I'd love a new RS or IX but from what I am finding they cannot be had in dealerships any longer. This leaves me with buying a used RS/IX and having a reputable tuning shop I have a new relationship with check it out, or buying an MR or SE new off the dealer lot. I don't feel the MR or SE is worth the extra coin and I'd like the 5-spd gearbox anyway. Questions:

-What would the tuning shop have to check on the used car in order to assure you it was not abused and in good working order?

-What would u do? Buy used or buy the inflated MR/SE?

-Anything else I am missing/should consider?

thx.

 

i'll sell you my WW 06 IX. It has about 9000 miles (need to double check).

 

^ I'd like some info on it. Do you have a FS posted somewhere?

 

Why don't you want the IX SE? A lot of people will say it's the best of the entire range for the money. I've had both a IX and a IX SE, and the SE is definitely worth the difference, especially if you don't plan on upgrading wheels.

 

thx Deez....i'm learning about the car by the minute. The se may be the way to go since it'll be daily driver and some amenities would be nice vs. a stripper RS. SE comes w/ 5spd, I don't understand how 5spd gets better mpg than the 6spd....doesn't the 6spd run at lower RPM in 6th at highway speeds or am I mistaken? I think I would drop <$3k into the car at most for modest gains, so the whole 5spd tranny strength vs. 6th argument wouldn't be an issue, correct?

 

Bster13, about the mpg, I also find it odd that the 6-speed is actually rated 1 mpg lower than the 5-speed. While the 6th gear should keep rpms lower, keep in mind that the gearing is slightly different, so while I don't know the numbers off the top of my head, the final drive/axle ratios may be different and can also play a role. Plus the MR is actually a bit heavier, due mostly to the transmission. And regarding the strength of the transmission, from what I have read, the 6-speed's strength usually only comes into play if you plan on doing very frequent visits to the track, whether a drag strip of an autocross.

 

If you do decide to get a used IX, like you said just make sure you take yours to a reputable shop so they can check over it. I just bought an IX with 17K miles on it from a very reputable shop and this car is very solid. I also test drove an IX MR at another local dealer that had no idea about the car or what was done to it, and they didn't want to let me take it to get looked at so I said no way.

 

I am in South Florida and you can PM me if you like. Also PM me your number and I can call you with all of the details.

 

Used car rule of thump:

Compression check
Leak down test
and dyno run to verify power level.

As far as the Evo go, you can not go wrong with the 9. I have a 9 RS, I drive it about twice a week. It's not that bad, but sometimes I wish that I got an SE instead.

 

agreed Forrest...on all parts, a 9 or SE would be nice for my daily driver.