My friend is interested in an e21 now. I think I've got him hooked. If you see any decent ones for sale in the north east let me know. He's probably looking to only spend 2-3 grand tops.

He's not really sure. He likes cars, but is not really knowledgable about them. Not that I am either, but I'm learning. I'm thinking he should just pick up a cheap one for 600-1000 bucks and just learn about them. (And learn to drive a stick) then he can decide if he want to keep it and dump money into it.

What do you guys think?

I think he can find one in good shape for like 1.2-1.4k. The E21 is def a good first or learning car. Look for one that fairly cheap but in good shape and he can use the extra money to put into it if he feels like. If hes already hooked now with out owning one....im sure he'll love it once he has one himself.

If he has 3k to spend on an E21, then he should find one that is worth that much.

If he gets one for 600, and puts 3k into it, I highly doubt that the 2k put into it will put it on par with one that sells for 3k.

On that note, 2-3k is plenty enough for a very good example. It doesnt matter how nice or shitty the E21 is, it will need work regardless.

I think he can find one in good shape for like 1.2-1.4k. The E21 is def a good first or learning car. Look for one that fairly cheap but in good shape and he can use the extra money to put into it if he feels like. If hes already hooked now with out owning one....im sure he'll love it once he has one himself.

Well, he still unsure. I'm going to let him drive mine around a parking lot and show him how to drive a stick. It's difficult to find ones without rust around. The ones I see on craigslist now are sub 1000 dollars cars. Anything else I can find is in other parts of the country or full restorations.

Mine is up for sale, about 4 hours away from you, comes with lots of goodies installed.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=741586

That car looks very clean.