Should I Stay or Should I Sell (My 2k2)? I want YOUR OPPOinion

"Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2" (pompei426)
04/03/2014 at 13:00 • Filed to: None

Okay, before you go to the comments and go, oh no, how could you, you monster, hear me out. I would first like to say, I would sell my 71 and turn around and buy another 2002. I would also add that this post was inspired by this !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! 's comments.

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This winter was rough one in Maryland and when I retrieved my car from my friend's garage, about a month ago, something was off. I was not as excited to drive my car. It's as if there wasn't as much between us anymore. I didn't think much of it. I though I was going to keep the car for the rest of my life. So, I carried on and continued to drive it like I stole it. Then, I visited my mechanic who is currently restoring a 2002 of his own. He's had several 2k2s over his live and he's damn near an expert on these things. So, I went into his shop and there's basically a shell of a 75 sitting on slicks, gutted interior, needs paint, but has many goodies. A close ratio 5 speed, 3.90 gears, a trick motor with dual Webers pushing out 185hp, and a few other upgrades. Needless to say, I was a bit jealous.

So, later that night I took to the internets to see what I could get for the money. I purchased my 71 roundie for a little over $10k. It was my first car and purchased with summer job funds and graduation money. Anyway, I start looking and see the deals I could get. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! good looking, rust free 76 in Texas for under $6k. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! delicious 75 that has everything I want in it (5 speed, dual Webers, strut braces, A RADIO, and a few other things). I would change the wheels though. After I looked around I started thinking about selling mine and buying another. But what's wrong with mine?

Well, by 2002 was, like I said, about $10,000, and for good reason. It's a very clean example with relatively low milage, currently 73,XXX. It's also a roundie and is very original. This was a selling point two years ago, but now I want to go faster and have a car I don't need to constantly worry about. Yes, I will definitely care for my next car, but some upgrades would be nice. So, why don't I upgrade my car. Well, a two reasons. I'm in college (literal translation for I'm broke) and my car's worth more as is then if I start cutting it up. It's really a looker/show car, but still very reliable and usable, I just have the need for speed.

So, the floor is now yours. What would you do?

DISCUSSION (24)

jkm7680 > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
04/03/2014 at 13:03

If you no longer feel the bind between you two, buy the other one. Restore it, and be happy with it. I'd say go for it, if you won't regret it much.

Big Bubba Ray > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
04/03/2014 at 13:03

That's an extremely tough call. Personally I'd hold onto it because it's such a unique car, but I can understand your reasoning for wanting to switch to a different 2002. That green 76 does look great and I'm a sucker for green cars.

Brian Silvestro > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
04/03/2014 at 13:11

I'm famous as fuck! Also, all you did was embed my personal Kinja page instead of going back and finding that conversation, which I find hilarious.

Forgetful > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
04/03/2014 at 13:12

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
04/03/2014 at 13:15

Those things are impossibly rare to find clean, so if yours is in excellent condition I would hold on to it. Is there any way you can save a couple of grand and buy a beater to hoon around in? For $3-5k you should be able to find a decent but not perfect E30 which you wouldn't feel bad about cutting up and messing (in a jalop way, of course) with?

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Brian Silvestro
04/03/2014 at 13:15

Whoops, oh well, enjoy the publicity.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Forgetful
04/03/2014 at 13:16

I'm dying of laughter. I think I'm going to watch Top Gun now.

Brian Silvestro > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
04/03/2014 at 13:17

What I think you need to do is drop everything and get a 2002 turbo.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
04/03/2014 at 13:19

I will graduate next spring, getting a few extra grand shouldn't be too difficult once I find a job. That is probably a better idea, but space might be a problem. It would be my third vehicle.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Brian Silvestro
04/03/2014 at 13:21

A 2002 turbo . . . . what? I'm joking, but people have come up to me saying that the car looks a bit old to be a 2002.

Brian Silvestro > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
04/03/2014 at 13:23

I'm sure you're still the star of the show at most BMW/car meets.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
04/03/2014 at 13:26

Haha, welcome to the club. It's always a huge problem trying to figure out how to have all the cars we want.

