Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII CT9A
Sources conflict Rolling: early cars eligible
CT9A is NOT unique to the Evo VII. Evo VIII and IX share it, so a CT9A could be a 2006 car.
NHTSA: the 25-year period "runs from the date of the vehicle's manufacture" (49 U.S.C. 30112(b)(9); 49 CFR 591.5(i)). Most plates show month/year only; we treat a build month as fully clear from the last day of that month 25 years later. Go by the build plate.
Build month → eligible month
| Built | Turns 25 | Status (October 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2001 | Jan 2026 | Eligible |
| Feb 2001 | Feb 2026 | Eligible |
| Mar 2001 | Mar 2026 | Eligible |
| Apr 2001 | Apr 2026 | Eligible |
| May 2001 | May 2026 | Eligible |
| Jun 2001 | Jun 2026 | Eligible |
| Jul 2001 | Jul 2026 | Eligible |
| Aug 2001 | Aug 2026 | Eligible |
| Sep 2001 | Sep 2026 | Eligible |
| Oct 2001 | Oct 2026 | Opens this month |
| Nov 2001 | Nov 2026 | Not yet |
| Dec 2001 | Dec 2026 | Not yet |
| Jan 2002 | Jan 2027 | Not yet |
| Feb 2002 | Feb 2027 | Not yet |
| Mar 2002 | Mar 2027 | Not yet |
| Apr 2002 | Apr 2027 | Not yet |
| May 2002 | May 2027 | Not yet |
| Jun 2002 | Jun 2027 | Not yet |
| Jul 2002 | Jul 2027 | Not yet |
| Aug 2002 | Aug 2027 | Not yet |
| Sep 2002 | Sep 2027 | Not yet |
| Oct 2002 | Oct 2027 | Not yet |
| Nov 2002 | Nov 2027 | Not yet |
| Dec 2002 | Dec 2027 | Not yet |
| Jan 2003 | Jan 2028 | Not yet |
FAQ
When can I import a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII (CT9A) to the US?
Under NHTSA's 25-year exemption (49 U.S.C. 30112(b)(9)), eligibility runs from the vehicle's date of manufacture. For this model, production started January 2001, so the earliest cars become eligible in January 2026. Production ended January 2003, so the last cars become eligible in January 2028. Always check the build plate on the specific car.
Is the CT9A eligible under the 25-year rule right now?
Status as of 2026-10-19: Rolling: early cars eligible. The 25-year period runs from the manufacture date, not the model year. A car built late in the production run may still be waiting.
Does EPA also apply to a CT9A import?
Yes. EPA's Form 3520-1 Code E covers vehicles at least 21 years old (calendar year of manufacture subtracted from year of importation) in original unmodified configuration. DOT and EPA are separate tests; you need both.
How much does it cost to import a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII?
Costs vary by auction price, shipping and duty. Use our CT9A landed-cost calculator for an editable estimate. Typical overhead beyond the car is often a few thousand dollars (see our import-cost guide).
Where to buy parts
- MAPerformance · Turbo performance parts, incl. Evo and WRX/STI
- RHDJapan · Ships from Japan: Nismo, Mugen, Spoon, Tomei, HKS, Cusco and OEM parts
- Megazip · Genuine OEM Japanese parts by catalog and part number
- Nengun Performance · Ships from Japan: HKS, Nismo, Greddy, Blitz, RAYS and more. Also offers a Yahoo Japan Auctions service
- Japamart · Japan proxy buying (Yahoo Auctions, Mercari), useful for discontinued OEM and used tuner parts
- Summit Racing · Large US performance retailer (fluids, tools, universal parts)
- CARiD · Large US online retailer of aftermarket and replacement parts and accessories
- Amazon (Automotive) · Fluids, filters, tools and universal accessories
- eBay Motors Parts · Used and NOS JDM parts from US and Japan sellers
- ZenMarket · Japan proxy for Yahoo Auctions and Japanese stores
- Buyee · Japan proxy for Yahoo Auctions and Mercari
Independent retailers picked by what they publicly stock. Check fitment for your chassis. Some links are affiliate links; see our affiliate disclosure.
Estimate landed cost
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