This is an odd yet interesting story that happened to me and ultimately I would like to know the opinion of a pretty diversified group. I know many people here have gone through ITR's to cars like the EVO and STi as well as reversed that order and eventually returned to the ITR or something different.

During the month of June I started talking to Justin V. who had his car for sale, for those of you who have not seen JV's ITR it was feature in the "pink" issue of Super Street. I think it was the July issue but I'm not 100% positive, it had the two Mazda's, the RX8 and the 7 on the cover.

So Justin and I after much collaboration come to a set price minus a few of the mods on the car and the assumption that I was going to take over the project and finish getting it tuned with some aftermarket cams as the compression ratio is about 12-12.5:1 with the stock cams. I send a two thousand dollar deposit.

Consequently, there were a few things that needed to be fixed on the car and I had a trip to Europe coming up in about a week, enough time to pick up the car but not enough time for Justin to get the smog and fix a few miscellaneous things. When I returned from Europe three weeks later the car was not finished and there were communication problems. I became more and more disinterested in the car as I was extremely excited and I couldn't wait to leave Europe just so I could pick up my new car.

All in all, as you could imagine both parties came to a somewhat mutual agreement that my deposit that Justin has had for almost 2 months with no car should be returned. Unfortunately at this point I am somewhat disgruntled and frustrated but not as frustrated and upset as my father has become. I’m nineteen years old and this was going to be a really fun father-son project that I got him looking forward to! It soon turned sour and I received my deposit shortly after Justin and I had discussed the issues that were hindering him from making the deal happen. Thank you Justin for returning the money when you said you would.

If you have read through thus far you are looking for a point to the story...probably a resolution right? Well I did in fact get a resolution to the entire situation, but it was in a very abrupt manner and two days after the aftermath of the ITR situation my dad said he visited the Subaru dealership and is interested in the STi. Two days after this we picked up a 05' STi with a short shift kit and the infamous gold BBS wheels on a very appealing and attractive white.

Here's the thing, it’s my dad's daily driver and it might be tracked and stuff etc etc. He loves it and I think it’s a great car but I still want an ITR. Justin said that he would sell me the car again when he gets everything under control, but after what I've gone through should I buy the car? I mean, I love the balance and ideal of the ITR and surely JV's car is one exceptional ITR but do you think a show car like that is going to be a possible weekend warrior for the track or autocross? I think trying to have a show car and a drivable car at the same time may have been foolish, but I am willing to spend the time with it i.e. clean and detail.

My problem is this; I can't get away from Honda no matter how hard I try. I have a STi and I still think about building a Honda all the time. I keep thinking of buying a hatch or ITR and building it for road course and track time. IMO: The ITR is not a 1320 car and I won't even be thinking of building it for a senseless straight line. That is why I ask your guy's opinion, because I know about the EXPO's and all the great things you guys do off the drag strip and on the track. If I could get away from a Honda, I don't think I would have spent all this time typing this story. I just don't like the Subaru's warranty problems and modifying the car is what I'd like to do but it probably won't happen with my dad using it as a daily driver and SOA (Subaru of America) trying to screw people out of warranties for everything under the sun.

The bottom line is if I track the Subaru which is exactly what I want to do, I am afraid that if I put a rod through the block they are going to say "I abused the car"and deny the warranty.

Give me some ideas for a new Honda! hatch, itr etc! Im looking for a fun project car as well as possibly JV's ITR if he decides to sell it again. The budget depends now and is defintetly limited since the purchase of the STi. Does a LS/VTEC hatch sound out of the question? Confused kid here...

Cliff Notes: Don't read it if you don't want to. Its long and I have no idea what I'm trying to say other than I love Honda?

 

Holy long post.

Don't beat yourself up so much about things like this. God knows I love them but they are, afterall, just cars. Right?

Since the STi is your dad's daily driver I highyl discourage you take it out and track it considering he may need it for work transportation, you know, things that enable you to purchase a show quality ITR.

If all you want is a car to road race, the ITR is obviously great at this, but a show quality ITR is probably not your most viable/brightest idea. THe car will get dinged, scratched, and bloodied. And on a show car this will drive you nuts.

