able to match an Evo for back road travel? Not sure...
Cheers.
Nice to hear you are sticking with it though. I still look around, the only thing that could tempt me to go German is more cylinders but it doubt I will whilst there are plenty of evos about.
Interestingly, the new Merc CLA 45 AMG saloon looks good , however would it ever be able to match an Evo for back road travel? Not sure...
Cheers.
Hol said:
Mitsubishi ruined the EVO with the ten.
Most of the real enthusiasts kept the nines or moved onto R35's.
The Evo X and GT-Rs are not really comparable in terms of running cost, unless you are suggesting that the "real enthusiasts" all moved onto considerably higher incomes before the X was released.Most of the real enthusiasts kept the nines or moved onto R35's.
Mastodon2 said:
Hol said:
Mitsubishi ruined the EVO with the ten.
Most of the real enthusiasts kept the nines or moved onto R35's.
The Evo X and GT-Rs are not really comparable in terms of running cost, unless you are suggesting that the "real enthusiasts" all moved onto considerably higher incomes before the X was released.Most of the real enthusiasts kept the nines or moved onto R35's.
Hol said:
Most of the real enthusiasts kept the nines .........
Hol said:
Mitsubishi ruined the EVO with the ten.
Most of the real enthusiasts kept the nines or moved onto R35's.
Not convinced of that. A properly sorted and tuned X is generally accepted to be a better car. The feeling being that Mitsu only did half the work and the owner has to do the rest. It's certainly far more sophisticated suspension than the VII-IX series.Most of the real enthusiasts kept the nines or moved onto R35's.
As for the R35, no thanks. Far too costly to run and far too fat. I find it amusing that older Evo owners complain about the weight and size of the X then go out and buy nearly 1.8 tonnes of Skyline instead.....
Me? The A45 AMG has appeal but I'm not sure it has £40k of appeal! I also quite fancy waiting a year to 18 months and seeing how cheap the Alfa 4C is by then. Though, if the rumour of a 40th anniversary Evo is true (and wouldn't 400bhp be a nice figure to match up to 40 years.....) then I'd still give it serious consideration.
Edited by Ali_T on Friday 13th September 11:57
Hol said:
Just read your reply to my other post.
It's obvious now, that for you it's the Ten and only the Ten to death do you part, forsaking all and any thing equivalent or better.
Lots of views out there to the contrary though...
Enjoy!!!
You seem to be incapable of reading all posts in a thread, in that case. If you're going to be the typical car forum know-it-all, you might want to catch up before being persistently presumptuous. I've already said that the X is the better daily driver. I doubt there's any argument over that on MLR. I, personally, rejected previous models on the basis of their daily use suitability. I didn't say that made them worse, you chose to interpret it that way. So kindly pull your neck in.It's obvious now, that for you it's the Ten and only the Ten to death do you part, forsaking all and any thing equivalent or better.
Lots of views out there to the contrary though...
Enjoy!!!
Edited by Ali_T on Saturday 14th September 19:00
Ali_T said:
Hol said:
Just read your reply to my other post.
It's obvious now, that for you it's the Ten and only the Ten to death do you part, forsaking all and any thing equivalent or better.
Lots of views out there to the contrary though...
Enjoy!!!
You seem to be incapable of reading all posts in a thread, in that case. If you're going to be the typical car forum know-it-all, you might want to catch up before being persistently presumptuous. I've already said that the X is the better daily driver. I doubt there's any argument over that on MLR. I, personally, rejected previous models on the basis of their daily use suitability. I didn't say that made them worse, you chose to interpret it that way. So kindly pull your neck in.It's obvious now, that for you it's the Ten and only the Ten to death do you part, forsaking all and any thing equivalent or better.
Lots of views out there to the contrary though...
Enjoy!!!
Edited by Ali_T on Saturday 14th September 19:00
Jeez, you really are a top drawer bigot.
Gassing Station | Japanese Chat | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff