what car for a DD????

[worangejuice]

Hi,
Looking for a DD cause my Coupe is so low, stiff and loud.
Just need some input from all youze guys!
I know the bimmers are pricey on repairs and gas, but I love them!
Here's my list of good/bad.

In no necessary order...

1. 1982-88 bmw 525/535 $800-$1200 (cheap, classic look, cheap, canbeat up and have fun with, need to fix alot)
http://www.autoseekandsell.com/userimages/main.jpg
2. 1995 Nissan Maxima $1800-$2200 (reliable,NISSAN family, kinda dull,nice and roomy)
http://www.marco.org/images/maxima.jpg
3. 1992-93 BMW 325 2/4 door $1800-$2500 (pretty,fast,would make this my next main car, takes 91 octane)
http://images.cars.com/main/DMI/107690/FF86445.jpg
4. 1985-89 BMW 325 4 door $900-$1200 (cheap, classic look, cheap, canbeat up and have fun with,maintenance,small)
http://www.dtmpower.net/forum/attachments/bmw-parts-sale/16707d1034300210-fs-mint-1989-325ix-white-4-dr-automatic-many-mods-114-1409_img_smaller.jpg
all around 150k miles.
Generally been looking at these auto types on craigslist.
thanks ahead for any opinions.

[ESmorz]

Personally, number 1.

Just because I love how they look. So classy. Yet it screams European car chase...

[ronmcdon]

I like the e30's the most, so #4 for me. they're lots of fun to drive around, and are fairly reliable. should get decent mpg too.

[revat619]

For a daily, given those choices, i'd go with the Maxima.

For a daily, you dont want something that you'll be tempted to heavily mod. And you want something that is cheap to fix should something go wrong. That eliminates BMW's entirely.

Fyi, my daily is a 98 mitsubishi galant. GREAT on gas, roomy, comfortable ride, no real aftermarket (as if i'd really want to mod a GALANT....), and replacement parts are cheap as shit should i ever need anything serious. Plus its decent looking enough so i dont look like a total spazz driving it.

I'd trade it for a maxima in a heart beat, but i dont care that much. lol

[240love]

i bought another 240 and kept it stock.....cheap on gas and easy to do repairs

[ESmorz]

For a daily, given those choices, i'd go with the Maxima.

For a daily, you dont want something that you'll be tempted to heavily mod. And you want something that is cheap to fix should something go wrong. That eliminates BMW's entirely.

Fyi, my daily is a 98 mitsubishi galant. GREAT on gas, roomy, comfortable ride, no real aftermarket (as if i'd really want to mod a GALANT....), and replacement parts are cheap as shit should i ever need anything serious. Plus its decent looking enough so i dont look like a total spazz driving it.

I'd trade it for a maxima in a heart beat, but i dont care that much. lol

Yeah. BMW's aren't exactly the most reliable cars, especially ones that are 20+ year old. I just love how they look though.

I hope to find one cheap and in good condition soon. I wouldn't mind picking one up for shits and giggles.

If you want practicality go the maxima route. If you want something fun to drive from a to b, but you may encounter some problems along the way go the beamer road...

[murda-c]

Get a saturn.

Add oil every two weeks, add gas once a week.

It'll run for a long time

[flclsteve]

get a volvo or a honda

[lil240sx95]

I'd say stick to the nissan and get the maxima. or a honda! avoid BMW like said above you'll be tempted to modify and repairs are a bitch.

[Rnz520]

DONT GET NUMBER 3, they are so problematic if maintenance wasnt done right (exploding water pumps are no bueno).
If I were you I would stick with the Maxima, comfy, realiable, cheap.
To be honest the ultimate beater is a Toyota Tercel, I have one and other than oil and gas, you spend no money in it. Or get a non turbo volvo 240.

[worangejuice]

dammit, I really want #3.hmmm looking into maxima's. Yeah, I 'd reallywant to modify the headlights on the old bimmers and lower them. The maxima is the clear sensible choice. psshh. I had a '92 auto bmw coupe before. Loved it but the auto was boring. I then went back to the 240. Just want comfort and style for a DD. Already had a altima and the maxima would be the manly grown up choice.
Any opinions on say a 4runner (bad mpg?)
My common sense is arguing with my "that'd be cool" intuition.
Was looking at 240 verts temporarally(?) for the summer.
So indecisive I am.
thanks for all the info and input guys!

