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Buying guide

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Evo (2007 to 2016): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Evo was built from 2007 to 2016 as a sedan, with a manual or dual clutch gearbox, all wheel drive and petrol power. Chassis code: CZ4A. Redline has a curated guide to its 6 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2007 to 2016
Chassis codes
CZ4A
Body types
Sedan
Gearboxes
Manual, Dual clutch
Drive
AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (2007 to 2016). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. TC-SST dual clutch gearbox

    Premature clutch wear in the SST shows as excessive slipping when cold, and can mean a replacement gearbox even at low km.

    Where to look
    The SST gearbox, and its service records
    How to test
    From cold, pull away gently and feel for slip or a rising engine note without the car picking up.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a replacement gearbox

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  2. 5 speed manual selector fork

    Even gears and reverse can disappear, usually from the plastic magnet on the centre selector fork arm. The clutch master cylinder also has a poor reputation.

    Where to look
    The gear lever and the clutch pedal
    How to test
    Select 2nd, 4th and reverse several times and check they engage every time.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost an upgraded selector part and labour

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  3. ACD and AYC pump corrosion

    The ACD and AYC pump sits in a more exposed spot than on earlier Evos and can fail from corrosion of its housing and gasket. Handling may not change much when it fails.

    Where to look
    The pump under the car, and the warning lights
    How to test
    Check the warning lights after start up and ask for pump and fluid records.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost refurbished or new pump

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  4. Fuel pump relay and vacuum hose

    Non upgraded fuel pump relays can make the engine run lean, and the clip free vacuum hose to the fuel pressure regulator is known for popping off.

    Where to look
    The fuel pressure regulator hose in the engine bay and the relay box
    How to test
    Check the hose is secured and ask whether the relay has been upgraded.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost a relay and a cable tie

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  5. Timing chain and exhaust manifold

    Timing chain stretch could be an issue, and poorly cast exhaust manifolds can crack.

    Where to look
    The front of the engine and the exhaust manifold
    How to test
    Listen for a rattle from the front of the engine on a cold start and for a ticking exhaust leak.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost chain or manifold replacement

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  6. Paint and rustproofing

    Paint quality and rustproofing were not brilliant. Rear door corners and side skirts suffer stone damage.

    Where to look
    The rear door corners, side skirts and underbody
    How to test
    Look for chips and rust starting along the side skirts and door bottoms.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost paint and rust repairs

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 1 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it the SST or the 5 speed manual?
  • Has the SST clutch pack or gearbox been replaced?
  • Has the ACD and AYC pump been replaced, and when were the fluids done?
  • Are the factory software updates done?
  • What modifications does it have?

New Zealand notes

  • NZ has NZ new and Japanese import Evo X models. Check which gearbox and spec it has against the paperwork.

An Evo X suits a buyer who wants a modern AWD turbo sedan and will check the gearbox and pump history first.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X · Every Mitsubishi model · Every make · Open in Redline search