I feel obliged to defend the 03's, since that is what I have!

There is nothing wrong with the 03 transmissions. For performance driving, the 5-speed is more durable.

When the specs of the 03 Evo8 was first released in the U.S., there was a lot of complaints about not getting the "real" Evo with AYC and ACD. I remember posts from people in Europe saying that the simpler drivetrain we got was actually more durable and better suited for motorsports. That is the way it has worked out for me. I haven't missed these components in 4 years of autocrosses and track days. I only have minimal engine mods (3" TBE), but I have had zero parts failures during this time. Just wear item replacement and good maintenance practices (fluid changes).

Before I get jumped on, an argument could be made for the front LSD. I feel a good suspension setup (coilovers, 450/550 spring rates, harder suspension bushings, etc) is much more important for handling performance.

The MIVEC and larger turbo in the 9 is very appealing though. For a while I was tempted to get an 06 IX, but decided to do some moderate engine mods on my 03 instead and wait to see how the X actually turns out.

 

not here in socal.... there are 2 rally reds at 2 dealerships around my area... 1 at the place i bought mine, and one no more than 2 blocks from where im typing this message.... but maybe in other parts of the counrty they are hard to get ahold of... im still the only one with an RS anywhere in my area! everyone has the MR

 

I have had a couple of EVOs and kept them mostly stock so I could beat on them and my dealer has taken great care of me. A used IX is a great bet. I am looking for a GSR right now!!! I want to get the moon and tunes and then swap out or get the alcantra put in. I don't really have a budget just a guilty conscience and want to have the best for the buck. My IX MR stock, no mod, none ran down a 2004 sti with exhaust, intake and a couple other mods. Just get it used...not used up unless u r after the 100K warrantee...then get new from a dealer at invoice...there are some out there that will do it. Where are all the IX GSRs with sunroofs and the infinity tunes, was good enough for me.

In short though...I would be worried more about features, color and condition rather than year. All use the 4G63 and with all the ones I had I would have to say it was pretty bullit proof, and my dealer honored the warantee and took OK care of the car for the most part.

Be patient, shop, and pick what you want. Haste make waste according to old Ben...I tend to think he's right. Good Luck...evo's roK!!! The X should be even more loaded and more of a dream to drive!

 

do it right and get a IX MR. MR's are the fastest, and the most badass. just do it.

 

Pick whatever makes you happy. I'm down for a IX SE but just saving up for a down payment.

 

Go get a new IX while you can. I have seen MR's for 33K, 100K warrantee, best EVO I have owned the 6spd is like butter, better than a 330ci I drove for a while.
Seriously. GG is hot 'cause the wheels and spoiler really closely match now. I have seen used for IXs for 24K...must be 'cause the X is comming. I don't know if the earth quake in JPN hurt the EVO X release or not...hope not!!!

 

the fastest at what? 1/4 mile? think again.. 0-60? nope... the RS has you on both... the MR is only fractions of a second faster in slalom and road coarse... i mean the MR is great, but dont make them out to be all superior to the GSR/RS.. throw some bilsteins, 6-speed tranny (which i wouldnt want anyways), and some BBS wheels and youll turn a GSR into a MR... doesnt really justify the price increase to me!

 

Yeah until the puny 6 speed breaks. The 5 speed equipped GSR's are actually much better for circuit use. Thats why AMS and Buschur uses them for their time attack machines.

 

And the Evo model battle ensues.

 

sweet!

 

ok well im still all confused... it seems that RS may be the way for me, since its not gonna be a DD, it will be more of an all weekend driver and around town deal.. i drive 50 miles one way to work, so i have an old 95 civic dx for that... and whats the deal with the GSR? i never see one listed as a GSR, only RS, IX, and MR what exactly is the GSR? im definitly getting the 9 just need help on a trim lvl. also how much you think it would cost to get elec windows put in an rs?

 

also never see the SE either, is SE available for all trim lvl 9s? and what exactly does it include lol? and do all the headlights have the same housings and projectors? so all being said seems like there is an SSL and an SE package available for these trims... whats the scoop. im prolly gonna get nubie bashed here sorry!

 

Standard IX is GSR

 

GSR = IX. really they're all evo IX's as long as they're the 2006 model, but the IX is what the regular model is actually listed as.
SE/SSL are packages for the GSR/IX. however, you can get an MR SE, but it's really the MR with appearance package.

 

o ok cool thankyou for clearing up the confusion.. SO the SE is HIDs and what else? SSL is obviously the Sunroof Sound and Leather (which i think i like the std. evo 9 seats better anyways)