Want an E30, here is my situation. Advice?

[The Crimson King]

For about a year now, I have been interested in getting an E30, but Im unsure on what to do. Currently I own a 2003 GTi 1.8T that has about 83xxx, which gets me to work and my classes.
I have been thinking about trading my GTi (someone with a 91' M50'd 318 is currently interested) for one.
I could sell my car, and have better options, but finding a ride for commuting between work and school may be hard between selling and buying.
Or I could just save up for an E30, but that will take sometime considering I will be transferring in a year and that is my main focus in terms of savings
Then I guess there is the idea of not getting one :/

Anyway, what would you guys say?

Thanks.

[mcgillaguddy]

don't do that.. your car is worth a lot more than an m50'd e30... if you can get someone to trade an s5x'd one lowered and looking pretty then that might make more sense

[325ix]

I would wait until summer break or a long break when you wont have to go to school. Then try and find a ride to work while you sell your car. Then buy the E30 you really want. Don't buy one just because it is available.

[drumad]

^exactly

Plus e30s have their own problems. Sounds like your current DD is solid and reliable. You're at a stage where having one of those is really important.

[Pantless Spency]

Do not trade for that m50'd e30. Only trade for an m3, a clean e30 with a turbo m30 or possibly an s50,52,54. Your car holds a lot more value

[Holland]

Are Mk4's really only worth that much? It seems you should be able to get a very well sorted S52 E30 for your car.

[The Crimson King]

True, My main focus is something very clean and been well maintained (obviously), then maybe some areas where I can add somethings here or there. Doesnt have to be a straight trade,if I can find one where someone is willing to put some cash with it. But, easiest way may be selling once fall semester ends.

[The Crimson King]

Are Mk4's really only worth that much? It seems you should be able to get a very well sorted S52 E30 for your car.

Im thinking the highest I could get would probably be a couple hundred under 8k, but I havent really looked at the market.

[devon.818]

been there done that.

had my 2nd e30, wanted to sell it for another.
found the replacement, put money down on it, then waited to sell mine. planned it so two hours after i sold the white/blue one i was driving my delphin 4door to get tags.

[brutus87]

Do it right, that involves patience.

[matthugie]

Yeah, don't do a straight trade for an m50 car, the mkIV is worth more. The vw is definitely more practical and better on gas, and depending on the quality of the swap more reliable. These are important things at that life stage. My advice would be to hold on to the vw until you're done with school, then start looking for a toy like a swapped e30.

[The Crimson King]

From experience, would you guys say: I should sell, and wait for a very clean and well maintained one, Hold on to my GTI until I transfer, where i am closer to the campus and not as dependent on the car, or keep it until I get my degree?