This kinda is a beater right?

"K-Roll-PorscheTamer" (k-roll390)
07/25/2014 at 01:03 • Filed to: BMW

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Looks like meh, 6-cylinder, AWD, auto(whatever), runs and drives, $1200. This is decent no?

DISCUSSION (52)

cabarne4 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 01:04

Yes.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > cabarne4
07/25/2014 at 01:05

So this would actually work? Like what you're saying is that K-Roll finally found a car on his own that actually makes some sense?

AM3R > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 01:05

Ha, I just replied to another one of your comments telling you about E30 iX's.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > AM3R
07/25/2014 at 01:06

And I just replied with the link.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 01:07

There's a fine line between beater and hooptie, and I feel like this crosses it.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 01:08

AWD on these helped traction greatly but you're still going to miss that traction control. Just don't crash, E30s only got airbags after 1990.

cabarne4 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 01:08

Yes. E30, so it's Jalop. The M50 (2.5L) is very easy to work on, and fairly reliable. Manual swap isn't too hard to do. xi = AWD, so good in snow.

Now go buy it already so everyone will shut the fuck up.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/25/2014 at 01:09

Ummm, what's a hooptie?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > BrownMiataDieselWagon
07/25/2014 at 01:09

Should I pass on this one then?

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 01:10

Runs now, not for long. Together now, also not for long.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > cabarne4
07/25/2014 at 01:10

I DID SOMETHING!! YES!!!! :D

Manuél Ferrari > BrownMiataDieselWagon
07/25/2014 at 01:11

Sometimes I wonder what's worse - no airbag or a 25 year old first gen airbag...

BrownMiataDieselWagon > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 01:13

I don't know. I like it. It's great on gas and pretty reliable compared to newer Bimmers. Insurance is probably cheap as well. But are you looking for safety stuff?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
07/25/2014 at 01:14

So, pass?

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Manuél Ferrari
07/25/2014 at 01:15

Or a fucking brand new Takata airbag

/obligatory /sorry

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > BrownMiataDieselWagon
07/25/2014 at 01:15

Question, did an 80s Tercel(same one in breaking bad) have airbags?

Manuél Ferrari > BrownMiataDieselWagon
07/25/2014 at 01:16

LOL

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 01:24

It's your choice. If I were choosing a winter beater, I wouldn't be looking for what I wanted(especially if I have side car) and be looking for something that I can trust in the freezing cold to not strand me. You would never understand the satisfaction of having an old reliable car that starts when no one else's does. So I would stay away from anything European for a beater, and with the exception of old trucks and Cherokee's, anything American(sorry 'Murica)in that price range.When it comes down to it would you, if for some reason have to travel a distance in the winter, be comfortable and trust it? That is what you want in a vehicle that provides your warmth in negative temps. Not fun and drifty. You can do plenty of that in a 4WD, trust me.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 01:25

Hey hey! I know Tercels and Corollas pretty well! Airbags became standard for L40 Tercels (4th gen). Not exactly sure when because some have them and others don't. But I know for sure that by 1995 airbags were standard.

Dsscats > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 01:27

Nice price. Spend a grand to fix the rust, $500 to fix other issues an have a super nice car in general

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > BrownMiataDieselWagon
07/25/2014 at 01:29

Well maintained ones are good on gas, this one might not be well maintained and could chug oil like a 2-stroke.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
07/25/2014 at 01:34

Whats close to the IX that's 'Murican?

BrownMiataDieselWagon > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
07/25/2014 at 01:35

Very true. For $1200, I wouldn't bet against it.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 01:35

2 things

1) This is an automatic, 230k mile BMW. How much do you like swapping transmissions or engines?

2) This is NOT an SVT focus.

This car is similar to the corrado - you will spend more time and money fixing it to keep it running than your 944. I'm going to simplify your search real fast by mandating you get something made since the year 2000. You keep wandering off the proven path and distract yourself with POS cars that will hamper your project. I want you to answer this truthfully - How badly do you want a Porsche of your own?

Be realistic for just a second here. I don't know who said that old V6 pony cars and subarus were bad winter beaters but they were heinously wrong. Here is my "winter beater" checklist.

1) A winter beater should be at or over 100k miles
2) A winter beater should have a wide variety of wheels and tires available
3) A winter beater needs to pass the "autozone test". Could you realistically get the parts needed to fix your typical side of the road loss of power or ignition via a trip to Autozone in a day? The BMW fails this one miserably. Good luck getting parts in a day or two for a decent price. Cars like that Focus or the Golf or Protege are made in high enough numbers that that isn't an issue
4) Will it be at least twice as reliable as your project/fun car?

