So I am still on my search for a car and I am having a crazy thought as I am sitting here at my computer at work because it's slow and I have nothing else to do. How much would you guys trust like a mid 90's M3 with like 100-150K miles on it. I feel like I could get around in one for a few years while I save up money for a home and potentially longer term automotive investment. Also would be a cool project car to do moderate things to but I worry about maintenance and other small issues. Any feedback would be good.
Chas ... car buying question, again??? LOL I love M3's but you need to make sure that it has been maintained. From what I know ... cooling systems are weak spots and poorly maintained engines tend to burn a lot of oil. M3 are known for burning some oil, but you need to watch out for excessive use. Make sure suspension components have been replaced. You might want to check M3 forums for well-maintained examples. Good luck and make sure you bring whatever you decide to buy to the next meet!!!
Man the only thing I see about that is an M3 is usually driven hard and put away wet. As long as you know the history and make sure it hasn't been beaten on then you should be ok. I had an 88 735i before and it had 200+ km on it (over 120,000 miles) and it cost me a lot of $ in suspension pieces and whatnot. Research, research, research.
Yeah you know it was just one of those crazy ideas but I agree with you guys the way people drive them scares me haha. BUT I have decided after the first of the year I will finally be putting an end to all of this car search madness. I am waiting till the new year to see what deals are out and see how prices affect cars technically but not really being a year older.
Looking to save money so you can get a house? Two words. Honda Civic. Cheap to buy. Cheap to run. Cheap to maintain. Definitely not a chick magnet, but you don't want a tire biter anyway!
Hey Ken, funny you should say that because the civic seems to be what I narrowed it down to. I was looking at a Scion Tc for a bit and realized it just wasn't me and finally came to looking at anywhere between an 06-09 Civic and it seems like I can get one with pretty low miles for a really good price but I want to wait for after the holidays to get one. Its practical, I will hopefully never have to throw a lot of money into maintaining it like you said. Its also a good car for a young professional just getting into corporate America. I just cant wait to finally have a car, but its soon to come.
Someone told me this recently that made a lightbulb click in my head: There's a reason those once $70k cars are now only $10-15k. (In his instance it was a $100k car for $30-40k). But either way.. I'd say no. Also you have to consider insurance. It'll be classified as a sports car, and a BMW. I agree with Ken.. get a beater. You'll thank yourself in the future when you aren't worried about car payments. It's funny, in my area. People have $2-5 million houses, but drive 92 Honda Civics. Sure they don't look good on the road, but their houses are INSANE. Remember, invest in an appreciating asset instead of a depreciating liability, and it will reward you greatly in the future. (Rich Dad ftw)
And from what I've seen, its cheap to modify. You just need a bi-plane Wings West spoiler and lowering springs! You don't even have to upgrade the 15" plastic hubcaps. Gangsta!
Definitely well said advice. I can attest to the reliability of a Honda engine. My Integra has 130k+ miles and still runs really strong. I was supposed to replace the belts at 120k but haven't had the funds recently to do so.
I wouldn't get a BMW with 150k miles, unless you can get it below $5000...otherwise service is expensive, any repairs - you are on your own...Plus, M3 is a sports car, people obviously drove it fast, very fast...knowing that already scares me...
