Shred these ads, please :)

I'm still thinking about getting rid of the Talon as I don't need two projects at this time, and naturally the thoughts turn to what to replace it with. My original thoughts basically went along the lines of sporty, manual trans, four real seats and RWD (ie, "Spec BMW") but I've since relaxed that a little...

So, two cars that caught my eye:

I'm a little concerned regarding the mileage and their ability to produce big bills, but this somehow appeals: http://reno.craigslist.org/ctd/2601779377.html

The main issue with the E30 is that wouldn't buy one without a PPI and I'd have to find a shop that knows enough about them to give it a meaningful inspection.

And then there is "the answer" in the form of an NB. Never had one, only ever had NAs, so what's the opinion on this thing: http://sacramento.craigslist.org/ctd/2600842432.html

Opinions?

I'll take one of each please.

Are E30 M3s really going for $15k with 175k miles?

Miata definitely.

In reply to EvanB:

That's the bit that scares me a little, but out here in the West that seems to be close to the going rate, especially given that it's at a dealer. I've seen really nice ones out here knocking at the door of $30k.

That M3 doesnt look very nice for $15k. What about this? It looks farily nice actually.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/2609073401.html

Nice find, Travis. I'd gladly rock that Mercedes.

The M3 seems poorly presented for the price. That interior shot is disconcertingly rubbish...he could've gone to the bother of straightening the steering wheel and removing the elastic bands from around the shifter. Maybe I'm reading too much into that, but it leaves a bad vibe.

I wonder what horrors lurk under those sheepskin seat covers.

I would not worry too much about the interior though, it is just standard E30 there?

Anybody else notice the K40 radar detector? I am willing to bet that this car has been driven hard... not that I wouldn't buy it if I had the money. The only scary part about that car is the engine.. that can be big money if it is bad

mad_machine wrote: I would not worry too much about the interior though, it is just standard E30 there?

No, M3s have the same sport seats as an E30, except with ///M badges and horizontal instead of vertical stitching. They're expensive if you can even find them. The rear seat is unique to the M3, it's only a two-seater, vs. a normal E30 which has three back seats.

The white gauges aren't factory, somebody has stuck stickers over the black gauge faces.

It also looks like it has a poorly installed alarm system.

I'd run away....

BoxheadTim wrote: I'm still thinking about getting rid of the Talon as I don't need two projects at this time, and naturally the thoughts turn to what to replace it with. My original thoughts basically went along the lines of sporty, manual trans, four real seats and RWD (ie, "Spec BMW") but I've since relaxed that a little... So, two cars that caught my eye: I'm a little concerned regarding the mileage and their ability to produce big bills, but this somehow appeals: http://reno.craigslist.org/ctd/2601779377.html The main issue with the E30 is that wouldn't buy one without a PPI and I'd have to find a shop that knows enough about them to give it a meaningful inspection. And then there is "the answer" in the form of an NB. Never had one, only ever had NAs, so what's the opinion on this thing: http://sacramento.craigslist.org/ctd/2600842432.html Opinions?

Pics of the miata aren't working for me right now, but that sounds like a pretty decent deal!

Is the interior REALLY black and burgundy, though? I thought it was black and tan on the 2002s... it's a BRG car, right? I can't remember if 2002 was BRG or the weird burgundy red.

You should have an NB, though. They're nice.

A highly tuned and expensive motor with 175K on it does not bode well for the next owner of that M3. Be afraid.

That '02 SE Miata is a nice economical daily driver. I have an '01 SE and like all the creature comforts compared to my (turbo) NA. It's smoother, quieter, and... more boring. If you're looking for a raw thrilling driver I would suggest you keep looking.

As much as I love me some e30s that one prob isn't the best idea. Everyone else has listed the reasons why. So +1 for Miata, plus you can do alot to the Miata with extra $ saved over the M3 .

Seems like a nice and fairly priced Miata.
Miata also looks reliable as where the temperament of the M3 may not be.
The Miata too can likely be financed through traditional means if needed. The M3 will be too old and too many miles for a traditional financing option.

The M3 is way cool and would be great if it is in good shape but that Benz is very intriguing and might be worth a trip south.

Luke wrote: Nice find, Travis. I'd gladly rock that Mercedes. The M3 seems poorly presented for the price. That interior shot is disconcertingly rubbish...he could've gone to the bother of straightening the steering wheel and removing the elastic bands from around the shifter. Maybe I'm reading too much into that, but it leaves a bad vibe.