The V6 pony car, old subarus, SVT focus, Mk3/4 TDI VWs, and others pass this list. This BMW does not. It is not what you should be looking for. Unless you want to drive the minivan. In which case, by all means have two german cars with 200k on each that you can't afford the repairs and maintenance for.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 01:37

Not really anything. Seriously the closest thing is a Cherokee: 3300lbs wet, 4WD, straight six, small, wagon, available manual, and low center of gravity for a wagon/suv.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
07/25/2014 at 01:39

FWD, Japanese, 90's or later sounds like the practical winter beater he needs. In terms of traction, generalizing:

RWD << FWD << 4WD

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > BrownMiataDieselWagon
07/25/2014 at 01:42

The most practical would be something like a Cherokee, but if he still is convinced something that weighs about the same and is about the same size dimension wise as his ST is a truck, then a Japanese beige mobile would be about it.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Dsscats
07/25/2014 at 01:42

Until it grenades after 500 miles and costs him 3k in repairs. It is a terrible winter beater. Way too far gone at 231k miles AND an automatic. That transmission has to be on the verge of death or something important is. There is no way it'd hold up for this long, even when well maintained. It is a time bomb that will ruin him and result in myself psoting half a million "I told you so" gif spams.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
07/25/2014 at 01:46

So this is probably perfect then? This meets all the requirements!

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/458514…

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
07/25/2014 at 01:47

I see

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
07/25/2014 at 01:48

Exactly. The XJ is perfect. I suggested a YJ Wrangler because those are actually lighter and WAY shorter than the FoST. And the 2.5L is just as indestructible as the 4.0L while getting better gas mileage.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > BrownMiataDieselWagon
07/25/2014 at 01:51

Eh, the 2.5 is a dog even to my standards. I can at least manage 80 with all 100whp of fury.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 01:51

I would spend a little moer money and get one with under 200k miles if possible, but yes that is a good winter car. I know of lots of people who had V6 firebirds and mustangs as winter cars in college. Some good snow tires and about 150lbs of sand in the trunk got them around okay.

Leadbull > Manuél Ferrari
07/25/2014 at 01:51

I've read that old airbags "generally" work ok.

At speed, I'm sure it's at least better than a plastic and/or metal brain spear steering wheel.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 01:53

This firebird might be a better buy. Almost 80k fewer miles.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 01:56

Also look at this - Mitsubishi Eclipse V6.

It needs a very thorough buffing but otherwise it would be a GREAT winter car. Offer 2500.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
07/25/2014 at 01:57

How's this?

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/449958…

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/453550…

Personally I like the '95 better.

Manuél Ferrari > Leadbull
07/25/2014 at 02:00

Probably true!

The only thing that sucks about them is that they can be overly sensitive and deploy with a ton of force when you'd rather they didn't deploy at all.

My sister got in a low speed crash in an old bimmer. Her ex bf was diving her car. He tapped the car in front of them and the airbags deployed. She was injured by the airbag and had to get surgery on her wrist. It seemed like she would not have been injured if the airbag had not deployed

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 02:02

Now you're looking in the right direction. Here's what I see - the 1995 owner at least has an attention to detail and was not just buying the car to flip it immediately. Even if he was, he wouldn't clean the car that well unless it was mechanically sound enough to sell. 2000$ or maybe 2100$ should get it. The 2002 might have fewer miles but it is in need of the dreaded 100k maintenance so prepare to shell out another 1-2k for those repairs when you get it. Plus the paint and appearance bits need some attention.

I agree, the 1995 is the better buy. If you get that, get it up on a hoist ASAP and spray the underside with some basic undercoating spray from 3M. It's not much but it's like 6$ for a spray can and leave a nice, heavy coat on your larger expanses of underside to protect them. I would also reocmmend maybe getting that plasti-dip "glossifier" and leave a protective, peelable glosscoat on top.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
07/25/2014 at 02:05

There is that one dent in the fender on the '95 but that's alright as well because beater. Here's my random stupid question of the early morning. Do you think that if I held on to the '95 long enough, I could maybe v8 swap it?

The answer to this will have no affect on my decision.

Leadbull > Manuél Ferrari
07/25/2014 at 02:08

That sucks... any surgery is a major surgery if it's yours .

But I'd still take that chance. I don't get how people swap in MOMOs, but leave in the single strap seatbelt. I'd feel like I'm staring death in the face every time I drive.

