My dad doesn't want me to buy an E30 because it's too "high-end"

"Justin Young" (jus1029) 08/08/2013 at 12:32 • Filed to: Rant, Parents

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As a fifteen-year-old petrolhead, I always want to plan ahead on what will be my first car. Earlier today, my father and I had that type of conversation, and I said, "I wanna have an E30 BMW 3-series!" However, my dad, being a stereotypical father, disagrees, and I should instead have a common man's Toyota, Honda or Nissan. Reason? So that I won't show off, and people won't give me negative judgements. That is rubbish.

I'm sorry, but saying I can't own an E30 because it's an expensive brand is like saying I can't marry this girl because her family's poor. I am born and raised in a not-so wealthy family, and the only way to balance the yin and the yang is to buy cheap items, food, appliances and, of course, cars. I do agree to that move, but I'm not talking about a Lamborghini or a Ferrari. I'm talking about a vintage E30 BMW 3-series that, in the classifieds, is priced at $4K to $9K.

A high-end car, in my opinion, is a modern, attention-grabbing car that only rich people can own. My first car in mind neither is modern nor an attention-grabber (at least to non-gearheads). It's an 80's German 4-door/2-door/5-door that wasn't meant to be a wealthy man's transportation in the first place (as far as I'm concerned).

If you are a parent and feel offended by this, I do apologize. I just want to get this rant off my chest. All I'm saying is buying something from an expensive brand does not always lead to negative comments. Just let things be.

This is my first rant, so please if there's any error, just let me know politely.

CalzoneGolem > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 12:34

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Listen to your dad. He's your dad. When you don't live with him buy what you want.

twinturbobmw > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 12:34

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Agreed!

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 12:37

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Does he know what an E30 is for starters?

Z_Stig > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 12:38

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Have you shown your Pops how cheap an E30 is? There will always be people who think just because it has a BMW badge it must be super expensive but most folks will look it and say "that's an old car."

RotaryLover > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 12:38

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Save up and buy it with your own money. My parents used to tell me to not buy a Miata because it's too old, it's too small, you can't use it in winter and yadayadayada. I bought it anyways! They can't say nothing since I payed everything on it myself...so that's the trick. On a side note, WTH IS THAT CHANGE WITH KINJA RIGHT NOW??

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 12:39

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If you can pay for it in cash, on your own, then you do what you want but be prepared to accept the consequences. If he is buying it for you? Then you take what you get (unless it's a PT cruiser then kindly reject his offer and take a bus or bicycle). I think that is the key to this rant - Is it 100% your own money? And this includes insurance, gas, and the inevitable repairs.

Even though it was my own money, I ended up buying a well-used 97 monte carlo after I sold the van and made a decent profit because my dad agreed to help with repairs and insurance since both were dirt cheap on that car. Had I gotten an old 944? He would've laughed and said "start saving".

Sometimes you suffer early to get more later. Welcome to the real world.

monovich > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 12:40

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E30s are cheap but they aren't cheap to keep happy when something goes wrong. Maybe your dad doesn't want to be stuck with that bill.

A Toyota costs .99c to fix no matter which part breaks.

And by the way I don't think your opinion is invalid. It just sucks that at 15 your opinion is still building up it's muscle mass.

Sparf > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 12:40

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Just show him some pictures of really ratty E30s and he'll change his mind:

ddavidn > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 12:42

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On one hand, he's your dad... Sometimes they do know best. On the other hand, you're right about most e30s not being high-end cars. But they can still require the maintenance time/effort of a troublesome car. I love my e36 , and I don't think it makes me look like that much of a tool, but if I had bought it as a first car I would be up scheiße creek most of the time. I have actually recently bought a Toyota for the next time my BMW breaks down. So, while you may technically be correct, I couldn't tell you what to do because I don't know your specific situation.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

You have, however, ranted correctly. I see no error in the rant itself.

Edit for sources: I am 25, my brother is 16 and will probably drive my old Focus as I have advised him to, I would never put him in an e30 or any other BMW yet. I started with a 1989 Mazda MPV and wish I still had it. Graduated to a $500 Focus and wish I still had it.

bourgeoisie > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 12:42

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Don't listen because he's your dad, listen because he's right. If you're not wealthy, it's not a great idea to buy a brand that's known for high repair costs, even if enthusiasts on this and other forums have given you the mistaken idea that you'll be able to rebuild it yourself like an F1 pit crew.

