Noob saying hello and a few questions (E30 shape)..

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Hello all,

I will be looking for a car for my girlfriend very soon and she wanted something that was reasonable sized, would sit 4/5 people, decent sized boot and was comfortable. She wanted something crappy and French which I steered here away from. I've always been into Volkswagens especially but liked most German cars. Anyway, we decided last night that an E30 would be a nice car to have. The saloon version not the touring or cabby.

You can pick them up for reasonable money in the UK but I'm guessing that they will still cost top dollar to service and maintain being a BMW?
Also what are common problems with them or things to look out for when buying one? I've noticed most of the ones I was looking at were 150k+, are they still good and strong for a long while because I don't really want to buy a nail of a car!

We are probably looking at a 316 or a 318. Which would be better? is the 316 going to struggle anymore than the 318? Does anyone have the UK insurance groups that these cars fall into?

Also what kind of things do you get standard with the cars? Guessing because they were past luxury cars you get things like e/w, c/l, e/m, pas etc? Not to fussed about most of them except for power steering cause my missues is a bit of a wussy, lol.

Any other useful information on E30's would be welcomed with open arms!

Cheers guys and gals.

[MOUNT UNION]

Just Purchased A 1989 325i Convertible. 147,000 M. Ran Great On Test Drive, All The Way Home Until The Next Day,. Put Gas In It And It Acted Flooded Or Not Responding/bad Gas Etc. Put Dry Gas And Fuel Treatment. Ran Fine. It Has Since Been Sporadically Doing This Almost Like Vapor Lock Anybody Out There Got An Idea.