Models · Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X buying guide
The final Lancer Evolution, sold in the UK from 2008 with a new all-aluminium 2.0 turbo four, a five-speed manual or six-speed SST dual-clutch gearbox, and four-wheel drive with active centre and rear differentials. Its known faults are well documented and can be checked at the viewing.
The versions
- 2.0 turbo four-cylinder (4B11T), aluminium block, timing chain
- UK FQ-300 (300hp), FQ-330 (330hp), FQ-360 (360hp), FQ-400 (405hp) and FQ-440 MR (440hp)
- Five-speed manual, or six-speed TC-SST dual-clutch
- Active Centre Differential and Active Yaw Control rear differential; aluminium bonnet and front wings
What to check on a Evo X
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
SST gearbox slipping from cold
What to look for: On an SST car, drive it from cold. Pull away and accelerate moderately in the first few gears, and watch for the revs rising without the car picking up speed, or hesitant take-up.
Why it matters: Premature clutch wear in the SST dual-clutch gearbox shows as slipping when cold, and has meant a replacement gearbox on some cars, even under 20,000 miles. Ask what work has been done and whether fluid changes are in the history.
Manual gearbox dropping out of gear
What to look for: On a manual car, accelerate and lift off in second, fourth and reverse, and check each stays in gear. Check the clutch pedal feels consistent and returns fully.
Why it matters: Even gears and reverse jumping out is usually the centre selector fork, where a plastic part is the weak point; an uprated billet replacement is the usual fix. The clutch master cylinder is also a known failure point.
The AYC and centre differential pump
What to look for: Ask about the pump's history and whether the centre and rear differential fluids have been changed. Check for any differential warning lights on the dash after start up.
Why it matters: The pump that runs the Active Centre Differential and AYC sits in a vulnerable position and can fail when its housing and gasket corrode. A failing pump may not change the handling noticeably, so history matters. The fluids should be changed every 30,000 miles, or 15,000 with heavy use, and a refurbished pump is an alternative to a new one.
Also in the full guide
- Lean running and software updates
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Evo X
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV, V and VI · Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII, VIII and IX
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Mitsubishi.