2nd beater car

[chappys4life]

Looking for a beater second car for when I take my dog places, maybe doing something to the fr-s and can't drive it, etc.

Looking for something around 3k that's decent looking and low maintenance. I really wanted a truck as I'm selling mine but a decent 4x4 seems to start at least around 6k here. I owned a e30 that was fun so I have been debating between a mid 90s e36 or a mid 90s integra. Not looking for anything crazy just a good running beater mostly to haul the dog in as 90lbs of excited lab is not riding in the fr-s.

Any input on the matter? I liked the e30 but parts where expensive I know e36 parts are the same price especially since suspension and all interchanges but I figure if its mostly clean around 150k 318i I could leave it alone beside maintain it and they run about the same and easier to find than an e30. Integra's seem pretty common too and I have always liked the 95 and up body style. I am newer to the imports mostly own old (60s and older) American but am getting tired of working on something a lot and my BMW was a tank and Hondas seem to be just getting broken in around 200k.

[Wes B.]

Older German cars can be a pain in the ass to maintain, and they generally do cost a fortune to keep on the road. The smart thing to do would be to look for a 90's Japanese car that is known for reliability. I have found that 1991-2000 Lexus SC400's (300's tend to be hacked to bits by ricers because of the 2JZ engine) can be had for quite the bargain. I'm not exactly sure what you're looking for (sports car, sedan, truck, etc.), but there are plenty of great deals to be had if you keep your eyes open.

P.S. If you like the SC400 idea, then try to find a 1997+ vintage.

[Black Tire]

I just sold and E36 M3 last year because the maintenance costs were getting too high for me. The 318i's 4-cylinder engine is not as good as the inline 6 in the 325, 328 and M3, but can still be reliable. If I were to choose one with lower ownership cost of the ones you listed though, I would choose the Acura Integra. Parts are just a whole lot cheaper and available from more suppliers. In the USA, parts suppliers think you are rich if you own a BMW, even if it's a 20 year old beater.

[chappys4life]

Okay I was thinking a bmw maybe was a bad idea looks like I will take it out of the loop. Integra on the list and I will look into the sc300/400 what is consider to high of milage? Did a quick CL search and they seem to be about 180k-225k milage.

[Dave-ROR]

A well cared for E36 isn't too bad, any other E36 can be a nightmare to get it up to that well cared for status.

Integras are cheap as hell to maintain, this is a list of all of the work I've done on my 2000 Integra GS-R which I've owned since new:
Regular oil changes
Coolant every 45k
Trans fluid every 45k-60k
Timing Belt every 90k
Fuel filter every 90k
Plugs and wires every 60-90k
Dist cab/rotor with the plugs and wires
Water Pump with the belt
Accessory belts at 130k
Wheel bearings at 130k
Clutch
Radiator
Brake Master Cylinder
Clutch master cylinder
Hatch actuator motor ($11 but a little bit of a pain to do)

That's it.. the last four items on that list are the only things that broke vs pro-active replacements. The car has 160k on it now and saw a bunch of track and autocross duty a long time ago. Leakdown is ~5-6% across the board.

Hard to beat them IMO for reliable, cheap to maintain, fuel efficient, useful (hatchbacks anyways hold a ton of stuff) and fun to drive 2nd cars.. hence my sig lol

[dem00n]

Ever own a Miata?

If you owned a 3 seires then why go buy an older 3 seires? Pointless in my eyes.

[chappys4life]

True but I owned a e30 not a e36 ha ha. Integra's are sound more and more fun. I have 2 I am looking at with 180k is that too high?

I have never owned a miata no offense but they always seemed like a girl car.

[Wes B.]

Originally Posted by chappys4life

Okay I was thinking a bmw maybe was a bad idea looks like I will take it out of the loop. Integra on the list and I will look into the sc300/400 what is consider to high of milage? Did a quick CL search and they seem to be about 180k-225k milage.

The engines in the SC300/400's are good for about 250k miles if properly maintained. If I were you, I'd try to find one with around 150-160k.

Also, Integras are fantastic cars if you can find a clean one with a 5 speed.

[dem00n]

Originally Posted by chappys4life

True but I owned a e30 not a e36 ha ha. Integra's are sound more and more fun. I have 2 I am looking at with 180k is that too high?

I have never owned a miata no offense but they always seemed like a girl car.

The FRS is a girl car too, along with the Hyundai Genesis.

Man up and go test drive one. You'll love it.

[n2oinferno]

Integra, Civic, or Miata. Any of those would make a great second car. If you really want a truck though and can use the hauling capacity, hold out and save a bit more. You'll thank yourself in the longrun.

[bestwheelbase]

How about a 4Runner circa '95-97?

[chappys4life]

Been researching a lot and integras are getting harder to get in my area that are still stock and resonable.

Looking at 2000-2003 celicas and still eyeballing miatas. Anyone messed with the celicas much and like them?

[zygrene]

I'd rather get a Miata. RWD, lighter?, droptop for summer cruising.

[FrX]

Originally Posted by Wes B.

Older German cars can be a pain in the ass to maintain, and they generally do cost a fortune to keep on the road. The smart thing to do would be to look for a 90's Japanese car that is known for reliability. I have found that 1991-2000 Lexus SC400's (300's tend to be hacked to bits by ricers because of the 2JZ engine) can be had for quite the bargain. I'm not exactly sure what you're looking for (sports car, sedan, truck, etc.), but there are plenty of great deals to be had if you keep your eyes open.

P.S. If you like the SC400 idea, then try to find a 1997+ vintage.

I just sold off my SC. They aren't exactly that cheap to maintain either. I'd pick something that they made in a bit larger numbers. Like a late 90's Honda or Toyota sedan. There really aren't any better beater cars. For a truck, a late 80's/early 90's Toyota or Mazda mini truck is hard to beat. Stupid simple to work on and parts are cheap.