[muddafakka]

I'd go with the Maxima.

I know you're probably looking strictly at cars but have you considered a 4 banger Hardbody pickup? Those are great on gas and last forever. They're pretty cheap as well.

I'm strongly considering one for myself.

[norcal_black240]

Id get the maxima as well. Bmw's are nice until they break down then they suck. Parts and repairs on them cost to much and they dont have the best reputation for being reliable.

[S14DB]

Get the Maxima. Cheap to Mant. and repair and good MPG. BMW's are fucking $$$ to keep running.

[worangejuice]

yeah, most bmw's for sale are in need of head gaskets or too much to repair, you tow away, or wrecked fronts, or too much. just checked out the volvo 240s, got that cool old boxxy look, I like the wagons and I've heard mostly good about them, but never really touched on myself.

[DanS14RB]

I agree with most everyone here...I've fixed far too many BMWs to like them, Although I do like how they look and when they operate properly there's nothing quite like it, however they are major bucks to repair (used to work as a service advisor at a bmw dealer) and repairs are endless...even on the new ones...my beater is now a honda CNG car (natural gas) costs 12 bucks to fill up.

[cuddlesthesheep]

i'm honestly stoked that when i get my liscense back i will have a DD for the next 10 years or more with my 07 CRV so i don't have to worry about driving my 240 around only.


out of the choices you listed i'd go with the maxima for sure.

my friends first car was 95 maxima and he was the worst on maintanance and driving for that matter but it never gave him a problem and it had close to 200k miles.

[thatdrifterguy]

what im planning on doing is buying another 240 and painting it the same then swap bodykits and rims between daily and drift car. even if the daily will look 4x4 ish, its still good enough for me since it'll look kinda nice with the rims and bodykit.

but if i had to choose what u mentioned. i'd get number 1 if it was a 2 door, or number 3. i gotta keep it RWD. but then again......maintenance

[worangejuice]

geeeez, lookin at maximas and I know whatever car I get , it will be lowered and on new wheels in no time.hehe

[RiversideS13]

i would vote for maxima. daily drive should be reliable and relatively cheap to keep. plus i would image you need to put a lot miles onto it.... high mileage European cars are tough to resale.

[eastcoastS14]

maximus decimus meridius

[SC_S13]

I agree with most everyone here...I've fixed far too many BMWs to like them, Although I do like how they look and when they operate properly there's nothing quite like it, however they are major bucks to repair (used to work as a service advisor at a bmw dealer) and repairs are endless...even on the new ones...my beater is now a honda CNG car (natural gas) costs 12 bucks to fill up.

on the scale of breakdowns, the maxima is definitely the way to go. both cars have their share of electric problems though. the euro's are definitely more known for that though. my heart says e30 because i love the look and how they drive. but the maxima is more no-worries-to-go.

[FaLKoN240]

You could get a G20...

LOL I like mine a lot.

[BustedS13]

maxima. fuck euro maintenance.

i've got an Acura CL as my daily, is super comfy. i'm considering giving up a little comfort though in exchange for a stick, RWD, and a little more HP... in the form of a Lexus SC300. TWO JAY ZEE NO SHIT :O
i've decided my daily should always be a black coupe with the chrome trim ring around the side windows, so my choices are limited

[cgtdream]

The maxima hands down....might as well as keep it nissan :D

[wiggafly808]

I used to have a maxima and an e36 325i.

The 325i's are SLOW! They can be alright on gas.
Lots of torque though.. and I still love the styling..
I had tranny problems with both of mine, but if they are well kept they arent very problematic at all (besides the waterpump/timing belt and other regular maintenance)
If youre just going for reliablility you can get a 318i or 318is, same body as the 325i/325is but 4 cyl engine.


Ive had a good experience with the maxima i had though.
97 5 speed, its pretty fast (faster than those e36 325i's), decent on gas (22ish)
They are extremely reliable and fairly easy to work on.
Those VQs are great engines.
Heres a few pics
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h118/wiggafly808/maximamisc011.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h118/wiggafly808/maximamisc008.jpg
It had exhaust, intake, a drop (if you can believe that), injectors, 350z rims, red/clear tails, cefire headlights, sarona grill etc..

Heres a few pics of my e36s
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h118/wiggafly808/clearcorners005.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h118/wiggafly808/DSC00336.jpg

If you get an e36 get some angel eyes!
By far my fav e36 mod appearance wise
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h118/wiggafly808/projector36_05.jpg

[exitspeed]

I have two cars that I REALLY want to buy sometime in the future for a DD all year car.

