noob looking for guidance

[jrBMW]

hello i'm new to this site. last week i sold my car (91' 300zx) and i am now looking to get something that is a little slower and cheaper on ins so i have been thinking about getting a (94-96) bmw. i have a couple of q's. my friend has a 328is the one that's got the m3 tags on the steering wheel. i understand that that is one of the higher models. I have been looking at 318's and 325's. i live in toronto and i have a budget of 20000 and 3000 for anything that pops up or mods. you guys have any suggestions. I would also like to know if there are any common probs with any certain models i should stay away from thanks for any help

[Andrewsd1985]

the 318 only has a four cylinder so if you want some power go with the 325i. Overall a very dependable car, except for the water pump which should be checked and replaced immediately if it doesn't have the metal impeller. Check the faq section for more info there is lots in there.

[Furious]

welcome, good to see another torontonian on board. 20,000k is a decent amount, you can get some nice cars for that price. if i were you id look into a late model 325 or a early model 328 if you can find a decent price. as for problems to look for. checck this thread in the FAQ forum


http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/topic681.html

[buuhh99]

go witha 325I or m3

[mole]

Since he said he wanted cheaper insurance.. i don't think an M3 would fit him.

[Furious]

in toronto you'd be very lucky to find an M3 under 25k. maybe even 30k.

[camnipotent]

Originally posted by jrBMW@Apr 27 2004, 04:56 PM
...i have a budget of 20000 and 3000 for anything that pops up...

Is it 2000-3000 or 20000-30000?

[mole]

He means he can spend $20k on the car, then have $3k for mods. I'm sure thats what he means.

[camnipotent]

Yeah. You're right. Wasn't paying attention.

[jrBMW]

thanks for all the replies. I think i'll be spending alot of time on this site. I've been looking at some of your cars and i've decided that i'm not going to do much in the performance department. Maybe intake and exhaust but i'm gonna sink alot of money into the interior and exterior. An hour ago i test drove a 96 325i ( i think) wow it wasn't as fast as the 300zx but what a feel. It felt so tight and responsive and it still had enough power to do whatever you wanted. I'm thinking that i want a white one and i also like the colour aroud the bottom instead of the gray. I also have been thinking that i need to have atleast 17's. I'm going to check the forum maybe get one alerady modded and go from there. I think i'll be spending around 26k with mods. I'm sure i'll be asking more questions in the future. thanks for the advice and suggestions.

[jrBMW]

how do i get one of those little pictures under my name?

[Furious]

Originally posted by jrBMW@Apr 27 2004, 09:10 PM
how do i get one of those little pictures under my name?

check the FAQ forum. subforum site FAQs its called a signature picture

[planunfurling]

I just bought a 97 328is. I have never been happier! I got it for 11000 with 118000 miles on it and I had it check out by 4 friends of mine that work at a bimmer shop and dealership, They all said it was flawless and really well taken care of. If I can find a steal like this then so can you. With 20000 you can probably get a car in awsome condition, do a little bit of preventitive maintenace (i.e. water pump, belts, and hoses) and you will be set for a long while. I deffinatly recomend getting a 328, I drove a couple 325's and like everyone always says "there is no substitute for displacement". Oh and my insurance went down a ton with this car and it is even faster than my last! go figure! Good luck to you and if you have any questions feel free to ask them, everyone on this site is super helpfull. (trust me I asked a ton before buying my car)

[dutchbmw]

You want a car from 94 -96? This cars are a lot cheaper then the 25k you want to spend! For that price you'll get a '00 BMW.

I think you better buy a 6 cilinder, because they drive easier, more cruis'n

Wish you luck with your decision