i need opinions on a new car

[cdlong]

alright i need to make some kind of decision about what to do about a car. here's the deal, right now i drive a '92 240 hatch with 170k miles on it. the car still runs like a champ but the body is rusted out and end of it's usable life is coming up fast. i have a decent job now so i could afford something a little nicer. something in the $15k range. i like my 240 but i really bought it as a precursor to getting a bmw 3 series. i can't decide whether to get a nicer 240 or a '96-98 328i(s). i've really started to like the s13 silvia style so i might go that route.

option 1: buy a nicer 240, either an S13 coupe with lower miles and a solid body or an s14 and have some fun with it, basically spend the money left over from the $15k on mods and such. pro, more fun to work on, already know the car, final product would be less comfortable for passengers and as a DDcon, older car, not a BMW

option 2: buy a BMW and mod it slightly as i get more money. pro, sweet car all ready to go, will hold value bettercon, more expensive to mod, car is more complex, i like the simpleness of the 240

if i go with the BMW i might as well quit modding my car until it dies. if i go with a 240 most of the parts could be carried over to the new car so i could continue as i feel like it. i have been going back and forth for a while on this issue, i really can't decide.

any advice, thoughts or other options?

[x240xdrifter]

I guess you should go with whatever you like better....if you have more fun with the 240...get it...or vice versa.....personally....I would get another 240....I don't think you'll have to worry about the 240 holding value.....that car is in pretty high demand after the drifting craze....but I mean....follow your heart...both are gnarly cars so I don't think you'll be disappointed either way you go

[Mr1der]

think I'd have to lean on the 240...maintenance would probably be cheaper...and the S14's are hot.

[nametakennow]

BMW insurance and maintenance will kill you.

But it is a tough call, if you've got the money, the BMW is probably a better shot because it's a little nicer overall. At the same time, if this car is really meant to do more track work, the lightness of the 240 is great.

Drive both.

[cdlong]

I...follow your heart...

that's the problem, my heart says something different depending on what time of day it is.

how much do you think mileage matters. if i buy an S13 it's going to have quite a few miles on it. i can always keep it running and tight by replacing/upgrading the rubber, etc. but when do you draw the line?

the more i think about it, most of the parts i want/need for my s13 won't fit on an s14, suspension, wheels, seats (they come with s14 seats already). i think building a silvia would be fun but i don't know if i want to take on a project that big (building the entire car up right)

[nametakennow]

Mileage kinda depends on how those miles were achieved.

A car with 200k could run like a champ if it's been driven correctly. A car with 50k could explode. So talk to the owner quite a bit (if private sale) and check anything and everything you can.

General rule of thumb is lower miles=better.

Go with the one that will satisfy your cravings more.

[Altiman94]

If you plan on taking out a loan for this, look at the newer cars. You arent going to be able to take out a 15k loan, and hten spend 2k ona 240 and the rest on mods. That's just not how it works.

[madbouncy]

I'd look at how much money you have after words for maintence and insurance on the bmw. My friend and I both paid $3k for our cars, his has over twice the miles as mine, (over 200k now) and it's a late 80s bmw. I know it's a 3 series but I couldn't tell you exactly what it is. I think a 320i? If that is one? However, I've had my car for about a year, so far I've spent about $2k on it, (1500 was for the tein flex.) He's had his car for about two years, he's $6k in debt, that means it's not including what he's paid off. He's put less than a $1000 into stuff he actually wants. BMW is incredibly expensive to repair. However, you are buying a new bmw then him so obvioulsy you won't have nearly the problems he's had, but still, it's not a cheap car to buy stuff for. Isn't bmw the most expensive car to buy parts for, like in the luxury department?

Honestly, I'd go with the bmw if I knew I could afford it, they do handle well even for a heavy car, but if you plan on doing a lot of track stuff, I'd go with the 240. Just compare how much you do daily driving to how much you go to the track, the bmw will come in handy more often than not. There'll be more times when you're saying, god damn I wish my car was bigger with the 240, than you'll be saying, I wish my car was lighter at the track with the bmw

[Jesda]

[yelnatsch517]

I say get an s14 and use the rest of the money on fixing it up. A used BMW just doesn't sound right, dunno why. Its like that other thread saying buying jewelry at walmart. BMW is supposed to represent class and a thick wallet (or money clip) and buying a used one just doesn't portray that image. Also, if there is anything wrong with the bimmer, its going to take a big chunk out of you paycheck just to get it back to the condition is should be in. If anything is wrong with the S14, it won't be much of a problem since you will be modding it anyway, replacing old parts as you go.

