Newbie here. I am getting closer and closer to pulling the trigger on an Evo IX, and the difference at South Coast is about $2,300 between the regular IX (aka GSR) and one with Sun, Sound and Leather. I have searched but no one seems to have expressed a strong opinion on all these issues:

• Leather: Are the leather seats very comfy? (As to this feature, I think I prefer the fake suede as cooler and grippier.)
• Stereo: Is the upgraded stereo much better? How about the subwoofer?
• Sunroof: Any issue or problems there? Headroom? Rattles? Operation?
• HID headlights: Better than the halogens or not so good?

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

Just a newbie opinion here from drivin' the cars, and what I'll be doing...

*Leather- The leather Recaro's in the VIII I drove are nice, but the only reason I honestly wanted the leather was to eliminate the blue center striping in the 03-05's on the seats, the SSL package does that for you with all black seats. The IX GSR's have an all black seat as it is, and I believe the side supports have a form of leather on them already, IMO, not worth it for the leather recaro's for 2000-2500 dollars.

*Stereo-I believe the stock six speaker stereo would be JUST fine, the SSL with the infinity 8" woofer sounds good gives it a little more midrange bass, but IMO, not worth it for the 2000-2500 dollars

*Sunroof- I can't really have a say here as I haven't had one long term enough to give an opinion on quality, but in the new ones theres isn't any rattle/stutter to be find when operating it.

*HID headlights-Much better than Halogens, this is the part of the SSL that I think is worth it, but not for the 2000-2500 extra you have to pay for the schtuff.

Thoughts: Buy the GSR for the amazing price south coast has, and go aftermarket HID's. Also less weight this weigh in the GSR than the SSL GSR! (not alot, but it all adds up in an EVO!)

 

• Leather: Are the leather seats very comfy? (As to this feature, I think I prefer the fake suede as cooler and grippier.)
• Stereo: Is the upgraded stereo much better? How about the subwoofer?
• Sunroof: Any issue or problems there? Headroom? Rattles? Operation?
• HID headlights: Better than the halogens or not so good?

I have a 06 evo IX without ssl but I was left with my cousin's o4 evo with ssl for three months because he went to other country and here's what I like about the ssl...I do not like full leather so the leather seats are okay....the sunroof is awesome and i haven't experience any problems with the sunroof as of yet...The HID's are great as well...way better than halogens, i'm upgrading to HID as soon as possible. The stereo system is okay, not really the best. Well honestly i do not think the extra 2 or 3 k is worth it because you can have your evo looking very nice for 2 k's but if you like it, go for it. It's only worth it to the person paying for it. Good luck on your decision and welcome to evom.

 

It's funny you brought this up, because I JUST rode in my friend's evo 8 with SSL and i've driven my friend's evo 9 without... Personally, I think the sunroof is a really nice feature, and the leather seats were nice... but i hate leather seats because they burn you when it's hot, and freeze your *** off when it's cold. As for the HID's... I dont know because it was day time. lol. If I were in your position, I would'nt pay the extra 2k or so for it. You could add any of that stuff for cheaper (maybe not the sunroof, lol). But then again, 2k when spread out in the payments is'nt very much at all.

 

I for one like the leather seats. There real comfy and grip quite well for leather. Yea, they don't grip as well as cloth, but i 'don't track race my car either. Also, the leather gives the evo interior a feel and look of a $30K+ car.
My 2 cents.

 

Leather: More comfortable, better looking, better smelling, and just nicer all around. No issues with slipping at all.



Stereo: Upgrade is much better. Infiniti Amp and speakers improve sound greatly. Sub is ok. But removed mine for my 12's.



Sunroof: A must have for California weather.



HIDs: 100x better than hallogen. I personally wont own a car without HID's since having them on this vehicle and my previous A4.

 

Thanks, all. I love the HIDs on my current car (RX-8), and I guess of the SSL my interest is in the HIDs, stereo and sunroof; not so much the leather seats. But overall, I may take the plunge.

BTW, I just got back from lunch during which I test-drove an Evo IX. (I had only driven an VIII before.) Holy Kee-Rist. It's a tiny bit slow on throttle tip-in, but after three grand it lifts up its ample skirts and just freaking rocks down the road. The steering is quick and a little darty, and I found myself firewalling the throttle and Just. Holding. On. The closest comparison would be my FM II turbo Miata, but that thing would spin its tires before scooting (almost) that fast. This thing just hunkers down and screams. Made the Legacy GT, fast as it is, pale by comparison.

The brakes are commanding and the interior was fine for my tastes (which are not too demanding); they've really done a nice job sprucing it up. The back seat seems a lot wider, with more legroom, than in the WRX, and the dimensions bear that out. The freeway and street ride is firm but not punishing. Definitely something I could live with. My biggest complaint is that the front seat bolsters are a bit tight on my daily-expanding girth, but not too much so. (I'm 5'10", 165 lbs.)

Unfortunately, the salesmen saw my pants tighten and moved in for the kill, but I was able to ward them off, feebly, with the true story of how my RX-8 eBay auction is still pending. I also let slip how the Evos are selling for $2,000 BELOW invoice in L.A. Amazing how much that pisses them off up here in Fresno to hear that.

 

Come check out www.norcalevo.net if you're in Northern California. Many people have just driven/flown down for the South Coast Mitsu Evo 9 deals. I know no other dealer that can beat 26K for an RS and 28K for a IX and 32K for the MR. I kinda wished I have waited!

 

Thanks, ZK. My plan would be to fly down to South Coast and get a white SSL, then eventually find someone with a white RS and trade the decklid with spoiler for their plain decklid plus a few bux. Can't freakin wait.

 

I opted for the IX w/o SSL. All i want are HID's I don't need/want a sunroof because i never use it when i have it. My first mod is probably going to be HID's

 

Thanks. Are the aftermarket HIDs any good? Do they aim correctly, etc.? The RX-8 aftermarket HIDs are obscenely expensive, IIRC.

 

if you are still thinking about the ssl package don't forget that it adds some considerably weight to the final package so its $3000 for 4 things and more weight...doesnt seem worth it.

 

yes

 

I have had both and it depends what you like. My choice is the non SSL

 

Leather - is pretty nice and comfy, leather recaro's are pretty rare. Also it isn't so bad in the cold, not nearly as bad as i thought. Not like you'll get in wearing shorts when it's snowing. Heat, I haven't had it in the summer yet, but no different than my G35, or s2000. Nothing unbearable. I don't think it will wear out as quickly as non leather recaro's.

Stereo - It's decent for coming from Mitsubishi, not as good as the G35, but close enough.

Sunroof - no issues with it whatsoever, just wish it had one touch close

HID's - this is a must have for me. Past few cars have had it, even the Cobra got aftermarket ones but had issues with it within a few months.

Is it worth it? To me, yes it is......to others no. Just going to come down to what you want and are used to.