I'm ready to pull the trigger on an Evo. I have found two I'm interested in, and I gotta nail it own to one. I wanna put it out to you, the experienced Evo owner.
Both of them are 2006 "Brand New". I'm getting below MSRP on both, but the "SE" ends up being $4k less than the "MR". Is the MR worth $4k more? Basically it has the 6-speed, which depending on who I talk to, is better or worse than the 5-speed. They both have aluminum roofs, and the MR apparently has better suspension, although I plan on replacing the shocks and sway bars anyway.
I checked KBB's value on both cars with 10K miles, and the MR is worth about $2k more than the SE, but once again, the SE is $4k less.
Please give me some guidance
TIA

 

I know how you feel ... I ended up with both.

If you are changing the suspension and don't care to have a 6-speed, get the SE. It's really that simple.

And, congratulations.

 

I say SE.

 

What colors are available and what dealer?

 

go se.

 

i got an MR mainly for two reasons.

first being that i got a real good deal on it.

second being that i was just about willing to sell my soul to get graphite grey

other than that, i would have gone for the SE. the 6speed is nice for cruising on the highway with the extra gear, and it shifts very smoothly, but it's not a deal breaker either way.

the bilsteins are wonderful, and i love them, but if you're planning on getting coilovers anyways, then just save yourself the 4k on the car and spend that 4k on a sick set of coilovers and some other little goodies.

since you're buying used, i don't know if you're getting a warranty, but keep in mind if you start modding that warranty will be void almost immediately. some dealers are cooler than others, but general rule of thumb is once you start changing things, don't expect the warrnty to be honored.

 

1st off congrats, 2nd it all really depends. Im sure you have heard alot of grief about the MR and their tranny. However the ones that break are primarily from people not warming up the tranny before ripping on it. I have the MR and I have had no problems with it and trust me it took some serious abuse from the previous owner (2 clutches before 11k). If you switch the suspension then it doesnt matter its really going to be a preference of wether or not you want a 5 or a 6spd. The 6spd is more fun IMO but its really your call. If you have the $ to spend I would get the MR, then again buying the SE could save you $4k which will be another $4k potentialy in mods right off the bat right...... tough decision just decide if you want the 5 or 6 spd and make sure you properly warm the tranny and the oil up properly before getting on it and you should have no problems.

 

I would go with the SE and spend the extra cash on up-grades. It also depends on the color of the car.

 

what color is the se and how about the MR?

 

if you will upgrade ,then get a cheaper one.

 

I've talked with a lot of shops that have done a great deal of 6spd to 5spd swaps. Depends on your modding goals; or lack there of...

 

I didn't know the SE come with Aluminum roof.

Well depending on color. If the MR is White, I wouldn't think twice but to get the MR. But both are just great cars regardless.

 

If you talk to TRE , BW, or SHEP they will convince you NOT to get the MR. That 6 speed tranny is made for a street car not a track car. This is not a debate, its fact. For that reason along I wouldn't get the MR.

As for the suspension. Unless you like the stock look of the EVO odds are you will replace the suspension within the first year. I hate the stock monster front wheel gap.

Lastly I'd like to point out that no matter what you do.... get an EVO9. The updated interior, front bumper, and mivec are well worth the extra $$$.

 

I bought an almost new (700 miles) SE in July of this year. I love it. I was looking at new MR's at dealerships in Texas, but I could not justify paying 35-37K when I was able to purchase the SE for 29K. I will go to coilovers and, depending on who you ask, the 5-speed may be better for the type of driving you do.
Do you want to drag, auto-x, or just drive it around town? Once you decide what you plan on doing with it, ask other people who routinely do those things which transmission they would prefer. Remember, its about the gearing of the one vs. the other.
I commonly hear that the 5-speed is stouter than the 6-speed. I have no personal experience to back the claim. If you go with the MR, you can always have the transmission "built" by a good shop. I belive Buschur's tranny build is less than 1K.
I do not think that you will be disapointed with either one. But think of all the mods you can do for 4K.

Good luck

 

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