Pro's/Con's.. Should I buy an e30/e36?

[8380 Labs]

I don't wan't to be getting a car that's going to be less reliable then I have now...seeing as I'm a broke college student haha

so why are you looking at 20 year old cars as daily drivers?

[Danny]

Get an e36 because I want you to go away.

[dannyyisntt]

Well it depends on what your looking to get from your car.

Are you looking for a slow car that's fun in the twisties?

Are you looking for a reliable, but still comfortable daily?

Are you looking for a weekend toy/track car?

Both vehicles have their own down-points in these areas.

The e36 has cooling issues and cheaply made interiors, but can be a joy to daily (I know from personal experience. Over 80k miles since I bought my e36)

The e30 isn't too bad to daily, but isn't as comfortable as the e36. Though I can hands down say I have more fun driving my e30(s) and honestly like the looks of the e30 better, the e36 makes a better daily...in my personal opinion.

[BigTe30]

Neither of these cars are reliable. This board is full of this the "it's regular maintenance" excuse - it's BS. Regular for a BMW maybe, but not for all cars...

If you want reliability look elsewhere.

If you want fun and inexpensive parts look e30.

If you want comfort, fun, a little more investment, and a "nicer car to the public" go e36.

If you want reliability go honda. :)

I bought my e30 a few years ago simply because I KNEW it would break and I wanted to learn how to work on cars. In that time I've done two engine swaps and touched every bolt on my car. I'm getting sick of these things... but at the same time I love the knowledge that I've gained.

Keep all of this in mind and choose wisely... I would be careful to buy a CLEAN e30 - otherwise you will be doing A LOT of maintenance work that will drain on you.

The validity of this post is almost is almost entirely contingent on the condition of the e30 you buy. When buying a car "good deals" are few and far between. Everyone in there right mind likes money, it's a fact, you need money to live. People don't just give shit away; however the key is distinguishing the worth while from the unreasonable. If you can find an e30 that was properly maintained, (possibly enthusiast owned, like some of the fine e30s in the for sale thread here) these cars can be perfectly reliable.

[nando]

Neither of these cars are reliable. This board is full of this the "it's regular maintenance" excuse - it's BS. Regular for a BMW maybe, but not for all cars...

If you want reliability look elsewhere.

If you want fun and inexpensive parts look e30.

If you want comfort, fun, a little more investment, and a "nicer car to the public" go e36.

If you want reliability go honda. :)

I bought my e30 a few years ago simply because I KNEW it would break and I wanted to learn how to work on cars. In that time I've done two engine swaps and touched every bolt on my car. I'm getting sick of these things... but at the same time I love the knowledge that I've gained.

Keep all of this in mind and choose wisely... I would be careful to buy a CLEAN e30 - otherwise you will be doing A LOT of maintenance work that will drain on you.

bah.. I haven't done anything to my car since march 2010 other than a couple oil changes.

[325ix]

They are both great cars. The E30 has a little more old school flair to it. The E36 has more of the modern look to it. It is also faster around the track.

[DrewSkii]

Neither of these cars are reliable. This board is full of this the "it's regular maintenance" excuse - it's BS. Regular for a BMW maybe, but not for all cars...

If you want reliability look elsewhere.

If you want fun and inexpensive parts look e30.

If you want comfort, fun, a little more investment, and a "nicer car to the public" go e36.

If you want reliability go honda. :)

I bought my e30 a few years ago simply because I KNEW it would break and I wanted to learn how to work on cars. In that time I've done two engine swaps and touched every bolt on my car. I'm getting sick of these things... but at the same time I love the knowledge that I've gained.

Keep all of this in mind and choose wisely... I would be careful to buy a CLEAN e30 - otherwise you will be doing A LOT of maintenance work that will drain on you.

Sweet thanks for all the info! Although I don't think I'd ever go with a honda (; haha
My bro's still telling me to get an e36 for some reason and he has an e30.. I'll see his reasoning in the morning lol.

[87e30]

Neither of these cars are reliable. This board is full of this the "it's regular maintenance" excuse - it's BS. Regular for a BMW maybe, but not for all cars...

If you want reliability look elsewhere.

If you want fun and inexpensive parts look e30.

If you want comfort, fun, a little more investment, and a "nicer car to the public" go e36.

If you want reliability go honda. :)

I bought my e30 a few years ago simply because I KNEW it would break and I wanted to learn how to work on cars. In that time I've done two engine swaps and touched every bolt on my car. I'm getting sick of these things... but at the same time I love the knowledge that I've gained.

Keep all of this in mind and choose wisely... I would be careful to buy a CLEAN e30 - otherwise you will be doing A LOT of maintenance work that will drain on you.

[DrewSkii]

what car are you selling?

It's a silver 1999 Audi a4 1.8t.. Tiptronic lol

[rlddlr53]

what car are you selling?

[DrewSkii]

Haha Well I'm pretty much convinced.
Now it's just down to selling my car and finding a decent e30 to get to work on :D

[rlddlr53]

e30. Love my 325is over my e36 m3 any day!

[Pantless Spency]

if you get an e36 - you will kill yourself for an e30
if you get an e30 - you will probably waste all your cash on an s/m5x swap from an e36.
whats better, being dead or broke? e30 ftw.

[DrewSkii]

I definitely love the look and feel of an e30 :D Ahhh decisions, decisions! Luckily I have lots of time to decide lol

[5Toes]

Its my first car, duh I wanted something reliable.

Buy an e30