what would you recommend, a porsche 944 or bmw 320i (e21). Im really not concerned with speed etc, since i don't speed or care about speed, but what would be the easiest to maintain, and find parts for, work on, etc? a 944 has presented itself for a good price, and im leaning in that direction, but i still think practically a 320i is better, people can fit in the back, it has a trunk, and whatnot.

Thanks,
Daniel

the porsche. sedans are uninspired looking.
bmw is just too posh.

but what would be the easiest to maintain

not the Porsche

find parts for

not the Porsche

work on, etc?

I am gonna guess the Porsche wont be that great for that either..


I'm not sure about the BMW in that range of year either though.. personally if you dont care about speed and all that stuff I would look at something that is known for being reliable, easy to work on and cheap for parts in your price range.

You've picked two cars that will both have expensive parts to buy. The Porsche will be harder to source and expensive but the BMW parts are expensive full stop, even non genuine.

The Porsche I guess would be the cooler of the two, but if your not into speed or any of the other reasons to buy a Porsche or BMW then why not look at some other models?

Year of each?
mileage?
Do they have service records?
What's your overall impression of the shape of each car.


The 944 ain't my favorite flavour of porsche( A turbo on that year of car can be murder on an old motor, often requiring rebuilds. Assuming it's the turbo). I'd lean towards the bimmer but the answers to the above may factor in.

What's your purpose in buying a car like that if not for speed? I'm not trying to be cheeky here, but if you want an upscale car that should be easy to maintain, why not get something like an acura or lexus? Toyota and Honda parts are cheap enough, and those cars are pretty upscale.

That said, I have a friend who owns a couple older (mid-80s) porsche 924s and he seems to have no trouble working on them.

Good luck

-L

BMW would be my recommendation, though ironically I was also looking into the Porsche 944 back when I was considering my last car purchase 5 years ago. If you HAVE to have one of the two I would recommend the BMW for reliability and less expensive parts and maintenance (especially if you know or are willing to learn to do a lot of the maintenance yourself). There is a lot more room and practicality in the BMW as well. :nod: I went with an e36 328i model myself...below:

I would be concerned with the mileage on the Porsche more than the BMW. BMWs will go for 200k+ easily if they have been well maintained. (I will second the question of whether there are maintenance records) The E21 is a sweet looking model as well. Will you be modding the car that you get at all? In that case I would also recommend the bmw. You got pics of a specific one you are looking at?

However, if you are just looking for a "get around" car the recommendation by LAEL for an old acura or lexus is good as well as toyota. :tu:

The BMW would be easier and cheaper to maintain. There are many BMW repair shops and dealers (at least where I live in Sherman Oaks/Encino area of Los Angeles) so prices are very competitive.

Have a friend who had a Porsche Cayanne and got rid of it because of cost of maintenance - $450 for an oil change at the dealer. $450 for an OIL CHANGE?!?!? It seems that every other car you see here are BMWs, maybe you should look at Range Rovers.

Both are fun cars and since their older they're actually not to bad to work on. Mechanics were simpler back then price is still expensive for parts though but your more likely to find used parts and aftermarket parts for the BMW. If your really concerned about easy to maintain car any Honda/Acura by far I think is the easiest to work on and maintain everything is accessible and all the parts fit like legos regardless what year you get and the aftermarket parts list is endless. The easiest car i've ever done an oil change for is 03+ Subaru WRX/STI the oil filter is at the bottom of the car by the front bumper so you dont' even need a jack to raise the car.

thanks for the replies. right now i have a 98 4runner which really isn't mine (parents), but im looking to buy a new(old) car that looks good. i was lookin into the datsuns 240-80z but those just aren't practical, can't fit people in the back, etc. i really don't like the older toyotas (but i am pro toyota for the record, which is why i won't get a honda too). not that these two are the best, but they are much better on gas than my 4runner.

Go with the beemer

Go with the bimmer you can't fit people in the back of the porsche either if you can they won't be too comfy either.

sim sima!!!!!!!

yea i think im gonna go with the beamer. if the porsche doesn't work out (the 1 that is in the right range) like doesn't look too good etc, im def going with the bmw. i know a really good bmw mechanic (my mom used to use him for her 320i back in the day. i kinda also want to get a 320i because my mom used to have one.) who lives about 1-2 miles away from me. its just a lot more practical, because you can fit people, the insurance is cheaper (muy importante! i got rearended going to school so i have that on the record) and it has a trunk so i can put my airsoft gun, guitar, dead bodies (JK), schoolwork (and it won't fly out because the trunk is closed) whatever in the back. i also think the bmw has more room for growth too. when i said im not too concerned with speed i will still go fast, but speed is relative to me. id probably just race my friend and his 85 wankel (aka rx7) down some back roads.

Thanks,
Dan