I don't subscribe to the idea that the asian imports are inherently better, either. While they are known for running a long time, I've known more than a few people with very expensive Toyota repairs, so that long term reliability does come at a cost.

Buy something you can fix yourself inexpensively. All the "beige" cars that Jalops complain about are perfect cars for drivers in training because they're beige.

bourgeoisie > RotaryLover 08/08/2013 at 12:44

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Miata =/= E30. Poor argument.

LandSpeed-DSM > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 12:45

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Can you afford to purchase, insure and maintain it yourself?

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Sparf 08/08/2013 at 12:45

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See then the dad is going to think this is what his son wants his E30 to look like to and then he'll end up with a minivan or a smart just to make sure it doesn't happen.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 12:45

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Just go here and look up how much parts cost. Then go to a "sensible" car maker's dealership and ask how much parts cost.

RMudkips > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 12:46

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Man this sucks. They're pretty hard to maintain I hear, it gets expensive in the long run. If you're paying for the car with your own money, then I think you should save up for the repairs and parts you may need.

As a 15 year old, my dad's actually gonna consider getting me a car. I talked to him about a Volvo 240 wagon, and he's said the parts may be rare, since the car was last produced 20 years ago.

I'd do some research on maintenance and talk to my dad on it if I were you.

Justin Young > Sparf 08/08/2013 at 12:48

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Will do!

RotaryLover > bourgeoisie 08/08/2013 at 12:50

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I know I know. The point is, if you want something that no one wants to help you with...do it with your own resources (car wise) and learn from it.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 12:51

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If it's your money (purchase, insurance, repairs), then you should listen politely and take any parental advice into account, but ultimately do what you want.

If it's his money, then you should be happy you're getting any car in the first place. I don't think kids should have no input, but instead of saying "I want an E30" I think you should instead talk about what characteristics you want your first car to have. Maybe that will lead him to reconsider the E30, or maybe that will mean you could get a car that has similar characteristics but that is also acceptable to him.

If you're still unhappy, get a job and start saving. It's what I did.

It's a "Porch-uh" > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 12:53

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My dad wasn't happy when I stopped buying 'Merican cars. He thinks they're harder to work on and more expensive to maintain. In some ways he's right, and others not so much. My 944 - yes, on my third race motor at $2500+ per rebuild/replacement. My E60 535i - yes, I can't do anything without getting the dealer to reflash the computer at $100-$150 per.

As for his first point, that an E30 is a show off car - I'd agree with you, it's not really. It shows you're a car guy to other car people, and even a modded one is better received by the general public than a slammed Honda with coffee can exhaust.

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 12:54

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Show him this, but replace the Mustang with a BMW.

Justin Young > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 08/08/2013 at 12:56

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I remember seeing those kind of photos on the "Ban The Ford Mustang" Facebook page! XD

ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR > CalzoneGolem 08/08/2013 at 13:01

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That's a bingo.

His dad is probably a M30 fan.

The E30 is older than this kid. He should at least get an E36.

Anon > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 13:05

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I really am going to have to side with your dad on this one. Not for the reasons he gave but for others. I drive a mini which is built by BMW and uses BMW parts and honestly I would never reccomend a BMW for a first car.

1) Yes the parts ARE as insane as people make them out to be!

2) They aren't the easiest cars to work on. When you hear people talking about doing complex work on cars on here, you need to remember that many are mechanics or have equivilant experience.

3) It's a car from the 80's, no matter what you do, it's going to break down. When your parents buy you a car it's to save them the trouble of driving you around. By the way having your car break down 10 minutes before a final is not a fun experiance.

4) It's rear wheel drive. No matter what people on here have lead you to believe, driving a rear wheel drive car requires more experiance to not wrap yourself around a tree. Especially because you're 15, you WILL drive it way to fast and drive it too hard! You might not think it now but you will.

5) oil filters and air filters can be a pain to find.

bourgeoisie > RotaryLover 08/08/2013 at 13:05

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Actually, I think the point is: dad has a lot more years on this earth—and as a result—a hell of a lot more wisdom.

Listen to dad.