#1 is a 2.5 RS.
http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/tmb/791_image.jpg

#2 Mazda MP5 in white though
http://www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2003/Mazda/100124884/2003.mazda.protege5.6954-396x249.jpg

[blasting_speed]

Hyundai Genesis. Enough said.

[SHIFT_*grind*]

I had a fully loaded '97 5 speed Max, it was a great car. I got rid of it for something more fun (my current 240), but you've got a toy already so you shouldn't have that problem. They've got plenty of power for a DD, and very comfortable.

[jackjack]

really dig 4. but like everyone else said........ i'd stick to the maxima for dd purposes.

[SW20Racer]

To be honest the ultimate beater is a Toyota Tercel, I have one and other than oil and gas, you spend no money in it.

Truth.

i daily a tercel, i love it. im approaching 50 mpg with just a few mods left to do.(i should see 50+ when im done,all for under $3k including price of car) BUT if i could trade it for anything, 2 door echo. if i had a 2 door echo, i'd make that shit look like a spaceship.

[codyace]

I have a 96 Maxima SE, and LOVE it for my daily driver. I got mine for 1000 bucks - a steal!

It's got 225,000 miles, everything power (sunroof, mirrors, heated seats, bose, leather, etc etc) still works awsome, and the car is quiet as a mouse when driving. No leaks, AC works, and it doesn't use coolant or oil...so happy!

Nice, tons of room, and comfy. On top of that, you can EASILY blend in.

If you drive it like a human, expect to see around 25 mixed, 30-35 strict highway.

Only real mods: JWT Popcharger (hehe), Carbotech Bobcat pads, and 03 G35c wheels (no pictured). I also installed a PA system to yell at people too haha.

Things I've fixed and or replaced:
-Knock Sensor (known to fail if you run cheap gas...so run 89/91 and no issues)

-Rear Calipers Seized (known issue as well, but for 225k, I can't complain)

-Also taken the Throttle Body and IACV off to clean them. Some suggest this should be a once a year thing. Mine had never been off, and I most certainly noticed better economy and response...both were packed full of old crud.



Again, I love this car. While I'd love for somethign a 'tad' more economical (persay, a g20 with a vvl swap), I can't deny the 'bigness' and niceness of the Maxima. Plus it blends in so well into everyday car life.


www.maxima.org

[wiggafly808]

I have two cars that I REALLY want to buy sometime in the future for a DD all year car.

#1 is a 2.5 RS.
http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/tmb/791_image.jpg


I love that generation too!
Not too many other people seem to though
5 speed coupes or even the sedans are extremely hard to find here

[steve shadows]

I get 35-40mpg driving like an asshole in my 1997 200sx

got the 1.6 motor and everything (black on black, moon roof, AC, pwr everything).

Aside from being horrendously ugly

costs 45 bucks to fill up (tiny gas tank)

[codyace]

I get 35-40mpg driving like an asshole in my 1997 200sx


I was gonna say, no way that's got an SR in there ;)


You can spiff them up. Tons of great suspension things for them too.

If you want the same MPG, and 80-90 more hp, look into a VVL.

[bluepanda523]

Get a maxima. I had one for close to five years for a daily. Really reliable and a good amount of power and torque to get you out of some trouble. The only repair costs I had for mines was around a few hundred bucks for parts. (cv axle, parts for a tune up)

[coww-cho!!!!!]

you should try getting a 92-96 toyota camry XLE there cheap and super easy to fix, save gas, really roomy ( i had my fair share in the back seat =D ) and theres so many of them to find

[Mr. Jesse]

get a decom. cop car. they's gangster.

[steve shadows]

they are pretty aweful on gas mileage though

[ESmorz]

they are pretty aweful on gas mileage though

True, but you can't put a price on the face the under age occupant of a house throwing a party has when you shine the little spotlight on them. :D

In all seriousness though. Unless you drive like 2 miles a day don't get a decommissioned patrol car.

[LB.Motoring]

I was like inches away from buying one,

My dad knows the guy who does all the car sales off De Comp'd cars from UCR, and they have a whole bunch of squad cars,

I was sooooooooo close, 2,500 bucks, would have been badass, still had tons of shit on it, Hell, I'd add secret LED's