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Buying guide

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Evo IV (1996 to 1998): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Evo IV was built from 1996 to 1998 as a sedan, with a manual gearbox, all wheel drive and petrol power. Chassis code: CN9A. 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
1996 to 1998
Chassis codes
CN9A
Body types
Sedan
Gearboxes
Manual
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 IV to VI (1996 to 2001). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. AYC rear diff and pump

    The Active Yaw Control rear diff groans when worn, and a new AYC pump can cost thousands.

    Where to look
    The AYC warning light on the dash, and the rear diff
    How to test
    Check the AYC light comes on with the ignition and then goes out. On tight turns listen for groaning from the rear.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost AYC pump or diff

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab), cdn1.evo.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  2. Front helical LSD case bolts

    Front helical LSD case bolt failure is reported on earlier Evos and is expensive to fix.

    Where to look
    The gearbox and front diff, and the service records
    How to test
    Listen for clunks and knocks from the front on and off the throttle, and ask whether the bolts have been upgraded.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost gearbox strip

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab), pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  3. Clutch wear and gearbox bearings

    Standard clutches wear quickly, and worn gearbox output shaft bearings are a known check.

    Where to look
    The clutch pedal and gearbox
    How to test
    Feel for slip in 3rd and 4th under load, and listen for a whine or rumble from the gearbox that changes with speed.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost clutch, or a gearbox rebuild

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  4. Rust in boot lid, sills and chassis legs

    Rust is reported in the boot lid, sills, suspension mounts, inner wings, chassis legs and round the fuel tank. Japanese imports may not have been undersealed.

    Where to look
    The boot lid, sills, suspension mounts, inner wings, chassis legs and the area round the fuel tank
    How to test
    Check underneath with a torch and ask whether it was undersealed after import.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost underbody restoration

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  5. Strut tops, anti roll bar bushes and drop links

    Worn strut top mount bushes, anti roll bar bushes and drop links cause knocking on turning.

    Where to look
    The strut tops under the bonnet and in the boot, and the anti roll bar links
    How to test
    Turn the wheel on full lock at low speed and listen for knocks.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost bushes and links

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab), pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  6. Evo V dressed as a VI

    A bumper and spoiler swap can make an Evo V look like a VI.

    Where to look
    The chassis plate and export papers
    How to test
    Check the chassis number and model code against the papers.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost the price gap between versions

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (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

  • When were the cambelt and balance shaft belt last done?
  • Has the AYC pump or rear diff been rebuilt?
  • Is it a GSR or RS, and is it a genuine Makinen if claimed?
  • Was it undersealed after import?
  • What modifications and boost does it run?

New Zealand notes

  • Most NZ Evo IV to VI cars are Japanese imports. Check the export certificate odometer and the model code.

An Evo IV to VI suits a keen driver who wants the classic rally era Evo and will budget for drivetrain servicing.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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