I need a daily driver

[David]

If you had US$10k to US$12k to spend on a daily driver, what would you get ? My SoCal work commute is ~15 miles each way so while important, MPG is not critical. Id want to get about 2 years out of it before sinking more cash into it.

Any ideas ??

[duane_sword]

for $10-$12k I would go for an E30 325 and you could find one in great condition (though I am not sure about the smog rules in CA)... ok it is getting old, but strong engine, good looks, not much in electronics to go haywire, and classic BMW design that seems to get better as Bangle releases more.

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/faq/E30320is_325i-Sport-1.jpg

[Malc]

Manual Saab 900 Turbo (1979 - 1993)
cheap as chips
capable of astronomical miles
querky Swedish fun.

[chicane]

for $10-$12k I would go for an E30 325 and you could find one in great condition (though I am not sure about the smog rules in CA)... ok it is getting old, but strong engine, good looks, not much in electronics to go haywire, and classic BMW design that seems to get better as Bangle releases more.

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/faq/E30320is_325i-Sport-1.jpg

I think you would be hard pressed to find a nice low mileage e30. Better to get a e36 and get some features like airbags, etc.

[dang]

If you had US$10k to US$12k to spend on a daily driver, what would you get ?

$10-$12k? That's quite a bit of money to play with in my book. Two door? Four door? Older car? Newer car? Is it just a commute car or will you use it for trips, outdoor stuff, etc? There are a LOT of choices if you're going to spend that kind of money.

Get on ebaymotors and do a search for the makes you'd consider and the price range...

Dan

[MichaelP]

$10-$12k? That's quite a bit of money to play with in my book.

Mine, too.

I just went from a 535is to a 318ic as a dd, but there's a really interesting e28 here in C'ville right in your spending range. Note the tag and the badge on the fender. I've seen the car and know the owner/builder (he's a tech at the local BMW dealer), and man does it sound sweet. The exhaust system is a work of art. More info:
http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=50604
http://www.bmwe28v8.org/540is/DSC01139.JPG

[David]

Thanks.

Never much cared for the E36. That 5 is nice, but I'm guessing it wouldn't pass smog here in California.

Did you guys see this:

http://bringatrailer.com/2008/06/24/bat-exclusive-31k-mile-1984-vw-gti-mk1/

That's the ad that started me thinking about what 10k would get.

[Malc]

Get a nice Alfa Romeo!
Everybody should have one once in their lives
Unreliable, terrible image and an absolute hoot to drive, especially the older rear wheel drive ones

[pamp]

Naw, score a 1971 to 1973 Volvo. Anything with a B20 motor. Bullet proof.
A pre- owned '73 P1800 ES for instance. Too cool. Kept mine bride in a 1971
142E from 1980 to 2003, she was rewarded with the ultimate dog hauler. 2000 V70 XC. Can you beat it?

[pj]

e36 m3, you could pick up a nice 95 for 10k , or am e36 328 sedan .e34 525i are also annice ride in that range(you could get 2)

[lip277]

I'd second the E30 recommendation. Or an E28 if can find one worth taking....

[G-Man]

I'd go with a E30 with a manual gearbox, they are bulletproof, and fun to drive. Just make sure the M20 timing belt has been changed every 50K. You can pick up nice one for less than 5K. Look for a plastic bumper version (89-91), they look so much better than the early ones with diving board bumpers. A good choice is a 91 318is with the M42 motor (16V DOHC), it is a poor man's E30 M3. The M42 motor was only available one year in the E30 (91) except for the 318i conv which continued production into 92. The M42 motor comes alive after 3500 RPM, a great motor and a fun package combined with the sport options in the 318is, a fun car. The 91 318is is the modern day 2002tii.

G-Man