What is car #2 currently? Any way of letting it go? I got utterly sick of my S2000 from only driving it in traffic and rarely getting any twisty time - started lusting after a Legacy GT Wagon (which I now own). Now I miss that car so badly, especially knowing how clean and low mileage it was - the grass is always greener on the other side. It may not be the next day, but someday after you sell your 2002 you'll probably regret it given how rare they are.

Give yourself a little time to see if your feelings for the car return. If it's truly a car you've had your fun with but just don't care for anymore, then it's fine to sell it...but if all you really want is a little speed I'd try finding that fix elsewhere.

Bullitt417 > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
04/03/2014 at 13:34

Sell it. Buy what you want. Cars are our passion and our passion changes as we change. If that wasn't true, no one would be able to pick up a half finished project on eBay. So if having a tinker toy is really what you want go for it. No judgement from me.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Brian Silvestro
04/03/2014 at 13:34

I've only been to one and I really wasn't. I was Bimmerfest East, huge show. But people were all over the e92s and 46s. I did win an award though. I like my car, but I'd love to own something like this.

Kinja'd!!!

Brian Silvestro > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
04/03/2014 at 13:36

That is the the thing I want. And CCC's "M2"

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
04/03/2014 at 13:38

Car #2 is a 1997 Dodge Caravan/Pimpmobile 'Sport'. I wouldn't sell it. It's reliable, very versatile, and almost a necessity for my job, home improvement.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Brian Silvestro
04/03/2014 at 13:41

Yep, that's exactly it. Turbo flairs, trick motor, 15" alpinas, and a 5 speed.

Brian Silvestro > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
04/03/2014 at 13:42

I want THAT.

Axial > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
04/03/2014 at 13:44

Buy what you want. It sucks to have a nice car that is just not quite what you want it to be, because you torment yourself everyday by thinking "I really, really want car," then going for a drive in your current car and realizing "but goddamn this car is so nice."

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Axial
04/03/2014 at 13:47

Well, in the past two weeks the muffler broke and it started running on three cylinders. I want to fix it up, clean it real nice and sell it. I know old cars have their problems, and these are pretty minor, but it doesn't help.

Axial > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
04/03/2014 at 13:53

I know how it feels. I've got my '96 LT4 Corvette, and it's actually a joy to drive, but I really want a '90 ZR-1. I would have to sell the current car, and it's in good shape, but it does need some TLC in spots. All minor stuff, but it counts.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
04/03/2014 at 14:14

I'd keep it. You've got a pretty rare version, and you likely already know every thing that's wrong with it. It's pretty easy to swap some parts in on these to make them a little faster, and even do a full engine swap if you want them tons faster - in many cases while putting the original parts on the shelf if you or the next owner ever wants to go back to stock.

Meanwhile, these other cars very likely have problems (rust!?!) that you are not aware of.

6cyl > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
04/06/2014 at 23:13

Dont sell your car just to buy another modified one. What you need to do (in order):

Bilstein sport struts and any performance springs

Good tires (Dunlop Direzza ZII perhapse)

Momo steering wheel and the requisite hub adapter

Recaro seats (Try a pair from a MK2 VW Golf/Jetta or e21/e30 sport seats)

Short shift

Limited slip differential (I think you can use any of the ones that fit in an e30 and if you can there are tons of gearing options available)

...

Dual webbers

...

Realize dual webers are a headache and upgrade to ITB's and megasquirt

None of the modifications will require you to "cut up" your car and you will still be able to return it to stock if you ever lose you mind and decide that is the best option ;)

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > 6cyl
04/07/2014 at 09:30

Yep, that's what I decided. I'm going to keep it and make a few changes that can be reversed. Just bought an Ansa sport exhaust, bought some e21 turbines a few weeks ago, and a few other minor parts. I have a weber double pumper that I will try and get on there. It's not new and needs to be rebuilt. Don't know weather to trash it or have someone work on it. The suspension will come once I have the money. For now I want to upgrade the lights and brakes first. Then suspension and a 5 speed.