Talk me out of turning my low mile stock 88 M6 into a Daily Driver

[maxg765]

Hello,

I have a passion for classic cars, more so than newer modern cars. I used to live in a winter environment where a classic cars could only be used for some 5 to 6 months of the year. Plus, during those "usable" months probably only half those days were since as it rained for the rest. I always wished I can use my classic cars year round, even daily.

Today I live in Miami Florida, a big change...

I am finally being reunited with my 1988 low mile (52000 miles) stock M6 after it having been in storage since September 2009 - I do miss it dearly. It should be in Miami by sometime mid April.
I am very much considering turning this low mile M6 into my DD. Crazy I know, but I am left wondering why not.
I have toyed with selling it but just can't bring myself to do so. I've always had another car as a DD because it was the way it had to be when living in Montreal. Currently my DD is a 2009 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works edition. Insuring it in Miami is some $1600 - $1800 per year plus the plates. I don't know the exact amount yet as I still have my Arizona tags. Insuring the M6 is some $500 to $600 per year plus the plates. In theory I have to insure and plate the M6 anyways. I say in theory because I don't have to own the M6 but I do and thats where my passion is. If I removed the Mini from the equation and thus its fixed costs of ownership I can apply those expenses towards the operation of the M6. I have to maintain the M6 anyways, whether I am driving it or not...I don't think the M6 would cost me more than $1800 extra per year in unforeseen maintenance. Thats aside from wear and tear such as additional tires and regular care. I can also sell my Mini and put some 22K to 24K in the bank.

I love the M6 and enjoy driving it. It currently runs perfectly and the AC is ice cold. Its looks fantastic and has all I need...My passion lies with classic older cars...

So talk me out of it. Tell me I'm nuts to turn an M6 into a DD.

Thanks

Max

http://i42.tinypic.com/1fgrbo.jpg

[BoldUlysses]

What's your current DD?

Lee DD'd his M635 for a time, IIRC.

If you can afford the attendant maintenance, I say do it! Just know that it'll be easier to become bored with the car (familiarity breeds contempt...). :)

[Scottke]

I say drive it. The car was built to be driven, to be enjoyed. Not to sit in a garage and collect dust. Insure it and drive it everywhere. :buttrock

[imola e36]

Drive it, just don't park it where other cars park...

[Coupenut]

Drive it! Sitting in the garage doesn't do the car or you any good.

[tschultz]

Looks great...

Buy our one owner 146xxx mi M6, and use the low mileage as your weekend garage queen!
http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/1069/2zs7dd4.jpg

Haha, couldn't help myself.


Driving your car as a DD will decrease the value, but if you are in the 5,000 mi range, it doesn't sound to bad. I just hate to see nice cars get banged up at the grocery store parking lot :(

[Freshbread]

Drive it.

[auslese]

is there any classic
that's better suited to being a daily driver than the E24?
perhaps the old MB SLs, but I can't think of many other candidates.

[M3AVUS]

Drive it.

Or send it to me and I will drive it for you. :D

[dbc011]

Agree with the others.... Drive it.
If I had a 2012 Ferrari Italia, I'd drive it to the store for milk.

I understand the "value" arguement of collector cars, and owners that keep them "collected", but I'm not that kinda dude. If I have the keys and it starts... I'm gonna drive the hell out of it. :)

[OldGringo]

Drive it on a month by month basis, and enjoy.

[roycel]

Drive it... more often next year.

Keep it parked and buy the most minimal insurance plan.

Sell the Mini, then buy another older car that you've always wanted with higher mileage, and DD it. Next year, when your car turns 25, buy yourself antique car insurance with a 5k miles/yr. or less limit.

...my '85 635csi's insurance cost me between $8-$9/ mo. I have full coverage, $500 deductible and <5k/yr. driving limit costs. I DD an E36 M3. Insurance on the M3 with full coverage is around $600/ 6 mo.

