If you had to buy a beater...

oldaccount · 12-03-2009, 10:13 PM

...what would it be?

Im thinking about selling my 335 to help pay for grad school, so I need to find another car, and Im curious as to what you guys would choose as a relatively inexpensive*, reliable, possibly even fun, beater. Basically, I need to be talked out of buying an e86 Z4M Coupe or e92 M3.

*this measure is pretty subjective, so use your own definition of "inexpensive." Im sure there are plenty of big timers who would buy an e92 M3 as a beater for when their 997 Turbo is in the shop, and while thats not really what Im looking for, Id be curious to know.

Rick Hunter · 12-03-2009, 10:32 PM

You can get an E86M for ~$30k's. That's a bargain of the Century.

The other choice I'd go for would be the last generation Nissan Z. Inexpensive AND reliable.

Saigon · 12-03-2009, 10:51 PM

rsx type s black on black leather. Those interiors are nice and comfy and fits 4, you pay 13-14k for a nice one w/ low mileage and it gets good MPG. They're nice to mod too! Or, G35 coupe 04' w/ brembos. Same black on black, they're <15k for a nice conditioned one. Nice interior as well... Both I would not consider beaters though....But if you wanted to really free up money for grad school, I would go w/ an acura integra. Those are nice as well...

freshwhite335 · 12-03-2009, 11:38 PM

I agree the RSX Type-S is a good car, but even if this sound snobby I just don't feel safe in anything without that German sense of solidity. The G35 is solid enough, but still not German.

My Suggestions:

G35
GTI
R32
E46 ZHP
E39 530i or 540i
Mazda Speed3

My first choice would be the R32, followed very closely by the E46 ZHP

Year's_End · 12-04-2009, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suareezay

*this measure is pretty subjective, so use your own definition of "inexpensive." Im sure there are plenty of big timers who would buy an e92 M3 as a beater for when their 997 Turbo is in the shop, and while thats not really what Im looking for, Id be curious to know.

some sort of price range would be seriously useful.

if you like the ride and interior of your bimmer then i seriously suggest you look at the MKVI GTi. there's just not enough power though.

scheherazade · 12-04-2009, 02:50 AM

If you want fun, get a used evo 8 for like... 14k

If you want super cheap, ridiculously reliable, and costs nearly nothing to repair ...

1993 honda accord. I'm sure you can find a private seller for $1000 or so.

-scheherazade

Kyosho · 12-04-2009, 03:41 AM

I had a G35, theyre reliable and fun to drive. A 350z wouldnt be too bad, or an RSX Type-S, Civic Si. I agree with the evo. Evos are always fun :]

Matty C · 12-04-2009, 04:55 AM

I would look at Volkswagon Golf RS6. Great car all-wheel drive nice interior and a nice engine. Just don't put the asshole exhaust on it!

graider · 12-04-2009, 09:19 AM

used s2000 or 350z

ACZakka325i · 12-04-2009, 09:42 AM

I would get a jeep cherokee for less than $10k. Parts are cheap, cheap labor, and easy to work on.

edit: you said fun. Not sure you can find a fun beater after a 335i.

ragingclue · 12-04-2009, 09:49 AM

Wow when I think of the perfect beater, I think old 'Yota. It's reliable, very inexpensive, and fun as hell for wheelin'. When I think of "beater", that's what I think of.

ChrisV · 12-04-2009, 10:18 AM

yeah, beaters should not be pretty, should not be expensive, and should be either reliable OR cheap to fix/keep running. Beaters should not be $5k-10k or more, and definitely should not be financed. it should be practical, not perfect, and not something you care if it gets, well, beat on.

I'd say a beater should be a $500-1000 Volvo wagon got off of craigslist.

Muffnbluff · 12-04-2009, 10:24 AM

They're hard to find, but a used WRX without lots of mods would make a great fun beater.

epbrown · 12-04-2009, 10:57 AM

I'd get an E46 or E36 M3.

