Need opinions on commuter car

[TimbyMaTombo]

I'm entertaining the thought of getting a second car for daily commutes that get a bit better fuel economy than my e30, and wanted the opinion of my fellow enthusiasts. Having a second car would also allow me to work on my car and learn how to do things myself without having to worry about not having a car for a few days and missing school and such. I've found three cars I'm considering and need help on ideas.

http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/cto/3247251728.html

1995 Mercedes e300 diesel with 360,000 miles. In proper condition, can average 35mpg and I would consider running WVO eventually. High miles, but have read of properly maintained Mercedes Diesels getting ~650,000 on them and still running. This car would be the most likely to remain fairly stock, and the other two would eventually start getting some mods, so this may end up the least expensive overall.

http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/cto/3231414433.html

1982 320i. Needs new clutch and a few other things, but after that, should be a fun car. There's another on CL for 1700 that looks to be in a little better condition, but I like this one... possible M42 swap later in life?

http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto/3200853816.html

1988 Toyota MR2. Kinda ugly as it sits, but wheels would be changed immediately, and paint would be fixed in due time. I've always wanted one of these cars but would be impractical for me to have as my only car.

Of course, I would get all three checked out at independent shops before purchasing to make sure they won't be huge money pits, and I'm not even sure I want a second car, but I'm thinking it could be useful at times.

Any opinions??

Thanks,
Peter

[giantkeeper]

Have you already calculated how long you would have to keep and drive one of these cars to offset the expense vs savings?

[lambo]

Why not a civic, corolla or something that will get nuts fuel economy?

[TimbyMaTombo]

Have you already calculated how long you would have to keep and drive one of these cars to offset the expense vs savings?

Not yet, but that will come later in the serious consideration of it. Right now, it's just an idea I had. Another thought, other than just fuel economy is that I wouldn't want my only mode of transportation to be off the road for days if I wanted to do some work to it in case something goes awry.

Why not a civic, corolla or something that will get nuts fuel economy?

I could consider them, but I want to stay RWD if possible so it can also be a fun car. These are also about the most I'd want to spend and most cheap Civics around here are beat to crap to poorly modded...
I think the Mercedes would be the least "enjoyable" of the three to drive due to being big and cushy, but I'm sure there are things to do that can change that.

[lambo]

I could consider them, but I want to stay RWD if possible so it can also be a fun car. These are also about the most I'd want to spend and most cheap Civics around here are beat to crap to poorly modded...

That's completely understandable haha

[TimbyMaTombo]

That's completely understandable haha

Isn't that about true for anywhere in the country, though?

[spike68]

An e30.

Problem solved.

[E30SPDFRK]

Get a Buick from old people. It'll be in perfect shape, is super comfortable, gets in the 30's for mpg and will be cheap.

[TimbyMaTombo]

Get a Buick from old people. It'll be in perfect shape, is super comfortable, gets in the 30's for mpg and will be cheap.

That's what my dad has done for all of his cars. My aunt works in as a lawyer in a 55+ town and he asks her what cars they have from recently deceased people there. The last car was 10 years old and had 60,000 on the clock. I guess I want a fun car to drive also.

[5Toes]

toyota cressida

[VinniE30]

I'm entertaining the thought of getting a second car for daily commutes that get a bit better fuel economy than my e30, and wanted the opinion of my fellow enthusiasts. Having a second car would also allow me to work on my car and learn how to do things myself without having to worry about not having a car for a few days and missing school and such. I've found three cars I'm considering and need help on ideas.

http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/cto/3247251728.html

1995 Mercedes e300 diesel with 360,000 miles. In proper condition, can average 35mpg and I would consider running WVO eventually. High miles, but have read of properly maintained Mercedes Diesels getting ~650,000 on them and still running. This car would be the most likely to remain fairly stock, and the other two would eventually start getting some mods, so this may end up the least expensive overall.

http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/cto/3231414433.html

1982 320i. Needs new clutch and a few other things, but after that, should be a fun car. There's another on CL for 1700 that looks to be in a little better condition, but I like this one... possible M42 swap later in life?

http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto/3200853816.html

1988 Toyota MR2. Kinda ugly as it sits, but wheels would be changed immediately, and paint would be fixed in due time. I've always wanted one of these cars but would be impractical for me to have as my only car.

Of course, I would get all three checked out at independent shops before purchasing to make sure they won't be huge money pits, and I'm not even sure I want a second car, but I'm thinking it could be useful at times.

Any opinions??

Thanks,
Peter

I'd just keep the E30. Do any maintenance it needs and make it reliable. It will get pretty good gas mileage. Those cars don't get that much better fuel economy than an e30, especially not enough to offset the cost you will spend to buy, register, insure, and maintain it.

[randomsv650]

dude, you're in FL, buy yourself a 650cc single cylinder dualsport and get 60-70mpg all day long

[Nairb]

dude, you're in FL, buy yourself a 650cc single cylinder dualsport and get 60-70mpg all day long

That's what I did.

I was considering the saaaame thing man, but I decided to actually take my e30 to a mechanic and said "FIX THE BITCH." And so he did, and now I am thrilled to have my car back on the road.

However, if you like Mercedes Diesels, I found a 1991 350sd Benzo in Sarasota. Very very nice, rebuilt engine with about 65k on the clock. I think it is Gulf Coast dealer. Reasonably priced, a little high, but very nice. It may be something of interest to you, as it is still for sale.

EDIT: Link: http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/ctd/3190058958.html

[TimbyMaTombo]

I'm starting to think I just want another car because I can... I don't need one by any means, but I guess I just want one. I've always wanted an MR2 and think that 320i is pretty nifty. My problem is I like spending money and buying stuff. D: I also want a truck so I can go mudding... it's always sounded like fun to me.