_EVOlved_

iTrader: (12)

Heyy...Im in the market for an EVO right now and am interested in purchasing one as soon as my WRX sells :P. I have it narrowed down to three things:

1. New IX RS (about $27-28k)

2. Used 2005 MR (about $27-28k)

3. Used 2005 RS (about $23-$24)

As a speculation, the new IX RS or used 2005 MR will cost me about the same. I will have a little left over to start modding. On the other hand, with the used 2005 RS, I will have thousands more to put towards modding.

Two quick questions:
1. The only reason I really really like the MR a lot is because of the 6th gear (not so much the suspension). Ive always wanted a 6 gear car. Is the 6 gears really worth it compared to the RS's 5?
2. Would it be worth the extra thousands for the IX's turbo and MIVEC compared to the 2005 VIII's turbo? I would love to get 300whp with a custom tune and turboback (93 oct) and I know it would be a lot easier with the IX though (300whp is my main goal with those two mods before bigger power)...

Im just curious with opinions from the owners and experts. Thanks guys!

Talon

iTrader: (3)

I didn't think so

fsugatorbait

iTrader: (16)

As a daily driver I never understood why people would buy an RS. Id get the MR or 05 GSR if you want more mod money.

_EVOlved_

iTrader: (12)

Hmm...Not too much help between those models so far.

dubbleugly01

iTrader: (24)

the 6th gear will work against you if you plan on doing the 1/4 mile. The 6th gear isn't worth it, but the IX turbo and Mivec are proving to be worth it! If you plan on staying with basically the stock XIII turbo, I'd step up to the IX. But if your modding plans call for a bigger turbo, then the VIII may be just as good.

_EVOlved_

iTrader: (12)

Thanks man...Can I get 300whp on an 05 RS with a TBE and custom tune @ AMS?

_EVOlved_

iTrader: (12)

Id plan on replacing the turbo either way (VIII or IX) with a larger one too...

Stangar

Considering the cars you have in question the NEW purchase is probably considerably smarter than buying used.

You usually have no idea how the used (abused?) vehicle was treated, wrecked?, fluids changed?, road/drag raced, etc.

Save yourself some headaches. Nothing better than new in your price selection you described above.

Of course, a new MR is the real way to go. The 6 speed does shift a little smoother than the 5 speed. Engine speed is hardly different in TOP gear between the 5 and 6 speed.

EVO Neil

iTrader: (6)

So much wrong information above. Try this link:

http://motortrend.com/roadtests/seda...vos/index.html

Keep in mind that the gear ratios in the 5-speed box are closer together in the '06 IX, than the previous VIII's. The 6-speed ratios are the same on the IX. I've owned both and consider the MR worth the extra money, but to each his own.

bigfishs

iTrader: (5)

If you can put up with RS specs (no ele windows, on a daily driving basis, assuming thats what u want it for) get it. If the creature comforts are a bit more important, get the 05 MR.

_EVOlved_

iTrader: (12)

Im leaning towards the MR...A dealership is willing to do 29.5k on an 05 MR out the door. Is that a good deal? It has 4,000 miles on it too...

gunnerman

iTrader: (7)

i'd go with the evo IX...the MIVEC should help later on with mods as far as low and mid-range torque

Warrtalon

iTrader: (6)

You can definitely get 300whp with a TBE, tune, and MBC...or maybe a TBE and boost-controlling flash. Yes, AMS now does flashes, but they just began this month, so we'll see how regular it is to get 300whp with just those mods. Generally, for 300whp reliably, you'd want an mbc/bov/fuel pump/tbe/flash. That's all you need and is what I have with Dynoflash as my preferred tuner. That would put you where I am, and with the 6spd that's good enough for 12.26 on pump and 12.00 on race gas. The rev limiter is raised with a flash, so you won't be held back in the 1/4-mile until you eclipse 350whp.

I prefer the MR, but if you plan on going with a larger turbo later in life and/or plan to drag race with traps in excess of 115mph, you may want to consider the 05 5spd (gsr/rs). Their gearboxes go much further in 4th, which is what you need for drag racing. Also, you'd be paying less and won't be missing anything when going to the larger turbo. With a IX, you'd be paying for the nicer turbo and MIVEC, but you'd then be getting rid of the nice turbo, which is it's biggest asset. Just be sure to get an 05 and not an 03/04, so that you get the ACD and FLSD.

DrMerl

On twisty, back and mountain roads 3rd and 4th seem to be a good match with the stock power delivery of the IX - at least to me. 3rd is good when you need to use some engine braking for tight stuff, replacing going to 2nd on the VIII. There's enough area under the curve to use 4th from 40-100, a great gear when you're having fun zipping around at 50-70. This is street driving. It's a bit awkward doing the 5-6 shift when wrapping things out. It's also taking a bit of relearning doing a 6-5 downshift to get moving on the highway. 4th seems a little awkward on the stock powerband when playing freeway football. Great shifter, improved over the 5sp in the 03 VIII, quieter too.

_EVOlved_

iTrader: (12)

Wow thanks guys. Warrtalon: So with the IX, the only big asset is the turbo? Would the MIVEC be very valuable for me in the future knowing that I will be swapping out the turbo? Thanks!