I have driven an 05 STi and would tell you that unless cosmetics mean that much to you it wouldn't really be worth losing money on the trade in

 

Yeah, if I'd trade in my 8 I would loose $$ and start over with payments...But great upgrade!

 

For me, it just made sense. The upgrade gave me quite a few goodies I didn't have and wanted/needed. Front and rear limited slip difs, ACD, MIVEC (Big + after all the good reviews), more docile ride for street driving while keeping previous handling capabilities (Big +), smoother gear box (Big +, as of now anyways), Color (Big +. I'm in love with the GG, and my previous tarmac black was just impossible to keep clean). I don't care much for the cosmetics but they were a nice plus.
I had already paid off my car and the dealer gave me a good trade in (Book value eventhough the car had 45K + miles) . The dealer sold me the MR for 1k under MSRP so I just paid the difference in cash, about 17.5k out the door. I'm also looking forward to that 10 year power train warranty (Big +. The old one had run out)

Having said that, for all of you considering the upgrade, don't do it just because it's a newer and badder evo. Take a closer look at all the features you'll be getting and if you can justify it, then consider upgrading. Also if you're going to end up with car payments, and unless you really need what the IX has to offer, I don't think it's worth upgrading from an VIII to a IX. Of course this is just my opinion!

Thanks to all for all the good wishes!! and Congrats to all of you that have upgraded. and for those of you who won't be upgrading, just think of it this way.... Mo' money for mods!!! It's a win win situation

 

how is the engine? does it feel (not suspension but engine while driving) smooth or rough?
i am in the market for a mr as well but the 2003 gsr had some problems with the engine. it didn't feel smooth.

 

The 4G63 engines are not known for their "smoothness", the're known for producing a lot of power reliably when modified. Having said that, the new MIVEC engine sounds and feels a bit less, how do I put it?, rough?

All in all, the IX (MR) is a great car. Give it a test drive and see if it fits your needs. Good luck!

 

ahhh i cant wait. I still have 2 more weeks until my Evo IX comes in

 

congrats on the new car!

 

give it a test drive?? maybe i'd have to move all the way to NY to be able to just "give it a test drive". no dealers here lets me test drive any Evo

any tips on how to just "give it a test drive"??

 

put a deposit down Or maybe if your currently own an evo or something they will let you test drive a new one...who knows

 

I was at a dealer today looking at a GG IX MR and I noticed a lot of brake dust. I asked the salesmen if they are letting people test drive it and he said of course so I took it for a spin

 

that will work, but so should this most of the time. go to a new dealer and when the salesmen starts talking to you act like you know what your doing. tell him you currently drive an 03 and you paid 650 a month for it. also make sure you talk about how good your credit is. say your fico score is 725. that puts you in tier one. by the way make sure you say your car is sold, that's why i said PAID 650 a month for it. this is because salesmen don't like dealing with you until you are ready and able to buy.

 

[QUOTE=Engine performance - I'm still trying to wipe off the huge grin on my face!!
I was curious to see how the IX MR would feel compared to my dynoflashed VIII with walbro pump upgrade.
QUOTE]


Evo 9 mr faster then an 2003 Evo 8 with DYNOFLASH?? Can't be!

 

Pretty sweet! Congrats amigo, where are the pics?

 

I am calling up my dealer tomorrow and scheduling a test drive for Saturday. I can't wait. I really like the new IX MR . I wish Mitsubishi did not get rid of the old spoiler, but all in all, the new IX looks much better.

 

Nice review. I got a peek at a IX MR this past weekend, in charcoal grey. It looked nice, but I really hated the wheels. I much prefer the 6-spoke Enkei wheels on the VIIIs. Aside from the wheels, I really liked it.

That's definitely something that I love about the MR; the handling is great, and with a better ride quality than the standard Evo. Gotta love it!

I met up with a few guys from EvoM this weekend. One guy had an IX RS, while the other guy had an 03 GSR. Both were very nice cars. I never got much of a look at the RS, and while I liked the performance/stripper aspect of it, it was definitely a bit too hardcore for what I would want for a daily driver. I've heard in the past that there isn't any carpet in the trunk, but damn, everything's exposed! It just really surprised me.

Anyway, congrats on the new car. I'm sure it'll be a lot of fun for a long time!