Oh, i forgot to mention that I have a 2001 Honda Accord as a daily driver. So yeah, as far as transportation is concerned, im totally covered.
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Jonas,

I bought my first BMW in college, a 70 pastellblau-sunroof 02 for 900.00 ( I had to borrow 750.00 to get it). Drove the crap out of it til it blew it's heads after 3 yrs. All my $$ went into maintence and upgrades. Finally had to sell it to get something more reliable. I finally got my current 02 last year 12 yrs later and have been upgrading it none stop since (s14 motor in my warehouse now :>) ). I have a little more funds to do what needs to be done now but I still have not gotten the same emotional attachment like I had with my first one. Just wanted to share that I know what you are going through. But you'll always have memories and you will always be able to come back stronger & better.
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Ray
73 Chamonix-S14 powered

Unless you're driving 200 miles a day, sell the honda and get the 02 running dependably. (no wild cams, no dual webbers, no Al carpet kits or 'dimple' remover...just bullet proof stock and dependable.) Down the road when you're collecting more money from your college degree you can go from "old faithful 02" to "screaming yellow track zonker..."

That's what I'd do...but then I'm one sandwhich shy of a picnic at times.
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Shad
'70 2002 "Bimmerschmitt"
'70 2002 BADUDA aka 'Wall Art'
'72 2002 25HR Thunderhill Enduro Legend (of the mind)
'73 2002 Rolling Shell = Future Money Waster
'79 528i New Daily Driver

JonasG wrote:

Now some of you may or may not know that im a poor college student. as a poor college student i just feel that the money could be better used elsewhere...

ms devil's advocate here.....

don't be so down dude....you're doing the right thing considering the options...i spent 15 years in college, being broke, wondering how i'd buy gas to get me there the next day....it does change, that's why you're in school....changing things

i bought one of my o2's while in college and it need'd a lot of things, there were times when it sat, it seem'd, endlessly cause i couldn't afford to have it fix'd....

i debated many many times selling it but couldn't see what a few bucks that i might get for an old used car would actually do for the big picture

i don't know your financial situation but consider how much good it's gonna do you if you have the little bit of cash in hand, opposed to what you can do with what's destin'd to be an honest to god foreign classic, that maybe a few years from now you can do what you'd like to do now

sometimes life and the things we hold dear have to be put on hold

whatscha studying?

Go drive it around. Not like you stole it, just for a little spirited run.

Your probably going to be looking for a car to play with, the day you sell it. I know money is tight, but your eventually gunna want to buy another one, and then you'll be doing it all over again. I know if I sold my car today, I would be losing on the deal. Park it and let it sit. Sell something expensive from it if you have to (Recaros for example).
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76 2002 40 DCOEx2 292 Shrick
1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D Turbo Diesel 240,000 miles

I know where you are coming from Jonas, I have had some pretty bitchen cars in my life, and have sold them because I felt it was best.

Only to regret it later because guess what I did sortly after I sold each car? I went and got another car to work on and spend my money on. There were times when I had to decide what I wanted more. Food or to keep the car going.
Like you, I have always had my driver. Or to put it better, a reliable car that if you turn the key it starts and will get me where I need to go. But, its the POS that I have always loved. My 69 VW bug, my 92 nissan sentra S-ER (track car), My 75 cadillac el dorado convertible, my 76 VW bus, My 89 ford escort (track car), my 71 jeep CJ5 that I put a chevy 350 in, my 84 dodge 1 ton truck (4x4), and my first love... my 72 chevy 3/4 ton truck that my father bought brand new in 71.

these are the cars that I love!

Sure I had the 92 buick, and the new ford trucks and I even had a toyota to drive.

Don't worry about what you need to do to the car. Just keep it running and enjoy it a few weekends a year at autocross events. You are very fast right now with what you have, and like you told me, you are interested in learning. I say avoid the track days, they are much harder on the car and much more $ in the long run.
Stick to autoXing.

Keep the car, enjoy it. Enjoy driving it!
Later if you have the money to do what you would like, then so be it. But, I know that if you sell it, if you are anything like me, you will just end up with another car to work on, autox, spend money on.

Do what you feel is best, I just felt I should say something having been in your shoes before.
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What the "schnell" was that?!

Im studying Poly Sci and would like to either go for a law degree or an MBA after this.