RotaryLover > bourgeoisie 08/08/2013 at 13:07

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Depends on dads...mine bought my first car, a Chrysler Sebring. Why? Because the exhaust felt solid when you tapped on it. Where's the wisdom in that?

Meatcoma > Z_Stig 08/08/2013 at 13:09

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Has your pops shown you how expensive BMW parts/service are?

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 08/08/2013 at 13:15

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Will they ship out of country? Because it sounds like OP isn't from America.

Forgetful > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 13:16

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You neeeed to own some shitbox beaters. It's a right of passage. It's the whole tough love, appreciate what it truly means to own a car for better or for worse experience.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/08/2013 at 13:16

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I think so

Justin Young > ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR 08/08/2013 at 13:19

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My dad's not even a car guy! (I'm the only petrolhead in the family)

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 08/08/2013 at 13:22

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Now how expensive are those parts to get in his country, that is the best question. And don't forget, those parts will probably need to be shipped a great distance, wheras a native toyota or honda that's 10 years old probably has parts in stock at any local junkyard or parts store or dealership. It sounds boring, but having to wait for a week just to GET a part, let alone put it on, is not good when it's your only car and you have work/school to go to.

Yes most employers understand when a teenager has a car breakdown and they miss a day. It happened to everyone as a teenager (or will happen) so it's acceptable. But missing multiple days because you bought a used E30 you can't get parts for? Well that doesn't say the best things about your judgement. While not the same as what the dad was saying, there is a certain stigma to owning a sportier or rare car and then being left stranded because of it. It *could* happen in any car, but when it happens to the petrol head, yeah you get chastised for it a lot. It's not fair but it's life. At least as an adult it's easier to deal with.

Z_Stig > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 13:23

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We're talking about an E30 here, not an E90. Plus his dad's reason not to get one was because of perceived brand snobbery.

Justin Young > Z_Stig 08/08/2013 at 13:23

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Bingo.

ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 13:24

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There are better first cars. I promise. My first was a 1990 toyota camry. It did everything I needed it to do. Got me from point A to B and had four doors. That is all you need. I would wait for something more fun for when you have a good paying job. Keep your nose to the grindstone until then. Hard work does pay off. I'm 25 and looking at project cars. Having a reliable and easy to work on daily driver has saved me lots of money. I suggest getting a Mazda 3 for you first car. With a stick so you can enjoy it more. You can make the argument that ford/mazda automatics are terrible(in the early years) and the manual box is way better and will last longer. Maybe not the clutch/flywheel but everything else will.

Stef Schrader > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 13:26

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I like this rant. My parents were, uh, less than happy to hear I picked up a 944 LeMons car. Heck, I'd found some years earlier and they still didn't buy one for me, so I waited until I had a job (well, uh, for a couple days anyway...the fact that it was my first big purchase while gainfully employed might've influenced the level of parental angry) and boom: hoon car.

Same deal: "Oh my gosh, the parts are expensive! What if something breaks? Parts are expensive if it breaks! Why do we give you money if you can afford to buy a Porsche?"

Uh, no. It's a car that passes for $500—total worth. It's got an extensive set of people who hoon them—network away and that's a goldmine for parts, help and advice. It was a mass-produced, totally not-special version, so used parts are easy to find and cheap to pick up. Smaller tires than the ones that usually come on modern wheels are faaaaaabulously cheap to replace.

I think the "those are expensive to keep running" comes from people who take them to the dealer for service or something. Mine's an overcomplicated hot German mess, so of course it's going to rack up some extra labor costs for service time alone. Do the work yourself and you'll save a ton of money.

Even if you go with a shinier example, I'd bet the E30 makes running the 944 look cheap—there's even more people who race those/bought those/have spares lying around. They're also considerably easier to work on, from what I've heard.

tl;dr—my "sensible" Lancer is much more expensive to keep running than the 80s Porsche.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/08/2013 at 13:29

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I don't know what country he is from, but I am sure there is a distributor of OEM parts around there. Also what they have listed for the price of genuine BMW parts is very close to how much they cost from a BMW dealer, this is from personal experience. So he could do a price conversion and find out.

CobraJoe > Anon 08/08/2013 at 13:29

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I agree with everything you posted, except one point. RWD isn't more difficult, even in the winter. It's different. That's all.

Get some winter tires (or at least good all season tires), put some weight in the trunk, and learn throttle control.

