Am I making the right choice? GSR over GSR SSL or MR
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: San Diego
Eggy...I was EXACTLY where you are. I put 49,000 miles on my 03 EVO VIII, before I sold it to South Coast Mitsubishi where I purchased my 06 IX MR. I paid $4,400 more than I would have for the GSR I was considering (Sam has great deals)...but after putting 2000 miles on my IX MR...I KNOW I MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE...FOR ME. 1) For me, the difference in the monthly payments was negligible. 2) My 03 came with HIDs, and I COULD NEVER LIVE WITHOUT THEM. I'm not sure of the DOT legalities in adding them to a non OEM equipped car. 3) I have always loved the MR BBS wheels. 4) I wanted to try the six-speed. I always assumed that the six-speed was a waste...because I had never driven a six-speed Evo. I would NEVER GO BACK to the five-speed. I find the six-speed way more enjoyable for sporty driving, I can always keep my engine in whatever RPM range I want to at virtually any speed I ever see on the street. It's funny..but I WOULD NOW PAY THE EXTRA $4,400 JUST TO HAVE THE SIX-SPEED TRANNY. I enjoy it that much. I agree with most of your MR nit picks. I plan to "lose" the useless "sport meter" guage cluster for a functional storage pocket. The MR Bilstein suspension WAS way too soft for me. At the 1350 mile mark, I had John Mueller at RRC set me up with a set of MOTON Club Sport DA coilovers with 25mm rear-bar, trailing-arm bushings, and proprietary alignment. The suspension of my dreams is on my car! I already had my favorite body shop shave the "wicker-bill equipped wing" off my decklid. But, I like the front brake ducting and rubber lower air-damn that is part of the zero-lift kit. I think the ribs in the aluminum roof look cool, but it made no difference in my decision to purchase the MR over the GSR. I have no-interest in sun-roofs and leather. I also have no interest in the Vortex Generator. At least it's body colored...until I have time for the body shop to figure out how to remove it. I also removed all the emblems from the decklid the first week I had the car. I didn't buy and MR to join the "MR Elite"...I bought it because I knew it would be the perfect Evo for me...and it is...and that's all that matters.
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Toronto, Canada
Originally Posted by ranmonbu
Eggy...I was EXACTLY where you are. I put 49,000 miles on my 03 EVO VIII, before I sold it to South Coast Mitsubishi where I purchased my 06 IX MR. I paid $4,400 more than I would have for the GSR I was considering (Sam has great deals)...but after putting 2000 miles on my IX MR...I KNOW I MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE...FOR ME. 1) For me, the difference in the monthly payments was negligible. 2) My 03 came with HIDs, and I COULD NEVER LIVE WITHOUT THEM. I'm not sure of the DOT legalities in adding them to a non OEM equipped car. 3) I have always loved the MR BBS wheels. 4) I wanted to try the six-speed. I always assumed that the six-speed was a waste...because I had never driven a six-speed Evo. I would NEVER GO BACK to the five-speed. I find the six-speed way more enjoyable for sporty driving, I can always keep my engine in whatever RPM range I want to at virtually any speed I ever see on the street. It's funny..but I WOULD NOW PAY THE EXTRA $4,400 JUST TO HAVE THE SIX-SPEED TRANNY. I enjoy it that much. I agree with most of your MR nit picks. I plan to "lose" the useless "sport meter" guage cluster for a functional storage pocket. The MR Bilstein suspension WAS way too soft for me. At the 1350 mile mark, I had John Mueller at RRC set me up with a set of MOTON Club Sport DA coilovers with 25mm rear-bar, trailing-arm bushings, and proprietary alignment. The suspension of my dreams is on my car! I already had my favorite body shop shave the "wicker-bill equipped wing" off my decklid. But, I like the front brake ducting and rubber lower air-damn that is part of the zero-lift kit. I think the ribs in the aluminum roof look cool, but it made no difference in my decision to purchase the MR over the GSR. I have no-interest in sun-roofs and leather. I also have no interest in the Vortex Generator. At least it's body colored...until I have time for the body shop to figure out how to remove it. I also removed all the emblems from the decklid the first week I had the car. I didn't buy and MR to join the "MR Elite"...I bought it because I knew it would be the perfect Evo for me...and it is...and that's all that matters.
Oh my God, making this thread was such a stupid idea hahaha.... damnit....
If I have the extra money I probably will go for the MR. If anything I will just sell the wheels and buy steelies for the winter anyway....... but I don't know if I will... man... such a headache right now. Seriously... guys...
I went straight GSR IX, mostly because I didn't want the sunroof or leather, the MR is too much, and the RS has no ABS or power door locks/windows. I can't pay that much for a car without freaking power windows!
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 86
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From: Maryland
Originally Posted by Eggy
Please note, I am not a newb to car forums, and I did search, and I couldn't find a thread that relate to what I am discussing specifically. I don't want to beat around the bush, as this problem is specific to myself and my preferences/financial situation. Please try not to flame. Anyway...
