Just thinking, I also helped a mate purchase an Evo VIII a few months ago.
While we were shopping, i was amazed how many of them (around the $24 - 25k mark) had a whining diff, siezed AYC pump, close to bald tyres, hardly any rego, had obviously done more km than on the cluster, poor resprays,
A replacement AYC pump alone from Mitsubishi is $3500. Used, maybe $1000 - $1500 fitted. But you can see how quickly it can add up if you buy a shit box. He ended up paying a little bit more and touch wood, hasnt had any issues.
Then again, there are always some legitimate bargains out there, and some cars will always just be hard to sell. Just a grain of salt, but food for thought. Happy new year every1.