Interesting Delimma...

[prsncat]

So, the Granada 69 2002 I sold a few months back is available again. I regret selling and I am considering buying it back. But, I have a couple of other cars on the burner too:

1989 BMW 735i -- gorgeous condition with all of the nit-picky items addressed (suspension, computer, heating/AC, mechanically superb, and needs nothing). Original paint in excellent condition. $5-6K. If I don't buy it, then I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND it to someone else with confidence.

1992 BMW 325i Convertible - 98K miles, pampered life and in superb condition. It needs some deferred maintenance issues addressed such as a new timing belt, major service, and the suspension is all original. But the interior looks new, the exterior looks new, it has a new top, and the price is right (under $3K).

What would you do? You can only buy one.

Oh, and let me tell you the reason why I am considering something else. I take my two kids to school in the morning. The Z4 won't work and the Toyota Tundra is a regular cab. Keep this in mind.

Furthermore, the lease is up on the Z4 in September (if someone is interested in buying it before I give it back to BMW NA, then contact me via Email for details -- not here).

I am leaning toward the 325iC... I love top-down driving and so do the kids.

Post your opinions here... I have to indicate to the 325iC and 2002 owners my decision by end-of-day today.

Brian

Brian

[brad_c-ville_VA]

you are expecting an unbiased opinion in here?!?

the 735i sounds nice and a drop-top E30 is ok. but, i think a well sorted 02 is a better daily driver...if you aren't picky about A/C, road noise, etc... personally i'd rather have the 735 over the 325, just because i think the convertable E30s are kind of boring looking. however, i'd much rather park an 02 than a 7. but then again, i prefer the big bumpered 02s in case an over zealous soccer mom takes out my bumper in her SUV.

02 all the way!

[HarryPR]

Those small-bumpered E30 'verts are sweet looking cars, and the price is excellent.

As much as I love '02's, an E30 is a great car for daily use. I would probably go for it.

OR I would go nuts and buy both! I've done it before.......

[esty]

1992 BMW 325i Convertible

a future hi dollar collector car

[RogerB]

No-brainer! Buy the e30 and don't look back!

[a54atii]

Get an NK... you know that's what you really want!

Personally, I would go for the 325iC. Top down, can haul kids, nice price. But, I would consider going with one of the other choices if you have a special connection to them. Sounds like the '69 might fit in this category. I've been trying (again) to track down my first 02, so I know how the regret thing works.

Kinda seems like an apples and oranges decision to me... which always reminds me of how my kids think... me: "Do you want an apple or an orange?" kid: "I want carrots!" Just a reminder that you aren't limited to the choices presented. Good luck with your decision!

Karl

[Dave_PA]

i'm with brad on this one. even though i've got to dig out my rear seats for when we put our son in the back seat we'll still use the 02. don't you remember the days of one of your buddies "cool dad's?" the kid who's dad had the cool car.

as long as you have at least one 'newer car' and one fun car then you'll be set.

as long as they aren't small infants then i'd go for the 02. that way you get your fun and they get to have 'the cool dad' pick them up.

-dave (who will hopefully will be the cool dad)

[Paul7002]

of the 7, maybe you can get the 02 and the 325?

[tkent02]

I am leaning toward the 325iC... I love top-down driving and so do the kids.

What more do you want?

[prsncat]

My daughter will 11 in May (she is 10 going on 15) and my son just turned 9 on New Year's Eve. I owned the 02 before and the kids never considered it the cool car to arrive in at school.

The area has a lot of affluent people and the "cool" cars to arrive in at school or Mercedes G-wagons, Hummers, custom trucks, Porsches, and Italian exotics.

Both of my kids LOVE the Z4, but I can't take them both to school in it. But, whenever I only have to take one somewhere, they beg for a chance to ride in the Z4.

I borrowed the 735i for the weekend to see if I would like it. I definitely did, but the kids considered it "boring."

My daughter likes the 325iC, but my son is indifferent.

Unfortunately, neither is into cars very much.

Lots of interesting input... keep it coming.

Brian

[prsncat]

...but finding one is going to be tough. I should have bought the red 2000TI in Costa Mesa (owned by one of the mechanics at Bullet Performance and an acquaintance from Bavarian Rennsport days) when I had the chance. It would be perfect right now.

Brian

[brad_c-ville_VA]

i assumed it was an E30, but i guess the 92s were the start of the E36s, right?

either way, an 02 would have secured "cool" dad status for my dad when i was a kid.

now, another option is to get the 7, put some decent suspension on it and stick a set of nice M5 wheels on it with low profile tires. they look pretty sweet with that set up.

[Mike Self]

1. Aging 7 series cars acan be money pits if you're not careful...and somtimes if your are. Parts are expensive, they're complicated (BMW always tries out its new stuff on 7ers--see "I-drive") and are expensive to have worked on due to complications.

2. The 92 convert sounds neat--last of the E30s, low mileage and a very low price--you rarely see E30 convertibles (except dogs) for under 4-4.5k around here, and 92s are kinda rare...would be a nice car, except...with a new timing belt and the other deferred maintenance you've described, you could drop a grand into that car without too much trouble

3. Granada 69s are even rarer. So long as it's in good running condition and won't require a lot of work to make it a daily use car...you can find another E30 convert a heck of a lot easier than a nice '69 2002...

Can you see where this is going?

Bottom line....get what makes you happy.

mike

[prsncat]

I'll let you know what happens. -Brian