All in all, go with the S14 unless your job requires you to have a car like a bimmer. My bro is looking for an sc300 because he's in the business field and first impressions are kind of important even if its just the car he drives. Other than that I can't think of any other reason to get a bimmer.

[Axel Grungy]

as much as i like bmw's , id say still stick with the 240, perferably an s14. i just see my bro throw away TONS of cash on repairs. id wait on the beamer til i was older and had more mooolah. you could take that 15k and make a mean s14

[nsrZ32]

240 without a doubt. BMW's don't do it for me....they're just an overpriced ordinary car IMO.

Then again for 15K you can find lots of used WRX's and a variety of other sporty newer cars. But mmm hmm.....swapped s14 with that money, now we're talking. Unless of course you bought a twin turbo 300ZX

[Bubba1]

If you're going with only those two options, an equal condition 240sx will be cheaper to own, operate and repair on average than any BMW. Fit/finish will be better in the Bimmer, but you gotta weigh that against the Bimmer being far more expensive to repair and less reliable.

If you're on a budget, I'd steer away from german cars. Also If you say you're planning to dump your 240, why would you put money modding it now? You won't recoup that money when you sell it

[PalmerWMD]

BMW's look nice BUT used BMW's are EXPENSIVE to maintain.

about the price of a used car each year, double that if you go with a used hi-end BMW.

When ever something goes wrong it, will be a couple grand.even if you DIY it, can still be a lot.

For 15k you can buy a kick *** S14.

Or add an extra 6-7k and you can buy a 2003 used 350Z there is one FS at a local Nissan dealer : http://nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=91360

Fred..

[cdlong]

A used BMW just doesn't sound right, dunno why. Its like that other thread saying buying jewelry at walmart. BMW is supposed to represent class and a thick wallet (or money clip) and buying a used one just doesn't portray that image.

that's what i care least about with a BMW. i love the handeling and the engine is so responsive and so smooth. i could care less if it has leather seats and HID headlights.

where the hell did that ice cream truck come from?

you guys are starting to convince me, i'm starting to lean towards the 240. i should post this on a BMW board and see what they say.

i really like the e90 3 series (the new one) maybe i'll wait and get on of those or a 4 series in a while.
Modified by cdlong at 4:55 PM 12/5/2004

[StatixNWH]

you can buy my Z32 300zx for 3500

[CornyKorn21]

If you're happy with the 240SX right now I don't see why you would switch. Just get your hands on a newer one Not that I'm pro 240 or anything *looks at sig*If you have an S13 now with parts on it and they're good why don't you just find another S13 in better condition than yours? Plus you'll have some spare parts from your old car.

[tractorcrusher]

E30 M3!

[HashiriyaS14]

I dunno, if you go and get an E36 you'll likely wind up with the same complex as my friend Marc. i.e. he constantly regrets not having saved up for the E36 M3 (he has a 328i).

I'd go with the S14 unless you plan to leave the BMW pretty much stock.

[I Need $$$]

If you decide to go with a BMW then look at the service manual and see if they have kept their service intervals consistant. I know that can be botched but if they get it done at a BMW dealer then they should have a stamp/date/and mileage. Getting it done at a dealer means a lot more for the reputability of the vehicle. But if you want my opinion get an S14. Like everyone has already said maintenance will cost you an arm and a leg. An oil change alone cost about $100 from a dealership. Granted it is a Dealership but that gives you an idea.

[NSR_s30]

240 without a doubt. coupe is the way to go.

[s13EastTN]

When I get out of college I plan on buying an e90 m3 ^_^

[574-240sx]

Depends if you get a good deal and the car had been maintained go with it. I like both and I'm the same way on changing my mind about cars. I usually end up going the more cheaper reasonable route. You make the call.