New daily driver, here are my options, what are your opinons?

[okenobi]

The MK4 is the only "real" daily option IMO. MK4s are comfy, cheap, and relatively little hassle. However, Erik's right, an EJ7 Civic or similar would make tons more sense for way less money. I don't know what models you got over there, but a 1.5 Vtec at around 99 would be a great choice for a bit of go, awesome economy (by American standards) and they rarely need anything other than regular maintenance.

[Dismal]

Originally Posted by okenobi

The MK4 is the only "real" daily option IMO. MK4s are comfy, cheap, and relatively little hassle. However, Erik's right, an EJ7 Civic or similar would make tons more sense for way less money. I don't know what models you got over there, but a 1.5 Vtec at around 99 would be a great choice for a bit of go, awesome economy (by American standards) and they rarely need anything other than regular maintenance.

I'm with him. Plus, motor swaps are cool.

[Roland H.]

Originally Posted by okenobi

The MK4 is the only "real" daily option IMO. MK4s are comfy, cheap, and relatively little hassle. However, Erik's right, an EJ7 Civic or similar would make tons more sense for way less money. I don't know what models you got over there, but a 1.5 Vtec at around 99 would be a great choice for a bit of go, awesome economy (by American standards) and they rarely need anything other than regular maintenance.

The E36 M3 is a great DD if you can resist the mod bug. Chris should be at 200k miles on his soon with basic maintenance and that car takes a beating and still runs extremely strong. No turbo, no problems. Weak point is the cooling system which can be refreshed for rather cheap. Other than that, they are very reliable.

I'll be home this weekend, you're welcome to test drive mine if you want (mine's pretty far from stock though).

The MKIV on the other hand runs off of a timing belt, has a turbo (unless you get a 2.slow or a VR), and is FWD...

[tommy_zito]

Originally Posted by Roland H.

The E36 M3 is a great DD if you can resist the mod bug. Chris should be at 200k miles on his soon with basic maintenance and that car takes a beating and still runs extremely strong. No turbo, no problems. Weak point is the cooling system which can be refreshed for rather cheap. Other than that, they are very reliable.

I'll be home this weekend, you're welcome to test drive mine if you want (mine's pretty far from stock though).

The MKIV on the other hand runs off of a timing belt, has a turbo (unless you get a 2.slow or a VR), and is FWD...

im off this weekend... except religious super bowl sunday. so saturday or monday....if that works give me a call. 7208785485

[tommy_zito]

after looking on the vortex for an hour or so, you can find some really good looking mk4's for a reasonable price. some already with mod's like coils. really thats all id want to do, is some coils and an exhaust. whats a good bemmier forum to check into for e36?

[Roland H.]

Originally Posted by tommy_zito

im off this weekend... except religious super bowl sunday. so saturday or monday....if that works give me a call. 7208785485

I'll give you a call tomorrow.

Originally Posted by tommy_zito

after looking on the vortex for an hour or so, you can find some really good looking mk4's for a reasonable price. some already with mod's like coils. really thats all id want to do, is some coils and an exhaust. whats a good bemmier forum to check into for e36?

www.bimmerforums.com is a great place to browse cars.

[okenobi]

I'm sure the M3 is reliable, but personally, a "performance" car like that just ain't a daily. Fuel consumption will be ridiculous, parts are more expensive and FWD is more "sensible" for everyday use.

It needs to be clarified what is required from a daily. For me, it would cheapness, ease and comfort. It doesn't need to be the most engaging drive, that would be my weekend toy.

Of course, I've compromised myself, because I can only afford one car. So I've gone for a middle ground, but we're not talking about me!

[tommy_zito]

Ok so ive driven all of my choices, and after looking through the market i think ive chosen MKIV Jetta 1.8T. For my price range of 5-7K and insurance cost i think this will fit best. Now here is the hard part. Im looking for preferably a black, but a tornado red, or white GLI will do. all black leather interior, body/paint in good shape. 5 speed is a must. also heated seats, and other comfort items are good. mods are always a bonus. you guys think this is doable???

[okenobi]

Originally Posted by tommy_zito

Ok so ive driven all of my choices, and after looking through the market i think ive chosen MKIV Jetta 1.8T. For my price range of 5-7K and insurance cost i think this will fit best. Now here is the hard part. Im looking for preferably a black, but a tornado red, or white GLI will do. all black leather interior, body/paint in good shape. 5 speed is a must. also heated seats, and other comfort items are good. mods are always a bonus. you guys think this is doable???

That would be tough call HERE! Over there, I'm sure there's way less choice. I also can't see how red is a good choice for a daily when you have 300 days of sunshine a mile closer to the sun.

But hey, it's not impossible and I think you've picked the right choice out of those options. Good luck.

[bluefox280]

Tommy if you get the mk4 GLI special there is no white.
Also all the GLI's are 6-speed manuals both in the 2003 vr6 and the 2004.5-2005.5 1.8T special.

- Erik