2003 Mitsubishi Evolution Price, Reviews, Specs & Road Test

Luckily the 15,000-mile service came quickly, because the previously repaired squeak emanating from the driver-side B-pillar had returned. As part of the 15K service, the synthetic transmission and transfer-case fluids were changed as well as the usual Mobil One oil/filter change, tire rotation, and brake inspection. The dealer chalked up a "service engine soon" light to a false code after one of our staffers put in some less-than-premium fuel. Total cost for this service was $255.76.

We also noted that the dealer had driven our Evo 47.2 miles, perhaps in an effort to figure out the squeak and service-light situation. Maybe they should have driven it more because, 400 miles later, the car had a serious misfire that again flicked on the "service engine soon" light.

This time, they replaced the spark plugs, plug wires, and coil and took a third crack at that squeak. Tire replacement came up at the 17K mark, and Yokohama was kind enough to offer us a set of its AVS Winter tires to evaluate during our wet winter months. They proved a good choice, managing excellent wet grip without sacrificing much dry stick.