Alright, here's the deal.
My living situation is changing in the next few months such that we will need a second car for occasional use. Long story short, I'm moving further away from school but don't want to leave my gf without a car. I am taking this opportunity to try to find something cheap and fun to use as my occasional DD so she can use the E90 whenever she thinks she might need a car. We don't need a second car enough to justify dropping serious cash on it.
Criteria:
RWD preferable
Convertible >> Coupe >>>> Sedan
Must be manual
Must be fun to drive ('fun' is a complicated term, but I generally prefer nimble to powerful)
KBB private party < $3.5k
I have wanted an E30 coupe for a long time. I grew up around BMWs of the late '80s and '90s and I have an emotional attachment to them. They're also RWD and super fun to drive. I'm also considering E36s because I'm well aware that they're often as cheap as E30s given a specific condition/mileage. An E36 cabrio would be amazing - KBB says a '93 325iC is worth around $3k, which means with my connections (my cousin owns a dealership and is at auctions all the time) I could probably get one for closer to $2000 or $2500.
I am probably [somewhat irrationally] going to end up with an E30/E36 because I love them and they're fkin awesome to drive and they're on my "to own before I die" list. But I want to see what else y'all can think of that I should keep in mind. Part of me is still thinking about spending a little more cash and getting an early model E38 or E39 for her to drive and I'll just continue driving the E90 as a DD. My concerns about repair costs are slightly mitigated by the fact that I'm going to be doing the work whenever possible.
I'll sell you my Focus..... :lol:
--------
In all seriousness, have you done repairs on a car at all? You sound somewhat like myself but with more money. I paid 2K for a Focus, and it keeps breaking in ways I couldn't have imagined and in ways that are too complicated for me to fix. (I fixed the problems I had with the Neon myself, I gave it up when the thing was three quarts of oil every two days)
An E30 from that perspective sounds like a terrible idea.
You can't buy anything good for less than $3500.
Quote from: 2o6 on February 28, 2012, 02:32:56 PM
I'll sell you my Focus..... :lol:
--------
In all seriousness, have you done repairs on a car at all? You sound somewhat like myself but with more money. I paid 2K for a Focus, and it keeps breaking in ways I couldn't have imagined and in ways that are too complicated for me to fix. (I fixed the problems I had with the Neon myself, I gave it up when the thing was three quarts of oil every two days)
An E30 from that perspective sounds like a terrible idea.
No. I have to start doing them on my car anyways, so I figure I might as well learn.
Quote from: 850CSi on February 28, 2012, 02:37:53 PM
No. I have to start doing them on my car anyways, so I figure I might as well learn.
That's what I said, too. ;)
Quote from: 2o6 on February 28, 2012, 02:32:56 PM
I'll sell you my Focus..... :lol:
--------
In all seriousness, have you done repairs on a car at all? You sound somewhat like myself but with more money. I paid 2K for a Focus, and it keeps breaking in ways I couldn't have imagined and in ways that are too complicated for me to fix. (I fixed the problems I had with the Neon myself, I gave it up when the thing was three quarts of oil every two days)
An E30 from that perspective sounds like a terrible idea.
Yeah, I agree with this. I doubt you'll find anything at this price point that is any sort of reliable. It'll probably be far more trouble than its worth.
Is public transit not an option?
Quote from: 2o6 on February 28, 2012, 02:39:44 PM
That's what I said, too. ;)
Heh, fair enough :lol:
Quote from: Xer0 on February 28, 2012, 02:43:00 PM
Yeah, I agree with this. I doubt you'll find anything at this price point that is any sort of reliable. It'll probably be far more trouble than its worth.
Is public transit not an option?
I will have two cars so I don't really need it to be all that reliable. My gf will be walking/taking the bus.
I will have this kind of $ after the summer and I figure this is as good a time as ever to buy something like this. I'll have all of next year to mess around with it before I graduate and these cars won't depreciate very much anyways.
