Might have to sell...

[Thizzelle]

also show them this video

[Vtec?lol]

It's your own fault. Unless you bought the car in its current condition.

[87e30]

I understand, my parents always thought I was crazy but I was in college so they didn't say much. I certainly see no reason to anger the parents when they are looking to help you buy a car...

[gtdragon980]

Like your not gonna spend a good chunk on buying an e46 and also spend money to maintain that one? You'll be money ahead getting your current car sorted and reliable. Especially since it won't lose anymore value in depreciation.

My buddy who is 21 years old, still allows his parents to make his decisions when it comes to purchasing a car or controlling his insurance, etc. It sounds like this kid has the same kind of parents. You try and suggest a different option, but it will not happen because, the parents are "ALWAYS" right. I have been making my own decisions since I was 16 so I stuck with my e30 and bought an e46 last year as well. Unfortunately, nowadays these parents think that their kids need a new car because old cars are unreliable and shitty. There is no point to even try convincing those who do not attempt to reason.

[Thizzelle]

My buddy who is 21 years old, still allows his parents to make his decisions when it comes to purchasing a car or controlling his insurance, etc. It sounds like this kid has the same kind of parents. You try and suggest a different option, but it will not happen because, the parents are "ALWAYS" right. I have been making my own decisions since I was 16 so I stuck with my e30 and bought an e46 last year as well. Unfortunately, nowadays these parents think that their kids need a new car because old cars are unreliable and shitty. There is no point to even try convincing those who do not attempt to reason.

yeah it's like my parents but they see how I've had my cars for over 10 years and now they want to buy a vert for the weekends.

[pacmanE30]

My buddy who is 21 years old, still allows his parents to make his decisions when it comes to purchasing a car or controlling his insurance, etc. It sounds like this kid has the same kind of parents. You try and suggest a different option, but it will not happen because, the parents are "ALWAYS" right. I have been making my own decisions since I was 16 so I stuck with my e30 and bought an e46 last year as well. Unfortunately, nowadays these parents think that their kids need a new car because old cars are unreliable and shitty. There is no point to even try convincing those who do not attempt to reason.

well said! I've come across a few of my buddies parents who are the same way and it's just irritating listening to their one track mind logic.

From the sound of this, if your going to HS and your forking out all the monies for this car then it sounds like you have a job. If that's the case you really have nothing to worry about, make your own decisions, unless you're funding your car via an allowance...then they might cut you off.

[dannyyisntt]

If they make you sell it, you should refuse to wear pants.

[gtdragon980]

From the sound of this, if your going to HS and your forking out all the monies for this car then it sounds like you have a job. If that's the case you really have nothing to worry about, make your own decisions, unless you're funding your car via an allowance...then they might cut you off.

This. If you are making your own money and covering all the costs associated with the car, don't let them make the decisions. If they want you to buy something newer, make them pay for everything. If you don't want it, don't force yourself to pay for it. E46's are nice, but they can be pricey when repairs are needed. Mine has been solid, but I have electrical issues which are tearing up my wallet. Stick with the e30 for cheap maintenance and repairs. You can easily source and engine for $300 and drop that in if your current one is shit. It is not hard for a m20-->m20 swap. Just a few bolts and some connecting of wires. Engine hoist is obviously *needed.

EDIT: That is an overstatement of course about the swap, it does take a good day of work and some nice friends to help out. Maybe some local r3v'ers can give you a hand.

[MNE30]

It's your own fault. Unless you bought the car in its current condition.

It's nothing of my own fault, I change the oil regularly, did the timing belt, valve adjustments, used good fluids, kept it clean. It just goes through head gaskets quite often and you can only shave the head so many times.

As you stated, you are paying for everything = zero say for non-paying parents. And they are dreaming if they think the e46 is more reliable/cheaper.

If you love your e30, you know what to do

I know since I'm paying for it all they can't really force me to get rid of it but they are encouraging me to get something a little newer.

No offence but your parents do not make any sense. I bet your dad has AAA. Not slamming but I have a few friends with parents JUST like this and I am coming close to 30. They think older cars are pure junk.
The tourings are awesome, but you will not save money getting one.

Nah my pops isn't like that, he could probably rebuild my engine if he wanted to. He's a pretty smart guy but he really doesn't understand the whole thing of having a car for anything more than a utility. I would personally save money on an E46 because my parents would be willing to chip in with shit on it but I know it requires quite a bit more work to keep in good shape.

This thread pisses me off.

Not as much as me, it's getting hard to afford this E30 on my own that's for sure.

a 91 should have abs and airbag. did you removed it? i would throw the stock exhaust on, rise it a bit, hook up the abs and airbag. you're going to miss it if you get an e46, its nothing like an e30.

Yeah I have a non-airbag wheel and the ABS wasn't working so I just removed the relay. I don't happen to have the stock exhaust, I'm sure sourcing one wouldn't be too hard.

[nando]

fix the ABS and airbag and their argument will mostly evaporate.

[GillesBigCowboy]

E30 is worlds cheaper, but if they are paying, let them buy you an e46... Just keep your e30 covered and parked in backyard as investment/hobby.

[F34R]

Tough paying for your own car maintenance? It is called be a man and suck it up, I have been paying for my own stuff(desires) since I was 14.

If they are willing to chip in for another car why not just help with the basic needs of your e30?

[KIRIEIW]

My first car was a e46, 3 years later I own a e30 and e46. Now it's just the e30... Why you may ask? Cause old bmws are built better and take it from me, a e46 is NOT a very reliable car. At all

[word is bond]

Honestly, those are both great cars. My mother had an e46 touring with a stick and sport pack, and I really miss that car when I'm home. I would thoroughly lay out the pros and cons of both cars on a piece of paper and discuss it. I mean everything - current prices, how prices have changed in recent years, expected maintenance costs, expected amount of work you would be able to perform yourself, mpg, safety features, practicality, driving styles, fun factor, etc.
If you end up going for the touring, I hope you take your time with the purchase, and wait until you find the right one.

[e30vert]

Tell your parents that you are keeping your e30 because you enjoy it and they have reared a child who can make up his own mind and stick to his guns when he feels strongly about something.

This shows good decision making and fortitude. Dont bend in the wind young fellow! Dig those roots in deeper to weather the storm.

Keep working on the e30 with vigor, vitality , and viciousness!

My father once said , (and I quote) " you are to old to ride skateboards and need to get rid of it"

I did. I bought a car and I still look back on that decision as one I should not have allowed.