Buyer Research

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII — Should You Buy One?

Typical asking price: $20,000–$45,000. There are 2 high-severity known issues you need to know before handing over a check.

Kestrel Take

Rally-bred all-wheel-drive with the legendary 4G63 turbo — brutally fast and endlessly tunable, which is the double-edged sword. The 4G63 is strong but these were bought to be modified and thrashed. A stock, unmodified, non-salvage Evo VIII is now the rare and valuable one. Buy on history.

Known Issues for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII

Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.

Modification, tuning, and track abuseHigh — wallet impact

Nearly all were modified and many tracked. Over-boosted 4G63s crack ringlands and spin bearings. Verify the tune, boost, compression, and build quality.

Repair cost range: $4,000-$9,000 for an engine

Salvage and rebuilt titlesHigh — wallet impact

Fast, crashed cars return with washed titles; verify the title and inspect for accident repair.

Repair cost range: Reflected in value

Transfer case, differentials, and AWD wearMedium

Launches and abuse wear the AWD driveline; verify no noise or binding and fluid history.

Repair cost range: $1,000-$4,000

Rust and clutch wearMedium

Rust in salt states and clutches worn by launches; inspect both.

Repair cost range: $800-$3,000

Walk-Away Red Flags

✗A big-boost build with no engine documentation
✗Salvage or rebuilt title
✗AWD driveline noise
✗Cracked ringland symptoms — smoke, low compression

Good Signs

✓Stock or a documented, sensible build
✓Clean title, no accident history
✓Healthy compression and AWD driveline
✓Adult-owned with records

Found a specific Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII?

This page covers what goes wrong on the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.

Get My Verdict — $7.99

No account required. Delivered to your inbox, usually within minutes.

Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.