http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=591813

He offered to trade me this car for my 02 1.8t....wondering if its wise considering i am not a mechanic/car buff. Can I still use it functionally as a daily driver yet still have fun with it.

Just seeing what you guys think, if its out of state, I will have to take it to emissions right? Think something like this would pass...etc...

Don't do it! I'd much rather have a E30 than a E36 ti imo mainly because of cosmetics... especially one that's modded.. that's like seeing a girl with huge bazookas, and no rear.

In short.. 11 yr old E36 non-M FTL, also has no ass.

PS you'll see many E36 folk buying from other sources other than the stealer, mainly because it's out of warranty, and most dealers don't stock 10 yr old car parts. Which means, you will have to order it (ordering must be pre-paid), and if you were to get it done 100% correct, you'd need to take it to the dealer ($100+ Diagnostics fee) and blah blah blah blah blaaaaah.. or you can take the chance of using a regular mechanic and hope he guesses right (most don't have $30,000 diagnostic machines). You'd probably have money left over from your current car (unless you're straight up trading--also dumb), however, that will probably go into repairs on the "328"

yea...I really want a clean E30...but just so hard to find, that and I appreciate the fact that my 1.8t right now is giving me no problems as my DD

I like it. It would be a really fun car to drive for 8k. In the long run, it will be cheaper to maintain this than your 1.8t.

considering there aren't any funny noises and the engine/tranny sound/shift/look smooth I would consider it. There are a couple complications though. Your car is probably newer, cleaner, and worth more. I don't know the value of the GTI so I really can't make a final statement.
Do you like the shape of the car? If yes, then go test drive it and then think about it.
The only thing that makes this deal into a really good deal is my dislike for Ti's. I just can't like the E36 Ti's. The rear is ugly as hell.

One thing I do know this guy dropped mad money into this car.
Generally speaking if you can DIY, it will be cheap as hell to maintain an E36 (I don't about the Ti's, probably same)

I'm guessing this car would be cheaper to own than your GTI.

id do it..

already has a M50 based motor great for turbo or super charger and in that little hatchback it would be wicked fast.

not to mention it looks pretty damn good too.

is the GTI under warranty? Is it paid off? Any loan/financing?
All this should factor in.

do it-sleeper

Regardless of whether it is cheaper to buy, the repairs and maintainence would out-do the money he gained from selling the VW.

IMO, don't do it. Ask Matt, as he works at bmw also.

I wouldn't for the simple fact that your car is worth more than the 8k he's asking. If he's putting money on top and you want out of the GTi, then sure.

BTW, I like Tis and it seems as if he's dropped his asking price by a bit.

i wouldnt do it straight up....if his car is posted at 8k, i would expect at least 2k + his car for mine...yea tempting....interesting that it would be less to maintain

probably only fear is as a student, if i have the time to become a wrench turner

i wouldnt do it straight up....if his car is posted at 8k, i would expect at least 2k + his car for mine...yea tempting....interesting that it would be less to maintain

probably only fear is as a student, if i have the time to become a wrench turner
the M52s are VERY reliable.

You'd be pretty well off just selling your car outright. GTIs keep their value surprisingly well, considering what piles of crap they can be. :mad

This guy has IM'd me for advice.. PM me if you want details.

youll need a new exhaust for sure!

thanks guys, its been really helpful...if not this I think I might just wait around for an e30!