Oh no..which one?

dculberson wrote: Condition being equal, the Prelude would be the cheaper one to keep on the road.

e30s are surprisingly cheap to maintain.

I like to call BMW cars "beemers" just to annoy the prats that get worked up about it. I do not let a manufacturer dictate language and nicknames to me.

Just like "LEGO toys and bricks" will always be Legos to me. Say that to a LEGO nut (trust me, they exist) and they'll say "LEGO is always singular! WAAAHHHH!"

If that sounds funny to you, then realize that saying "Beemer is only for BMW motorcycles!" sounds just as funny to other people. It's a nickname. I could call them "Prickly McButterface" and it would be just as correct as "Bimmer."

I think it's just a matter of liking to hear things said one way. You get used to it, then when someone says it different, even if you don't really care, your brain still says "WRONG!!!!!!!!"

True, true.. but it's still fun to mess with people in a harmless fashion.

The company didn't create the nickname Beemer, it was motorcycle enthusiasts that coined the term.

Nearly all non-car people use Beemer. It is kind of a litmus test to who knows the cars and who doesn't.

In person I don't correct people, too much of a PITA for something I don't really care much about.

pres589 wrote: The 1997 Prelude was "unloved"? Seems odd... also seems like resale on these holds up pretty well. Which is unfortunate because they seem like an interesting car, but not one I can easily afford.

By unloved I meant that the Honda fans generally ignore the Prelude, and focus on the Civic. They hold up well resale wise compared to other cars, but not to a 60K 325is. If it is as clean as the mileage would indicate, that BMW won't depreciate until it has another 100K miles on it.

Bobzilla wrote: Prelude. <---- SUPRISE!

Don't worry, after you sold your Swift nobody liked you so your internet cred hasn't changed with that post

I KEED!

My input would depend on WHICH prelude it was.

Assuming it's a base model, BMW.

If you're getting a steal on on SH or something, the Prelude.

HiTempguy wrote:

Bobzilla wrote: Prelude. <---- SUPRISE!

Don't worry, after you sold your Swift nobody liked you so your internet cred hasn't changed with that post I KEED!

Oh.. the pain.... it hurts so much. Wait, it's the internets. NEvermind.

What's the difference between a 325i and 325is? Also, the guy e-mailed back. He's interested in a Jeep Liberty or Grand Cherokee. I have a XJ for sale so I offered to trade with a little cash on my end. I tried to work a sales pitch. Xj's are much better...jeeesh

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: My input would depend on WHICH prelude it was. Assuming it's a base model, BMW. If you're getting a steal on on SH or something, the Prelude.

just how much difference is there between the two? from what i read it sounds like the ATTS system and a slightly quicker rack and a couple more degrees caster. i believe the one i drove was a base but i thought it felt pretty good, though that was years ago so i cant recall any specifics, but theyre on my current list.

Fletch1 wrote: What's the difference between a 325i and 325is? Also, the guy e-mailed back. He's interested in a Jeep Liberty or Grand Cherokee. I have a XJ for sale so I offered to trade with a little cash on my end. I tried to work a sales pitch. Xj's are much better...jeeesh

the important parts are: 325iS has sport seats and a LSD, also slightly lower and stiffer suspension. iS's are only coupes too. 325i seats are pretty flat, but iS seats are quite good imo.

Where is this e30 you speak of? Sounds nice.

WilberM3 wrote:

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: My input would depend on WHICH prelude it was. Assuming it's a base model, BMW. If you're getting a steal on on SH or something, the Prelude.

just how much difference is there between the two? from what i read it sounds like the ATTS system and a slightly quicker rack and a couple more degrees caster. i believe the one i drove was a base but i thought it felt pretty good, though that was years ago so i cant recall any specifics, but theyre on my current list.

Oh i forgot that the 5th gens in the US all had the same motor.

In that case, much as i like the E30, i think i'd take the Prelude for DD/fun use.

In reply to 92CelicaHalfTrac:

I'm leaning that way since there is a $1000 difference and the Prelude is 8 years newer. If the BMW owner takes the bait on my XJ/cash offer, I may go that route. Don't you have a Escort Gt? I've thought of those too.

Fletch1 wrote: In reply to 92CelicaHalfTrac: I'm leaning that way since there is a $1000 difference and the Prelude is 8 years newer. If the BMW owner takes the bait on my XJ/cash offer, I may go that route. Don't you have a Escort Gt? I've thought of those too.

I do have an Escort GT. The only way i would buy another was if it was literally 100% mint. Ours has been a pain in the ass (not really the car's fault... i just broke a few rules buying it.), which is why it's getting heavily molested at the moment (But in a good way.), i'm sick of fixing it.

It's a fun car, but not in the league of the Prelude. Which is to be expected, considering you can easily find them for about 25% of the price.

If you want to look at the Mazda equivalent side of things, you're looking at a 2nd gen MX6 LS. That'd be a closer comparison in performance and reliability. At... half the price.

Well, the Prelude looks to be sold. There is a 1987 325is with 50,000+ miles on ebay with a current bid of $11,000...

Are they crazy!! $11,000.00? I must be the only one who thinks $4k for an '89 325is is still high. I'm not sure a car driven less than 3k a year doesn't have its own issues waiting for the new owner. Just my Ja$37.

Are they crazy!! $11,000.00? I must be the only one who thinks $4k for an '89 325is is still high. I'm not sure a car driven less than 3k a year doesn't have its own issues waiting for the new owner. Just my Ja$37.

There is really no point in buying a super low mile car as a DD the car will depreciate a ton while you own it.

Get a higher milage E30 and pocket some cash, or upgrade time

Fletch1 wrote: There is a 1987 325is with 50,000+ miles on ebay with a current bid of $11,000...

Buyer and seller are probably both in the BMWCCA.