Yes, this time the used car buy advice comes straight from the heart. DSF’s heart. DSF recently purchased an abandoned and neglected year 1996 Mitsubishi EVO 4.

You are probably wondering why anyone would leave an EVO 4 idle for more than six years (the last time the car was taxed and running was in early 2013). Well, the previous owner’s issues are personal.

The first issue was the missing front and rear seats from the car. Stolen some years ago while parked, this was a challenge as the replacement seats being sought should not require re-upholstering (personal reasons, as original factory material preferred).

The search for seats went nationwide from Alor Star to Johor and after many rejections due to torn material, discolouration, reupholstered in cheap leather to damaged seat runners, a set of EVO 5 seats (which fit perfectly) was found at a sensible asking price in Johor Bahru.

The second issue was the broken rear quarter window glass which needed to be sourced but would be no issue. It was easily found at a local Mitsubishi spare parts dealer.

The third issue was numerous and it was sitting under the aluminium hood. The engine had not been started for over six years and rodents had made a home inside the bay. Needless to say, these “families” had to be moved from the engine bay.

A trusted mechanic took his time to check each component. One by one, each damaged and worn part was replaced and all lubricants changed. Even a new battery.

Then the fourth issue. The A/C was barely working, and there was this fowl smell coming from the vents. A full climate control service was needed and this was done over four days.

The fifth issue was the rear panel and boot lid accident damage. This car still had its original paint. Yes, the original factory paint was still on the car and a painter had to be sought to match the colour or else every time the car was washed, the paint difference would be obvious.

A trusted painter delivered and he got it to match about 90%, so nothing to complain about – this is 23-year-old factory paint after all.

The sixth task was unexpected. The fuel tank could not be used as it had a lot of moisture in it. Another search was launched – nationwide again.

Finally, a used fuel tank but in good condition was located from a scrapped Japan-imported EVO 4. A new fuel pump was also purchased as the previous one was not working at 100% capacity.

The seventh task was to get new tyres and check the brakes. Yes, the seven-year old tyres had hardened. High performance-low profile tyres were not needed as what was required was comfort with the ability to “smoke” a modern car at the traffic lights and out-corner some drivers when the need arose.

Continental UC6 tyres were chosen for this purpose. Not the best choice, but what was needed were decent average rubbers for now.

Later, after getting comfortable with this EVO 4, better traction tires befitting its 280bhp all-wheel drive delivery would be sought.

With the car remaining idle for six years, the brake discs had to be skimmed and the pads changed to ensure the 280bhp sedan had great stopping power.

The eight and final task was the Puspakom inspection and change of ownership and new 12 months’ road tax. A trusted “runner” was enlisted for this.

Yes, it would have been cheaper and faster not to use the services of a runner, but the seller had a busy schedule and DSF was running around sorting out the yearly vehicle of the year (VOTY) judging.

Anyway, let the runner make a little money to feed his family. He met with DSF and the seller at the seller’s condo and with his laptop, fingerprint scanner and mobile data on, everything was done in 15 minutes.

The next morning the runner took the EVO 4 for a complete Puspakom inspection and after full clearance, new 12 months’ road tax was bought as well as 12 months’ insurance and a brand new registration document obtained.

DSF now owns a hardly used 1996 Mitsubishi EVO 4.

Total repair and restoration costs to date including transfer and inspection is RM19,800 and some loose change. Add that to the mystery purchase price of the car, and DSF was happy.

More so because this is an un-abused, low mileage, accident-free (small knock at the back, no issue) with original factory paint, body-kit and wheels sports sedan.

Yes, many will say there are better cars out there at this asking price, but this is DSF’s prize catch. Look out for more of its drive and ownership in coming months.

Mitsubishi EVO 4 Specifications
Engine: 4G63, DOHC 16V Turbocharged
Capacity: 1997cc
Gearbox: 5-Speed manual
Power: 276bhp @6500rpm
Torque: 352Nm @3000rpm
Brakes Front: Vented Discs w/4-Pot Calipers, ABS
Brakes Rear: Vented Discs w/Twin-Pot Calipers, ABS
0-100km/h: 5.6 seconds
Top Speed: 180km/h restricted

Pictures by Daniel Fernandez

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