That's what set the alarm bells ringing for me, too, but I figured that I'd get another opinion (because I think I might be overly sensitive at the moment due to me ending up with a couple of bad buys so far). TBH I put more effort into taking pics of the Talon's FS ad and that seller is a dealer.

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: Pics of the miata aren't working for me right now, but that sounds like a pretty decent deal! Is the interior REALLY black and burgundy, though? I thought it was black and tan on the 2002s... it's a BRG car, right? I can't remember if 2002 was BRG or the weird burgundy red.

It's a titanium silver car with the 'saddle brown' leather seats. Someone's color perception is a little off I think .

BoxheadTim wrote:

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: Pics of the miata aren't working for me right now, but that sounds like a pretty decent deal! Is the interior REALLY black and burgundy, though? I thought it was black and tan on the 2002s... it's a BRG car, right? I can't remember if 2002 was BRG or the weird burgundy red.

It's a titanium silver car with the 'saddle brown' leather seats. Someone's color perception is a little off I think .

OOOOO!!!!

GET THAT.

Uncoiled wrote: As much as I love me some e30s that one prob isn't the best idea. Everyone else has listed the reasons why. So +1 for Miata, plus you can do alot to the Miata with extra $ saved over the M3 .

Yeah, there is that too, but I know that the purchase price is the starting point in both cases - I'd most likely need a hardtop for the Miata so I have to budget another grand straight away (plus sales tax is higher in CA than here).

OTOH with a hardtop I can probably drive the Miata for 90% of the time that I'd commute by car (basically unless I need four wheel drive to get to work).

The thing with the M3 is that if I wanted a really nice one then I'm looking at 911 prices and I'd get a 911 instead.

That Miata looks awesome and seems like a good price for the condition, mileage, and feature set. I love the interior.

The Benz looks like an incredible deal! If it wasn't 3,600 miles away I would be severely tempted by it.

Travis_K wrote: That M3 doesnt look very nice for $15k. What about this? It looks farily nice actually. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/2609073401.html

That is a nice looking Benz

BoxheadTim wrote:

Uncoiled wrote: As much as I love me some e30s that one prob isn't the best idea. Everyone else has listed the reasons why. So +1 for Miata, plus you can do alot to the Miata with extra $ saved over the M3 .

Yeah, there is that too, but I know that the purchase price is the starting point in both cases - I'd most likely need a hardtop for the Miata so I have to budget another grand straight away (plus sales tax is higher in CA than here). OTOH with a hardtop I can probably drive the Miata for 90% of the time that I'd commute by car (basically unless I *need* four wheel drive to get to work). The thing with the M3 is that if I wanted a really nice one then I'm looking at 911 prices and I'd get a 911 instead.

Bigger question is do you want a vert or a coupe? Daily driver or weekend/autocross/track day car? The answers to those questions should dictate which way you end up going.

Well, the wife is grumbling a little about us having four cars when she thinks we only "need" three.

Basically I'm looking for something that I can DD mostly when it's cold (I tend to use the bike in warmer weather) and that I can also take to the track, without it being a dedicated track toy. Doesn't have to be a vert (we've got the C4 convertible and that's staying), but it needs to be reasonably reliable, simple to fix and fun to drive.

Snow tires on a e30 M3?

mad_machine wrote: Anybody else notice the K40 radar detector?

Those K40 detectors were a pretty common dealer add-on back in the day, I have one in my 325ix. It's mainly useless as far as I can tell, it just sort of beeps randomly when I turn it on.

You need that miata. It's the best color they ever came in, and that combination is pretty awesome.

First I need to offload my DSM, though . But given that it's not exactly convertible season I think that Miata might hang around for a little while.

BoxheadTim wrote: Well, the wife is grumbling a little about us having four cars when she thinks we only "need" three. Basically I'm looking for something that I can DD mostly when it's cold (I tend to use the bike in warmer weather) and that I can also take to the track, without it being a dedicated track toy. Doesn't have to be a vert (we've got the C4 convertible and that's staying), but it needs to be reasonably reliable, simple to fix and fun to drive.

Then I would suggest you bump your M3 choice up a generation or 2 and down about 100K miles. No need to deal with hard top/roll bar helmet clearance issues unless you're stuck on a Miata.