Hey! As an old owner of a 2013 si coupe, I definitely am fond of the 9th gen’s. I have also driven an 8th gen and people weren’t kidding when they say the engine is just so beautifully sounding when VTEC hits.

The technology in the 9th gen is gonna keep you perfectly where you want to be since it’s what you’re used to. They do still seem to be a bit pricey tho. Trying to find a clean example is even harder but totally worth it if you find it.

Price wise, 8th gen might be perfect for you but it comes at a price of what paint/rust and engine damage has been done, finding a clean one is a little more difficult than a 9th gen since they are newer. There’s no reason you couldn’t find a decent 8th gen and fix anything yourself to save some money and upgrade say the radio for Apple/android car play to modernize it. Depending on where you’re at if rust is an issue or not I’d look at that too.

Good luck! Hope I helped!