Well, I just drove home with my new 1998 ITR. It's used, but is in virtually new condition as the car has less than 4k miles on the odo and completely stock. The previous owner is a great guy, a true auto enthusiast, and took great care of the car's mechanicals and cosmetics despite limited use.

I had long thought of replacing my first 1998 ITR after it was stolen, but never got around. I prefer CW, so didn't want to buy a new 2000 or 2001 (no offense to those who own those years, just a personal choice), and just kept waiting for the right used one to surface. It was a long wait, but well worth it.

I've owned a MINI S for the last two years, but promised my son he could have it if he kept his grades up (which he has). Will need to replace the original tires on my ITR (while miles are low, they are 6 years old) before I can accurately compare the handling of the ITR against the MINI. However, I would have to say that right now, the MINI has better steering turn-in and initial braking (even with the snow tires it is wearing currently). Have to remember that the design of the ITR's predecessor is about 10 years old, but that engine ... MY OH MY!!!

I remembered the car to be quite loud, but I guess my hear has really deteriorated as driving home for over 1 hour on the highway at speeds around 70mph was not bothersome. Perhaps I was just having too much fun playing with the controls, especially the gearbox. Well, just wanted to share this moment with you bunch of R-nuts; and for those of you on the fence about buying one ... just do it. Now to find a good car cover.

 

Wow 4k huh. I picked mine up at 7k and I thought that was low. How much you pick it up for?

 

That is low low miles!! where did you find it and how much?

 

Congrats on the new purchase. Pretty unreal that you found a 98 with that low miles too... must be practically in mint condition?

 

you=lucky man. Good find.

 

awesome find man. I know how you feel about the CW's, although I have no problem making due with my PY 8)

 

Yes, I feel very fortunate. I got to know the original owner a couple years ago when he was selling another car, but we didn't do the deal. That was when I learned he had the 1998 ITR, and I told him to call me whenever he wanted to sell. We stayed in touch over the years and when he call earlier this year, it took me one day to decide. Well, I decided right away, but wanted to make sure we could agree on a price that both of us would be happy with. I won't post that number in a public forum, but will respond with a rough figure if you PM me. As we were finishing the paper work, he asked for first crack if I should ever want to sell, which I will clearly honor. However, it's hard to see why I would ever want to sell this car.

The car (or rather MY car) is absolutely like new, with AC and Clifford alarm. My car insurance cost is very likely to increase as I love when the VTEC kicks in and the engine just SCREAMS. I haven't gotten a speeding ticket in many years, but I know I'm really playing with fire now with the ITR. Gotta do some autox with my son this year, me with the ITR and him in the MINI S ... well maybe I'll let him try the ITR too. Spring is around the corner and the driving fun will really begin soon enough. Best to you all with (or without for that matter) ITR's and keep the shiny side up!

1998 CW #77

 

Good deal - congratulations!

Please consider bringing it to the ITR Expo at Summit Point.

FWIW, I've found that the ITR is significantly faster than the MINI S, stock vs stock, based on my consistently passing several of them in the instructor run group at track events. The MINI with the Works package may be a different story, I don't know. They're both great handling cars.

 

I have no doubt that the ITR is faster on the track than the MINI S, having driven both at Lime Rock. Thanks for reminding me of ITR EXPO, but I have a dedicated track/race car (see www.stohr.com) which I think the organizers of that event would consider a distraction at best and hazardous at worse, so I don't want to ruin the party for everyone. I'll just have to be with you in spirit as I do love Summit Point and the Jefferson Circuit as well. Enjoy!

1998 CW #77