Quote from: Xer0 on February 28, 2012, 02:43:00 PM
Yeah, I agree with this. I doubt you'll find anything at this price point that is any sort of reliable. It'll probably be far more trouble than its worth.
Is public transit not an option?
:hesaid:
I was about to ask about getting a bus pass. Spending only 2-3k on a car is one thing. Spending that amount of money on an old BMW as a daily driver seems calamitous.
IF reliability is not a concern go for an old E36. Just get a mechanic to look it over before hand, old cars can get pricey fast.
If you're seriously looking at something decent to drive, reliable and actually fun, I am going to recommend an old Civic, ZX2, Protege or Focus (just be more cautious than I did, and stay away from the SPI).
Making RWD a requirement and you only have 2K seems a little foolish, IMO.
Buying a $3500 BMW is stupid. Buying a $3500 Civic is less stupid.
Quote from: 2o6 on February 28, 2012, 02:48:53 PM
If you're seriously looking at something decent to drive, reliable and actually fun, I am going to recommend an old Civic, ZX2, Protege or Focus (just be more cautious than I did, and stay away from the SPI).
Making RWD a requirement and you only have 2K seems a little foolish, IMO.
I like all of those suggestions and will keep them in mind. I'm particularly a fan of Proteges and early 2000s Civics.
RWD isn't a requirement, it's preferred. I've probably driven around 90k miles in my lifetime; at least 70k of that has been RWD. I'm a lot more used to it and I just like it more from my experience. Anything fun and cheap qualifies.
Quote from: Northlands on February 28, 2012, 02:46:23 PM
:hesaid:
I was about to ask about getting a bus pass. Spending only 2-3k on a car is one thing. Spending that amount of money on an old BMW as a daily driver seems calamitous.
Like I said, I don't need reliability. She'll be taking the bus anyways, and if shit hits the fan with both cars at the same time, there's a campus shuttle I can take as well.
Quote from: sportyaccordy on February 28, 2012, 02:47:17 PM
IF reliability is not a concern go for an old E36. Just get a mechanic to look it over before hand, old cars can get pricey fast.
Yeah, this is my thinking. I won't be buying on my own, and my cousin has mechanics he works with that can help me out.
I had a friend who bought an old E30 for around 2K.
The car was so rusty the car was literally about to split in half.
Quote from: 2o6 on February 28, 2012, 02:51:43 PM
I had a friend who bought an old E30 for around 2K.
One of my buddies just bought a 325e for $500. It's actually in fairly good condition; he's working on converting it to a 32[7]i. I drove it, it was unbelievably soft. But I was shocked at how quickly I acclimated to its transmission.
Heh, you conveniently skipped over the other half of the post!
Quote from: 2o6 on February 28, 2012, 02:54:23 PM
Heh, you conveniently skipped over the other half of the post!
[I don't live in the snow belt]
Buying a 20 year old BMW for $2-3k has trouble written all over it. The fact that you want to actually use an E30 as a DD is pretty silly. I bet a nice condition E30, if you really wanted to DD it, would go for $4k+ (that's how much the nicer ones cost when I was looking around). Do you think you will have enough time and patience to fix two BMW's? Not to mention all the tools and space you'll need as well.
If you want something that old, I'd get a CRX. It's practical, fuel efficient, and with less than 2000 lb, pretty fun, I bet. Or get an NA Miata for RWD, convertible and decent reliability.
NA Miata is super tempting, but will it really be that much cheaper to maintain? I also don't know if I'll even fit in it.
Remember, not a true DD. Semi-DD that has a backup car.
Quote from: 850CSi on February 28, 2012, 03:20:59 PM
NA Miata is super tempting, but will it really be that much cheaper to maintain? I also don't know if I'll even fit in it.
Remember, not a true DD. Semi-DD that has a backup car.
I'm 6'2" and can comfortably fit in the NA. Not sure about you, though. Probably should sit in one before ruling it out.
I think most people have more of an issue with the narrow-ness of the car.
