Jump to content
  • When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

OT - Best import car for under $20K


Guest Anonymous

Recommended Posts

Guest Anonymous

almost two years ago for under $8k with a near perfect interior and exterior and low milage replacement engine - cost him about $3500 to bring it up to his (very picky) expectations, but it's been bulletproof ever since, and he says he likes it better than any car he's ever owned (including a VR-6 GTi).

Like any used car, there are good ones and bad ones - if your neighbor had one that had been abused or poorly maintained, it's not surprising that it could have been a nightmare but generally E30's seem to be very durable with reasonable care.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest Anonymous

pampered car and I think that may be the root of some of the problems.

Car is a 91 with 74K KMS not miles and is near perfect. condition inside and out.

It just seemed like there was always something.

Cooling system, power steering, bushings (diff carrier bushings) bearings (wheel)not to mention charging system. Everytime she took it to a very fair local bmw and porsche specialty shop it was $500.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest Anonymous

all those things will go with age, but there is no reason why they would fail prematurely except bad luck. they are very simple cars. if you do the work yourself, the parts can be had for very cheap. shop labor is where the $$$ starts to climb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest Anonymous

per YEAR - if she (or the PO if she bought it used) was doing maintainence by mileage rather than time intervals, it's not too surprising that the car suffered cooling, lubricant and electrical system gremlins.

If the neighbor gets fed up with it, it could be a great deal at that mileage, although you might have a tough time convincing your other half.....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest Anonymous

Besides my 73 02 i've owned toyotas (3), a honda civic and a couple of chevys. Just sold the civic and bought my wife a new mazda protege 5. I considered the a vw jetta but when I researched it on the web through jd powers all the owner feed back was negative. You can buy a brand new mazda protege 5 for $14,000 nicely equipped. That's what I paid and it has pw,pdl,a/c, sun roof,6 cd changer and 17" alloys. I was going to buy a used toyota or used honda but not when you can get brand new for $14,000 with a 5 year warranty. You should at least take a look at them. Just my .02 cents....keep the change.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest Anonymous

I have a 2001 Golf 2.0. So far, it has been good to me. Quiet, comfortable, and very solid compared to most everything else in the under $20k group - including the Mini. Unlike the Civic, Focus, or some others in that range it does not look or feel like a kid's graduation present. The hatch will swallow almost anything I have stuffed into it. That said, the 2.0L is notorious for oil consumption. Not serious, but something to keep an eye on. VW considers 1 qt/1000k normal. Performance in the 2.0L is adequate, but not enough torque for any real fun. I would buy this car all over again, but I would have gone the extra step for the 1.8T. More fun, no oil issues.

Good Luck!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • BMW Neue Klasse - a birth of a Sports Sedan

    BMW Neue Klasse - a birth of a Sports Sedan

    Unveiling of the Neue Klasse Unveiled in 1961, BMW 1500 sedan was a revolutionary concept at the outset of the '60s. No tail fins or chrome fountains. Instead, what you got was understated and elegant, in a modern sense, exciting to drive as nearly any sports car, and yet still comfortable for four.   The elegant little sedan was an instant sensation. In the 1500, BMW not only found the long-term solution to its dire business straits but, more importantly, created an entirely new
    History of the BMW 2002 and the 02 Series

    History of the BMW 2002 and the 02 Series

    In 1966, BMW was practically unknown in the US unless you were a touring motorcycle enthusiast or had seen an Isetta given away on a quiz show.  BMW’s sales in the US that year were just 1253 cars.  Then BMW 1600-2 came to America’s shores, tripling US sales to 4564 the following year, boosted by favorable articles in the Buff Books. Car and Driver called it “the best $2500 sedan anywhere.”  Road & Track’s road test was equally enthusiastic.  Then, BMW took a cue from American manufacturers,
    The BMW 2002 Production Run

    The BMW 2002 Production Run

    BMW 02 series are like the original Volkswagen Beetles in one way (besides both being German classic cars)—throughout their long production, they all essentially look alike—at least to the uninitiated:  small, boxy, rear-wheel drive, two-door sedan.  Aficionados know better.   Not only were there three other body styles—none, unfortunately, exported to the US—but there were some significant visual and mechanical changes over their eleven-year production run.   I’ve extracted t
  • Upcoming Events

  • Supporting Vendors

×
×
  • Create New...