New here, been stalking the forums for about a month now trying to get as much information about this beautiful car as I can.

I'm leaning more toward getting an MR, over a GSR but it's not set in stone. That's where I'd love to pick your brains. I'd prefer an MR, I can drive stick but it's been a really long time (highschool, and I'm almost 30 now) since I drove. I would get back into it quickly, but I really just prefer cruising with an automatic. But, whichever is just a better car.

I've seen some posts where people are comfortably getting 150kish miles out of their GSRs.
Does anyone have any long term experience with the MR? How has it treated you? What kind of problems do you want to look out for and how common are they?

How much does it cost to upkeep each version? I'm looking for this to be my daily, hopefully dump my 150k mile '02 Jeep Liberty.
What are some things to look out for with each vehicle?
Seen some people getting 100k either KM or miles out of the clutch in the gsr. How common is this?
Anything you guys can tell me is appreciated, I really want this car. I've test driven a few, and every time I hear that engine kick on the levi's get tight.


this long *** link is one of the cars I was looking at, but I'm kind of afraid of it. I test drove it and the AWC Service Required (or something like that) light was on.
It also popped hot for body/frame damage.


https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=170872304

 

I don't have an X, but my wife daily drives a 2011 Ralliart which pretty much has the same trans as the MR. If you want to properly maintain that SST trans in the MR, expect to spend $600-$700 every 20-25,000 miles to do a fluid swap. (A GSR trans would be less than $100 to maintain and could be done at longer intervals IMO).

But, just link anything else, if you take care of it, it should last. Our Ralliart is at 75,000 miles and the trans is great. But... I secretly worry about the damn thing because if its breaks it could cost almost more than the damn cars value to fix. A stock GSR Clutch could easily last 100,000 miles if treated right, but maybe take a re-fresher on driving a manual in a different car first


I would skip that one if the dash lights are on and it has an accident history. Its good that it has the Recaro's, but you could probably find a different 14 with just a little more miles and a spotless carfax for the same price.

 

That should be enough to tell you to stay away.

 

Yeah I figured, it's been sitting in their lot for two months now

 

What is your budget? If you really want the SST you could also look for a 2010-11 Evo X SE.

But a manual would definitely save you money in the long run.

 

Coworker has a Ralliart with 60k miles. Trans recently stopped going into even numbered gears (from what I remember him telling me). He's pretty upset. Then again... he did mention he never did fluid/maintenance. Go figure....

 

I prefer the GSR over the MR for the manual. I just like being able to "tell the car" what gear to be in instead of trying to coax it to up or downshift. It's cheaper to maintain and they've been able to push stronger numbers with it. My stock clutch didn't last 100k, it was about 30k, but I take my car to the track on occasion and that'll shorten the clutch's life significantly. Either way you'll be more than happy!

 

Opinions are great and all but what are you talking about lol. The MR is ridiculously precise to the level of being outright spooky with how fast it shifts. You don't have to 'coax' anything.

All the MR did over the GSR I had before (both phenomenal cars) is make me faster. The MR is silly quick due to the transmission alone.

Sorry had to defend the SST! lol!

 

That^

 

SST also results in more drivetrain loss. MR's consistently dyno lower than comparable GSRs.

 

The SST in the MR is indeed wicked. I've driven a 2008 and a 2011 MR, and both had me extremely impressed. I was really debating between them both, just like you are. However, I found a GSR for a good price (even though they usually hold value better) and after doing research I realized the manual is a lot more reliable in the long run. I rack on miles as I commute far.


Looking back at it I am glad I got the GSR. I planned to keep the car stock, and I do maintain them well. But plans changed, and with the turbo on there now I can't imagine trying to push that through the SST. My original 5 speed, with 140k miles just needed a 3-4 shift fork replaced while I had it taken apart and upgraded the diff pins. All else was well within spec

 

The SST is super sensitive and costs a pretty penny to maintain, If you dont maintain it expect to drain your bank account replacing the SST. The GSR clutch is known to go out super quick, but you can prolong it by babying it. The GSR is def cheaper to maintain and IMO the more fun car to drive!

 

I appreciate everyone replying! It really does help out a lot. I've been eyeing a 2015 FE with Recaro's in it... Might have to pull the trigger on it! How much does it cost about to replace the clutch on the GSR?

 

It depends largely on clutch, but figure: Clutch kit + fluid + ~$75 to resurface flywheel, + $700-800 labor.

 

Better to factor a couple hundo for the flywheel in that budget, just in case yours is destroyed and not worth resurfacing. Mine came out that way, I just got the ACT.