Quote from: 850CSi on February 28, 2012, 03:20:59 PM
NA Miata is super tempting, but will it really be that much cheaper to maintain? I also don't know if I'll even fit in it.
Remember, not a true DD. Semi-DD that has a backup car.
An NA Miata for $2500 will be shit.
Quote from: thecarnut on February 28, 2012, 03:23:36 PM
I'm 6'2" and can comfortably fit in the NA. Not sure about you, though. Probably should sit in one before ruling it out.
I think most people have more of an issue with the narrow-ness of the car.
I'm 6'0" and the top of the windshield is directly in my line of vision. I have short legs and a long torso though so that's my problem.
Quote from: thecarnut on February 28, 2012, 03:23:36 PM
I'm 6'2" and can comfortably fit in the NA. Not sure about you, though. Probably should sit in one before ruling it out.
I think most people have more of an issue with the narrow-ness of the car.
I've only ever sat in an NC. It was tight, and I certainly wouldn't take a trip in one, but I was fine (and had a blast, probably 2nd or 3rd most fun car I've ever driven). I was under the impression that NCs were bigger on the inside than NA/NBs. I'm 6'3"ish.
Quote from: SVT666 on February 28, 2012, 03:25:26 PM
An NA Miata for $2500 will be shit.
http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/2867351257.html
Doesn't look
too bad.
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2865415768.html
I'm not saying this because I'm a Mazda fan. Mazda is not perfect and they have flaws. That said, if you can find a 1994 MX-5 at that price in good condition then go for it. NA miata's are as rock solid as any car that age you can find. I won't say perfect, but about as close as you can get.
Oh, and if you need help I can show you how to make some more room in one and it still look factory.
Quote from: SVT666 on February 28, 2012, 03:26:13 PM
I'm 6'0" and the top of the windshield is directly in my line of vision. I have short legs and a long torso though so that's my problem.
I have long legs and a short torso, so I had plenty of headroom with no visibility issues. IIRC Onslaught is 6'4" and has an NA.
Quote from: SVT666 on February 28, 2012, 02:50:11 PM
Buying a $3500 BMW is stupid. Buying a $3500 Civic is less stupid.
How about a $3500 Sunfire?
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on February 28, 2012, 03:50:18 PM
How about a $3500 Sunfire?
(http://gripedujour.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/lowblow.jpg)
Quote from: Onslaught on February 28, 2012, 03:32:45 PM
Oh, and if you need help I can show you how to make some more room in one and it still look factory.
My buddy had to remove some of the padding in the seat cushion to fit in his.
Part of me wants a Protege5... But I don't think I'd find anything below $4k. And then again if I'm going to do this I think I want a raw driving experience.
From what I?ve read E30s tend to be more robustly engineered than E36s. I?d go with an E30, not sure if cabrio though.
A Z3? How much would that be? It?s like an E30 roadster.
Z3 might actually be an option. I was never a big fan and I like the E36 a lot more, but I can't argue with it.
Anyone think I can find a worthy Impreza in this range?
I think I might be able to get something like this below $3k... Tough to beat if so
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2871315903.html
I think I've bought more sub-$3k cars around here than anyone..
In that pricerange it's tough to find "dependable" and "fun". Enthusiasts know the value of their car and hold on to them longer. Once in a while you can luck out on someone that just is ready to get rid of a car. But usually not the kind you want.
Things to watch out for
-shady dealerships buy the cheap cheap ones at auction, dress it up enough to sell it, might have hidden damage or problems.
-people who say the've sunk all the money into the car recently might be a GOOD buy, they have done much of the repairwork for you, and right when they've made the car valuable again they say "i'm tired of wasting money on this car" and unload it.
-You're going to be looking at a lot of mileage. If the mileage seems way too low be very very wary.
-High mileage cars CAN be good drivers. Look at the overall condition. My Subaru had like 120k, broken a/c, and a bad axle. It's still got some kind of transmission problem (and the checkengine light is on as of lastweek) but the interior was FLAWLESS and ontop of the sparetire were some gloves, a small rug (presumably to change a tire and not get dirty,) flares, etc... So the previous owner was very thoughtful of the car.