And yeah, i could let it sit. But this car doesn't deserve that. It deserves someone to buy it and build it into a great car! I don't have a garage space for it, so what will come of it? It will sit and rust. Thats no life for an 02. And its not just the immediate cash, its the thought of not having a car to throw money at for a while. Before this car i had an E28 that needed work... before that, a Porsche... Im finally realizing that for now, its just not practical. Anyway, I will own a 2002 again once im out of school. Im not so much leaving as i am going on sebaticle...
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I understand where you are coming from - I've had this debate several times over selling my 911, but I've always wound up keeping it. Now I can afford to keep it, though not necessarily to spend a lot of money on it, and the debate has turned to finding a way to keep it out of the weather until I can learn to weld and spend some money replacing some sheet metal. I still may sell it, but if I do, I need a solid plan for the money, such as a downpayment on a house.

Best wishes!

Sabbatical. Not an English major, eh?

Hope seeing my car did not discourage u! ;-D

Good luck!

Ray
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'73 ///M2 2.5
'84 ///M635CSi

maybe i can help.

I own a body shop here in san diego, Maybe we can do a quick temporary fix so that the door opens and closes. If i can do something thats an easy fix i wont charge anything. and i definitely don't charge for looking at it, and when you have more money we can find you a used door and some paint.

I can also give you an estimate on the porsche. probably less than the other euro specialists in town.

the name of my shop is Darbys Paint and Autobody (619)293-3088
My name is Bernie and i am located close mission valley.

If you come in soon i can show you a CL500 that drove through a deer $16000 estimate.

Well Berns i certainly do appreciate the offer... the door does still open and close, and im sure some people on here would think its wasn't too bad, but for me, its just not right.

And Ray, trust me, your car only inspired me. It made me realize that one day, i want a car just like it! Unfortunately right now, i have more important things to worry about (school). However, i do know that once im out in the real world and making some money i will definately be able to afford a toy, and that toy will most likely be a 2002.
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you are right about downsizing your material goods at this point. there is a certain freedom associated with not being tied down to "stuff". there are times i wish i could carry all my worldly goods in a '68 VW bug like i did in college.
those days are LONG gone and a lot of time is spent trying to store, rearrange, keep rain off etc...

as a college student there's no telling where you might ultimately end up with your first real job. heck i was born and raised in the SF bay area and my first job was in lynchburg VA. that journey led me to atlanta and ultimately to indianapolis with no covered place for my 2002. i'm back in SF bay area now and NOW i feel secure enough to indulge my 02 hobby on the ol' homestead.

Sell it and enjoy the freedom from maintenance and BMW parts that you'll have. time to focus on school.

My car has been a real headache. I've wanted to sell it a bunch of times, but there is something that keeps me intrested. The 02 has soul. A two hour highway trip in an Accord is boring.

If you want a reliable, and fun car like you say, selling it sounds like a step backward.
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76 2002 40 DCOEx2 292 Shrick
1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D Turbo Diesel 240,000 miles

Im so torn. On one hand, the damage isn't SO bad, and yeah, i could fix it over time... But on the other hand, the thought of not having another expenditure sounds sooooo nice... Man, i don't know what to do.
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SteveH wrote:

My car has been a real headache. I've wanted to sell it a bunch of times, but there is something that keeps me intrested. The 02 has soul. A two hour highway trip in an Accord is boring. If you want a reliable, and fun car like you say, selling it sounds like a step backward.

Absolutely! Sell the Honda, you will not find an easier to work on, more fun, reliable little car than the 02!

-Just my thought

I'd hate to see ya get out of a hobby that, seems like to me, you really love just because of this incident! Give it a little time, besides you may really regret it in the future~!!

But at the same time you know your situation better than anyone else if its what you have to do remember its just a car, yes its not just any car being a 2002, but a car none the less.

Maybe you could talk to your friends mother, tell her you where thinking about selling the car to pay for hers getting fixed, maybe she'll have some sympathy and cut you a break, after all whats the point of owning a porsche if you can't afford to get it properly maintained, the dent fix will probably break even with a good tune up.
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'71 2002 "Bumblebee"
'91 318is

(nt)
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What the "schnell" was that?!

Mtrotter wrote:

Re: are you still going to your track day?

No... I emailed Redline and hopefully they will find someone to fill my spot. Otherwise i'll post my spot on here for sale.

And yeah, i was torn before, but now im for sure selling it.

And finally to those who said to sell the Honda... Are you out of your F*cking minds? Im in college, i don't have much money, i need something reliable, and its new with plenty of amenaties. For a car while im in school the Honda is perfect...
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JonasG wrote:

And finally to those who said to sell the Honda... Are you out of your F*cking minds?

Uhh no... IMHO Honda's are "Bantha Fodder"

-Call me crazy, but I'm just hardcore like that.
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'71 2002 "Bumblebee"
'91 318is

I have a friend that is going to try to get his GTI on the autox tomorrow that might be in the market for an 02. if you swing by, ill show im in the direction of your car.
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What the "schnell" was that?!

