smileypaul

The Reason I suggested that you dont paint it bacl is because of stone chips! and all i ever here is that aftermarket paint jobs are no where near the quality of the factory one! so you've been warned. i fyou want, ill show you my lip .. it was repainted about 2 months ago, and its chipped to ****!!! but do as you wish, just dont say u werent warned!!!! but if you've got some extra $$ kickin around... b16a and maybe a midnight blue paint job ..
just me $.02

_____

the camera works very well! had it at band practise tonight and had a friend shoot some pics! looks great and ive only got it on medium quality! thanks!

imported_S@URN

ON THAT NOTE!!!!

Ever wondered why they never made another since??

imported_audiophilia

Again, thanks for the advice.

smiley, good seeing you yesterday.

imported_audiophilia

Well, had a long test drive today. James tagged along and I really appreciated the objective view. I must say right away that I love the BMW ride and the handling, which is shockingly good for an entry level sedan. Point it, and it's *there*. No muss, no fuss.

The good news is the engine is in excellent shape and the body is superb; nary a ding and zero rust. New water pump, clutch, ball joints, etc. And the interior is immaculate.

Now the bad. Cracked windshield is easily fixed. Air conditioner needs its belt. Also, easily fixed (I hope)! However, the 'Check Engine' light is on and seems to be affecting the heater, which changes from extremely hot to cold at will. The lights for the return air, rear window defogger, and the dial lights are out or function intermittently. Dangerous if the defroster isn't working or if you don't know if the rear defogger is on! The seller doesn't seem to know why this is happening, and wants to sell the car 'as is'. $6500.00. Now, I know the seller to be a fine person and honest. However, it would gall me to have to pay the BMW dealership $89.00 (we dropped by Town and Country on the test drive) just to find out what's wrong with the seller's car, then pay him the purchase amount. If I sell my Civic, it will be in safe, working order. I would rather pay the seller more money to have a safe, working vehicle. 'As is' really worries me. $6500.00 is a good deal for this 'driver's car', but it should at least have a working heater, defroster, etc.

Would enjoy your thoughts as this saga comes to a close. And thanks again to all who made suggestions and offered advice. EK7 Driftmania and 1nicesi, especially

It looks like I'll be going the 'Certified' route or a good deal second hand, if I can find one.

Black, coupe 3 Series. Anybody? Until then, it's Civic time

imported_loudsubz

Hehe, watch as Anthony caves Your almost as bad as NoSpleeny with deciding to buy stuff j/k

Glad you came to the right conclusion, your civic is sweet Anthony, but like you, I too am fond of bimmers.

imported_audiophilia

It's called research. Look in to it

Me still likey bimmers. Still looking.

imported_audiophilia

Oh, BTW loudsubz, ever, ever compare me to NoSpleeny again, and you are going to get a woofer up your ***

EL_Sport

Good move steering clear of that car. Sounds like it may have quite a few problems, minor or not. Remember, even if they are minor, parts and service for a BMW do not come cheap. IMO, stay away from the 318's if you are looking for a 3 series and good luck with your shopping.

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, sounds like a lemon to me. Rebuilt engine, tierods and all that, messed up electrical....too many questions. I recommend a top of the line 3 series, either the M3 or the 328. Even a really great older BMW like a 88-91 would be really tasty But don't drop so much money on a lemon. Wait and spend about $15K on a BMW that's in perfect shape, else you will spend that much over 2 years in fixing reliability problems.

EK7_DriftMania

I would stay away from a used Bimmer, unless you know someone that has a really low km ( less than 60K km). Is it only Bimmers that you like or do you want to change to a euro car. I have learned to love euro cars after driving a few, compared to North American Honda's, well.... lets just say that you can't compare, both are extremely different. The 330 is smoking hot.... but nothing compared to the 1994, 911 Turbo (stage 3) 600hp monster. So fast you'll **** in your pants through every gear. Great for drifting. So, just save up some money get something that is good. Civic is fun, but I think Honda has abandoned it, that's just my opinion. Civic Type R is the only good civic out there.

imported_audiophilia

To be honest, I only want to trade for a BMW. I've driven all the Euros and Japanese, and to me, the BMW is unsurpassed. I just love them