Hey guys I am somewhat new to the forum. Over the last few months I have been reading all I can read about the evo VIII and IX and have been waiting to get the money to purchase my dream car. Now I am finally in the market and need some help choosing.

I was completely set on a 2006 IX (SE is what i would love to have) because I wanted the mivec head and the bigger turbo, with the stronger 5 speed.. But as I continued looking I noticed that they seem to be just out of my price range, my budget being 20K. So I started looking into the VIII because they seem to be cheaper. But I want the 2005 because I want the Limited slip dif. But I am torn because I would love to have that mivec head and the bigger IX turbo ( and nicer interior). Should I let the mivec system and the bigger turbo keep me from getting an VIII, or should i go with the VIII being that it is still a solid car and is more in my price range?

Any help or advice would be great! Thanks ahead if time.

 

If the IX is what you want then don't settle dude. The deals are out there, you just gotta find them. I picked up my tarmac black Evo IX SE for $19,500 and it was bone stock, a one owner (40 year old gentleman), never tracked/raced, and it only had 40,000 miles on it. Clean title and everything. I would highly recommend the 9 over the 8. Don't give up man, your evo 9 SE is out there somewhere. Good luck

 

I bought my IX for $20k cash in 2009. It had 22k on the odo and blue booked for $26k. There are deals out there man, just keep shopping around. I was super strict with mine. I wanted total stock with one responsible original owner and low miles. Took me about 6 weeks, but I found it. Here I am 4 years and 93k miles later (115k on the odo) and I love every second I have with my car.

 

Patience is the key... I would also wait for a clean 9. I just picked up mine for 21k.

 

Dont settle. Get what you want

 

Thanks guys! I guess I just need to be more patient! I hope one comes up soon

Should I post a WTB thread in the marketplace?

 

Yea, definitely don't settle. I settled on my 8 and regret it, so now I'm on the hunt for a 9

 

If you really want the IX, then take your time and wait to find the perfect one. They are out there. I was patient when I bought my two IXs and got them for a great deal. Patience is a virtue!

 

One thing about the IX's to think about is dealing with the MIVEK. Oil Feeder Valves and MIVEK Cam gear are not cheap and these thing do go bad. The head is a better design, but not having to diagnose a timing related advanced problem is a plus as well. You can find VIII's with new motors, trany and transfer case already build buy reputable shops, for a good price if you take your time.

 

What do you regret about getting the 8?

 

I am open to the VIII, but only the 05 because I want the LSD. I found an 05 VIII that kinda caught my eye, with 42xxx miles and well maintained wjth a clean carfax, mostly stock, but i think the price is a little high for it being that its listed for 22,500 at a dealer. But hereing that people regret settling for an VIII instead of getting a IX makes me hesitant.

 

Don't settle for what you really want. Everybody said that I was looking for a needle in a haystack when I said what I was looking for and that it would be near impossible to find. When I brought my car home people didn't believe what I found for what I got it for. There are deals out there and I am SO happy I didn't settle with the first couple ones I found. Just be patient, it will be worth it in the end.

 

Maybe it would help a bit to look at out put of the two cars-- if i am not mistaken the VII1 and IX were both rated the same HP-- it was the X that took it to 291. Bigger turbo, mivec cams while they may be a perceived benefit, not in stock tune and even modded the benefits all depend-- I dont see a whole lot of IX out there beating the pants off VIII's on the dyno or the track. There are still a lot of great VIII's running around. As for the LSD--thats in the frt, and I think that could be of value. Aside from the earlier posting, I havent heard others complaining about the VIII's being less of a car then the IX-- but hey, get what you want-- I am only saying your not limited by one generation over the other to a significant detriment. I do own an VIII so I am biased the other way!

 

The Evo 8 was rated at 271 hp from the factory
The Evo 9 was rated at 286 hp from the factory

Not a huge increase in peak hp. it's more how that power is delivered. the Mivec helps broaden the power band and it increases turbo spool and benefits mid range power tremendously.

To the OP: be patient and wait for a 9 man. You will not regret it

 

Thanks for all the good info! I know the 9 is better in every way except for price ha! Do you guys think posting a WTB thread will help find some that might not be listed or people who are thinking about selling?