ChrisV · 12-04-2009, 11:05 AM

Wow. i definitely have a different idea of what a beater is. It shoudln't be just a second, slightly cheaper fun car like the primary car. M3 or WRX as a beater? Wow.

Recently bought this beater for my brother in law for $400, and it's everything a beater should be. throwaway cheap, reliable as the sunrise, practical, and it doesn't matter if the salt attacks it in winter or people open their doors into it, or you load up dirty car parts/kegs, etc in the back of it.

ragingclue · 12-04-2009, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisV

Wow. i definitely have a different idea of what a beater is. It shoudln't be just a second, slightly cheaper fun car like the primary car. M3 or WRX as a beater? Wow.

Recently bought this beater for my brother in law for $400, and it's everything a beater should be. throwaway cheap, reliable as the sunrise, practical, and it doesn't matter if the salt attacks it in winter or people open their doors into it, or you load up dirty car parts/kegs, etc in the back of it.

Umm yeah. I thought a beater was something you could flog on, beat up, park wherever without worrying, etc... As long as it got you from A to B, that's all that mattered.

Seems many people define "beater" the same way I would define a "daily".

epbrown · 12-04-2009, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragingclue

Umm yeah. I thought a beater was something you could flog on, beat up, park wherever without worrying, etc... As long as it got you from A to B, that's all that mattered.

You've described the uses of my Smart Fortwo exactly. I consider that my winter beater, despite the fact it's less than a year old. My M Coupe is my daily, which is why the Smart's only accumulated 3000 miles - it only goes out when conditions (weather, parking, etc) are crappy.

Citizen Z · 12-04-2009, 11:48 AM

My beater is a 1994 6.5L diesel GMC Sierra 2500. It cost $2600.

Bobby_Light · 12-04-2009, 12:10 PM

C43 AMG

ACZakka325i · 12-04-2009, 03:26 PM

Sounds like the last few posts are more on point.

Don't listen to this nonsense about $20k+ used M3's as a beater. Thats what a Daily is.

I still say a jeep is a great beater. You WILL get to where you need to go without concern for weather and if it breaks down, you prob can fix it with a screw driver and duct tape!

smmmurf · 12-04-2009, 03:35 PM

I have a Civic Hybrid but you could consider a Honda Civic Si or an Acura TSX if you wanted something a little nicer but still a beater.

trsbmw · 12-04-2009, 03:43 PM

My daily driver (I guess thats the term I prefer over 'beater') is a 1994 530i 5-spd, The E34 chassis is super dependable, I know the 6 cylinder models are more known for their reliability opposed to the m60 v8, but, I bought mine in great condition (always garaged, 105k miles, alusil replacement done, everything works) for $3500.... Gas mileage isn't great, but I dont care about that right now.. (20-25 mpg)

