Buy ’em before us: pre-owned picks for June 4th Car News

The Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition with just 10,000 miles that grossed £ 100,000 at a Mitsubishi UK Heritage Fleet auction recently reminded us of cheaper regular versions.

For example, we found a 1999 Evo VI with 60,000 miles advertised for £ 20,995. Unfortunately, it was upgraded to 440 hp, and anything above 400 hp is discouraged (factory output was 276 hp). At least the seller swears the car has a full service history. Fresh synthetic oil is essential every 4,500 miles and a new timing belt every 40,000 or five years, so we’d be impatient to see evidence of those jobs. We would also like to know who improved the engine.

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The seller also claims that the bodywork is rust-free, which is reassuring as Evos tend to suffer from it around the fuel filler, around the rear arches and on the rear frame struts. Incredibly, the turbo dump valve can suffer as well.

In our test drive we were looking for noisy lifters after the engine warmed up and a gearbox hiss possibly caused by worn input shaft bearings or a worn transfer case. And don’t forget to listen and smell the droplinks, worn springs and shocks.

Perhaps the best thing to do would be to take your newly purchased Evo to a Mitsubishi service center equipped with a Mut-II diagnostic computer, which can query its ECU for recent events.

The price of this car seems about right, but before we bump our elbows we would check out the few unmodified Evo VIs currently on sale at around the same price. Alternatively, there’s a 2000 Tommi Mäkinen with 51,000 miles for £ 37,495. Compared to £ 100,000, that sounds like a good deal.

Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4 Boosterjet £ 11,489: The Atmo Swift Sport was sort of a modern classic, and maybe one day the turbo will be too, but for now we’re just thrilled that it’s so good value for money. . This 31,000 mile 2018 car at a Suzuki dealership costs £ 11,489, but the longest goes down to just £ 9,500 at the indies.

Audi RS7 Sportback £ 32,790: This five-door RS7 cost £ 90,000 new, but here it is, seven years and 50,000 miles later, for a third of that. It shares its 552 hp 4.0-liter V8 and all-wheel drive with the RS6 Avant. Its large alloys (21 inches) don’t promise the smoothest ride, but seem to do business.

Porsche 911 Targa £ 15,950: A full Porsche service history, says the seller of this 116,000-mile 2002 911 Targa. This is a statement that commands attention, as many older Porsches have rolled out of mainstream or specialist networks. Targa cars used to be less attractive but are now quite desirable.

TVR Chimaera 4.0 £ 13,995: Never take a TVR at face value, but this 1994 Chimaera looks like more than a pretty face. At 82,000 miles, it had its chassis stabilizers, wishbones and dashboard overhauled and received a new starter motor and brake calipers.

Auction watch

Lexus LS 400: Those who were around when the original Lexus launched in 1990 will remember a sleek engine more than ready to take on BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Fast forward 30 years and the few examples running today are on their feet and concerned. That’s why it was so good to see this new 1997 model at auction recently and remember how the LS was an accomplished limo. With just over 7,000 miles on the clock and as fresh as the day it left the factory, this sole proprietorship grossed £ 18,950 – just five times what you would pay for 200,000 miles on the classifieds .

Future classic

BMW 130i M Sport LE 3-door £ 8,750: LE stands for launch edition here, but it could also be the abbreviation for the color of the seats: lemon. Only 160 examples of this special 130i M Sport, launched in 2007 to help the new three-door variant of the 1 Series hatchback gain attention, have been offered in the UK. In addition to these Boston Ice Lemon power seats, the LE received unique alloy rims, xenon headlights, parking sensors, an upgraded infotainment system and chrome stripes. Our find is a 2007 example with 84,000 miles and a full BMW service history.

The shock of classifieds

In short: I am a candidate for mayor. Can I have a country car for £ 10,000?

Audi A8 3.0 TDI 8,500 €

Lexus LS 600h € 9,490

Felix Page: Why choose any other place than the backseat of this Audi A8 as your campaign headquarters? This punchy but frugal diesel is ideal for cruising between ridings, there is around 400 meters of legroom, its subtle specs are suitably majestic and – unique – it comes without tinted rear windows, which shows how period you’re a transparent candidate… or something.

Max Adams: Uh, I think voters care about the green angle these days, and a big diesel gives off all the bad fumes. My Lexus LS 600h gasoline-electric hybrid is much more on the message. And it has more equipment in the back, including cooled seats, so James can keep his cool …