What to buy?
I have an 05 evo 8 SSL. Meaning I've nice leather seats and door panels, subwoofer, sunroof, HId headlights and the 10.5 hot side turbo. Only thing is mivec I'm missing as I also have ACD. Go cheaper, grab a nice 8 and out moneyintonmods.
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 31
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From: Charlotte, NC
The IX seats are awesome and SE are even better.
Steering wheel is different, trim is a little different, etc.
Everything about the IX is better so it's basically just what you're preferences are and how much you want to spend.
Evo 8 trans have a longer 3rd n 4th gear but the 9 has a longer first gear. Evo 9 slightly better turbo n mivec. I have a Evo 8 and would never trade it for a 9. IMO Evo 9 has a nicer front bumper and that's the only difference to me.
If you get the SSL (and you like leather) the 03-05 isn't bad, but the standard seats are uglier than almost anything other than the old STi interior.
The IX seats are awesome and SE are even better.
Steering wheel is different, trim is a little different, etc.
Everything about the IX is better so it's basically just what you're preferences are and how much you want to spend.
The IX seats are awesome and SE are even better.
Steering wheel is different, trim is a little different, etc.
Everything about the IX is better so it's basically just what you're preferences are and how much you want to spend.
I have noticed that the Shep trans has a mix of the gears for the VIII's and IX's.
I bought a mint 9 SE and enjoy it except 3rd and 4th are too short. If the trans ever comes out then a change to the evo 8 ratios and/or 4.11 will be going in.
Also, the ACD pump/tcase might need service at some point which will drive the cost up a bit over time.
I have seen a few 9 SE's for 21-24K and one that was well worn for 17K. You will just have to keep looking and find a nice one.
Also, the ACD pump/tcase might need service at some point which will drive the cost up a bit over time.
I have seen a few 9 SE's for 21-24K and one that was well worn for 17K. You will just have to keep looking and find a nice one.
The majority has spoken, it just reaffirmed what my thoughts were with some reasoning. I will be getting a IX, since I don't plan on getting rid of it once I get it why not go for the best of the body style I like. 
On a different note, are there any other things that I should look for when looking at the cars? Other than the current owner that is. I have read many things about how to spot engine mods that have been replaced back to stock parts, but looking more for chassis and drivetrain clues on how it's been treated.
On a different note, are there any other things that I should look for when looking at the cars? Other than the current owner that is. I have read many things about how to spot engine mods that have been replaced back to stock parts, but looking more for chassis and drivetrain clues on how it's been treated.
I've been doing some research on Evo 8s and 9s. What I have seen so far in my searches is that the 9s had a better setup as far as the motor and drivetrain goes. I love the looks of the interior on the SE models as well.
What I haven't been able to find is how the two different models are to live with as a daily drivers. So how are they?
My plan is to find one as close to stock as possible for a driver. Do mild mods over time (1-2 years) to eventually reach the 300-350 horsepower level. I really want the suede leather seats over the cloth seats. My choices of colors would be BLUE, white, and black.
So here is where I really need some advice. Should I get a 9 and pay the higher price in the beginning or get an 8 with some miles (under 100k) that is cheaper and add the leather? I want to try and stay under the $20k mark.
What I haven't been able to find is how the two different models are to live with as a daily drivers. So how are they?
My plan is to find one as close to stock as possible for a driver. Do mild mods over time (1-2 years) to eventually reach the 300-350 horsepower level. I really want the suede leather seats over the cloth seats. My choices of colors would be BLUE, white, and black.
So here is where I really need some advice. Should I get a 9 and pay the higher price in the beginning or get an 8 with some miles (under 100k) that is cheaper and add the leather? I want to try and stay under the $20k mark.