12-03-2009, 10:13 PM	#1
oldaccount Colonel 171 Rep 2,455 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	If you had to buy a beater... ...what would it be? Im thinking about selling my 335 to help pay for grad school, so I need to find another car, and Im curious as to what you guys would choose as a relatively inexpensive, reliable, possibly even fun, beater. Basically, I need to be talked out of buying an e86 Z4M Coupe or e92 M3. this measure is pretty subjective, so use your own definition of "inexpensive." Im sure there are plenty of big timers who would buy an e92 M3 as a beater for when their 997 Turbo is in the shop, and while thats not really what Im looking for, Id be curious to know.
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12-03-2009, 10:32 PM	#2
Rick Hunter Skull Squadron Leader 311 Rep 2,031 Posts Drives: '07 M Coupé & '16 435xi GCoupé Join Date: May 2007 Location: The Emerald City iTrader: (20)	You can get an E86M for ~$30k's. That's a bargain of the Century. The other choice I'd go for would be the last generation Nissan Z. Inexpensive AND reliable. __________________
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12-03-2009, 10:51 PM	#3
Saigon Brigadier General 249 Rep 3,524 Posts Drives: BSM E92 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (47)	rsx type s black on black leather. Those interiors are nice and comfy and fits 4, you pay 13-14k for a nice one w/ low mileage and it gets good MPG. They're nice to mod too! Or, G35 coupe 04' w/ brembos. Same black on black, they're <15k for a nice conditioned one. Nice interior as well... Both I would not consider beaters though....But if you wanted to really free up money for grad school, I would go w/ an acura integra. Those are nice as well... __________________ 07' Alpine White E93 335i M-Sport \| BMW Performance \| Beige l Piano Black l Sport l Premium l Heated l Navi \| Steptronic l Comfort Access l Logic7 l iPod & USB \|
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12-03-2009, 11:38 PM	#4
freshwhite335 Colonel 155 Rep 2,882 Posts Drives: 991/RR Sport AB Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: 904 FL iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 BMW 135i [0.00]	I agree the RSX Type-S is a good car, but even if this sound snobby I just don't feel safe in anything without that German sense of solidity. The G35 is solid enough, but still not German. My Suggestions: G35 GTI R32 E46 ZHP E39 530i or 540i Mazda Speed3 My first choice would be the R32, followed very closely by the E46 ZHP
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12-04-2009, 02:50 AM	#6
scheherazade Major 38 Rep 1,467 Posts Drives: 09 GTR (& 93' accord!) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: DC metro area iTrader: (8)	If you want fun, get a used evo 8 for like... 14k If you want super cheap, ridiculously reliable, and costs nearly nothing to repair ... 1993 honda accord. I'm sure you can find a private seller for $1000 or so. -scheherazade
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12-04-2009, 03:41 AM	#7
Kyosho Lieutenant 18 Rep 568 Posts Drives: 991.2 GT3 // Panamera Turbo Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Irvine CA iTrader: (4)	I had a G35, theyre reliable and fun to drive. A 350z wouldnt be too bad, or an RSX Type-S, Civic Si. I agree with the evo. Evos are always fun :] __________________ Understeer is when you hit the wall with the front of the car and oversteer is when you hit the wall with the rear of the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall, torque is how far you take the wall with you."
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12-04-2009, 04:55 AM	#8
Matty C First Lieutenant 20 Rep 324 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 M Roadster, 2006 M3 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bodensee iTrader: (0)	I would look at Volkswagon Golf RS6. Great car all-wheel drive nice interior and a nice engine. Just don't put the asshole exhaust on it! __________________ 2007 Black Sapphire Z4 //M Roadster, Hamann Front End, Hamann Rear Diffuser, Hamann 19 Inch Anniversary Wheels, Eisenmann Race Exhaust, Group M Intake, RPI Ram Air, CDV Delete 2006 E46 M3, 2004 Jeep Rubicon, 93 Golf VR6
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12-04-2009, 09:19 AM	#9
graider Colonel 35 Rep 2,406 Posts Drives: py/kiwi e46 m3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: toronto iTrader: (0)	used s2000 or 350z
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12-04-2009, 09:42 AM	#10
ACZakka325i Colonel 283 Rep 2,007 Posts Drives: 2 stroke Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CT iTrader: (2)	I would get a jeep cherokee for less than $10k. Parts are cheap, cheap labor, and easy to work on. edit: you said fun. Not sure you can find a fun beater after a 335i. __________________ (Waitlist): #1 M2CSL (Current): 2016 F15 X5 3.5xdrive - 2010 997.2 C4S Coupe (Past): 2016 F30 340xi M-Sport -2013 535i xdrive 2008 E92 M3 - 2006 E90 325i 2002 E46 325xi - 1991 E30 325i