(Subie was $2500, a/c was $1300 a year later. Replaced an axle 2009, alternator and battery 2010, just rolled 151k miles.)
Remember too, if you buy a $2k car and replace the engine or transmission, you're still only looking at a $3-4k investment. And you'd know that engine or transmission is good for a WHILE. If you (+friends and family) do car work, you can actually drive pretty cheap.
OH and BMWs are way too expensive for beater cars. Parts alone are 4-5times as much as domestics or other brands.
[/my opinion]
Quote from: Raza link=topic=26862.msg1677195#msg1677195 date=1330470171
My buddy had to remove some of the padding in the seat cushion to fit in his.
Yep, and if you've got long legs you can take the interior door handle off. And you can get some material to cover the doors again and you've got no holes. You can put a leather strap to pull it close or just do like I do and give it a little flip from the window as I'm getting in.
Quote from: 850CSi on February 28, 2012, 06:02:30 PM
I think I might be able to get something like this below $3k... Tough to beat if so
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2871315903.html
Rear suspension handles a little loose is possibly the dreaded E36 subframe issue that costs an arm and a leg to repair. Other than that it looks reasonable.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on February 28, 2012, 03:50:18 PM
How about a $3500 Sunfire?
Lmfao 2 for 2
Dont listen to these guys. Buy that E36. Choose wisely though. If you do that you won't regret it.
How many of you guys have bought sub 3K cars LATELY?
The used car market has changed a lot.
Quote from: 2o6 on February 28, 2012, 08:12:51 PM
How many of you guys have bought sub 3K cars LATELY?
The used car market has changed a lot.
April. Bought the 940 back for $2100.
Quote from: CJ on February 28, 2012, 08:19:00 PM
April. Bought the 940 back for $2100.
Yes, a useless anecdote from a car you previously had that you bought from a friend.
Quote from: 2o6 on February 28, 2012, 08:24:27 PM
Yes, a useless anecdote from a car you previously had that you bought from a friend.
Explain.
Quote from: CJ on February 28, 2012, 08:28:43 PM
Explain.
:facepalm:
Btw, for size reference on miatas: I'm 6'2", about 190-195 lbs, and wear either a 30"x32" or 32"x32" in jeans (pretty much all torso). I daily drive an NC, but my head is against the roof if I sit up straight. I couldn't drive an NA miata. Can't get the clutch out without my leg hitting the steering wheel. Not having an adjustable steering wheel killed any chance of me fitting in it.
Quote from: 850CSi on February 28, 2012, 04:08:21 PM
Part of me wants a Protege5... But I don't think I'd find anything below $4k. And then again if I'm going to do this I think I want a raw driving experience.
You can easily find an '01 to '03 Protege for less than $3500. It's a brilliant little car. Great steering, fun to drive and pretty robust. I've had mine for 5 years, which is the longest I've kept a car. Best car I've owned.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on February 28, 2012, 06:03:05 PM
I think I've bought more sub-$3k cars around here than anyone..
In that pricerange it's tough to find "dependable" and "fun". Enthusiasts know the value of their car and hold on to them longer. Once in a while you can luck out on someone that just is ready to get rid of a car. But usually not the kind you want.
Things to watch out for
-shady dealerships buy the cheap cheap ones at auction, dress it up enough to sell it, might have hidden damage or problems.
-people who say the've sunk all the money into the car recently might be a GOOD buy, they have done much of the repairwork for you, and right when they've made the car valuable again they say "i'm tired of wasting money on this car" and unload it.
-You're going to be looking at a lot of mileage. If the mileage seems way too low be very very wary.
-High mileage cars CAN be good drivers. Look at the overall condition. My Subaru had like 120k, broken a/c, and a bad axle. It's still got some kind of transmission problem (and the checkengine light is on as of lastweek) but the interior was FLAWLESS and ontop of the sparetire were some gloves, a small rug (presumably to change a tire and not get dirty,) flares, etc... So the previous owner was very thoughtful of the car.