I am seeing all these great deals offered by South Coast Mitsubishi, and I am really wanting to narrow down exactly which Evo IX I will want to grab, since they can be had so cheap new. Anyway, I had originally thought I was going to aim for an MR or a GSR with SSL (mainly because i wanted HIDs...), but after doing a more thorough analysis, and noting that the price difference is pretty great, I am starting to think a GSR is a better bet for me. Here are some of my reasons, and I would really appreciate if anyone could post to correct me if I have made any errors in my judgment. I got all the specifics of the Mitsubishi site.
Reasons why I think GSR (no SSL) will suit me, and why I don't feel the need to shell out the extra for MR or GSR with SSL pacakge
First, why I am steering away from SSL:
1. Seats: I hear the stock seats are great, and I personally think leather racing seats won't grip as well. Also added weight and I really don't care much about leather.
2. Sunroof: I do wish I had a sunroof on my Accord, but on a car like this, I think the thrill of all that power will make up for no sunroof. Also, without a sunroof I will save in weight and I know an open sunroof is bad for the overall aerodynamics of the vehicle.
3. Sound system: Don't want the extra weight, and I would much prefer to do my own custom set-up later on when I have some extra cash anyway. I'm a sound nut, and stock systems never do it for me
****Please give advice!!!****
The ONLY reason the SSL enticed me was because of the HIDs. I am now a bit puzzled because I would rather go with a regular GSR and just get aftermarket HIDs installed, but I don't know if the GSR housings are different from SSL or MR housings, or if I will run into other problems. Will I have a hard time throwing HIDs on a non-SSL GSR???
***********************
OK now my reasons for not going MR
1. 5-speed: My two previous cars have been 5 speeds (e36 bmw 325i and 7th gen honda accord coupe) so I am very used to it, and really don't feel that 6 speeds are completely necessary. I have heard that the 5 speed also gets better milage, and possibly better 1/4 mile times due to not having to shift one extra time. I know 6 speeds might be a bit more fun to drive, but I haven't found my previous 5 speeds boring. Watching my friends with 6 speeds drive it almost seems like to would be annoying to shift so much. Am I seriously mistaken about the Evo's 6-speed tranny? Is it a lot better than the 5-speed? Or is it just more about preference?
2. Shocks: I plan on getting coilovers anyway, so the shocks on the MR wouldn't be of much use to me.
3. Roof: I know the GSR doesn't have an aluminum roof, but for a few grand less I don't mind the extra weight.
4. Rims: I personally like the regular GSR rims better than the MR rims, but that is merely personal preference.
5. Gauges: I want to put aftermarket gauges in the car, and the fact that the MR comes with them would just be completely unneeded. They would be more than a burden for a number of reasons. First I think they are crappy looking (again, subjective), and second, I plan on doing Rich's Orbital Prestige 2 din kit with the A/C controls relocated to where those gauges would be, so I would have a bunch of ugly gauges I didn't want in the first place.
The only thing the MR has that I really want are again HIDs, so if someone could address my HID concerns I would be really happy.
As you can see, I have put a LOT of thinking into my decision, because i want to have the perfect Evo that suits me. If I have made an error in any comparisons, or have missed out on something please chime in and let me know!
Sorry for the long post, and please give me your input!
-Aaron
I am seeing all these great deals offered by South Coast Mitsubishi, and I am really wanting to narrow down exactly which Evo IX I will want to grab, since they can be had so cheap new. Anyway, I had originally thought I was going to aim for an MR or a GSR with SSL (mainly because i wanted HIDs...), but after doing a more thorough analysis, and noting that the price difference is pretty great, I am starting to think a GSR is a better bet for me. Here are some of my reasons, and I would really appreciate if anyone could post to correct me if I have made any errors in my judgment. I got all the specifics of the Mitsubishi site.
Reasons why I think GSR (no SSL) will suit me, and why I don't feel the need to shell out the extra for MR or GSR with SSL pacakge
First, why I am steering away from SSL:
1. Seats: I hear the stock seats are great, and I personally think leather racing seats won't grip as well. Also added weight and I really don't care much about leather.
2. Sunroof: I do wish I had a sunroof on my Accord, but on a car like this, I think the thrill of all that power will make up for no sunroof. Also, without a sunroof I will save in weight and I know an open sunroof is bad for the overall aerodynamics of the vehicle.
3. Sound system: Don't want the extra weight, and I would much prefer to do my own custom set-up later on when I have some extra cash anyway. I'm a sound nut, and stock systems never do it for me
****Please give advice!!!****
The ONLY reason the SSL enticed me was because of the HIDs. I am now a bit puzzled because I would rather go with a regular GSR and just get aftermarket HIDs installed, but I don't know if the GSR housings are different from SSL or MR housings, or if I will run into other problems. Will I have a hard time throwing HIDs on a non-SSL GSR???