Mtrotter wrote:

I have a friend that is going to try to get his GTI on the autox tomorrow that might be in the market for an 02. if you swing by, ill show im in the direction of your car.

I'll try to make my way down. I won't have much time, but i'll try to get out early in the afternoon.
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Not gonna tell you what to do but figure your story (the door one) is close to mine so I will share. I had just sold my 02 of 5 years my second, and after a few months with no 02 I got the itch again. THis time I went after a 72/73 tii. Found a very nice no rust (to speak off) all original one in San Mateo, it was a great deal. Drove it home and to work the nex day. Then the engine developed a knock. I already knew it was not strong so I just parked the thing and got me a trailer to get it home and not worsen the engine. When I got home with the car I decided to back it in and you guess it, I crunched the door against the house. I almost cried, I could not believe my eyes. All the damage was limited to the door and the door brake. Today the car has been totally rebuilt as far as the drivetrain and suspension but it still has a brown door on a Malaga body.

end of rambling

Everyones right, its a car, it can be replaced, use the dependable Honda. Send the 02 to a good home and always wonder if the new guy is enjoying it.

OR, make the most of what you have in its current guise. Drive the car the way you want and get the enjoyment from it that reminds you of why you have it. Who cares if the door is a bit rough? It's only cosmetic. If it shuts, opens and keeps you from falling out, push the pedal down a bit further and listen to the M10 burble!

These cars have an intrinsic smile factor, they warm to spirited driving and help release the tension form studying and work. Thats why I keep mine. Yeah mine needs a new engine, it has rust in the nose, and the diff whines more than most women I know, but damn if I don't enjoy every time I take it out!

Drive the damn thing and enjoy it!
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"Why is one of my reverse lights on in 4th?"

Keep the car man. When i went to college my car sat for almost 3 years before i even touched it again. But i had another car, like you to drive until i got to fixin her up again.

I say keep the car. You will regret selling the car. You have one to drive right now so just throw the 02 in storage, drive the Honda. When summer comes find a good paying job and get a new door for the 02. Over time, just fix the car. It will be worth it in the end. Trust me. I waited 3 years to get my 02 back on the road and im glad i did. I look forward to summer even more now!

I say take the bodyshop up on the quote and offer to do the minor repair, then drive the honda and save your money instead of tossing it at evry little thing that goes wrong on the car. As for getting rid of the honda, I love my 02, but have to have a reliable daily driver. I actually sold my first 02 about 5 years ago and it was b/c of the oney I put into it that put me in a finacial bind. Well I regreted the sale and wished I would have saved the money and paid for the car first before fixing the car. Now 5 years later, I own the exact same car, I found it on ebay and bought it. And we haven't skipped a beat, there is something to always spend money on, you just have to ask yourself does it need that to keep it running, if the answer is no, don't spend the money. Keep the car, store it till you have cash then start working on it again.

I am the body shop from earlier.

I took a look at his door this morning and it isn't really that bad, the door open closes but it does stick and you have to give it a good tug. The door is repairable and i gave him a really good price $350 for repair and refinish. that is normally what i would charge for refinish only.

I don't know if you guys have seen jonas car but it looks like a really fun track rat, the kind of car that you have because you love to drive it and don't care if its missing a trim panel, doesn't have the best paint and yes even a dent in the door. that is the beauty of a car like this, who cares if you don't have a garage and it gets a little rust,( wich probably wont happen because he lives in san diego and not minnesota). And not all cars are meant to be in perfect condition and be restored. If the only way to have an 02 was to have it in perfect condition and and treat it like it was a ferrari most of us 02r's would be SOL and have to sell also.

One more thing, you never know what is going to happen in the future. Yes, you will probably be making more money but you might have a wife that no matter how much money your making might not be to happy with you having your toy, you will probably want to buy a house, have kids make investments. My point is that there is never a perfect time to pour money into a car. but if any of you guys out there disagree with me please come to my shop and feel free to spend as much as you like, i repair dents, scratches, heavy collision repair and complete restorations. I am currently doing a complete restoration on my 72 and doing an m20 conversion.

Repeat these two partial sentences:

"...so we jumped into the Honda and drove to the beach."

"...so we loaded up the 02 and blasted down to the coast. Lost the water pump about a million miles from nowhere and ended up trading beer with the locals to get the car fixed up. Car fixed and we drove it like we stole it and still made it in time for the worlds biggest bonfire on the beach."

Now,
When you are much older and college is but a distant memory, WHICH story do you want to be able to tell?

Yeah, it is a little biased, but a very wise man once said, "Life is far too short to drive boring cars."