Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V CP9A
Import a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V (CP9A) from Japan, found at auction, scanned before it ships, and delivered with a report anyone can verify.
- Built in Japan
- 1998–1999
- Engine
- 4G63 2.0 L turbo four, all-wheel drive
About the CP9A
The Evo V was built from January 1998 to January 1999. It uses the 4G63 2.0 L intercooled turbo four, rated at 280 PS at 6,500 rpm and 373 Nm, with full-time all-wheel drive and a manual gearbox. The GSR has AYC, a front helical limited-slip differential and Brembo brakes; the lighter RS has a mechanical rear differential.
With the Evo VI, it marks the peak of the widebody WRC era.
The Evo V was the most successful year of the Lancer in the WRC. In 1998 Mitsubishi won the manufacturers’ title, Tommi Mäkinen the drivers’ title, and an Evo the Group N title. Japanese Wikipedia records 6,939 GSRs sold. It shares the 280 PS 4G63 and 38.0 kgm with the Evo VI, and Carsensor averages for 1998 builds sit at about ¥4.3 million.
- Power
- 280 PS at 6,500 rpm
- Torque
- 38.0 kgm at 3,000 rpm
- Weight
- 1,360 kg (GSR)
- Gearbox
- 5-speed manual
- Drive
- All-wheel drive (AYC on GSR)
- Sold
- GSR: 6,939
Can a CP9A come in?
Both countries count from the month on the build plate, so a car can become eligible part-way through a year. We check the plate on every car.
Quebec registers right-hand-drive cars only at 25 years. Every other province follows the federal 15-year rule.
US sourcing is planned for 2027, once a customs broker confirms the duty rate on Japanese classics. Enquiries are welcome now.
Which cars roll in next? See the 2027 US calendar and the 2027 Canada calendar.
What to look at on a CP9A
The model-specific weak points we look for in the auction sheet, the photos and the scan.
Corrosion
Check behind the arch extensions, rear chassis legs, fuel filler neck, under the carpets and door bottoms.
Gearbox whine
A whine usually means worn input-shaft bearings.
RS clutch
On RS models, check the twin-plate clutch for noise and wear.
Diff swap
Some GSRs have an RS limited-slip differential in place of AYC. Confirm what is fitted.
Cambelt
UK advice is to change it every four years or 40,000 miles. Ask for proof.
What we check on every CP9A
The auction sheet, in full
Every line of the original Japanese sheet translated: repair marks, rust notes, interior score.
The build plate
The month of manufacture decides eligibility, so we read it off the car, not the registration.
Mileage against the records
Dash and ECU against the auction sheet and Japan's inspection history.
Flood and accident history
Checked before export, while a claim is still possible.
A full diagnostic scan
Every module read inside the auction's 5-day claim window, so a hidden fault goes back to the seller.
Underneath
Chassis rails, floors and suspension, where snow-country salt does its damage.
What landing one costs: see the worked examples; an enquiry gets you the figure for this car. New to auction sheets? Read how to read one.
What a CP9A costs
Published figures with their source and date. Prices move with condition, mileage and grade; an enquiry gets auction results for the car you want.
| What | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Evo V GSR, US auction sale West Coast Shipping (CLASSIC.com data), summer 2026 | US$41,500 | West Coast Shipping (CLASSIC.com data) , summer 2026 |
| CP9A Evo V–VI, JDMBuySell median of seller-reported sales (10 cars, May–Oct 2026) JDMBuySell, Oct 2026 | US$26,495 | JDMBuySell , Oct 2026 |
| Evo V, built January–December 1998, Carsensor average asking price Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥4.28 million | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
Figures as published by each source; not offers from us. Landed cost in Canada adds shipping, duty, GST/HST and provincial fees.
CP9A buyer questions
Is the Evo V eligible?
Yes. It was built from January 1998 to January 1999, so every car is more than 25 years old and can be imported into both the US and Canada.
How does it compare with the Evo VI?
Both share the 280 PS 4G63 and the widebody. The Evo VI added cooling and engine changes and the Mäkinen Edition. On Carsensor, 1998-build cars average about ¥4.3 million and 1999 builds about ¥5.2 million.
What is the costly repair?
Gearbox input-shaft bearing whine and AYC faults on the GSR are the expensive items. Check for rust behind the arch extensions and in the rear chassis legs, and ask for cambelt records.
Want a CP9A?
Tell us the grade, colour and budget. We reply with eligibility for your province or state and what these are fetching in Japan now, and contact you when sourcing opens.