I grew up driving RWD all through the winter, and even though I did slide around a bit on the snow, I'm fairly certain I would have done that in any car.

Z_Stig > Anon 08/08/2013 at 13:32

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1) When you do your research, and find where to buy parts, you find there not much expensive than beige car parts.

2) BMWs are actually quite easy to work on. There's so many forums and resources out there on the internet. There's even a visual parts catalog for pretty much every chassis of BMW online.

3) Maybe, maybe not.

4) An E30 is a perfect car to learn rear wheel drive on. Not a lot of horsepower there to really get you in trouble.

5) When oil and filters can be found at O'reillys, Napa, Autozone, etc., they're not hard to find.

Z_Stig > Meatcoma 08/08/2013 at 13:33

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Parts for an E30 aren't that expensive at all....

TexMex > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 13:34

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I've been there man. Back when I was looking for my first car, a 1967 Porsche 912 popped up on eBay. It was in good enough shape with no structural rust and a set of Fuchs alloys, and as the early 911 market hadn't skyrocketed yet, the seller only wanted $4,000ish for it.

Words cannot describe how badly I wanted that car! It seemed perfect: a cool car in poor enough condition to be cheap, but in good enough shape to not be to much for a mechanically minded budding petrolhead to handle. Long story short, I ended up with a 1999 Honda Accord Coupe.

I still kick myself for not pushing harder (if nothing else it would have probably at least doubled in value), but honestly I can't really complain. No matter what it ends up being, you learn to love your first car regardless.

I may have missed out on a solid short-wheelbase 912 (which would have eventually been transformed into a solid short-wheelbase 911), but my Accord has certainly got the job done. Despite it's wrong-wheel-drive and slushbox setup, it's been a hell of a lot more fun than I could ever have expected, from waltzing through snowy parking lots to carving corners and doing ludicrous speeds on deserted mountain roads.

And now, four years later, I'm in a position to finally buy the air-cooled 911 I've always wanted. A short wheelbase is still way out of reach, but a solid SC will do nicely.

I know it blows to hear it and it's the advice everyone gives, but just give it some time. Maybe you'll change your dad's mind, but if not, you'll learn to love whatever you get.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 08/08/2013 at 13:35

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On a 20+ year old BMW, most likely in the philippines, I highly doubt you will have reliable access to parts in an urgent situation. I struggle to get anything within a few days on my 22 year old Audi in the US....and I have the Audi/VW specific junkyards on speed dial in my phone. If he was older, I'd say to throw some caution to the wind and do it, but even as an enthusiast, I can't say that an E30 should be your first and only car at this point. Maybe a 90s base model 3 series would work. But even then, prepare to work on it a lot. Better off just driving a beater toyota or honda and hoon the crap out of it at autocrosses or do some basic upgrades to it himself to learn how before graduating to the more difficult E30 he wants.

Chteelers > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 13:39

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I was in your same position on my first car. Ended up convincing them because the E30 had airbags and general 'safetyness' cache german cars. During my ownership, it had plenty of mechanical issues I had to solve, and parts/labor were a lot more expensive than a Camry etc would have been. Consider the long term cost of ownership being higher.

That said, I absolutely LOVED that car, even more than some of the cars I've owned since that were newer and 'better'. Wish you luck.

Z_Stig > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/08/2013 at 13:39

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I'll take a stretch and say a 20 year old Bimmer is more common and reliable than a 20 year old Audi. Maybe in the Philippines as well.

Stef Schrader > Anon 08/08/2013 at 13:42

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I think #4 can be managed if you approach it with responsibility. The assumption that 15-year-olds are hoontards by default doesn't always ring true. I drove like a total grandma when I first started driving. Maybe look up some local autocrosses so you can toss it around without too many consequences, but that's about it.

TBH, I'd rather see more people start out driving light, fairly easy to drive RWD cars like Miatas and E30s. I drove FWD slushboxes all my life until I started messing around with track cars, and TBH, I think it'd have been easier to start out with RWD and go back to FWD later. There's not enough power in an E30 to really get in trouble, thus, everyone I know who's ever had one says it's a great learner's car.

Also, the Mini is considerably more complicated than an old E30. I don't know if it's entirely fair to compare the parts costs and labor time between those two.