(Subie was $2500, a/c was $1300 a year later. Replaced an axle 2009, alternator and battery 2010, just rolled 151k miles.)
Remember too, if you buy a $2k car and replace the engine or transmission, you're still only looking at a $3-4k investment. And you'd know that engine or transmission is good for a WHILE. If you (+friends and family) do car work, you can actually drive pretty cheap.
Wanna bet? :devil:
Quote from: 2o6 on February 28, 2012, 08:12:51 PM
How many of you guys have bought sub 3K cars LATELY?
The used car market has changed a lot.
VAN
Here you go. You're welcome. :ohyeah:
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Volkswagen/Cabrio/HAMILTON/Ontario/19_5025495_/ (http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Volkswagen/Cabrio/HAMILTON/Ontario/19_5025495_/)
Quote from: Rockraven on February 28, 2012, 09:59:27 PM
Here you go. You're welcome. :ohyeah:
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Volkswagen/Cabrio/HAMILTON/Ontario/19_5025495_/ (http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Volkswagen/Cabrio/HAMILTON/Ontario/19_5025495_/)
(http://www.realcavsfans.com/images/smilies/hay.gif)
Quote from: Rockraven on February 28, 2012, 09:59:27 PM
Here you go. You're welcome. :ohyeah:
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Volkswagen/Cabrio/HAMILTON/Ontario/19_5025495_/ (http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Volkswagen/Cabrio/HAMILTON/Ontario/19_5025495_/)
A Bitch Basket?!?!?! :cheers:
Cheap, reliable, economical, convertible, it's black, and a manual for $2500. It's everything he asked for.
Quote from: Onslaught on February 28, 2012, 03:32:45 PM
Oh, and if you need help I can show you how to make some more room in one and it still look factory.
Anything else besides seat padding and door handle? I'm just curious, as if I ever buy another Miata, I will need to do something to make me fit better.
Quote from: AutobahnSHO on February 28, 2012, 06:03:05 PM
I think I've bought more sub-$3k cars around here than anyone..
In that pricerange it's tough to find "dependable" and "fun". Enthusiasts know the value of their car and hold on to them longer. Once in a while you can luck out on someone that just is ready to get rid of a car. But usually not the kind you want.
Things to watch out for
-shady dealerships buy the cheap cheap ones at auction, dress it up enough to sell it, might have hidden damage or problems.
-people who say the've sunk all the money into the car recently might be a GOOD buy, they have done much of the repairwork for you, and right when they've made the car valuable again they say "i'm tired of wasting money on this car" and unload it.
-You're going to be looking at a lot of mileage. If the mileage seems way too low be very very wary.
-High mileage cars CAN be good drivers. Look at the overall condition. My Subaru had like 120k, broken a/c, and a bad axle. It's still got some kind of transmission problem (and the checkengine light is on as of lastweek) but the interior was FLAWLESS and ontop of the sparetire were some gloves, a small rug (presumably to change a tire and not get dirty,) flares, etc... So the previous owner was very thoughtful of the car.
(Subie was $2500, a/c was $1300 a year later. Replaced an axle 2009, alternator and battery 2010, just rolled 151k miles.)
Remember too, if you buy a $2k car and replace the engine or transmission, you're still only looking at a $3-4k investment. And you'd know that engine or transmission is good for a WHILE. If you (+friends and family) do car work, you can actually drive pretty cheap.
Wanna be--
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on February 28, 2012, 09:53:02 PM
Wanna bet? :devil:
Oh, right.
:lol:
ALL of my cars
Model Year/ Car/ Purchase Year/ Price
83 Honda Civic 1997 $1500
90 Taurus 1998 $2900
90 Taurus 1999 $2900
90 Eagle Premier 2001 $2500
91 Taurus SHO 2002 $2000
92 Voyager 2004 $2200
87 CRX 2005 $1300
99 Grand Caravan 2005 $4500
97 Legacy 2008 $2300
04 Sienna 2009 $9k
I only spring for the big buck$ for the family movers... :lol:
Quote from: SVT666 on February 28, 2012, 02:35:51 PM
You can't buy anything good for less than $3500.
