egruber said:
I have a 1990 Camry that posed the same dilemma. I wound up keeping it. I use it strictly on bad weather days, and it comes in handy when I have to park in slightly risky locations such as shopping malls and certain neighborhoods. It also saves me from having to wash my 'good' car as often, particularly with the current water restrictions in NJ.
The insurance isn't much and keeping my old car was worth it.
I have a 96 Civic, and agree totally.
Go out drinking, leave the car on the street, forget where it is, no problem!
Winter tires for said Civic... $400 CDN installed... for 330Ci... minimum $1800 with crappy rims, $3000+ for anything decent. Big plus.
Having driven my BMW in summer/spring/fall only I have noticed that the VAST majority of damage that happens to the car (stone chips, etc) seem to occur in the winter. My 330Ci is like new. My Civic was looking a bit rough after two winters. Especially the paint.
Having said all this, driving the 3er with winter tires makes it a very competent winter vehicle.
My $0.02.