What would you buy? Hi Mileage Manual or Low Mileage Auto

[Chuckles]

I would be interested in the opinions from those more experienced with the e30 platform (I come from Mazda Miatas). I plan to use the car for daily driving as I have a prepped Miata in the garage. I know the 2-door variety is preferred, but I like the practicality of the 4-door. So what would you buy given the year/price were identical (using to calibrate my buying choices):

1) High mileage 190K+ manual 325i; or

2) Low mileage 75Kish auto 325i??

Assume both cars are cosmetically equivalent (i.e. no rust, sunroof....) and the 1990/91 vintage. I know a 20yr old car might not be the best choice for a daily so can we please stay away from this side of the argument.


Mod: Given the M20 engine I selected this sub-forum, but if you feel there is a better section please move.

[mkcman17]

I've driven 300k cars that are way tighter than '100k' cars. Regardless of mileage, regardless of transmission, buy the cleanest example you can find.

[Dakotademon7]

I wouldn't even drive an auto trans e30 if it was given to me for free. Lol.

[Andy.B]

I wouldn't even drive an auto trans e30 if it was given to me for free. Lol.

An auto to manual swap is relatively easy, and could be done for less money than a lot of other maintenance jobs.

I would absolutely rather buy a well maintained, low mileage auto than a higher mile, acceptably maintained manual.

[jlevie]

If both cars are equivalent in terms of accident history, body condition, and interior condition, but the lower mileage auto and swap in a 5 speed. It will be cheaper in the long run than catching up on on the deferred maintenance that a 190k car will need.

[Chuckles]

Ok, seems the consensus is to use the following checklist/hierarchy of criteria:

1) Overall Shape (Body)

2) Mileage

3) Tranny: Manual > Auto.

Thanks.

[Vivek]

Honestly I'd say mileage is irrelevant especially since many things will wear out with age rather than mileage. 88superETABD on here has over 300k on the bottom end of his stroker and it put down 164whp. Plenty of cars around 100k have totally fucked suspensions and leaks everywhere. Like mckman said, just buy the cleanest car you can find.

[nickmcc92]

Low mileage auto then swap. 190k miles means time for replacing parts.

[nando]

I'd buy the auto if it's in better shape. trans swaps aren't much harder than a clutch job and many people don't keep the original engine anyway.

[Dakotademon7]

It's my own personal feeling on this but an auto trans in a e30 just seems wrong to me. Lol.

[Mr. Tasty]

It's my own personal feeling on this but an auto trans in a e30 just seems wrong to me. Lol.

you would be surprised at how silky and sporty they are. I was definitely blown away with my convertible auto.

[TSI]

Being in Ontario, buy whichever one has less rust.

[Dakotademon7]

you would be surprised at how silky and sporty they are. I was definitely blown away with my convertible auto.

Maybe I should just STFU because I've never drove an auto trans e30. Lol.

[dnguyen1963]

Be careful about looking at mileage. People swapping clusters all the time. Look at the overall condition of the car and make your pick.

[AwakenNoMore]

Maybe I should just STFU because I've never drove an auto trans e30. Lol.

Mine's auto, its honestly not that bad. I am collecting for a 5 speed swap though (only small bits left to collect!)

I landed my e30 for $1k and I couldn't be happier. Buy a clean e30 with auto over a junker with a manual.