I disagree. One can find many 90-97 Miatas for that price.
For example: 1995 Miata M Edition, 63,000 actual miles when I bought it in August 2010, Body and interior reflected that low mileage. Cost was $3,200 for the car plus $1,000 for the hardtop and spares (car cover, manuals, documentation, service history, and original radio).
Quote from: 850CSi on February 28, 2012, 03:20:59 PM
NA Miata is super tempting, but will it really be that much cheaper to maintain? I also don't know if I'll even fit in it.
Remember, not a true DD. Semi-DD that has a backup car.
NA Miatas are pretty basic. Mine's been quite reliable. Go to miata.net and spend some time on the forums checking out what people say about reliability. It's a Mazda, not a Porsche or BMW so it's Mazda cheap to work on. When I replaced the timing belt and all the hoses and and brake pads the parts totaled under $300 including antifreeze, oil and filter, gaskets, etc. And being rear wheel drive the timing gear is easy to get to.
I'm 5-11, 165# and fit fine. My son is 6-0 and 210 and has no trouble.
Theres a ton of them out there so finding one shouldn't be a problem.
Quote from: SVT666 on February 28, 2012, 02:50:11 PM
Buying a $3500 BMW is stupid. Buying a $3500 Civic is less stupid.
We recently bought this for $1200. it's realiable and my kid's GFs daily driver back and forth to school.
(http://home.comcast.net/~cvetters3/jackiebmw.jpg)
There are a ton of E30s and E36s I can find at that price point that would make great daily drivers, so long as you are not trying to make it a concours winning show car out of it. Parts are NOT that expensive, especially online (from RockAuto, FCP Groton, or oembimmerparts.com) and the small 6 cyls are tough as nails. Yeah, you may need to replace the window regulators (the ones from FCP Groton carry a lifetime warranty) at a cost of $100 each (we did both rear ones on her car as they were making noise) but overall it's not bad.
Miatas are another great choice at this price point, if you like convertibles.
Heh, Chris - wanna find me an E36? I'll come up there and get it. :lol:
In all seriousness, thanks for the help guys. I'll keep thinking about this stuff and decide what I'm going to do. We don't have our finances worked out yet (and there's even a possibility everything gets put on hold for a year because we might be going to Europe for a semester) so we'll see what ends up happening. She could ask her parents for a car and could have a $20k budget today (as could I - if I wanted an F30, I could have one tomorrow), but financial independence is valuable.
Go to Europe, that experience is better than any third car. No question.
Quote from: 850CSi on February 28, 2012, 06:02:30 PM
I think I might be able to get something like this below $3k... Tough to beat if so
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2871315903.html
I can't imagine being able to find a better car than a two door in which one door, the trunk, the windows don't open, with a seatbelt that doesn't work connected to a seat that needs to be fixed in a car that need suspension work.
Dude, do you just look at the pictures!?
Quote from: Raza link=topic=26862.msg1678201#msg1678201 date=1330612514
I can't imagine being able to find a better car than a two door in which one door, the trunk, the windows don't open, with a seatbelt that doesn't work connected to a seat that needs to be fixed in a car that need suspension work.
Dude, do you just look at the pictures!?
Personally I'll shy away from any car or truck that has the following modifications.
Lowered or raised
cold air intake
body kit
aftermarket spoiler
wheels larger than stock by over 1" diameter.
And, all to often luxury cars get in the hands of second or third owners and aren't maintained properly because of the cost of doing so. They wear them out or perform bodge repairs and dump them.
^talking about E36s of that year/mileage generally
Not sure why the E90 would be the "backup" car and the beater would be the DD in your situation. How many miles do you drive annually? I suspect my driving situation is far different than yours (I drive about 22K per year) but still.
