Need Advice

[Rustyduktape]

Hello, i've been here on R3v for a little while now, and don't have an e30... yet. also never really formally introduced myself. im James, 16 from Mass. now, i've been looking into e30's for the past 4 months, and am finally at the point where im going to buy one. which is where i need your input. i have 5000 dollars saved up, that is all mine and i can spend every penny, if i choose (which would not be wise, i think). the issue: should i buy a good condition 91 318is for ~3000, or buy a beater with many mechanical problems for ~1000. these examples are not real cars. the 91 318is is my dream, and the POS is something i would use as a learning project. so from any personal experiences, or any other experiences for that matter, could you help me on what to do????

[kronus]

Keep looking. $1000 is too much to pay for a POS beater.

[Rustyduktape]

thanks.

[Stephen]

Depends if you need a DD, or if its just a toy. but in any event for 1000 it should be decent

[der affe]

find something in between. if you are looking for a starter.
if you get a shit box, you can get over your head really quick and end up sinking too much into the car before you know it.

you want a mechanically sound, some what needy car for a project to start with.

[kowalski]

something to think about, your going to spend a lot more money bringing a beater up to the standard of car you'd get for 3 grand.

[Farbin Kaiber]

First car, at sixteen, with minimal automotive experience, I'd drop three g's on a 91 318iS and keep the other two g's for maintenance when the issues arise. It's easier to get a sorted 2 or 3 owner vehicle in good condition as opposed to a thousand dollar heap that you'll get balls deep into real quick.

[Rustyduktape]

Thanks guys. i was leaning more towards spending the 3k to get a car that wouldnt need much work, or no work at all. the good thing is that i have an uncle who is utterly obsessed with bimmers, an uncle who's a professional mechanic, and my dad can fix about anything. oh and with the tool inventory in my basement, i think i could repair a battleship. haha. im hoping that with the car i get, i can learn a lot from. thanks again for the input.

[Turf1600]

buy the nicest, most rust free car you can with the money.

[z31maniac]

buy the nicest, most rust free car you can with the money.

Yup, and proof of a well maintained one is nice. The car I bought from FL came with A TON of paperwork and maintenance receipts.

Would still be nearly perfect if a guibo bolt hadn't failed and trashed my drivetrain.

[ethirtydavid]

save the grand for when you want to buy a decent parts e30 - go for the eighteener.
don't overlook the 89' 325is' though