About to purchase a car... please help.

[drunkentyger]

Hi. New here. A little about meself.

college student. really low in $. needs a car.

The 2 cars Im currently looking into are:

* '93-'96 325i

* '91-'95 mr-2 (hopefully the turbo version)

I'm willing to spend a little (note: a little) more than $5,000. What Im really looking for in those 2 cars are mechanical reliability; meaning the car will keep running smoothly for a long time.

But I understand given my budget that im probably going to get those cars with AT LEAST 100K on them, ergo, the car has already started to wear down.

Given those two, which will start to show the first signs of fatigue? I really love them both and cant really decide. From what I've heard is that they are both reliable cars.

As for engine swapping etc, again, I am a petty college student so, you can forget about HUGE repairs, etc.

Put your 2 pennies in.

[MR2turbo93]

Well if its going to be your only car and it snows in your area I'd go with the BMW. Good is not the word to used when describing the MR2 in the snow or winter conditions. Mid engine cars for that matter arent anything to use in the snow. Oversteer will be a big issue with these types of cars. You are taking a big risk to drive these cars in the snow. I'd pick the BMW cause its probably better in the snow. But that just my .In my opinion I wouldn't want to crash a perfect piece of machinery like a MR2 so I keep mine off the road in the winter. If you live in a place where thats not an issue go with the 2. Good Luck

[ac427cpe]

do you want to pay more for parts or insurance?

the bmw will be more expensive to maintain, but you'll probably have to spend more on insurance with the mr2. i have never driven my mr2 in the snow, but i haven't had an oversteer problem in rain... it just depends on how you drive.

[MR2turbo93]

snow and rain are to different things

[drunkentyger]

no... I live in southern California. No snow whatsoever... lol.

hm... Im just trying to buy whichever one that doesnt break down faster than the other....

[96MR2Turbo]

Used to own a '92 320i, sold it a few years. Too costly to maintain. Was told the E36 was not as reliable compare to the later E46 model. Personally, I go for the MR2. Parts are cheaper.

[MR2turbo93]

LoL damn you , I'd go for the MR2 then. A BMW is a BMW not my cup of tea unless there is a M badge on it somewhere but MR2's are like nothing else.

[96MR2Turbo]

glade to help solve ur problem. I also own a '02 WRX wagon, but nothing and I mean nothing, can compare to my baby.

[MR2turbo93]

wrx wagon those are sick!!! nice winter cars too i bet!

[mr2gurl4life]

2nd gen deuces handle fine on wet or dry concrete, given you have tread depth AND dont punch it at the turn and have shitty suspension to boot. You can find 3s' in good conditon with realatively low miles for 5-5500. I LOVE my deuces and wouldnt have anyother!!

check out my smg sunroof 3s here...
http://profiles.myspace.com/users/12401551

[96MR2Turbo]

The subi is a good allrounder. A bit on the heavy side for my liking. Good thing bout it is you can get lots of aftermarket parts compare to the MR2. But that ain't stopping me from upgrading my baby

[gelcol]

If you put 2 sand bags on the front compartment
during rainny days it won't over steer. I'll go for mr2 still. mine got 223k and keeps going n going.................etc.

[twistedpaseo]

the wrx wagon do handle good on snow