I really want to buy an Evo, but the only cars that really reach my criteria that are for sale are MR versions. If I found a really good deal on an MR would there really be any disadvantages?

Is the trans really worth not buying the car over?

I just dont want to buy this car and then find out "Oh.....You should have gotten a SE"

 

"MR" and "SE", are mutually exclusive and shouldnt be compared to each other IMO.

MR = mechanical upgrades (6 speed over 5sp, plus gauges indash), while SE = only cosmetic upgrades, like diff color wheels and seat stitching. keep in mind there was also a IX MR SE which combined everything into one model.

to answer your Q, no, there arent any disadvantages in getting an MR, after all it was an upgrade to a base Evo. though perhaps if you plan on building your car to have a very high output, the 6sp trans is not as strong and durable as the 5speed, found in the base Evo IX. so thats a small consideration, otherwise, go for an MR, why the heck not????

 

MR = better DD street car. It has a true overdrive and alot of added goodies.

non-MR = Better all out performance beast

 

there will be many people whom say yes or no to MRs. My friends have the 5spd and I have a MR. There are different opinions on each but comparing SEs to MRs, the only difference is the 6 speed, and bilsteins on the MRs. The SEs comes with HIDs and aluminum roof like the MRs also so that's the only difference.

 

Agreed with S6devil. You will also appreciate the 6sp if you drive on the freeway a good deal. If you plan on doing a lot of hard shifting, especially 4th (I hear that is the gear that typically gives out in these cases) then you might eventually hit this if you end up with a high hp car. There are also a lot of people that haven't had an issue.

Personally I have a IX MR with 400whp/350lb-ft and don't have an issue with 30k miles. Also, if you end up having a problem you could then deal with a rebuild (like a shep).

 

here is a cutout from the original window sticker - u decide

in addition to the 6sp. trans, and the Bilstein struts/shocks, u get this



SE - gives u Red stitching on seats, diamond graphite colored BBS wheels, and the front lip. so a very diff array of items from what the MR gives u

 

se is more for looks i think, my brother has it and major differences to mine are se lip, bbs se wheels and red stitching das bout it... oh and a shiny red "SE" logo lolz

 

Its like comparing a Green apple ( IX ) toa Red apple ( MR).

The MR is a better version, but a tad bid weaker ( 6 speed) due to being like a red apple, its over-ripe

Haha

 

^^^Isn't that the MR SE? I thought the IX SE was a different package.

*edit - was supposed to be a reply to s6devil. I always thought the IX SE was different than the MR SE stitching, wheels, and lip, etc. I don't personally know anyone with one and have had a hard time keeping track.

 

ooops i meant to compare the mr to se to gsr... sorry!!! i think da only benefit of the mr is the 6spd tranny for long trips... but if u wan power, 5spd is the way to go imo

 

For big power, and long-term reliability (such as a drag beast). I think I heard the 5-sp has taller gearing too (?).

 

this car will be a weekend warrior. Back roads and maybe some road coarses. Not much 1/4 mile drag racing at all.

 

Don't forget that with the se you get HID headlights, I believe you also get them with the MR too, but not the base IX.

I've only heard bad things about the 4th gear of the 6spd transmission about road racing causing it to overheat.

If it's that much of a concern go find a IX MR SE.

 

One important disadvantage to the more expensive MR is that after your purchase you will have less money left over for mods.

IMO, the very best value in an EVO is the '03 VIII.

 

^ Yeah, but then comes the whole mivec thing and acd thing.