since im coming from an x im sure there are plenty differences my concern is i will be looking at an 8 tomorrow and i was wondering if there are any specific things or common problems to look for in the car that i should be worried about. im in need of a reliable car so i just want to make sure im ready to check everything out before i make the switch, since it is an older car i would hate to get into a headache.

 

Why not find a used IX instead? A much better car imo regardless of all the smack talking that will probably follow my reply here lol.

 

ix is a better car, if you don't plan on modding the car to the moon. Once you go over 6xxwhp, I'd suggest the viii. If you can, stay away from the MR if you plan on going over 400whp. And as for issues, I think others can chime in. Most issues will be drivetran truthfully

 

ix is actually what i would prefer but they all seem to be out of my budget at almost the same price as an x

 

What part of Florida are you located? Try looking north for better prices. I found a lot of deals in Atlanta, Charlotte & VA surprisingly.

 

interesting i was always under the impression they were the same never knew viii were better for high hp if anything i though the ix would be since that motor came with mivec if im correct. good to ask ive learned something new

 

im in south florida evos down here are mostly rebuilt title or priced crazy high

 

It's not that an VIII is built for higher hp, it's that the internals are not as complex in the transfer case, and consequently it's easier to avoid breaking stuff (ABS in the 05's and ix for example)

 

got it so its more of a drivetrain thing rather than motor itself

 

keep patient. go for a 9. even a high mileage one

 

Exactly. The IX has a 2.0 4g63t with MIVEC Timing. The variable timing is nice, whereas some argue its a wash with certain size cams. The VIII has a 2.0 4G63t with standard timing. Because of the timing, both cars run on different ecus, and consequently have different style maps and harasses, etc, etc. A better question to ask is: 1) How much hp do I want. 2) How much modding do I want to do? 3) Do I care about a nicer interior?

Asking these questions in the front end will save you mod money on the back end. IX parts don't come cheap, and even the IX carbon fiber inserts will add up quick$$$.

 

trying i was looking for a ix before i got my x now im back in the market and they seem even harder to find

 

modding will be on hold for the time being but when i decide to start +/- 400 would be ok if its even possible with just bolt ons and def care about nicer interior since it will be a dd

 

i just bought a 8 in MIA FL love the car car 1 owner car built already making 440whp the only thing is the interior i like better in the 9 and i got the 6sp tranny thats one thing id stay away from

 

The IX is not a "much better car" it's just more sought after. If you like a front diff and ACD look for a 2005 evo VIII as it's got everything the IX has minus mivec(cams level that out) and the interior(SSL levels that out. I have an 05 with SSL interior and gsc s2 cams so I'm equal to a IX without the price tag.