Z_Stig > TexMex 08/08/2013 at 13:43

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Oooh a 912 would've been a fun first car. And then the eventual upgrade to a 911!

Stef Schrader > Stef Schrader 08/08/2013 at 13:45

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Err, I meant "I'd bet the E30 makes running the 944 look expensive."

(This is what I get for trying to work on work and take a lunch break to troll Oppo at the same time.)

Meatcoma > Z_Stig 08/08/2013 at 13:47

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Are you talking used or new. I actually do not own nor have owned a bmw. I do own a porsche and I can tell you the crap you think should cost $1 ends up costing $18 and the stuff you think will cost you $2000 ends up costing $700 which completely takes someone by surprise when your excited that it's so much lower than what you thought. All I hear is how expensive bmw parts/service is, I assumed it applied to every model.

Z_Stig > Meatcoma 08/08/2013 at 13:52

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New models yes. Old models no. There's more aftermarket choices for old Bimmer than there is for a Bimmer 4 years old.

I've noticed that too with BMW parts when I had an M3. Certain things you're like holy crap that part was as cheap as a Honda part! One hint though: never buy plastic clips from a BMW dealership.....unless you have the vaseline ready

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Z_Stig 08/08/2013 at 13:57

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That is a stretch, as both are old german cars in a country that isn't Germany. In my experience at autocrosses in college, the BMWs of a similar vintage to the E30 either a) had starting/charging issues, b) puked coolant, c) lost parts due to wear and tear (best one being the entire exhaust system after the manifold falling off), or d) some combination of the three. Unless this kid is LOADED to completely restore the E30, his will be similar. Maybe a naturally aspirated BMW is slightly more reliable than a turbo Audi, but both are a far cry from a toyota or honda or nissan or mazda. And both are way more expensive to maintain and probably to insure.

Z_Stig > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/08/2013 at 14:03

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In my experience, E30s at autocrosses already tend to be beat up and worse for wear. One in good shape won't need to be restored at all.

I also don't buy into the belief that the Japanese nameplates are more reliable. In my 2 and half years of E36 M3 ownership, I only had to replace the throwout bearing and the differential because of all the miles on it.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Anon 08/08/2013 at 14:04

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If he's in the philippines like I think he is, RWD won't be an issue, however, this makes parts that much more of a liability. I'm also curious what goes into registering a vehicle there. I'm pretty sure they have emissions testing, but what limits/exemptions do classic or historic cars get? Is it more or less expensive to own an older car from an insurance and taxation standpoint? Again, these aren't fun things to think about but the situation outside of the USA can be quite different.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Z_Stig 08/08/2013 at 14:09

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See I actually agree that an E36 3-series would be a better choice (I even mentioned this earlier it'd be a better starter car). I think the material quality was better and even being driven hard, I don't recall many having issues. It sounds like he loves the E30 and wants to drive it so I'm assuming some hoonage/autoX will be in his future. But if this is his only car and he can't afford a very good condition one, then the E36 can at least take some more abuse.

I looked on some online classifieds in the philippines and it looks like it's about 5 to 7 grand for an okay condition manual transmission one. Okay, not great. I'd expect problems like the ones I just listed. And when that's your second car, well you zip tie it until you get back home and work on it at night/weekends whatever. But as your only car?......I'm sorry I think you're foolish for doing so if there is a better option like a miata or E36 or even something like a holden or ford falcon if they have those there.

simpleisbest > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 14:29

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If I were 15/16 and looking at cars I would be 100% on your side. As a father and motoring enthusiast I am 50% on your side.

I can understand your dad's objections to not wanting to appear snobbish by having a BMW in the drive. Also the repair costs as compared to a Nissan/Toyota/Ford are considerably more. Now with that being said I think it would be clear after you put a Artic Monkeys and a *I am the Stig* sticker on the back window that you drive the car, not him. That and due to the age of the vehicle, and its size, I think that no one would take offense to its presence. But he is your dad. You live under his roof so you live under his rules. Perhaps you can buy something more to his liking and drive it until you are out of high school. At then you can sell it and put the money you have saved over that time into something you want, the E30 or something else if your tastes have changed.

I wish for you the best of luck.

