If you can't decide, get an MR with the SE package. There are a bunch running around, if you are patient

If you are going to track it, don't get the MR. MR is weak in roadcourse, search for Tre or the other guy that rebuilds them (name escapes me atm but someone will chime in with it), I think one of them's screen name is gears, and read what they say about the MR. They know more about evo trannies then most of the mitsu engineers lolz

 

also means more money if u brake the acd lol

 

just standing up or us 8 fellas

my 2cents mr if you gonna dd and drive alot of highways. otherwise se is just as hot

evo 9 mr se is what i would buy if i can do it over again.

 

i have a evo 9 mr se,, never had a problem with it.

 

i never had a problem with my 6sp before and it shifts like butter compared to the 5sp, i had the 5sp with my old 04 viii and 05 viii and i like the 6sp alot better for what i use it for, also the 6sp's 1,2,3 gears are thicker then the 5sp's 1,2,3 but the 4th gear is thinner..

remember that the 5sp's have there share of problems also, like bad 3rd 5th syncros!

 

I thought the SE didn't ocme with HID's (I see a lot for sale without HID's). On transmission thing.......I think you need to remember one thing. Most EVO's suffer from the TCase deathwhine and tranny's/clutches tend to go out. So if you plan to buy an MR then set aside about 2g's for a TCase rebuild ($1000 - $2000 depending on who you get to do it and what optons you opt for) and transmission rebuild (You can convert the 6spd to 5 speed) and good a good clutch.

If you save for those 2 items you won't be pissed when they go out on you. I see alot of new 2nd hand EVO owners talking about having to replace the TCase, tranny or clutch shortly after purchase. Its an AWD car...unless you keep the HP stock you are going to have potential to have issues until they are addressed. Hell even un-modified EVo's have had drivetrain issues,

I bought a 09 IX GSR that used to be built (returned to stock with a stock EVO and I haven't driven the car yet because the 1st thing I decided to do is send the TCase and tranny off to Shep. I don't want to think about having to do this again.

I was stuck on getting an MR in white but an Evo is an Evo is an EVO.

 

Yeah, I just cant find any good deals on ix GSR's. Seem's like there are way more MR's for sale than regular IX's.

I cant get over the fact that I am ready to buy an evo, but cant find a low mile unbeated white, blue, or gg IX. Just a stock car that was garage kept and treated nicely is hard to find. Most are owned by 20 year old's that have put an hks bov on it, and are working on 3rd clutch.

 

Just to clarify the difference between a IX SE and a IX MR SE, the only differences are the 6 speed, gauge pack, and the Bilstein suspension.

 

lol... yeah there is a thread on here with the exact production numbers, but if i remember correctly more 06 mr's than gsr or rs were produced, the latter being super exclusive only 400-450 of the rs's around..

 

The weakness of the MR's tranny is overstated. Some GSR owners act as though MRs are these delicate little daily drivers with systemic issues, when in fact the overwhelming majority of failures and/or 4th gear overheating are in cases with big power and extended tracking. Unless you plan on modding over 400 whp and tracking a lot, the MR is a solid choice. In fact, if you have the $, many would argue it is a better choice, since it has the bilsteins which make a big difference, 6th gear in highway driving and cosmetic upgrades. (yes, you can always add bilsteins in a gsr).

There are lots of MR owners out there you have over 400 whp and track it and have no issues whatsoever (yahu being one of them, see post above). Since your car will be a "weekend warrior" as you say, the MR is a great choice.

Yes, I have an MR SE, so people may accuse me of being biased; you can take my opinion with a grain of salt.

Try test driving both and see what you think.

 

Yeah, im just trying to convince myself that either model is as good as the person who drives it. I figured around 400whp max on weekend cruises with no launching. I honestly cant see a problem with an MR.

This is a very important expensive decision, I just want to make the right one.

 

love the 6 speed gear ratio on the MR.

 

OP knows he wants the MR..... so get it.

 

Completely agreed!

 

like many of the other people here, i can only speak from my experience, and all of the comments here are full of useful info/input. basically is all about your preference, so see what feels best to you.

i've had my gsr for a yr, and got lucky that i found one with less then 10K, garage kept, was a steal of a deal, and barely driven by the owner (he still had the plastic covering crap on the car and stickers when i looked at it!) took me about 4 months to find (felt like it was a lot longer), but i'm happy i waited that long for the car i really wanted instead of a car i liked. i'm sure you'll have the same luck too, so good luck hunting!!

my evo is my DD, with a little street/track fun on the weekends, and i asked as many evo owners as i could find to see what their experiences were. for track reasons, going with a 5 speed was a better option since mr's have some tranny issues when pushing around 400whp+, unless you plan on having $$ for it saved or you plan on swapping for a 5 speed down the road. but for what you're prob looking for, an MR should be fine. i also think that HIDs is the way to go, but again that’s your preference.

good luck!