Noob Needs Help

[Biggins]

Please take me seriously because I will be deciding on a new car this week or next.

I have owned a 1997 Honda Civic LX automatic since I was 15. I spent most all of my earnings throughout high school and part of college trying to make it "cool." I was young and the import scene was the thing to do, etc. My car was very successful at stoopit car shows, but this summer I planned to begin autocrossing. I was in the process of making my Civic into a reasonable autocrosser when it was stolen, stripped, and totaled in DC.

I'm 20 years old and a junior in college. The biggest needs in a car that I have are reliability, practicality, and fun. I am now deciding based on my budget for my next car. My options are limited to a 97-99 Audi A4 1.8t Quattro or a 95-98 3-series. I want a car that makes me look more mature, can be practical for most all conditions, and can be used for auto events such as autocrossing. I need to haul a few people somewhat comfortably, have a car that looks good, and have a car that handles well. Speed and straight line are not an emphasis of mine. My budget is around and preferably less than $11,000.

I guess if you've read my ramblings and are still listening, I have a question or two.

Which particular model should I target from years 95-98 that fit my budget (I was hoping for a coupe, but I don't know much about Bimmers- 318is, 325is, 328is)?

What should I look to address mechanically?

Should I invest in good snow tires for winter driving with the RWD (I snowboard and drive in snow somewhat frequently)?

Thank you all for your time and your input is greatly appreciated.

[The Roadstergal]

You definitely should get snow tires. With them, you can go anywhere.

I'm biased, but I'd look for an E30 - '85-91 3-series. They're classy-looking, very easy to work on (complexity in DIY took a leap with the E36), light (for a bimmer), easy and fun to upgrade. It'll make a better autocross-mobile than an E36 coupe, IMHO. The prices tend to range from $3K to $7-8K, so you'd have some left over.

<img src=http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=24203>

[Salvator]

Based on your comments, I'd recommend a sedan (easier for people to get in and out of) and seems more "mature" than a coupe.... My coworker has 318i and although he's not going to win the stoplight grand prix with it, he seems to be reasonably happy with it and it seems to have held up well... Here is one in the DC area that might suit your needs...

http://cars.kbb.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=22&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&criteria=K-%7CE-ANY%7CM-_5_%7CH-%7CD-_30_%7CN-N%7CR-30%7CI-1%7CP-PRICE+descending%7CQ-descending%7CZ-22033&aff=carskbb&paId=151949836&recnum=6&leadExists=true&sellerFirst=true

[cantona7]

RG's given you great advice and I agree that the E30 would be a great choice. However, if you're planning on buying a car in the next 2 weeks, you might have a hard time finding the right E30. There are lots of them around, but remember that these cars are old and finding one that has been well taken care of over the years will be challenging. I'm not saying you won't find one, but 2 weeks is a short window for finding the right car. Still, you might get lucky so keep an eye out.

The E36, while not as light and tossable as an E30, is still a fine car. You should be able to find a solid car in your price range--probably a 325is or a 328is, depending on mileage. Whichever way you decide to go, make sure you find out what the common problems are with these cars. For example, the E36 water pump impeller is plastic and should be replaced with a metal one (although I think BMW made this switch around '97). For both cars, especially since you'll be autocrossing, make sure you have the rear subframe mounts checked out, as these are known weak areas. Good luck and let us know what you come out with!

[Biggins]

I thought about the E30, but I liked the styling of the E36 a little better. I have already placed a BMW above the A4 1.8T after browsing this site and others today. I'm meeting with a dealer that is going to a dealer auction tomorrow, so I'll be putting in my request. Honestly, I think I would be satisfied with any E36.

Thank you for the link, Sal. Thank you everyone else for your helpful info.

My friend's father works at a Volvo dealership and bought a customer traded 85 E30 (not sure trim level, 318 I think if that existed then) for only $500. It is in pristine condition and he drives it 40 miles everyday.

[The Roadstergal]

My friend's father works at a Volvo dealership and bought a customer traded 85 E30 (not sure trim level, 318 I think if that existed then) for only $500. It is in pristine condition and he drives it 40 miles everyday.

Yep, there were 318s then. Good E30s are hard to find, but people get lucky. A friend of mine just found a <i>pristine</i> white E30 with all original body panels, great interior, and recent engine rebuild for... well, an obscenely good price. :p to him.