Buying 325i

[Boule30]

Guys! Finally found a clean e30 for a good price around here haha. The catch is, it's automatic



I'm thinking if the car checks out and I can get it for ~2k, I can drive the car for a while and then swap in a 5 speed. Thoughts?

[13bpower]

If you want it, buy it.

[Boule30]

If you want it, buy it.

I wish I could just justify all my expenses like this
Unfortunately I'm in college and I have to be careful with my money :(

[fiveightandten]

Guys! Finally found a clean e30 for a good price around here haha. The catch is, it's automatic

I'm thinking if the car checks out and I can get it for ~2k, I can drive the car for a while and then swap in a 5 speed. Thoughts?

Looks pretty clean. I looked into cars like this.

Auto swap will realistically cost you about $1K to do properly.

If you don't want comfort seats, you'll be into it for new sport seats as well. Then you'll put an M-tech wheel on it, then suspension, then wheels. Add maintenance. It's a slippery slope.

If you truly just want to do an auto swap down the road and would be happy with the car otherwise, i'd say pick it up. If you are going to want wheels and suspension, and to ditch the comfort and 4 spoke...you're probably better off just buying a manual with those parts to begin with. Ie. If you've been looking at more expensive cars with those things on them and shying away because of the price...you'll spend the same amount of money on this if you don't leave it stock.

[lukeADE335i]

too true

then the more power bug bites and you either turbo the M20, go M50, or M30 & your budget is out the window :D

Still - the manual swap is not so expensive on its own. An auto wouldn't put me off buying a neat car.

[mr2peak]

If you want a stick, buy a stick. Much easier and cheaper to by what you want.. But I digress. Clean car, motor swap and get it all done.