Fast, capable, affordable and selling like hot cakes, the Evo VIII may not have been the best-looking of the Evo line but it was launched at a time when Mitsubishi was getting its house in order, youngish buyers had a bit of disposable income and track days were very popular.

With no shortage of used stock available, you shouldn't have difficulty tracking down a decent example.

Used prices for Lancer Evo VIII models vary depending on whether it is a standard car, if it's been tuned, whether it is a proper UK car or a parallel import and how badly it's been treated. Therefore treat valuations as a guide price only. Compare and contrast a few similar models and in this way you'll develop a stronger idea of the value proposition at hand.

The Evo VIII 260 is the biggest bargain and these can be yours from around £14,500. It's worth trying to produce evidence that the car sold for £17,999 new as a negotiating tactic. The FQ-300 starts at around £18,000 for a well looked after unmolested car and you'll need to budget around £21,000 to get your hands on the best of the bunch, a low mileage 2005 model year Evo VIII FQ-340. All Evos from humble 260 to fire-breathing FQ-400 are listed as insurance group 20.

The key thing to look out for is that the car is what it purports to be. Mitsubishi concedes that some Evo VIII variants can easily morph into others with a bit of
judicious chipping and a few cosmetic changes if the owner knows what they're doing. There are budget Evo 260s that have been tuned, had a high wing slapped on the back, some aftermarket alloys put on and are being passed off as FQ-300s.

With the exception of the FQ-400, all Lancer Evo VIII models drive in much the same manner with variations in just how short a time it takes to get from A to B. It's not a car rich in subtlety. Drop down into the Recaro seats, shut the door and fire up the engine and you'll realise what the Evo's all about in the first 200 metres.