Originally Posted by white_n_slow

More info please h: I'm just going from what I've heard. It's also important that whatever car I get is something I can work on myself. :-/

Originally Posted by DakarM

e39 would be ideal if you want to work on it yourself. it has the same size engine as the 3series except the engine bay was designed for a V8. so you get a lot of room.

the myth of bmw parts costing a lot comes from ignorant owners who take their cars to dealers. you can find for example a water pump for $600 at one place $500 at another place or $150 at a third place. exact same part.

I do give in that labor is more expensive, even when comparing dealers. cheapest I've seen is $150/hr (CA pricing). but if you plan on working on the car yourself, it's non issue.

also bmw puts out what they call "TIS" it's german initials loosely translate to technical information system. It will show you exactly how to fix/replace/remove/repair any bmw produced in the last 30years. it's a cd you can download off the interweb.

some of the more expensive parts are electronic, such as the navigation but if you are patient, you can find them for 1/5 of the msrp price ($2000) on ebay or other reputable places.

Originally Posted by white_n_slow

Good to know. I have a friend who worked at the bmw dealership (parts dept) and always said "thank god I don't own one of these things." Which is pretty much the hearsay I was going on.

Looking at CL, it looks like there are a few deals out there, but it'll be impossible to find one without leather h: The e39's really seem to be the best priced, but I think it's just too big for me :-/

Originally Posted by white_n_slow

I just thought I'd get HAN's input on the possibilities here. I know I've posted a similar thread in the past, but the options have changed a bit since then.

The civic should be up and running in a couple weeks, and I've been thinking about what would be the best way to trim my stable down to two cars. My criteria are as follows. I need a capable camping vehicle (i.e. 4x4 and locked, doesn't have to be gonzo) and a "sporty" car for commuting and autox. One of those two vehicles must hold a few friends comfortably and not be a total embarrasment, and I'm kinda sick of the infiniti anyway.

So as I see it, I have two options:

1) Sell the Infiniti and the shitbucket and get a 96+ 4runner. Use the civic for general commuting, use the 4 Runner for clients/camping/whenever I need a larger car. Benefits: the civic should get pretty good mpg's with the B20, the newer 4runner would seat me and 4 friends, so fewer vehicles would be needed on camping trips, and I wouldn't shy away from long trips where highway driving is required. Drawbacks: The civic isn't exactly the most pleasant commuter, and the longer I have it, the more money I'll blow on it

2) Sell the Infiniti and the Civic, get a WRX for a fun/commuter car. Keep the shitbucket for camping/wheeling. Benefits: I think I would be satisfied autocrossing a mostly stock WRX, and it would be a way better DD than the infiniti or the civic, and a good snowboarding car, worry-free wheeling in the shitbucket. Drawbacks: the shitbucket doesn't go on the highway very well, and can only carry one passenger, wrx would definitely get worse mpg's and require better fuel than the civic.

I'm sure I only want 2 cars, so I just need to figure out the best way to go about it. I would be looking to spend less than $10k for a 4Runner and less than $12k on a Subaru.

Originally Posted by DakarM

e39 would be ideal if you want to work on it yourself. it has the same size engine as the 3series except the engine bay was designed for a V8. so you get a lot of room.

the myth of bmw parts costing a lot comes from ignorant owners who take their cars to dealers. you can find for example a water pump for $600 at one place $500 at another place or $150 at a third place. exact same part.

I do give in that labor is more expensive, even when comparing dealers. cheapest I've seen is $150/hr (CA pricing). but if you plan on working on the car yourself, it's non issue.

also bmw puts out what they call "TIS" it's german initials loosely translate to technical information system. It will show you exactly how to fix/replace/remove/repair any bmw produced in the last 30years. it's a cd you can download off the interweb.

some of the more expensive parts are electronic, such as the navigation but if you are patient, you can find them for 1/5 of the msrp price ($2000) on ebay or other reputable places.

Originally Posted by thomas

i love the 96-02 4runners thats the way that i would go if you can find a 4x4 v6 5sp they came stock with a locking rear diff

Originally Posted by Civic2Scooby

you won't find a WRX worth dick piddly for less than 14k It will be high miles after that, and then you are looking at rapidly oncoming upkeep costs. I say the option 1 is the best bet.

Originally Posted by jaymar88

you should test drive the wrx and a nice e39 and do a review for us