First Car Options

**Magellan498** · 03-30-2003, 10:40 AM

Hey guys,

Its about time for me to get a car *first* and I was wondering what I should consider buying. My budget is about 9k or lower and as of now I was thinking of getting an old 325i. Only probem is that those things are really run into the ground. Most all of them have at least 100k miles on them.

So, should I get the BMW (god I really like that car), or is there anything else out there that I should seriously consider *personal suggestions plz*?

Oh and, what do yall think about buying cars off ebay?? I have heard some horror stories, and am a little skittish...

TIA

**jcattarulla** · 03-30-2003, 10:47 AM

Hey, a bimmer is great. But for 9k, I`d say get a honda. So reliable, even with 70k miles on them. They maintain lots of "pep" and won`t give you any headaches. 9k will get you a decent Accord.

**Magellan498** · 03-30-2003, 10:52 AM

Hehe, thats originally what I was going to get! The Accord I was looking at was a 97 and in pretty good condition *might have been an autopian owner...* But then I saw the bimmer... I might just have to go Honda

**imported_Aurora40** · 03-30-2003, 12:22 PM

Hey, I like Oldsmobiles, so what can I say. I`d at least check out some Intrigues. They really depreciate which means you could get a pretty low mileage 2000 maybe 2001 for around $10 grand. They have a pretty sweet 3.5L V6 and many even have stability control. Just a thought...

I`d also check out some Regal GS`s as they are pretty comfortable and have a ton of balls. I think they are the ultimate sleeper as they can rather cheaply do the 1/4 in the 13`s, and in stoplight-to-stoplight, their lowend torque is tough to beat.

But those are just my thoughts, and are probably pretty different from most other peoples.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 03-30-2003, 12:40 PM

I`ve even seen a few 97-99 Auroras going locally for about $8-9K... just a thought.

Also I have to say I agree with the honda suggestion... for a first car and for a college student (I`m assuming) the gas mileage you`d get would be a BIG plus.

**DinosGSR** · 03-30-2003, 01:46 PM

You can`t go wrong with a little import car while saving for something bigger and better. Saves on gas, reliable to the end, and if it interests you, you can modify them to an unbelievable scale. Just my .02.

**Nagchampa** · 03-30-2003, 02:03 PM

Since you are in Texas, why not get a pickup? Full size Chevys are plentiful and cheap to maintain although most like gas a little too much. They also maintain the resale value quite well. You will also have the option of regular or extended cab.

**Magellan498** · 03-30-2003, 02:45 PM

Thanks for the good ideas.

Nagchampa: I would get a pickup but, personally I don`t really like them and they do guzzle gas

which is a big minus for me.

I most likely will end up getting a honda. Big thing for me is also that I want the car to look good. I was contemplating an old MG?? Can anyone weigh in on that one? (yes I am a little picky

)

**imported_stormsearch** · 03-31-2003, 03:05 PM

If you decide on a Honda, make sure to spend the extra grand and get an Accord instead of a Civic. Having owned both cars, I can say the difference is tremendous. You might be able to grab a `97 or `98 pretty cheap because lots of Honda loyalists are selling off their 4 or 5 year old cars to get the new body style. Also, take notice of the engine on your Accord. Most folks just ballpark what they want for their used car and don`t factor in whether the car has a Inline 4, or the V6 (which is worth more). Often, you can get a V6 model for the same price folks are paying for the inline 4s.

**Nagchampa** · 03-31-2003, 04:26 PM

Originally posted by Magellan498

I was contemplating an old MG?? Can anyone weigh in on that one?

What do you like more? Fixing cars or driving them?

I had a `94 Accord and had no troubles at all with it. (nothing major at least) Very reliable with excellent road manners. Not quite a head turner but it looks good.

**Magellan498** · 03-31-2003, 05:40 PM

Hmmm I can see your point...

**detailbarn** · 04-01-2003, 03:33 PM

I vote for the bimmer , find a nice 89 325i with under a 100,000 and you`ll have a great car. My first car was a 83 533i followed by a 88` M5 and they both served me well. I took the 533i from 73,000 to 160,000 then recked it. I never had any trouble with either of them. Finding a 325i in your price range should be very easy a friend of mine bought one last year for $5000 it only had 65,000 on it.