FWIW, what are the prices looking like on old Acura Integras or Honda Preludes? Either one of those could be decently fun to drive.
Realistically, I think you two both have to admit you need your parents' help in all of this. Personally, I'd just keep the E90 and tell the chick she's on her own. Or if you're that hell-bent on switching cars, trade in the E90 for an F30 and maybe go half on the payments with your parents?
Quote from: TurboDan on March 01, 2012, 02:47:25 PM
Not sure why the E90 would be the "backup" car and the beater would be the DD in your situation. How many miles do you drive annually? I suspect my driving situation is far different than yours (I drive about 22K per year) but still.
FWIW, what are the prices looking like on old Acura Integras or Honda Preludes? Either one of those could be decently fun to drive.
Realistically, I think you two both have to admit you need your parents' help in all of this. Personally, I'd just keep the E90 and tell the chick she's on her own. Or if you're that hell-bent on switching cars, trade in the E90 for an F30 and maybe go half on the payments with your parents?
He's going to keep the E90 as a DD and the beater around for emergencies/convenience.
And he's fine not getting his parents' help; he just needs to prioritize what he can get in a $2,000 car.
Quote from: Raza on March 01, 2012, 02:57:27 PM
He's going to keep the E90 as a DD and the beater around for emergencies/convenience.
And he's fine not getting his parents' help; he just needs to prioritize what he can get in a $2,000 car.
Ahh, OK. But how about some Integras or Preludes? The only risk would be that these cars tended to be heavily modded.
I'll throw another one out -- Mitsu Eclipse?
Quote from: MiataJohn on March 01, 2012, 07:52:44 AM
Personally I'll shy away from any car or truck that has the following modifications.
Lowered or raised
cold air intake
body kit
aftermarket spoiler
wheels larger than stock by over 1" diameter.
And, all to often luxury cars get in the hands of second or third owners and aren't maintained properly because of the cost of doing so. They wear them out or perform bodge repairs and dump them.
Thats a good list. I'd like to add aftermarket radios also.
Quote from: TurboDan on March 01, 2012, 02:47:25 PM
Not sure why the E90 would be the "backup" car and the beater would be the DD in your situation. How many miles do you drive annually? I suspect my driving situation is far different than yours (I drive about 22K per year) but still.
See Raza's post. And I drive a fair amount, but a large chunk of that is road trips, for which the E90 will always be used. For partially selfish reasons, this is part of why I don't want her to buy an auto mainstreamer at this point - because that'd end up becoming our road trip car and I
really don't want that to happen.
QuoteFWIW, what are the prices looking like on old Acura Integras or Honda Preludes? Either one of those could be decently fun to drive.
Will keep these in mind.
QuoteRealistically, I think you two both have to admit you need your parents' help in all of this. Personally, I'd just keep the E90 and tell the chick she's on her own. Or if you're that hell-bent on switching cars, trade in the E90 for an F30 and maybe go half on the payments with your parents?
"the chick" will probably be my wife within the next year or so, hence why we're trying to avoid mooching off of our parents. She's actually been almost completely financially independent from her parents since she started college. I want to pay for her grad school (I'll make enough this summer to pay for her first year's tuition, and that's assuming she gets
no grants/scholarships), but even if I can't her taking loans for it won't be a problem, though it's less attractive since there are no such things as subsidized loans anymore. Plus I don't even
want an F30; I've pretty much decided that I want to keep the E90 until it literally dies.
It's looking more and more like I'm going to study abroad for at least one semester next year, though, as it seems like she intends on taking a year off before she starts grad school. That complicates things, because it means we are definitely going to need a car for the semester that we're here in NC, but obviously need none for the semester we're gone. I graduate next year, and start work after that. These decisions would be easier if I was positive where I'd be working, but I won't know for sure for at least another 5-6 months. This wouldn't be such a major issue if the financial ramifications weren't enormous.
