It's a no brainer. Get the 9. I bought mine with 19k miles, and it's like perfect condition.

 

More you mod, difference will diminish. Keep it stock to light mod only and evo9 no question even if higher price tag.

now if you are willing to spend 2 or 3 grand on suspension and power on the evo8, difference is basically null. also prepare for more maintenance and issues on the evo8 obviously since its older car.

 

Evo 9!

 

One thing about buying modded evos, you never know whose headache you have inherited. I would go for the 9 personally if it's in my price range. The 8 like you stated has nearly 100k on it. There's some that run 100k no problem and some with problems. I've seen it before. Depends on the owner. For some strange reason, I wouldn't trust that 8...

 

Sounds like you are mostly sold on the IX already

That would be my choice as well, 100k on a performance car is kinda scary IMO. I was in the same situation as you, I went with the IX even though it was more money.

As stated before the IX has shorter gearing so if autox is a big focus for you then thats just one of the selling points.

 

If you've narrowed your options down to those cars, and your financial situation permits, definitely get the IX. When I was looking for one last spring, I found '05 VIII's were roughly 3-4 grand less than comparable IX's. For me it made sense and I went with a stock '05. But I'm a geek and wanted the ACD, LSD front diff, yada yada.

As for styling, I prefer the entire front end of the IX over the VIII.

Either way you are making a wise transition!

 

If you're trying to make 300/300 then 9 is the only choice I would make. It will just make the power easier. MBC, TBE and tune will get you there easy!

With that said I owned a 9 MR and now an 04 and I like my 04 much more. Not just because of it being heavily modified, but since I bought it for WAY less than my 9 I worry a lot less when parts break. I actually enjoy this car as opposed to my 9 I kept in such good condition I was afraid to drive it anywhere. Regardless of what people say it's hard to have fun in a car if you're concerned with keeping it worth something.

People talk about beat up Evos and this and that and for whatever price it is who knows what's wrong with it. If you're planning on spending good money on a car just to turn around and race the hell out of it I don't see that as a good investment.What's the point of buying a car that it's in great condition you're just going to beat on it.

Not saying that people who track their cars abuse them to failure, but I can't imagine a car with lower mileage that has a lot of Auto X and track days under it's belt is better than a car that probably has a lot of highway miles.

 

EVO IX...easy choice. The IX's make power easier, handle better, look better, and the car is much, much newer. if the asking price is 22k, you should be able to get it for 19-20k if you know what you're doing, so the price isn't THAT much different for a car with 45k less miles, and 3 years newer. no brainer with the IX. go for it, and don't look back.