Z_Stig > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 08/08/2013 at 14:35

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Yea, I agree a Miata or E36 would be a little bit better of a choice.

boddagettaflyer is staying put > Justin Young 08/08/2013 at 14:50

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I feel for you, I really do. We've all been there. However, it's pretty much guaranteed you're going to wreck your first car* and, speaking for the rest of the world, we don't want to see another trashed E30. Go crazy on an E36...but save the the E30s for later!

*Not saying it'd be your fault, but you're 15. You hang out with other new drivers who are not-so-great at driving. When I was in HS, a spectacularly high percentage of new drivers got into wrecks with...other new drivers who were admittedly better at driving. It was weird.

All kidding aside, I really would go with a generic Honda/Nissan for your first car. Something that if—God forbid—the worst happens to, you won't be beating yourself up over it. Make the E30 car #2.

bourgeoisie > RotaryLover 08/08/2013 at 18:40

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There is absolutely no wisdom in buying a Chrysler Sebring, I will give you that. Nice of him to buy you a car though.

RotaryLover > bourgeoisie 08/09/2013 at 02:36

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True on that. I gotta tip my hat to him for blessing me with a car.

Trailbroken > Justin Young 08/09/2013 at 09:49

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I have an E30 318i as my second car (1st stick shift), and it's pretty solid. I drive the thing about 40 miles a day, even in winter. Every once an a while, something will break, mostly electrical-related, but I don't normally have a problem or a hole in my wallet from trying to fix it. You just gotta know where to look for budget parts, like a scrap yard like Pull-A-Part, and if you know what you're doing, you can work on the car yourself and save yourself some big bucks.

As for my dad, just have him drive one, my dad drove mine and instantly fell in love with it.

6cyl > Meatcoma 08/09/2013 at 14:03

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Parts for old BMW's go like this: if you want a new part from the factory it can be expensive but if you are willing to buy a high quality remanufactured part it will be the same price or cheaper as the equivalent part for a Honda/Toyota.

Also most trustworthy garages know where to find these cheap parts and be able to work on the car (unlike with some newer BMW's). They will also realize that in owning an 20+ year old car you are in fact most likely not a wealthy stockbroker/doctor/lawyer and will charge you the same as if you had a Toyota. From what I hear BMW dealerships will rape you, and it is best to stay away.

6cyl > Justin Young 08/09/2013 at 14:16

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Here is a strategy that might work. Tell your dad you took his advice and found a reasonable toyota you want (mr2 spyder) go with him to look at it. That same day schedule an appointment to look at an e30. Comparatively the e30 is the most practical car ever created.

(for the record when I was looking for my second car [first car was a 5-speed Ford Escort Wagon] I really wanted an MR2 Spyder because mid-engine and RWD and more or less a poor mans Lotus. Went to look at a few cars with my dad and he told me it was not practical enough [it isn't] to have as you only car. I ended up with a '03 Civic Si. A few years later I sold that and a few years later I now have an 4-door e30 which I really love. This is the car I should have had in the first place but I didn't know cars that well at the time.)

Meatcoma > 6cyl 08/09/2013 at 14:16

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Solid advice.

davedave1111 > Justin Young 08/10/2013 at 18:15

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I only saw this a few days after, but for what it's worth, I think you may have misunderstood what your dad means. It's not about the car you want, so much as it is about it being your first car. The last thing a new driver needs is to have pride in their nice semi-performance car. Or pretty good performance, either, come to think of it.

Whatever you have as your first car will make you show-off and drive too fast. A nice BMW? That could genuinely be the difference between ending up in a ditch, and ending up going backwards through a forest at high speed.

Also, the way other people view you doesn't matter much, but how much tolerance they give to new drivers does matter when you're a new driver. Most people don't know much about cars, so to them the kid in a BMW is the rich kid whose mistakes they'll be intolerant of, not the kid in the new Accord which is worth ten times as much.

terrunt > bourgeoisie 08/14/2013 at 10:52

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See Nissan Radiators/ Oil Coolers for further proof...

Winslow23 > bourgeoisie 07/12/2015 at 18:40

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So a middle aged hobo living on the street has just as much knowledge as his dad?

bourgeoisie > Winslow23 07/13/2015 at 13:13

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Yep, that’s exactly what I said in this two year old thread. You have a remarkable ability to grasp complex sociological concepts like parental wisdom, and I’m thankful for your contribution to this discussion.

/s