Mods, please don't lock this thread..
I know it's kinda OT but I really need Honda-Tech hardcore ITR owners to give me their opinion.
For those of you who knows, I was absence from the US for awhile..
Doesn't know where I will end up at, I sold my R to a friend..
Here's my post when I sold the R: https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=514435
I missed the R so bad but I know it was a wise decision..
Actually, I have the chance to buy it back but since I now have no garage, a Yellow Type R probably is not a good idea..

Frankly speaking, I don't really have strong desire for any other car since I always think that ITR is king.. I've closed my eyes from the world and just see my ITR as the best car out there.. (I am a Typical ITR owner)
But it's been 6 years since it's introduction in the US and maybe it's time for me to grow up and accept the fact that the DC2 is getting old.

I've been searching for a black DC2R but no luck just yet. Either the price is too high or it was modified in someway or another that's just not into what I want.
I basically want a never modified, close to new DC2R..(and yes, it's hard to find at the right price).

I need help to catch up with newer cars that is worthy to replace my ITR..
So.. Give me opinion the pro and con. my Budget is from 20-30K.

I really want to stick with Honda/Acura because of Reliability, easy to maintain, and high Resale value but The EVO, STI, etc is not out of the picture.. even older M3s and S4..

I thought it will be easy to pick a new car, but after owning and driving an ITR, it is tough because I don't want to get a car that I don't appreciate.

Right now, I have my eyes (and will take a test drive) on:
RSX-S, S2000, RX-8, EVO, STI..
doing some research on older NSX, M3s, and S4.

I've been so bias in my judgement.. I still think ITR is the best.. HELP!
Help me to prove that there's another, better car out there..
an All-around performer.. geared toward racing.. I don't mind the loudness, the harsh ride, but is fun to drive with precise steering, on-rail like handling..
Fine for Grocery-getter, can be used in the snow, a good Weekend Racer and eligible for ITREXPO..
hmmmm why does it sound like I want a DC2R now.. heh..funny.

 

Cool beans! Are you back in the States? Welcome back.

Out of your choices, STi looks pretty good. Evo's have come down in price quite a bit... if you have the right connection.

If you have the patience to wait for a nice E36 M3, that would be pretty nice. Most E36 M3's have dropped into mid-upper $20k range with low mileage. And, you don't have to worry about theft that much.

 

get the STi

 

Rumor has it that the Civic Type R is coming in February. That would be something to consider.

 

If you want a car that is "geared towards racing", then you can knock out the RSX-S and the RX-8. The Evolution 8 and WRX STi are very nice, but with tax, may blow your $30K budget. Same for a new S2000, but a used one might fit the bill.

But I don't understand why you can't find a nice close-to-stock low-mileage black ITR for much less than you would pay for a new Evo or STi. That shouldn't be too hard to find.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PiYoImuT &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">RSX-S, S2000, RX-8, EVO, STI..
doing some research on older NSX, M3s, and S4.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Good choices...
- RSX, I drove one and thought it was a POS. I wouldn't even consider it.
- S2000 is nice. Not sure if it handles or brakes as well as a ITR. Acceleration isn't much better.
- RX-8 is ugly imo. Not much of a performer either.
- EVO. Now we're talking. I posted a video in the general discussion, I think it was best motoring, and the EVO pulled the second fasted lap time on there course. Even faster than the new Lamborghini!
- STi. Good, looks better than the EVO, but not as fast on a road course.
- NSX. Probably the closest thing to a ITR. Except you'll be dealing with an old car.
- M3. This is a pimp ride, although I passed two repeatedly during my HPDE in my stock ITR.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jond &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
- M3. This is a pimp ride, although I passed two repeatedly during my HPDE in my stock ITR.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Umm, that's apples to oranges. Two different drivers, probably different mods on each car. Even though e36 M3 ballooned in weight (compared to E30) M3, it still is an M car from BMW. And, if you want to compare apples to oranges, I bet in the right hands an E30 M3 will repeatedly pass you at HPDE. (Yes, I love E30 M3. )

M3 is pimp and fast and does everything right... just expensive for my budget at this time.

 

MazdaSpeed Protege ........

its all ready taken award for best handling FWD in production .....better than the ITR (slalom) .....

Just needs a tad more b00st .....some properly sized wheels ....shed some weight ../.and some braking enhancments from Cobalt Friction , and you'll have yourself one heck of a road racing toy ...

 

- RSX: You wont like this if you want a replacement for the R that's similar.
- S2000: Probably not the best snow vehicle. Not as practical as an R. But fun, lower theft rate, etc. I would consider this depending on your priorities.
- RX-8: I'm a rotary *****, so I like these. They do have ugly front fenders (but in black it's harder to see them ) and are way down on power. Wait until that's fixed.
- EVO: Fast.. but mitsubishi reliability? I might lease one...
- STi: Eh. Not really me. IMO kinda boring, fast, but otherwise dull.
- NSX: Also boring IMO. I haven't driven a newer 6spd one but I doubt those are in the budget anyways. Maybe it's the examples I've driven (all of them) but none of them ever made me want to buy one. (street driving though)
- M3: An E30? E36? E46? Based on your price range I'm assuming E36? They are fun, have awesome brakes, but are heavy and even though they handle good they feel heavy to me. I like cars that feel nimble.
- 350Z: I respect these. They are ugly in some colors but otherwise not bad. have not done a spirated test drive (I don't like beating the **** out of a new car and no one had a demo car at the time). It's a car to look at though.

