Should I buy or walk away from this Evo X?

[gotcha]

Went to test drive an Evo X FQ-360 today. It's a 2010 model, priced at £22K from a main dealer. Mileage is approximately 35K.

The car had 'Oz' aftermarket wheels so it was non-standard straight away.

During the test drive I noticed that the clutch was really, really heavy! It was the heaviest clutch I had ever experienced. The biting point was also really high up and I managed to spin the the engine up to fairly high revs several times whilst moving off.

What concerned me most was a whining noise when the clutch biting point was engaged. This happened throughout the test drive.

When we got back to the showroom the salesman showed me the paperwork. The car had been very heavily modified (brake pads, brake lines, hoses, clutch, brake discs and numerous other items - all done by a company called Xtreme if I recall correctly). There were dyno printouts amongst the paperwork and receipts for at least two clutches.

The car had a full service history and is just out of warranty but the dealer will sell it with an aftermarket warranty. It's priced at £22K.

So, my questions/concerns are:

1. Any issues with aftermarket wheels?

2. Where should the biting point for the clutch be?

3. Is the clutch extremely heavy on Evo FQ-360s?

4. Is a whining noise at biting point normal?

5. Should I be concerned about so many modifications to the car (apart from the insurance issue)?

6. The modifications were done by a company called Xtreme - any views on them?

7. Should a car with just 35K miles on the clock be on its third clutch?

I have a horrible feeling that the car has been tracked a fair bit and/or has had a hard life as it had a lot of stone chips and the bodywork looked a bit 'tired'. The engine bay looked quite clean and tidy. The exhaust tips were black with soot! On the plus side the last MOT had no advisories.

So, should I continue my interest in this car or walk away?

 

[martinthegooner]

Xtreme know Evo's so I wouldn't be worried about that part

 

[supamario666]

The aftermarket warranty will cover 95% of the fresh air around the X so forget that part.

I do know of a couple of Ex Extreme car's and their ok but are some what let down by paintwork!

 

[gotcha]

Thanks for all the replies so far.

Are there any Evo owners who could comment on my remaining questions please?

1. Any issues with aftermarket wheels?

2. Where should the biting point for the clutch be?

3. Is the clutch extremely heavy on Evo FQ-360s?

4. Is a whining noise at biting point normal?

5. Should I be concerned about so many modifications to the car (apart from the insurance issue)?

7. Should a car with just 35K miles on the clock be on its third clutch?

 

[FQ NICK]

Twin plate clutch fitted ?.

 

[gotcha]

^ Yes, if I remember correctly. I just scanned all the numerous invoices and one of them mentioned a 2-part or 2-piece clutch I think.

 

[Brian Rees]

If the X has a twin plate clutch fitted it will be a heavier pedal than standard and they can make a noise on engagement. I have an Exedy twin on my X. The bitting point can be adjusted on the clutch pedal rod.

What power upgrades has the car had ?
The two clutch replacements could be planned upgrades and not failure issues.

Have dealt with Extreme in past and from that experience would trust them.

 

[Maddy]

Can second that, Extreame are good reputable outfit.

The clutch on a stock X 360 is not what I would call heavy - biting point has a fair bit of play.

Once had after market organics sprung hub clutch fitted and that was bloody heavy, needed an iron leg and the biting point range almost like a on and off switch, very quick engagements once I got the hang of it but the downside terrible in traffic.

With any modded in power car I always see it as a positive thing if the car has had the surrounding mods to take the extra power, i,e up-rated clutch, brakes - pads , hoses, rods etc.