Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII CT9A
Import a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII (CT9A) from Japan, found at auction, scanned before it ships, and delivered with a report anyone can verify.
- Built in Japan
- 2003–2005
- Engine
- 4G63 2.0 L turbo four, all-wheel drive
About the CT9A
The Evo VIII went on sale on 31 January 2003 and was followed by the Evo IX in March 2005. It keeps the CT9A body and the 4G63 2.0 L turbo four at 280 PS, with torque raised to 40.0 kgf·m; the VIII MR of February 2004 raised it to 40.8 kgf·m.
It is one of the most developed 4G63 Evos. In Canada every CT9A is eligible now; in the US the first Evo VIIIs reach 25 years in 2028.
The Evo VIII brought Super AYC, with more control torque, a six-speed manual for the GSR and the first carbon-fibre rear wing on a mass-produced sedan. It was also the first Evo sold officially for export, though export cars had neither ACD nor AYC. The VIII MR added Bilstein dampers, an aluminium roof and the larger Evo V and VI turbo on six-speed cars. The five-speed RS MR, at 1,310 kg, was the lightest of the CT9A Evos.
- Power
- 280 PS at 6,500 rpm
- Torque
- 40.0 kgm at 3,500 rpm
- Weight
- 1,410 kg (GSR)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed manual (GSR)
- Drive
- All-wheel drive (ACD, Super 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 and crashes
Check for clutch wear from launches, and accident repair around panel gaps, inner wings and boot floor.
Airbag recall 4224
Frames from CT9A-0300201, built from 30 January 2004, are covered. Confirm the work was done.
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 VIII, built January 2003–January 2004, Carsensor average asking price Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥4.36 million | Carsensor , Oct 2026 |
| Evo VIII MR period, built February 2004–February 2005, Carsensor average asking price Carsensor, Oct 2026 | about ¥4.57 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
When can an Evo VIII go to the US?
From January 2028, when the first January 2003 builds reach 25 years. Later cars follow month by month, and the MR from February 2029. Every Evo VIII is already eligible in Canada.
Why buy a JDM Evo VIII over a US one?
The Japanese GSR has ACD and Super AYC, which US and export cars did not get. It also has 280 PS and the six-speed gearbox. These systems need checking, but they are the reason the JDM car drives differently.
Are parts available in North America?
Yes, for most items. The 4G63, much of the body and suspension, and the brakes are shared with the US Evo VIII. ACD and Super AYC parts are JDM-only and come from Japan.
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.