Quote:
Originally posted by DLogic@Feb 1 2005, 10:45 PM
Thanks for the responses.
MadBMW, to answer some of your answers:
I live in Northern California, road salt will not be an issue. Thank god.
This will be my daily driver and it will also participate in a variety of local track days. Currently my WRX has done both without any adverse problems from the ritual flogging on the track. That is the kind of reliablity I am looking for.
I am a DIY kind, although I do understand what is over my head.
I am a driving instructor by trade. So being in the education industy doesn't do much for the pocketbook. I want something that can hold up, retain value and won't have any catastrophic engine, transmission or drivetrain issues. That has been my biggest concern.
Time is always an issue, however, having owned a variety of older cars (510s and other Datsuns) I normally find the time to do what is needed. As far as research is concerned, I am a nut for it. Which brings me to your comments about the 328, 325 and 318. I'll start looking into it further.
billB:
I have done a good bit of looking around and have purchased a multitude of cars in my lifetime (a short one though). When it comes to looking at used and second hand vehicles I prefer to stay away from dealers, as they are not allowed to produce any documents on the car's previous life. I've found that dealing with private sellers always is the better way to go. If the previous owner comes out with a folder that hits the table with a thud and has every replaced part, torqued lug and oil change since it was purchased, I know I've got a winner and a guy after my own heart.
Thanks again to both of you.
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I found this for you.
Reliability:Well, I just bought the car, but with 100k miles, the compression test showed 150psi across the board. Rear suspension items were recently replaced and so was the thermostat housing and water pump. Otherwise it seems to be solid. Lets hope it stays that way, or at least if something breaks I hope I can fix it..
Reliability:i only had to replace a couple of cables because they were not giving me full eletric power. but that was not to much money. not engine wise. i love this car and i will for sure buy anther bmw someday..
Reliability:I suppose you really want to know how reliable this car is. In my oppinion, it is more reliable than a Kia, but not as good as an Accura. The reason I say this, is because in a consumer guide survey of repirs per 100 cars, Acura turned in the best. That said, I would never own a Honda product. Here is something that I do tell people, "They are all machines". At some point something will go wrong. What does matter to me, is that I am happy in what I drive. And it sure isn't a Kia. The E36 is a reliable machine. With proper maintenance it should last you for several decades. And at the end of that time, anyone can easily tell you what it is you drive. I'm sold on this car. Should some earthshaking event should occur to change my mind, I'll be writing about it. In the meantime, this car gets my thumbs up!.
