[b]Sorry if its all been said before[/b]

[bmw_daveo]

Firstly, sorry if this always comes up but I'm new to the site and would appreciatete some advice. You guys seem to know what your on about so I'm turning to you . I have been after some advice on E30's for ages and everyone I have talked to had no idea!! Please don't be offended by any stupid questions!

I'm 22 and currently own a French made box, probably slightly more power than a wind up toy. I recently narrowed my 'cars to buy next' list to either a VW Golf mk2 gti or an E30. The problem is I'm a tight arsed Welsh man and I don't enjoy spending to much on the day to day running of a car (although I do look after them excellently and don't scrimp on sorting thing out properly). I'm unsure what model to get, realisticly thinking of either an 318is or 325 Sport. Apart from the obvious engine difference what is the difference- larger car?!!

What would you guys suggest? I'm off to test drive a 318is this weekend to see what its like.

Thanks people.

[Chaos]

hi m8,

where in wales are u based?
if its close to cardiff please feel free to come and try one of my 325i's to see what u think.

[Bob_S]

325 may be costly on running day to day unless ya on the motorway and dont boot it
iS will be better with it being a 4 pot

[Bob_S]

double post

[Chaos]

the 325i is so much more refined than the 4 cylinders, and the engine sounds soooooooooooo good.

on a track a 4 pot might be a little better handling (less weight up front) but u wont care whilst ur listening to that lovely straight six.

have you considered a nicely specced 325i se instead of a sport?
sports (imo) are overpriced - theres very little on them that wasnt available as options on other models and whilst they r good - very good in fact, they are no better than a normal 325i with good spec.

[orangecurry]

Chaos your car is so stupid and smelly and... oh sorry; I've just been reading the Lexis post...

BMW-Daveo - if you are tight-wad buy the VW, but make sure it is a 16v.

Not only will you get one of the best handling cars of all-time, you will get minimum 35mpg, and a hatch-back that can carry 2 mountain bikes or a really STUPID amount of beer from say France.

If you don't drive distance and want to be always moving in a different direction to that which the car is pointing, buy the E30.

[bmw_daveo]

Thanks a lot for the offer Chaos but I live up in the Hills of North Wales. Having given it a bit of consideration over a few pints of Stella I think I'll stick with the 318 is. I have seen a few advertised for decent prices and I can use these as my way into BMW ownership! Looking at the mods I can do it looks as though it can keep me busy and if I get bored I can always sell it and replace it with a 325. Thanks for all your comments guys- I can't wait to buy one now!!