Bring a Trailer Bargain of the Week: 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X MR
The last few years have been hard on Mitsubishi performance stans, insofar as the brand hasn’t really been chasing performance. But no sooner did it announce the Ralliart division’s return than one name sprung to enthusiasts’ lips: Lancer Evo. Years after the iconic rally-inspired sedan’s departure, it’s still an enthusiast icon. And this week, you can try scoring an affordable 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X MR on Bring a Trailer.
The Evo X closed out the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution story with extra speed, tech, and maturity
| 2008-2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution | |
| Engine | 2.0-liter ‘4B11’ turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 291 hp |
| Torque | 300 lb-ft |
| Transmissions | Five-speed manual Six-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Curb weight | 3571 lbs (2014 MR) |
| 0-60 mph time | 4.9 seconds (MR, Car and Driver) |
For some, the Evo X departed too much from the ‘traditional’ Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution formula. It ditched the long-serving 4G63 engine for the new 4B11 design and toned down its frantic energy somewhat for everyday livability. And even then, the final Lancer Evo wasn’t exactly the comfiest commuter.
However, if you’re buying any Evo for commuter duty, you’re buying it for the wrong reasons. And while the Evo X isn’t as frenetic as, say, the Evo VIII, Mitsubishi didn’t completely lose the plot with the last-gen car.
It might be heavier than the Evo IX, but the Evo X is also more powerful, torquier, and has a stiffer chassis. More importantly, the 4B11 weighs less than the 4G63 and sits lower in the chassis. So, the X is arguably better balanced. Furthermore, its AWD system and active center differential are more advanced than the IX’s versions. As a result, the X’s steering is just as sharp as the IX’s steering, and it still grips and corners like it’s on rails, Car and Driver says. Plus, it still offered Brembo brakes and Recaro sport seats.
In addition, the Evo X introduced other kinds of technology to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. It’s the only Evo available with a dual-clutch automatic, dubbed ‘TC-SST.’ Also, it’s still impressively quick by modern standards, especially in 2010-and-later cars, MotorTrend says. Plus, the sedan has stability control and launch control—in 2008 those were rarified features. And the MR Touring got some luxury touches including leather upholstery and heated seats.
Yes, a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X has a stiff ride, big thirst, and cheap interior plastics. But even today, there’s nothing that handles or feels quite like it.
There’s a rare low-mileage MR Touring Evo up for grabs on Bring a Trailer
Because so many Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions were modified, crashed, and/or a combination of the two, stock examples aren’t easy to find. Neither are MR Touring models, as many enthusiasts preferred the stick and wing of the GSR. That makes the 2014 Lancer Evo MR Touring currently listed on Bring a Trailer a rare bird.
As an MR Touring, this Evo X has heated leather Recaro seats and the TC-SST transmission. But it also has a front strut-tower brace, sunroof, BBS wheels, Bilstein shocks, Eibach springs, and a Rockford Fosgate touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth and navigation. And apart from the brace, those are all standard features. Plus, while it doesn’t have the traditional Evo rear wing, it does have a lip spoiler, aluminum hood, and xenon headlights. And no rally-style sports sedan is complete without fog lights.
This 2014 Evo X has one more notable feature: a lack of mileage. It has less than 4900 miles on the clock. It’s a pristine, one-owner car with a zero-accident history, too. And the seller just changed the oil.
A clean, affordable Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X doesn’t come along often—and the SST isn’t necessarily a maintenance nightmare
As of this writing, this 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR is listed at $20,250 with three days left in the auction. Given its condition and mileage, that’s a steal of a price. Browsing Autotrader, examples with similar features and mileage cost roughly twice as much.
As with any used car, a pre-purchase inspection is recommended. And since the Evo X is an aging performance car, potential bidders might be worried about maintenance. The good news is that provided you follow the maintenance schedule, Lancer Evos are pretty stout and reliable.
It’s not quite as tunable as the 4G63, but the 4B11 has a timing chain rather than a belt, so it has a longer service interval. And while pre-2011 cars apparently had some chain stretching, mass airflow sensor, and differential-related issues, this low-mileage 2014 car should be just fine. As for the TC-SST, it’s not as fragile as many contemporary single-clutch automated manuals. Owner forums claim that so long as you regularly change the transmission fluid and don’t go mod-crazy, it’s reliable and durable.
In short, this Evo X is an excellent chance to get your hands on a genuine performance icon at a reasonable price. And it should serve you well even after the revived Ralliart arrives.
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