***********************
OK now my reasons for not going MR
1. 5-speed: My two previous cars have been 5 speeds (e36 bmw 325i and 7th gen honda accord coupe) so I am very used to it, and really don't feel that 6 speeds are completely necessary. I have heard that the 5 speed also gets better milage, and possibly better 1/4 mile times due to not having to shift one extra time. I know 6 speeds might be a bit more fun to drive, but I haven't found my previous 5 speeds boring. Watching my friends with 6 speeds drive it almost seems like to would be annoying to shift so much. Am I seriously mistaken about the Evo's 6-speed tranny? Is it a lot better than the 5-speed? Or is it just more about preference?
2. Shocks: I plan on getting coilovers anyway, so the shocks on the MR wouldn't be of much use to me.
3. Roof: I know the GSR doesn't have an aluminum roof, but for a few grand less I don't mind the extra weight.
4. Rims: I personally like the regular GSR rims better than the MR rims, but that is merely personal preference.
5. Gauges: I want to put aftermarket gauges in the car, and the fact that the MR comes with them would just be completely unneeded. They would be more than a burden for a number of reasons. First I think they are crappy looking (again, subjective), and second, I plan on doing Rich's Orbital Prestige 2 din kit with the A/C controls relocated to where those gauges would be, so I would have a bunch of ugly gauges I didn't want in the first place.
The only thing the MR has that I really want are again HIDs, so if someone could address my HID concerns I would be really happy.
As you can see, I have put a LOT of thinking into my decision, because i want to have the perfect Evo that suits me. If I have made an error in any comparisons, or have missed out on something please chime in and let me know!
Sorry for the long post, and please give me your input!
-Aaron
I'm glad I didn't get a radio, because I would only rip it out and put in some high quality equipment. No, i'm not talking about some 50lb box thumping in my trunk. Put some nice 6.5s all around and a sweet deck. Maybe a changer.
Originally Posted by sonicnofadz
Yeah I think you are making a good choice. The MR is overpriced and over rated. The only real thing I like about the MR is that it comes with an aluminum roof, with a lowered center of gravity. Everything else is pretty much useless. The bilstein shocks in my opinion, suck ***. I would replace them anyway with a fully adjustable coilover system (such as tein or JIC). The 6 speed gear box is nice for road racing (I suppose) but if you plan on modding the car, the 6 speed is more liable to break, and is more expensive to repair and find parts for. John Shepard won't even offer to rebuild the 6 speed trannies, because he knows how fragile they are.
Anybody who says the MR is overrated or overpriced needs to say what you are comparing it against and what you really want in a car. If you are wanting cheap transportation, good gas mileage, easy modifications for low price and ultimate straight line performance, you are right. The car you need is a Honda Civic. You can get one for under $8K and if you spend $10K in mods you'll have a great race car... If you get a 1st gen Miata for $2K and spend $10K~$15K in it you'll also have a faster car than the MR, but it will also be faster than the EVO GSR or RS no matter how many mods you add to it....
Saying that the MR is overated or overpriced is bull$hit. If you want one and cannot afford it, it sounds like sour grapes. If you want something to just modify, you'd be better buying a used EVO VIII for the lowest price you can and just go for it. For me, the stock MR is the best option. I like the car, I like how it drives, how it handles and accelerates. For my purposes it's great. If I had a regular EVO and wanted it to bde like an MR, it would cost a hell of a lot more and still would not be an MR.
Evolved Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,312
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From: Birmingham, AL
Originally Posted by silverEVO8
Anybody who says the MR is overrated or overpriced needs to say what you are comparing it against and what you really want in a car.
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,080
Likes: 27
From: Southern California
Originally Posted by GPTourer
The only thing I'd rather have is the 6 speed, because I imagine a 6 speed equipped Evo, without the zero lift kit - would get better gas mileage on the highway, and I think it shifts a lot smoother then the 5.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 35
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From: Greenwich, CT
Originally Posted by DeeezNuuuts83
Common sense would tell you that, but the MR is actually rated 1 mpg lower than both the IX and RS in both city and highway mileage. And when Motor Trend tested the three models back-to-back (the VIIIs, mind you), the MR averaged just over 18 mpg while the IX averaged slightly above 20 mpg in their actual driving.
Evolved Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,080
Likes: 27
From: Southern California
Originally Posted by DC5EVOlved
Wow, 2mpg over is a signifigant difference for a 5sp to have over a 6sp I think. Common sense for me was wrong this time.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 35
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From: Greenwich, CT
Originally Posted by DeeezNuuuts83
Definitely, especially considering how gas prices are still going up and how our tanks are small. To some people, gas may not matter, but I don't have a ton of money to throw around, and I'm sure there are a lot of other Evo drivers who are the same way and would rather look for the Evo that maximizes their experience per dollar in terms of initial cost and maintenance.