Ok, not really a newbie, but just looking for opinions, and I know for me it will come down the test drive of each one. My options.... an 03 TB with 11,000 miles with exhaust and BOV, from a family friend, treats it good, so I believe for $22K.... OR a WW IX, 11,000 miles, tinted windows, 3M, SSL w/ HIDs from an unknown which I've been emailing, says he broke it properly, treats it like a baby, selling to get more money for a house, for 27500, probably $27K, no aftermarket to engine or exhaust. Is the extra money worth it for MIVEC and SSL?? I'm leaning toward the IX, but please tell me what you think, and I'd appreciate non-smarta$$ answers please, thank you!

PS-I'm test driving both this weekend...

 

if u're going to ultimately get big power i'd go with the 03 and slap on a turbo and eventually build it, or vice versa; the $5,000 difference in price will help.

 

i would get the 03... but its up to you. SSL is not important package on the evo in my opinion.

 

i would get the 03 i love mine and i think they look better

 

Get the IX. I traded in my 03 VIII for my IX and MY GOD is it much better and has less issues, get the IX.

 

Get that IX before it sells and someone else does! You're gonna love the SSL.

 

Get the IX it is far superior to a 2003 VIII.

2003 doesn't have Mivec, smallest turbo ever on any USDM Evo, NO front lsd, no ACD, weaker Transfer case, known to have paint issues and synchro issues.

Get the IX, believe me, its what I did.

 

I'd get a IX but not at that price. You can get a new IX for like $2K more plus TTL. If you're going to go used, you can get a used VIII for less than that, just make sure that there are no mods on it/done to it. Its always better to start with a clean slate.

 

I went through the dealer and had the same choice.They had an 03 VIII, 05 STI, a G35 and a IX. Ultimately went with the IX and haven't looked back since.

 

27 is a good deal, try for 26K. MIVEC is HUGE! It also has the biggest turbo and a revised transmission

 

I personally have a 03 VIII and I would not trade it for a IX never but you have to weight both sides. If you get the 03 then your going to be faced with possible transfer case going out and grinding gears also not to mention the clutch. I know several guys who drive their car normal and had at least one of those problems above. One more thing is that the BOV on the 03 is plastic which means it will not hold as much boost and it may leak. If my research has done me right I think its safe to say the 03 Evo's gave some trouble time to time. If you get a IX then you are not completely safe from the transfer case and the other probelms but you stand a better chance against them. Im sure from 2003 to 2006 Mitsubishi has made some slight changes to better the components in the drivetrain. You also get the wonderful world of MIVEC which allows you to acheive full boost sooner and pretty much no lag. The 03 Evos suffer from massive turbo lag unless you have modded the car alot. Last thing the IX has a metal BOV which is ten times better verus the plastic one. We all could sit here and compare the two all day but that would take to long. Just a quick run down here.

 

I'd go with the IX mivec makes a good difference plus they look a lot better imo

 

My VIII didn't have massive lag? In fact the 9.8 housing spools faster fwiw. The IX handles much better with the front LSD, ACD, and stonger transfer case. It also has WAY WAY WAY better midrange with the Mivec. I would not even consider the 03, it's why I swapped it. My 03 paint was fading badly, the breakes faded, the wing fadded. But my Transmission was perfect.

 

Wow guys, so far so good, thanks for all the honest opinions. As I stated earlier, I'm leaning a bit toward the IX, It seems it's almost split 50/50 in opinions, I guess it will come down to the drive tomorrow....I'm going to try to get 27 for the car, even though he's asking 27.5. Sound reasonable? Should I ask for lower, I mean I dont want to go too low where he just laughs at me and says see ya. I figured I'd say like 26700 or something and he'll come back with like 27.3 and we negotiate from there. Thanks all

 

The IX is superior in EVERY way, better interior, better seats, better transmission, better transfer case, ACD, bigger turbo, MIVEC, better flowing head, revised pistons so there is less oil blow-by and strengh, better head cooling, better mid range, better handling, better topend, paint is SUPPOSED to be better, wing is lighter and better clear coat so it won't fade, better transmission synchros, cars rear is a little lower for better handling, adaptive breaking, cabin air filter, did I mention that it has a LARGER turbo and it spools FASTER. Last but not least, it will make more power for less money and you DON'T need to upgrade the fuel pump on teh stock turbo


Go IX, trust me.