As for the ITRExpo, well, you'll need an ITR If you're budget was 40k, I'd say an Elise

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by tsunami_zc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">its all ready taken award for best handling FWD in production .....better than the ITR (slalom) .....</TD></TR></TABLE>

There is FAR more to handling than a max slalom speed.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Cosworth &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I bet in the right hands an E30 M3 will repeatedly pass you at HPDE. (Yes, I love E30 M3. )</TD></TR></TABLE>

You're probably right. Although I was also passing a M Coupe with Kuhmo Victo racers on it too! My instructor was pretty good(agressive), thats probably a good part of it.

 

In my book, the only worthy replacement of the R in the U.S. will be the Lotus Elise when it becomes available in the spring. It is a bit more money than you mentioned for a budget - but it is built with the same philosophy as the R.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Dave-ROR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> If you're budget was 40k, I'd say an Elise </TD></TR></TABLE>

Now that would be pretty decent....

 

New cars worth replacing the R with:
S2000
350Z track
G35 coupe
STi
Evo (if you are willing to buy mitsu.)
'03 cobra

Used cars worth replacing the R with:
Supra TT
300ZX TT
RX7
Roush stage 3 stang
99+ saleen s281sc

jm2c, ill update my list when my hang over goes away too many---&gt;

 

Get another ITR.

 

If you want nimble and quick, then get an e30 M3 - only problem is the high cost of replacement parts (no $25 brake rotors from Autozone...). Could also do a civic hatch with a Vtec swap (if you don't mind driving a hatchcrap) - this is the ultimate in cheap speed...

If you want lots of power, and good handling, go with an Evo or Sti (Sti will blow your budget though) - plus you get good all weather handling (AWD + snow tires = fun all year round)

If you want pimp, and fast, and decent handling, go with a G35 coupe, 350Z, or e36 M3

If you want the best of everything - and want to save some money, get another ITR!!!

 

S2000.
honda reliability.
rear wheel drive.
excellent performer in stock form.
getting cheaper every day now...

if you havent driven one, you really ought to, I got to drive my friends stock S2000, and was very very impressed, nop actualyl I was floored. even after having a very well tuned GSR sedan and now a GSR powered CX EG setup for autox duty.

S2k =

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Cosworth &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Umm, that's apples to oranges. Two different drivers, probably different mods on each car. Even though e36 M3 ballooned in weight (compared to E30) M3, it still is an M car from BMW. And, if you want to compare apples to oranges, I bet in the right hands an E30 M3 will repeatedly pass you at HPDE. (Yes, I love E30 M3. )

M3 is pimp and fast and does everything right... just expensive for my budget at this time. </TD></TR></TABLE>



I'd look @picking up a E36 M3 CSL...closet thing to an ITR IMO.

 

Wow..

good opinions.. just like what I expected from Hardcore H-Techers..

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jond &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Good choices...
- RSX, I drove one and thought it was a POS. I wouldn't even consider it.
- S2000 is nice. Not sure if it handles or brakes as well as a ITR. Acceleration isn't much better.
- RX-8 is ugly imo. Not much of a performer either.
- EVO. Now we're talking. I posted a video in the general discussion, I think it was best motoring, and the EVO pulled the second fasted lap time on there course. Even faster than the new Lamborghini!
- STi. Good, looks better than the EVO, but not as fast on a road course.
- NSX. Probably the closest thing to a ITR. Except you'll be dealing with an old car.
- M3. This is a pimp ride, although I passed two repeatedly during my HPDE in my stock ITR.


</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm not too sure why you typed some of those statements,
"S2000 is nice. Not sure if it handles or brakes as well as a ITR. Acceleration isn't much better."
Are you kidding me it on par or better then the R.

"- RX-8 is ugly imo. Not much of a performer either."
Performer?, that thing is a nasty performer, 50/50 balance and has great motor (power).

"- M3. This is a pimp ride, although I passed two repeatedly during my HPDE in my stock ITR."
HPDEs are about the driver not the car, they hold their own in most situations.

Now as for what I recommend. I say GET ANOTHER ITR. or if theft is too much of a concern then try out the RX8- from what I have read, they are a nice piece of machinery

 

"I'm not too sure why you typed some of those statements"
Trying to start **** cause I'm bored

"Are you kidding me it on par or better then the R. "
Not from the owners I've talked to. They cant get much better that a 14.2 1/4 mile and complain its unnerving how the rear will break lose on off ramps and what not.

"Performer?, that thing is a nasty performer, 50/50 balance and has great motor (power). "
Its 3000lbs. 4 doors. 3000lbs and 238hp = 14.2 1/4 mile. Thats not fast.

"HPDEs are about the driver not the car, they hold their own in most situations."
I dont doubt a good driver in a M3 couldn't take me. They're not light though.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Flux &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">In my book, the only worthy replacement of the R in the U.S. will be the Lotus Elise when it becomes available in the spring. It is a bit more money than you mentioned for a budget - but it is built with the same philosophy as the R. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Agreed!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Flux &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">In my book, the only worthy replacement of the R in the U.S. will be the Lotus Elise when it becomes available in the spring. It is a bit more money than you mentioned for a budget - but it is built with the same philosophy as the R. </TD></TR></TABLE>


THAT WILL BE MY NEXT CAR.

 

What's wrong with buying a modified ITR? At least, as long as it has the parts you'd want to put in later.

 

The man said he didn't want another ITR b/c of no garage.

So I guess that is out of the question.

I strongly reccomend you drive the 350Z. Such a flat torque curve provides very linear acceleration. Plus they are amazing looking (IMO). All around a great performer.

I'm getting an E36 M3 BTW...