This Sucks!
Update: I got ripped off! I took my car to the mitsu dealer and found that the reverse idler gear is bad (rattle) and my transfer case is shot (whine + slow leak). To top it all off the resonator is broken at the seam and would not pass MD inspection. The car had been modified by the previous owner and was recorded by mitsubishi. Also whoever had the car previously had the transfer case replaced once before and made a conscious effort to make the car look stock. Needless to say the factory warranty was dead. Over $4500 worth of parts and labor is needed to fix the car. I called the dealer I bought it from and they told me it was as-is no warranty and they would only offer me a discount on the parts needed to make the repairs?!?!?
SO, after I took the car to the mitsu dealer I had a friend who is in law look in to the matter. I bought this car with 27k on it and was under the impression that the car did not have the above stated issues. At this time I will not state what we found but I will when the matter is resolved, and if I am allowed by this board I will even state the dealers involved, good and bad. I will say this, I made a few mistakes when buying the car BUT, the dealer made more mistakes and broke several laws in their state.
USED Evo buying tips: (some of these would apply for ANY used vehicle)
1) CHECK THE WARRANTY! Get the last 8 digits of the VIN and call a reputable mitsubishi dealer and have them run it. They will tell you everything about the car!
2) Ask for a list of mods that have been done to the car and if stock parts are available in the event that warranty work is needed. Also it would be a good idea to ask for a list of work that was performed on the car to prepare it for sale.
3) If the car whines (while driving) and/or rattles (while driving or idling) suspect the transfer case and/or transmission. Ask about the TSB's on the transmission. There is one for the reverse idler gear. There is also another one for the input and output shaft bearings. I will provide numbers asap.
4) Do NOT buy the car if the dealer/seller will not stand behind it or offer some sort of warranty or guarantee.
5) If you are buying the car from a dealer make sure you can return the car for a full refund if existing problems are found with the car.
6) Get a carfax report on the vehicle.
7) If possible, don't buy it out of state!
8) Check the Used Car Lemon law in the state you are purchasing from!