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Looking at new[used] cars

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GaryBeu

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Are there any of you in New York or Connecticut that might be willing to look at a couple of BMW's for me? Seems that there are a lot of the older 300 series convertibles for sale around there. Just curious. Thanks.Gary
 
What part of NY? I may be able to help.
I will warn you that buying a used car from NY, the road salt capitol of the U.S,. is buying a pile of rust. We try to find them from further south. Your mechanic down there will take one look at a car you get from here, and charge you double for all the broken bolts and headaches he's gonna have. Believe me, I've been a mechanic in NY for almost 20 years. I've got rust holes in the rockers of my 97 Subaru I can fit my fist into.
I'm amazed when I go just a few hours south, and see the number of older cars still on the road. There are very few cars here older than 20. The vast majority are under 10.
 
Watch out for Hurricane Sandy cars.... just heads up.
 
What about down here? I've poked around one once or twice. :hammer:






 
I keep thinking an old Beemer would be cool, then I slam my head in a door till I come to my senses. Unless you are very fortunate, you are likely to get a clapped out car that has been run hard and not maintained AND has higher than average repair costs to boot. Go for an older Camry or Crown Vic or some such car - boring as dirt but utterly reliable.

my 2 cents
 
JPSmit said:
Go for an older Camry or Crown Vic or some such car - boring as dirt but utterly reliable.

my 2 cents
Click to expand...


:lol: Yeah, cause we all know they make the best drop tops.... https://acewhips.blogspot.com/2011/04/convertible-ford-crown-vic-on-26-dub.html


The 3 series convertibles are usually in pretty good shape and better maintained than the coupes. Gotta remember, you really can't road race a convertible. From what I've seen so far, the automatic transmission cars are in better shape with lower miles than usual. These also seem to have been driven by the Missus too. :wink: The best bang for me would be a white or black E36 and a M3 wouldn't hurt either.
 
Ok, ya got me on droptop - one word. Miata
 
Seems owning an E30 has marked me as a BMW guy. I have a 97 328i in my shop right now for a good going over. I guess that ok. I like working on Euro imports.
 
JP...We have a Miata and love it. Of course we still have the MGB, also :smile: Banjo...Thanks for the info on NY rust buckets. I didn't know that.
 
BTW...The reason we're looking at BMW's is because we have two 2-seaters (MGB and Miata) and a gas guzzling F-250. We need a 4-seat car and prefer a convertible.
 
Kellysguy...Clicked on the link and only got those huge wheels with skinny tires :smile: Definitely NOT interested in those...
 
GaryBeu said:
BTW...The reason we're looking at BMW's is because we have two 2-seaters (MGB and Miata) and a gas guzzling F-250. We need a 4-seat car and prefer a convertible.
Click to expand...

kate-perry-style-life-ball-mini-convertible-2009_100180628_l.jpg
 
GaryBeu said:
Kellysguy...Clicked on the link and only got those huge wheels with skinny tires :smile: Definitely NOT interested in those...
Click to expand...

I don't know what happened but there was a convertible crown vic with those wheels on it.
 
Beautiful Don...I HAVE to have one :smile:
 
If you can find one, the E46 330i "ZHP" vert is the one to own. It was only made from 04-06. Unless you're looking for an E46 M3 vert, which is a different kettle of fish altogether and even better.

The Performance Package (aka ZHP) added performance cams, a 6speed, a 3.07 diff, a throatier exhaust and some suspension tweaks. It also got staggered 18" wheels and a different front/rear valance.
 
I'm afraid there's no way we can afford a ZHP :smile:. We've been looking at 3 series 1996-2001 in the $5,000-$6,000 price range. Afraid that's our limit right now. There are plenty of them in NY and PA but I hate to go that far for one. BTW...I thought BMW's were made in England but now find out that they're German. Were they not "British Motor Works" at one time?? Or am I just stupid...?
 
GaryBeu said:
I thought BMW's were made in England but now find out that they're German. Were they not "British Motor Works" at one time?? Or am I just stupid...?
Click to expand...

That's a joke, right?

'Cause if not, that's wrong on ~SO~ many different levels. :wink:

A lot are made here however; the M series are made where they should be.
 
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