Quote from: 850CSi on March 01, 2012, 10:37:47 PM
See Raza's post. And I drive a fair amount, but a large chunk of that is road trips, for which the E90 will always be used. For partially selfish reasons, this is part of why I don't want her to buy an auto mainstreamer at this point - because that'd end up becoming our road trip car and I really don't want that to happen.
Will keep these in mind.
"the chick" will probably be my wife within the next year or so, hence why we're trying to avoid mooching off of our parents. She's actually been almost completely financially independent from her parents since she started college. I want to pay for her grad school (I'll make enough this summer to pay for her first year's tuition, and that's assuming she gets no grants/scholarships), but even if I can't her taking loans for it won't be a problem, though it's less attractive since there are no such things as subsidized loans anymore. Plus I don't even want an F30; I've pretty much decided that I want to keep the E90 until it literally dies.
It's looking more and more like I'm going to study abroad for at least one semester next year, though, as it seems like she intends on taking a year off before she starts grad school. That complicates things, because it means we are definitely going to need a car for the semester that we're here in NC, but obviously need none for the semester we're gone. I graduate next year, and start work after that. These decisions would be easier if I was positive where I'd be working, but I won't know for sure for at least another 5-6 months. This wouldn't be such a major issue if the financial ramifications weren't enormous.
Study abroad in law school? Don't other countries have different laws than we do? What's the point of that?
Also, from the sound of it, I can tell you feel trapped by your relationship and your car. The solution? Dump the bitch, dump the 325i, buy an E46 M3, quit law school, and make beats.
Dude, and you're already paying for her grad school? She's got her claws in deep. You're like 22, you shouldn't be paying for anyone's grad school but your own.
Quote from: MiataJohn on March 01, 2012, 07:52:44 AM
Personally I'll shy away from any car or truck that has the following modifications.
Lowered or raised
cold air intake
body kit
aftermarket spoiler
wheels larger than stock by over 1" diameter.
And, all to often luxury cars get in the hands of second or third owners and aren't maintained properly because of the cost of doing so. They wear them out or perform bodge repairs and dump them.
I'm the same way. That's why it's hard to find an RX-7 that I'd buy. Now me putting stuff on is different!
comparative/intl law-type stuff
nah i have everything exactly the way i want it to be
and that was mean
yeah, she's basically my wife. and her tuition is cheap. its a bit of a tradeoff in part bc if things pan oit for me i can afford it easily while in the future she will probably be earning most of our income if i go into public service.
Quote from: 850CSi on March 02, 2012, 08:15:15 AM
comparative/intl law-type stuff
nah i have everything exactly the way i want it to be
and that was mean
yeah, she's basically my wife. and her tuition is cheap. its a bit of a tradeoff in part bc if things pan oit for me i can afford it easily while in the future she will probably be earning most of our income if i go into public service.
It was supposed to be lighthearted, not mean. I probably should have used smileys, but you know I don't like to.
Quote from: Raza on March 02, 2012, 09:07:34 AM
It was supposed to be lighthearted, not mean. I probably should have used smileys, but you know I don't like to.
Heh, I know.
Quote from: 850CSi on March 02, 2012, 09:10:37 AM
Heh, I know.
Personally, I wouldn't pay for her tuition or work in the public sector.
Quote from: Onslaught on March 02, 2012, 07:03:57 AM
I'm the same way. That's why it's hard to find an RX-7 that I'd buy. Now me putting stuff on is different!
Same here. As much as I hate the cheapo 16" parts-bin wheels my car originally came with, the choice in aftermarket rims that other people select hurts my eyes sometimes. That said, I think that I have the best rims you could put on the car, and anyone who says otherwise is a lying bastard.
Quote from: 850CSi on March 02, 2012, 08:15:15 AM
comparative/intl law-type stuff
nah i have everything exactly the way i want it to be
and that was mean
yeah, she's basically my wife. and her tuition is cheap. its a bit of a tradeoff in part bc if things pan oit for me i can afford it easily while in the future she will probably be earning most of our income if i go into public service.
Public service as in politics?