Which Evo9 to buy GSR OR MR??? AND Y
Evolving Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: ca
With the mods you listed, i would go with a MR. In either model your not going to be a 5000 rpms at 80mph, maybe 3500? IF that. I wouldnt go with a 8, hard to find one with low miles. and also the 9 is just better all around, dont feel like going into details, but i will. Bigger hotside. MIVEC, better looking front end.
avoid lancershop.com for power adders. go with a proven power-adding vendor from the forums. You're in CA, there should be plenty.
Only real reason why the MR is better is the Bilsteins, but you can always get those off the Private For Sale section here for about $700 shipped for a set under 5K miles and install them on your GSR.
Other than that, I prefer the base model with the leather seats, sunroof, and sound package.
Other than that, I prefer the base model with the leather seats, sunroof, and sound package.
GSR w/ SSL or SE. MR is not worth the extra $$ unless you find a really good deal. All those extras you pay for with the MR you will eventually end up upgrading in the future anyways. MR is cool if you plan to keep it stock though.
Evolved Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,080
Likes: 27
From: Southern California
This topic again?
The simple answer is to pick up whichever Evo you find that is in the best condition and most reasonable price.
But beyond the simple answer is that the SE is the overall best choice, since it combines some of the MR's goodies (HIDs/foglights, aluminum roof, BBS wheels) with the sturdier 5-speed transmission. But if you're going to just require a daily driver with little or no mods, any of the models should be fine (IX, SSL, SE, MR, MR SE). But if you're going to do more significant mods or see a lot of track duty, then the non-MR models are the way to go.
Just my opinion of the models:
SE - The best overall package, combining aforementioned goodies of the MR with the more durable 5-speed. You can live without the vortex generator or zero-lift kit. Definitely worth the premium over the IX.
IX - Generally the least expensive (not counting the RS, which is more of a track car than a daily driver) and generally a decent starting point for any kind of modding for a daily driver.
SSL - Only good if you REALLY want a sunroof, especially since HIDs became available on the SE. The leather is mediocre and too slippery, as it doesn't grip you as well as the standard material. The sound system is decent if you're someone who doesn't want to mess with it but wants something punchy from the factory. More expensive than an SE, which already has HIDs (and was one of the original selling points for the SSL). Good if you're willing to pay a more significant premium for some extra creature comforts compared to the SE's smaller premium for more performance-oriented extras.
MR/MR SE - Has a lot of goodies and is a more comfortable daily driver (nice-feeling transmission, more compliant ride), but the 6-speed doesn't cope with too much stress, whether heavy track use or a lot of extra power from mods. Worth the money but not necessarily the price premium over a IX, especially with the SE bridging the gap and being less expensive. Has poorly placed triple-gauge unit with a boost gauge displaying in bar rather than in psi, the generally preferred measurement.
The talk about the 6-speed getting better fuel efficiency is up for debate and is minimal at best. First of all, EPA ratings (before and after the 2008 methods) always slightly favored the 5-speed models. And while obviously the driver's habits and driving conditions will cause results to vary, I've gotten a maximum of 26.22 mpg in my stock SE (and I probably could've averaged a tiny bit higher if I tried harder), and I haven't heard any specific experiences of surpassing that kind of mileage in a stock MR providing legit numbers rather than someone just saying "I got 26 mpg" (as most of the time, it's just an owner providing rough estimates or inaccurate calculations). But based on the MR's gearing and the open/close loop mode, I could believe an earlier claim made on this thread saying that at higher speeds (75+ mph) the MR could have a slight advantage in fuel efficiency, though I have exceeded 25 mpg going at those speeds with the A/C on part of the time and even in a tiny bit of traffic.
The simple answer is to pick up whichever Evo you find that is in the best condition and most reasonable price.
But beyond the simple answer is that the SE is the overall best choice, since it combines some of the MR's goodies (HIDs/foglights, aluminum roof, BBS wheels) with the sturdier 5-speed transmission. But if you're going to just require a daily driver with little or no mods, any of the models should be fine (IX, SSL, SE, MR, MR SE). But if you're going to do more significant mods or see a lot of track duty, then the non-MR models are the way to go.
Just my opinion of the models:
SE - The best overall package, combining aforementioned goodies of the MR with the more durable 5-speed. You can live without the vortex generator or zero-lift kit. Definitely worth the premium over the IX.
IX - Generally the least expensive (not counting the RS, which is more of a track car than a daily driver) and generally a decent starting point for any kind of modding for a daily driver.