**BoxsterCharlie** · 04-01-2003, 06:15 PM

A `91 BMW 3 Series is the last year of the E30 style...you could find a great example for under $9K.

On the other hand, my recommendation would be to get the newest, nicest Accord you can find. They can`t be beat for reliability and drive pretty well too.

You should look and drive a variety of cars for the same price range. It is fascinating to me how you can get a twenty-year old luxury or sports car which was prestigious enough to be featured in a movie, or for the same price get a low-mileage econobox with no work, risks, or rattles. Only you can tell which is right for you!

**Accumulator** · 04-01-2003, 06:32 PM

Magellan498- Having owned LOTS of cars over the years, I just had to chime in on this one! I usually recommend used cop cars as first cars, and if I lived in Texas that`s what I`d probably do. For your budget you could be in a SAFE, reliable car that drives quite well. Although I prefer Caprices (fast, good handling cars, even if they are big), I got my wife`s nephew a Crown Vic for his first car, and he LOVES it. BUT, that`s just my peccadillo, and I get the feeling that won`t go over too well with you

Heh heh, OK..other ideas follow (usual "just my $0.02" disclaimers REALLY apply on this stuff

)

Old MG- like Nagchampa said, all you`ll do is fix it. Skip the Brits (and Italians) for the time being. You want to DRIVE the thing.

Hondas, etc.- for a first car I`d go rear-wheel drive instead. There`s a reason why most (high performance) driving schools use them. Laws of physics/weight transfer issues AND some very real maintenance/longevity issues. NO NO NO I`m not slamming FWD cars so save your flames, guys

/ peace/ no offense intended. I`ve had GREAT FWD cars and I`ve driven them on the track so I know how good they can be. But for a first car I`d say get a well-balanced RWD car and learn how things work.

Some Bimmers just wear like iron. They really can go forever with reasonable maintenance, but you`d better know a good BMW wrench or else (maybe) look out. If you don`t mind (sorta) slow, a 318 manual shift (or one of the 6-cylinder 5 series cars) would be an affordable choice and a GREAT car to really learn driving with. Just take your time and get a NICE one. DON`T assume you can " just fix it" if something isn`t right. Get something that`s really ready to go.

I wouldn`t go e-bay until you REALLY know what you`re looking for and you possess "expert knowledge". I would NEVER buy a first (or second, third, etc.) car sight-unseen or undriven.

I guess, I`d say go with a low-mile, UNWRECKED, NICE BMW. At least take one for an extended test drive and see what you (really) think. Unless you`d like a cop car

**b0rf** · 04-15-2003, 05:41 PM

If you have more questions about BMW`s, head over to www.bimmerforums.com

For $10k i would look at--

btw, e30 = 3 series `84-`91

e36 = 3 series `92-`99

E30 325is (excellent condition)

E36 325i/325is (Average Condition)

E36-- Things that will need replament (possibly) at around 75k..

Water Pump (change to metal impellar)

Guibo (possibly, do a visual inspection)

Clutch (depends on how the car was driven)

Shocks (Opportunity to upgrade them)

Rear Shock Mounts/Rear Trailing Arm BUshings (upgrade, once again)

Normal Maintenience check.. (Tires, Fluids [oil, tranny/diff/clutch fluid, brakes, etc)

The E30 and E36 are bulletproof automobiles. Don`t let the miles scare you, if well taken care of, an E36 or E30 (original engine) will go 250k+ easily. Everyone rants and raves about how reliable Hondas are...but there isn`t much to break. Also, just because the engine and transmission last, doesn`t mean general materials such as paint, interior, etc etc will last. Not to mention, there is NO COMPARISON between build quality, design, and heritage between the two cars. Also, the driving experience (or lack of in the honda) is a HUGE factor when buying a car (for me, at least)

Overall, they both have thier advantages-- the e36 is just a more modern car, traction control, variable valve/cam timing (`93+ models), larger, looks more modern, better stereo, etc etc....

The E30 is *most likely* easier and cheaper to repair and serves as a better auto-x car (assuming it is mechanically good) because of its lighter weight and smaller wheelbase.

If you can find a good, well taken-care for E30 325is...jump on it.

Check www.turnermotorsports.com classifies as well as www.roadfly.org classifies for well-cared for enthusiast-driven BMW`s.

Why would you even consider a honda when a BMW is in your price range?