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12-04-2009, 09:49 AM	#11
ragingclue One cam is enough 136 Rep 6,801 Posts Drives: VF Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: mulletville iTrader: (1)	Wow when I think of the perfect beater, I think old 'Yota. It's reliable, very inexpensive, and fun as hell for wheelin'. When I think of "beater", that's what I think of.
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12-04-2009, 10:18 AM	#12
ChrisV 7er 9 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 1998 BMW 740iL Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Pikesville, MD iTrader: (0) Garage List 1998 740iL [6.00]	yeah, beaters should not be pretty, should not be expensive, and should be either reliable OR cheap to fix/keep running. Beaters should not be $5k-10k or more, and definitely should not be financed. it should be practical, not perfect, and not something you care if it gets, well, beat on. I'd say a beater should be a $500-1000 Volvo wagon got off of craigslist. __________________ 1998 740iL
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12-04-2009, 10:24 AM	#13
Muffnbluff Redline Addict 24 Rep 783 Posts Drives: '14 BMW 335 xdrive Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: STL iTrader: (0)	They're hard to find, but a used WRX without lots of mods would make a great fun beater.
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12-04-2009, 10:57 AM	#14
epbrown Colonel 64 Rep 2,128 Posts Drives: BMW M Coupe, Porsche Boxster S Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	I'd get an E46 or E36 M3.
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12-04-2009, 11:05 AM	#15
ChrisV 7er 9 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 1998 BMW 740iL Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Pikesville, MD iTrader: (0) Garage List 1998 740iL [6.00]	Wow. i definitely have a different idea of what a beater is. It shoudln't be just a second, slightly cheaper fun car like the primary car. M3 or WRX as a beater? Wow. Recently bought this beater for my brother in law for $400, and it's everything a beater should be. throwaway cheap, reliable as the sunrise, practical, and it doesn't matter if the salt attacks it in winter or people open their doors into it, or you load up dirty car parts/kegs, etc in the back of it. __________________ 1998 740iL
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12-04-2009, 11:48 AM	#18
Citizen Z Alpine Master 115 Rep 1,310 Posts Drives: '08 135i AW Sport Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kansas iTrader: (1)	My beater is a 1994 6.5L diesel GMC Sierra 2500. It cost $2600. __________________ Alpine White with Taupe Leather 135i, Sports Package, Heated Seats, Comfort Access, iPod Adapter Fastness: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=252727
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12-04-2009, 12:10 PM	#19
Bobby_Light Major 66 Rep 1,352 Posts Drives: E36 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (14)	C43 AMG
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12-04-2009, 03:26 PM	#20
ACZakka325i Colonel 283 Rep 2,007 Posts Drives: 2 stroke Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CT iTrader: (2)	Sounds like the last few posts are more on point. Don't listen to this nonsense about $20k+ used M3's as a beater. Thats what a Daily is. I still say a jeep is a great beater. You WILL get to where you need to go without concern for weather and if it breaks down, you prob can fix it with a screw driver and duct tape! __________________ (Waitlist): #1 M2CSL (Current): 2016 F15 X5 3.5xdrive - 2010 997.2 C4S Coupe (Past): 2016 F30 340xi M-Sport -2013 535i xdrive 2008 E92 M3 - 2006 E90 325i 2002 E46 325xi - 1991 E30 325i
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12-04-2009, 03:35 PM	#21
smmmurf Colonel 409 Rep 2,198 Posts Drives: E92 M3 DCT 357k+ miles Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Stanford, CA iTrader: (7)	I have a Civic Hybrid but you could consider a Honda Civic Si or an Acura TSX if you wanted something a little nicer but still a beater.
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12-04-2009, 03:43 PM	#22
trsbmw deft danish devil 5 Rep 114 Posts Drives: BSM E86 M-Cp, LMB 335d M-Sport Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fredericksburg, VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Z4 M Coupe [0.00]	My daily driver (I guess thats the term I prefer over 'beater') is a 1994 530i 5-spd, The E34 chassis is super dependable, I know the 6 cylinder models are more known for their reliability opposed to the m60 v8, but, I bought mine in great condition (always garaged, 105k miles, alusil replacement done, everything works) for $3500.... Gas mileage isn't great, but I dont care about that right now.. (20-25 mpg)
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