SSL - Only good if you REALLY want a sunroof, especially since HIDs became available on the SE. The leather is mediocre and too slippery, as it doesn't grip you as well as the standard material. The sound system is decent if you're someone who doesn't want to mess with it but wants something punchy from the factory. More expensive than an SE, which already has HIDs (and was one of the original selling points for the SSL). Good if you're willing to pay a more significant premium for some extra creature comforts compared to the SE's smaller premium for more performance-oriented extras.
MR/MR SE - Has a lot of goodies and is a more comfortable daily driver (nice-feeling transmission, more compliant ride), but the 6-speed doesn't cope with too much stress, whether heavy track use or a lot of extra power from mods. Worth the money but not necessarily the price premium over a IX, especially with the SE bridging the gap and being less expensive. Has poorly placed triple-gauge unit with a boost gauge displaying in bar rather than in psi, the generally preferred measurement.
The talk about the 6-speed getting better fuel efficiency is up for debate and is minimal at best. First of all, EPA ratings (before and after the 2008 methods) always slightly favored the 5-speed models. And while obviously the driver's habits and driving conditions will cause results to vary, I've gotten a maximum of 26.22 mpg in my stock SE (and I probably could've averaged a tiny bit higher if I tried harder), and I haven't heard any specific experiences of surpassing that kind of mileage in a stock MR providing legit numbers rather than someone just saying "I got 26 mpg" (as most of the time, it's just an owner providing rough estimates or inaccurate calculations). But based on the MR's gearing and the open/close loop mode, I could believe an earlier claim made on this thread saying that at higher speeds (75+ mph) the MR could have a slight advantage in fuel efficiency, though I have exceeded 25 mpg going at those speeds with the A/C on part of the time and even in a tiny bit of traffic.
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 43
From: N.New Jersey, SoCal & Tokyo, Japan
I own a Graphite Grey 2006 MR. It is my daily driver. It has 27,800 miles on it. It is currently, 'lightly' modified with big plans on the way. I use it for going to work, picking-up my Daughter from school, 'grocery getting', etc. She is not going to be a dedicated track car, but she will be a weekend warrior now and again. I had the choice of all three models when I was buying my Evo new. I firmly believe that the MR is a great choice. I have never had a problem with the 6-speed trans and only learned about there being a problem while on this 'site. I don't baby my car as far as speeding goes, but I don't abuse it either! I am keeping this car, along with my 'old school' MITSUBISHI Starion FOREVER!
I have seen the resale prices of some MRs' in my area (NY/NJ) are a step higher that the GSRs' ...Also remember, there are ONLY about 1,200 MRs' imported in The USA for each year that it was available here in the 'States (2-3 years?). Having the chance to buy a limited, rare MR again, I would do it in a mila-second! Those Bilsteins Struts and BBS Wheel combination aren't just eye candy!
When I show my car with my TSE & Evo-NY Club buddies at car shows, it is nice to hear from the public on the positive comments that they express about the rarity of an MR. Not that we buy our Evos' for what other people say, but it is nice to hear. Well, thanks for reading...I was just expressing my views...
-Howard
I have seen the resale prices of some MRs' in my area (NY/NJ) are a step higher that the GSRs' ...Also remember, there are ONLY about 1,200 MRs' imported in The USA for each year that it was available here in the 'States (2-3 years?). Having the chance to buy a limited, rare MR again, I would do it in a mila-second! Those Bilsteins Struts and BBS Wheel combination aren't just eye candy!
When I show my car with my TSE & Evo-NY Club buddies at car shows, it is nice to hear from the public on the positive comments that they express about the rarity of an MR. Not that we buy our Evos' for what other people say, but it is nice to hear. Well, thanks for reading...I was just expressing my views... -Howard
Evolved Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,080
Likes: 27
From: Southern California
But in Japan, the turbos vary from model to model, like the compressor blades might be made of a lighter material for one model, which helps spool and torque a tiny bit.
LOL, I can't believe you are actually considering gas mileage on an evo...if you want good gas mileage get a toyota. That being said, if you plan on tracking the car, I hear 4th gear dies in the MR. I've seen a number of people with MRs swap the 6 speed for a 5 speed. I personally own an MR and haven't had any issues with the 6 speed. But then again I do not track my car.
Evolved Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,080
Likes: 27
From: Southern California
I remember when I first got my Evo and super unleaded was still only $2.39/gallon... those were the days.