im in the same position you are. Ive seen IX's on autotrader for like 24k with 10k miles but then ive seen the same type of car at a different dealer for 26k with 30k miles so it depends on where you get it. The only thing i like about the IX is the front i dont really think theres so much of a differance between the two. Someone told me before that the IX is better interior wise but im not sure if thats true or not. But like people have said if you are going for a high horsepower car go with the ix. But if your gonna be like me and think that 350-400 is good enough go with the Vlll. The money you save you can use to mod and upgrade the exterior/ interior of your ix. But if i manage to find a cheap IX before the Vlll i will probably get that. My limit is $25.000 because im trying to keep my payments under $300.
Quick question....is it possible to get an IX front on an Vlll? because if it is then im probably gonna go with the 05.

 

^ Yeah, you'll just have to spend several hundred dollars on a IX bumper, then get it painted.

 

if you have 20k cash to drop on a car... why not think about using that as a hefty down payment on a X. It will be brand new with ACD, MIVEC on both sides, AYC and everything else in the IX. You're payments will be mad low and there are already a few mods out there that make great power on it. Also, you can enjoy it near stock (if not completely) while saving up and waiting for the big dogs to pump out some good mods and tuning ability.

If I misunderstood, and you want the total cost to be around 20k with payments (i.e. not 20k cash in hand), if you can, try really hard to find a clean IX in good shape and not abused (check the undercarriage too). VIII are by no means bad, but if you can go either way, might as well go IX right? Just stay away from abused or track whored Evo's. They will nickel and dime you to death.

 

save up $$ get the IX

 

IX and mod it later. The cars are a blast to drive as they are. Save up, mods on, and you'll love it even more.

 

only reasons i'd pick the ix are the seats(which were a HUGE improvement) and the rims(again, much nicer than the VIII's)...i could live without mivec

 

Id go IX. If you do go VIII then def get an 05.

heard from a few different sources that it has around 30whp more than the VIII


Nicer lookin front end IMO (extra cooling holes)

Rims are nicer but niether are great IMO

MIVEC + engine has improved design for the oiling and cooling

better turbo

Responds better to mods, except cams from what I understand (when talkin the addition with basic bolt ons)

base seats are nicer, SSL seats are the same

I have seen two different dashboards in IXs
1. the same as the 8
2. the other is lit up white and red (I like this a lot better probly cuz I had an VIII before)

I think thats it. I am goin 9 cuz I had an eight before and always look to upgrade when the opportunity arises.

 

I was in the same boat as you. I went with the VIII and have absolutely no regrets. IX maybe a little bit better stock for stock, but I'm a mod-o-holic so that throws everything out of equation.

Either way good luck with your choice. Can't go wrong either way!

 

WRONG!!!!! latest yes greatest no. why would i want to 5 thou to make it quicker. when in all reality you buy and 8 spend say what 2 grand and your getting id say close to 350 or more as for making an 8 look like a 9. i will say i like the front does look more mean on a 9 but thats the only thing i will say is nicer. all HIGH HP evos out are usually evo 8s not 9s

 

NO NOT WRONG!!!!! If you're comparing stock Evo's the IX is the most developed, and best performing CT9A. It has many improvements over the VIII which had improvements over the VII. Get it... evolution.

As for the front bumper being the only thing nicer about the IX, what about the MIVEC, upgraded turbo, seats, lights, and wheels?

 

IX responds better to basic mods (TBE, intake, etc). The playing field actually levels off when you get into upgraded turbos, cams, etc. In fact the IX's may be a liability when it comes to making bigger power (above 500whp). I dont think you'll find too many IX's for $20,000.00 though. Good luck.

 

Which ever one is in good condition and for the right price. The IX's have been shown to put down some extra power with bolt on's. There are plenty of VIII that have bolt on's making great power also. Good Luck. For me a VIII with equal miles to IX is worth no more then 2k in the same condition.

 

I totally agree with you

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