Imminent baby forces purchase of classic?

rabbit Stew

Hi everyone,
I haven't posted here in awhile.
As the title suggest myself and the wife are due a baby in a couple of months.
Because of this were gonna need a proper "family car" but the good news is I'll also need a second car for running around.
As my first car was a BMW E30 I'm thinking of going for the same again (first love I suppose)
So any recomendations, advice etc. would be gratefully accepted.

Here's an idea of what Ihave in mind
http://www.motortopia.com/files/2728/part/4984fb5ca4ed5/BMW_e30_318iS_29926_20080222_.jpg

corktina

bully boy babies pushing guys around ! You get yourself a good un bud, that'll show him!:D

hi5

They started making that model around 83 I think,so if you keep it 83-90 you should get the classic insurance at least.

bijapos

E30? Baby? Look at getting the touring (estate) version of that. Buggies, nappies etc take up plenty of space.

Dades

I intend to own one of these at some stage. There's a few nice ones for sale at the moment (loads on donedeal.ie). This one caught my eye recently. No messing with chin spoilers and 20" wheels. Yum.

I've read they're a bit difficult for urban driving. This true, anyone?

Anan1

Dades wrote: »

I've read they're a bit difficult for urban driving. This true, anyone?

I had a 325i saloon auto for a short while a few years ago, found it very easy to drive around town. It's quite slab-sided and the pillars are slim, so visibility is good and it's easy to see where the corners are.

Itsfixed

Hi

I have three year old and another on the way. No need for us to change cars but getting a classic as a second car i would heartily recommend, particualry if the new family car ends up feeling a bit dull.

Would second an e30 touring. A friend of mine has an e30 touring 320i for sale for less than €1k. It needs a new interior but drives perfect and, because its an Irish car, is completely rust-free underneath and in all the usual weak areas.

He hasn't been trying very hard to sell it, but its a good car.

http://bmwireland.ning.com/forum/topics/for-sale-1989-bmw-e30-320i

alpina

Well first of all, Congratulations!:) & secondly, love your train of thought. If you are into the classic scene somewhat why not look at an E21;
Whatever you decide, enjoy..
alpinaE21.jpg

Dades

Anan1 wrote: »

I had a 325i saloon auto for a short while a few years ago, found it very easy to drive around town. It's quite slab-sided and the pillars are slim, so visibility is good and it's easy to see where the corners are.

Interesting. The piece I read suggested the gearing was not meant for low speeds, and that a cold shift could be very clunky.

Still want one though!

rabbit Stew

Thanks for all the input lads.
I am considering the touring as it would be handy for carting around all the gear that goes with a new baby but really love the look of the coupe/saloon.
My first car was an '84 318 saloon in zinobar red.
I'm not a speed demon so not overly concerned about getting a 320 or 325.

If there are any E30 owners on here i'd love to here how these old horses are on repair/parts costs and how easy it is to uprate some of the old styling.