CP9A · CN9A
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV to VI import check
CP9A is the factory model code for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV to VI, built for the Japanese market from 1998 to 2001. Other versions carry CN9A. Every genuine car has a chassis (frame) number that starts with its code, such as CP9A-. That number is the one thing that links its Japanese history to its UK records.
CP9A at a glance
- Model code
- CP9A
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Lancer Evolution (IV to VI)
- Body
- 4-door saloon
- Built
- 1998 to 2001
- Engine
- 4G63 (1997 cc turbo petrol)
- Drivetrain
- AWD
- Japanese trims
- GSR, RS, RS2, Tommi Makinen Edition
- Chassis number format
- CP9A-nnnnnnn
From our own model library, compiled from public sources and not yet checked against a second source. UK records sometimes drop the hyphen or the leading zeros of the serial; our check allows for that.
Reading the CP9A chassis code
- CN9A is the Evolution IV and CP9A the Evolution V, VI and Tommi Makinen Edition.
- The Evolution VII to IX is CT9A and the Evolution X is CZ4A.
| Code | What it is | Engine | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| CP9A | Lancer Evolution (IV to VI) | 4G63 | 1998–2001 |
| CN9A | Evolution IV | 4G63 | 1996–1998 |
Have a chassis number? The chassis decoder reads it for you.
Is it a genuine CP9A?
The Tommi Makinen Edition is a CP9A. Check for its grade on the auction sheet and its factory details; replicas are common.
If you paste the advert into the free check, we compare its wording with the chassis code. An advert that says “Evo” on a car whose chassis code isn’t CT9A, CN9A, CP9A and CZ4A gets flagged.
Known problems to check on a CP9A
- Active Yaw Control faults on GSR cars
- Transfer case and rear differential wear
- Signs of rally or track use: crash repairs and seam welding
- Most have been modified: ask for a list of changes, receipts, and whether the insurer has been told
These are common issues for the model, not facts about any particular car. Ask the seller about each one.
Before you buy
- RS cars are stripped lightweight versions without some comforts; check the advert’s grade matches the sheet
The CP9A on a Japanese auction sheet
- The sheet names the car ランサーエボリューション (Lancer Evolution) or ランエボ, with the grade (GSR or RS).
- An R or RA grade means repaired accident damage. Ask for photos of the repair and have the structure checked.
Most imports were bought at a Japanese auction, and the inspector’s sheet records the grade, mileage and every mark on the body. Ask the seller for it, then run it through our auction sheet translator to read it in English and check the chassis number and mileage against the UK record.
Recalls in Japan for the CP9A family
Japan publishes every recall with the chassis numbers it covers. Run a recall check with the car’s chassis number to see whether any apply to it.
MOT record in the UK
Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 (1992 to 2007)
- 14% of 4,936 first MOT tests failed in 2024 and 2025, 67% lower than the UK average for cars of the same age.
- Most common advisory: Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material (5.4% of tests).
- Most common failure: Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (2.0% of tests).
MOT records rarely say “Evolution”, so this is every 2.0-litre Lancer of the Evo years. Most are Evos.
All Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 (1992 to 2007) MOT statisticsFrom DVSA’s anonymised MOT data, licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Kilometres, miles and the first UK MOT
A CP9A sold new in Japan has a speedometer in kilometres. When it is imported, the speedometer is either converted to miles or left in km, and the first UK MOT should record whichever the dial shows. Mistakes here are common, and they’re where mileage problems hide.
We put the Japanese auction mileage and every UK MOT reading on one timeline and check the crossing: whether the readings agree after converting, whether the km figure was written down as miles, and whether the first UK reading is lower than the car had already done in Japan. See an illustrative example.
Questions
What is the chassis code for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV to VI?
CP9A, with CN9A for other engines or drive layouts. A Japanese-market Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV to VI has a frame number that starts with its code, then a hyphen and a serial number. You’ll find it on the V5C and on a plate in the engine bay.
Which years was the CP9A built?
From 1998 to 2001, with the 4G63 (1997 cc turbo petrol) engine and four-wheel drive layout.
What should I check when buying a CP9A?
Active Yaw Control faults on GSR cars. Transfer case and rear differential wear. Signs of rally or track use: crash repairs and seam welding. Most have been modified: ask for a list of changes, receipts, and whether the insurer has been told. RS cars are stripped lightweight versions without some comforts; check the advert’s grade matches the sheet. Also check that the Japanese auction mileage lines up with the first UK MOT, because km and miles are easily mixed up.