Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII CT9A
Import a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII (CT9A) from Japan, found at auction, scanned before it ships, and delivered with a report anyone can verify.
- Built in Japan
- 2001–2003
- Engine
- 4G63 2.0 L turbo four, all-wheel drive
About the CT9A
The Evo VII launched in February 2001 on the CT9A body, by Mitsubishi’s own history, with the 4G63 2.0 L turbo four rated at 280 PS and 39.0 kgf·m, and all-wheel drive. A GT-A version with a five-speed automatic and 272 PS followed in February 2002.
US importers are landing early Evo VIIs through 2026 as the 2001 builds turn 25, and 2002 builds, including the GT-A, follow in 2027. In Canada every CT9A is eligible now.
The Evo VII introduced ACD, an electronically controlled multi-plate centre differential with Tarmac, Gravel and Snow modes. The body moved to the Lancer Cedia platform and was about 1.5 times as stiff in bending as the Evo VI. Because Mitsubishi’s WRC programme had moved to World Rally Car rules, the road-based Evo now raced mainly in Group N, the All Japan Rally Championship and Super Taikyu. The February 2002 GT-A was the first automatic Evo.
- Power
- 280 PS at 6,500 rpm
- Torque
- 39.0 kgm at 3,500 rpm
- Weight
- 1,400 kg (GSR)
- Gearbox
- 5-speed manual (GT-A: 5-speed auto)
- Drive
- All-wheel drive (ACD, AYC)
Can a CT9A 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 CT9A
The model-specific weak points we look for in the auction sheet, the photos and the scan.
AYC
The AYC warning lamp should light at ignition and go out. Listen for groaning on tight turns.
Tappets
Hydraulic tappet noise points to poor oil changes.
Boosted cars
Look for blue smoke or steam, signs of head-gasket or piston damage.
Clutch
Check for clutch wear from hard launches.
Accidents and rust
Check panel gaps, inner wings and boot floor for repairs, and the underbody for rust.
What we check on every CT9A
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 CT9A 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CT9A Evo VII–IX, JDMBuySell median of seller-reported sales (5 cars, small sample) JDMBuySell, May–Jul 2026 | US$27,995 | JDMBuySell , May–Jul 2026 |
| Evo VII built February 2001–January 2002, Carsensor average asking price Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥4.13 million | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
| Evo VII built February–December 2002 (includes GT-A), Carsensor average asking price Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥2.74 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.
CT9A buyer questions
Can I import an Evo VII into the US yet?
Some can. The US 25-year rule counts from the build month, so in October 2026 Evo VIIs built up to October 2001 qualify. Later builds follow month by month, and the 2002 cars, including the GT-A, during 2027. Every Evo VII is already eligible in Canada.
GSR, RS or GT-A?
The GSR is the road car with ACD, AYC and HID headlights. The RS is the stripped competition base. The GT-A has a five-speed automatic and 272 PS, and in Japan the 2002 build period that includes it averages less than the earlier cars.
Are parts hard to find in North America?
Engine and many drivetrain parts are shared with the Evo VIII and IX sold in the US, which helps. JDM-only items such as AYC parts and some trim come from Japan, so allow time and shipping cost for those.
Want a CT9A?
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.