May I suggest an ITR with a blown engine/ restored theft title. That will leave ample things for you and your dad to work on father-son style.

Now you can have your ITR, Dad can have is STi (in tact I might add), your dad will save $ over the show ITR and you will be able to bond with your pops while building it.

Just my thoughts. Remember not to get so worked up over a piece of machinery. I have to remind myself that quite often.

 

get a itr and boost it buddy.. that will make a nice father-son project and ull blow the doors off the sti and ur dad we'll get pissed. it could even start a rivalry..

 

I was looking for a blown ITR project that someone wanted pass along. Haven't found many in my area, but I also haven't had much time to look. Found a nice 97 ITR back east for 13000 but its a little far and its a gamble. Even a 6 hour drive turned into a gamble from the Bay Area to LA.

I guess I am a little worked up over everything, but the conflict over the ITR was defintely something to get worked up over. I mean I waited 3 weeks thinking everyday I can't wait untill I get to drive it. I had sponorships in mind with companies like Griots Garage.

My dad obviously got the STi to substitute for the loss of the ITR and it really has been a sweet car. Its just I'd like to modify it and I don't think thats a great idea.

 

Never a good idea to modify a car that is not 100% your own.

Search the classifieds on this site. There is an ITR for sale with a blown motor for $10,000.

 

Get the ITR. When you want to change it up borrow the STI. I couldn't get rid of the ITR for anything because I love it. I ended up purchasing an AWD Talon and making it nasty fast for the high horsepower launches. Still not as fun as the ITR. Oh the turbo on the R is nice!

 

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

Don't beat yourself up so much about things like this. God knows I love them but they are, afterall, just cars. Right?

Since the STi is your dad's daily driver I highyl discourage you take it out and track it considering he may need it for work transportation, you know, things that enable you to purchase a show quality ITR.

If all you want is a car to road race, the ITR is obviously great at this, but a show quality ITR is probably not your most viable/brightest idea. THe car will get dinged, scratched, and bloodied. And on a show car this will drive you nuts.

May I suggest an ITR with a blown engine/ restored theft title. That will leave ample things for you and your dad to work on father-son style.

Now you can have your ITR, Dad can have is STi (in tact I might add), your dad will save $ over the show ITR and you will be able to bond with your pops while building it.

Just my thoughts. Remember not to get so worked up over a piece of machinery. I have to remind myself that quite often. </TD></TR></TABLE>
A salvaged ITR could be a fun project car.

 

If and when you get an ITR........are you buying it or is your father? The only reason that i ask is b/c that may weigh your options heavily

 

Stop The Insanity!

 

When my R gets stolen, im going for a black STi!

*EDIT* after seeing that discusting display at E-Town on saturday, i would never consider a subaru again. Get the R dude.


Modified by HyperITR742 at 9:43 PM 9/12/2004

 

Having both cars is always great!, if you are able to afford (or your dad) to have both then go for it. Take your time looking for an ITR and enjoy the car (and the moments it will bring from you and your dad working on it).
STi's are great cars, the warranty issue well if you can not afford or will not like to deal with the pros and cons on modifying a car then is not worth it. Is not just Subaru voiding warranties, the same issue has been with the Evolution. There are way to many people out there that installed things wrong or abuse the car and then later on they don't want to deal with the results. wanting for the dealer to pay for things their not at fault.

 

First.. list your priorities.

reliability..speed, braking, cornering etc.

Then decide which build will work best for you.

...Basically what I'm saying is..

Do your research

 

I would spend daddy's money on an ITR with a blown motor. If it is going to be a daily driven/race car. Then you could build the motor slowly and learn how to drive it in the process. This would leave you a lot of options motor wise.

If it is going to be used only for racing you might as well just try and find a hatch with a nice body and start from scratch suspension, motor, etc. A fully built race car would be a great father son project.

 

Thanks for the reply's, and for the comment about research I have been browsing the boards for a long time, particularily the ITR board and the engine dynamics and potiential.

Some of daddy's money and the majority is my money and daddy is giving me a loan. As of now I think I have other priorities since school and sports are heavy to handle.