Manuél Ferrari > Leadbull
07/25/2014 at 02:11

Yeah probably still better to have it and have the risk of the low speed injury from the airbag to have the chance of it saving your life in a higher speed accident.

Speaking of which what is the oldest car you that you'd DD?

We all like older cars. But they're definitely not as safe. Cars made in the last 10-15 years are definitely safer, if you pick a good one

Leadbull > Manuél Ferrari
07/25/2014 at 02:16

I've only DD'd one car in my four years of driving.

It's an '05 Tucson (with a third pedal, to kill da ladiezz).

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
07/25/2014 at 02:24

Also, would a 5.0 '94-95 be a bad idea? Because they can still be had very much under 200k for under $3k and in not much need of any mechanical work? Or would insurance be hella crazy?

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 02:29

Insurance wouldn't be the issue - managing torque/power and upgrades/repairs would be. You can swap V8 parts of the drivetrain onto the V6 but you can't do it the other way around - remember that. You can always swap in a V8 of your choice later if you want on either car. Plus you keep losing your focus on what this is about. You want to have a 944 for a fun car, right? This will take some time to build up and repair/restore to what you want. Don't get a car that will require too much attention or effort right now. That V8 will drink gas and chew through things like tires and brakes faster than the V6. It might be a bit more fun, but if you haven't owned a V8 muscle car yet, it might be a good idea to start with the V6 for your reliable daily use. You are far more likely to get into trouble with that V8 than the V6. But it is still a 5-speed RWD coupe so it's not like the V6 cars are soulless. Your DD should be balanced. The V8 will upset that a bit. You could probbaly handle it, I just don't think it's the smartest call if the mustang isn't your focus. You keep citing a lack of funds to just sorta up and do the 944 buy right now while you still pay for the FoST so keep in mind the economical thing to do for your future 944 is to get the V6.

Manuél Ferrari > Leadbull
07/25/2014 at 02:32

Nice

That's probably pretty safe in an accident

Much more so than an E30 with no airbag

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
07/25/2014 at 02:42

Fair enough. The other thing is, and this is most beneficial, but when my dad gets the FoST by winter, I instantly save $300 per month that was going towards the ST payments. Knowing that the V6 will never be on par with about any other car in terms of power and speed, I wouldn't bother doing anything more than aesthetic upgrades; LED lights and louvers, I love louvers. Maybe I'd go so far to do exhaust but I'm jumping very ahead.

I do understand your point in regards to not getting a car that does require the same or more amount of attention as the 944 though.

Leadbull > Manuél Ferrari
07/25/2014 at 02:42

ACCEPTABLE

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 02:52

Okay, now you're 2 for 2, you're getting on board with what it means to own a winter beater. You like it, but you don't love it. Simple and honest. Snow tiresand wheels can be had for cheap for a mustang and since it's a V6 you'll probably be on skinnier wheels and tires anyways. This saves even more money.

For "upgrades", I recommend getting an ECU chip after a thorough seafoam cleaning to knock out excess carbon in your engine. Run half a bottle of seafoam though about 8 gallons or so of gas to knock crud out of the injectors and then run the remaining half through a seafoam "engine clean" procedure (google it for a V6 mustang of that year) and THEN get an aftermarket ECU chip or upgrade to unlock a few horsepower and get better economy. That'd be it for upgrades in terms of engine performance.

ANy visual upgrades are up to you. There is such a wide variety available that there is a nice selection available at competitive prices. Good luck finding the same for an old E30 BMW or a VW corrado. Spend some time googling parts and repairs for these cars and the recommendations I;ve been making will start to make even more sense.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
07/25/2014 at 03:09

I'm liking this plan a lot! And it's two-fold; because if the 944 is down, I've still got something I can enjoy driving!

I've actually already got a can of Seafoam I bought last month so I'm ahead of the game there. This idea opens so many possibilities. I could make a V6 Stang that won't get shit for being a secretary car if I mod it out with appropriate appearance mods too. And I could maybe shed some weight off of it?

Conveniently enough, my moms Windstar shares it's engine and power output with the V6 of the same year; so I know how the engine pulls. The only difference will be in ride height and drivetrain.

And I should have enough saved up for the Blisteins for the 944 by next spring/summer! This is genius! Thank you soo much :)

Manuél Ferrari > Leadbull
07/25/2014 at 03:19

LOL

I guess ACCEPTABLE is better than poor

Brian Silvestro > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
07/25/2014 at 06:58

Kinja'd!!!