[blackfalcon]

I owned an 85' 635 from 2002 to 2007, and boy was it near mint when I bought it. New gold paint, bbs mesh wheels, deep front spoiler, five speed. It made a fun daily driver for four years, was decently reliable.. but the daily grind took its toll. Despite my efforts to keep it minty, the car showed signs of use when i sold it and was no longer the garage queen it once was. Keep this in mind if you think you might freak out over dings, scratches, rust, etc..

[scottMA 635csi]

i fear commuting in mine, never mind that beauty! in the end its your call if it were me living down there i'd still probably keep something around for a DD and drive the 6 when i wanted to. maybe a clean E34?

[LarryM]

Drive it... more often next year.

Keep it parked and buy the most minimal insurance plan.

Sell the Mini, then buy another older car that you've always wanted with higher mileage, and DD it. Next year, when your car turns 25, buy yourself antique car insurance with a 5k miles/yr. or less limit.

:thumbup: This is what I'd do. There's no good reason to turn a low-mile collectible car into a DD unless you're the kind of person who needs constant attention and adoration, and can afford the loss in the car's value from daily use.

Do you really think you would enjoy life if you subjected your minty, low mileage M6 to stop-and-go traffic, parking lot dings at the local mall, salt air exposure, scorching summer sun, soccer moms in minivans coming at you from all directions, low-life car thieves, etc.? I thought not. :stickoutt

My DD's have always been older (but highly reliable) cars such as Hondas, Toyotas, old Chevys, etc. My current one is a '97 Accord Wagon with 160K miles. Insurance is ~$300/year. Just for fun I installed sway bars, Koni shocks and factory alloy wheels from a V6 Accord. It still looks good and I keep it well maintained; I even use a car cover during summer months but I'm not obsessed with it and regard it as my "disposable" car. It doesn't garner much attention and I'm happy. Less stress is a good thing.

My '85 6er is covered by Hagerty. Premiums are ~$500/year, with an agreed annual mileage of 2000.

[Mister6er]

There is no point in owning it if your not going to enjoy it. Think about it this when, when you "pass on" what good is the low mileage going to do you?

[Ed Lyerly]

Max,
Yours is a pretty rare car (with just over 300 made in '88) .... and even more so with 52,000 miles on the clock.
IMHO, don't make a daily driver out of it. Get a low mileage (Hagerty or similar) agreed value policy and garage it except for weekend usage and car shows.
Sell the Mini Cooper and get Honda, Toyota, or Nissan for about half what you get for the Mini Cooper, and use that as your DD.
Ed

Also .... talk with Lee ( e24 mpwr ) he drove his M635 as a DD for a couple years before deciding on another car as a DD.

[e24uard]

Sell the Mini Cooper and get Honda, Toyota, or Nissan for about half what you get for the Mini Cooper, and use that as your DD.
Ed

It's S2000 time.

[Antipodean]

Not sure where I read it but was probably somewhere on the interweb, something like "Not driving a classic car so as to preserve its value is like not making love to your girlfriend so that she will be more desirable to her next lover." I am sure that is a miss-quote, but I think you get the idea.

So I would say drive it and enjoy it. My M6 is pretty much my DD (although has many more miles on it than yours). I also own a '74 Lotus Europa that had only 15,000 original miles on it when I bought it. I used that as my spring/summer/fall DD before buying the M6, and did not worry about the extra miles.

Just think of how much you will enjoy driving it every day. Life is too short to spend hours each week driving a boring car.

Rob.

[Ed Lyerly]

Not sure where I read it but was probably somewhere on the interweb, something like "Not driving a classic car so as to preserve its value is like not making love to your girlfriend so that she will be more desirable to her next lover." I am sure that is a miss-quote, but I think you get the idea.

Rob.

I can only add ...."Don't get your wife pregnant 6-8 times if you want her to keep her figure" ;)

[LarryM]

I can only add ...."Don't get your wife pregnant 6-8 times if you want her to keep her figure" ;)

:lol ...Especially if you plan on keeping her for the long term!

[Antipodean]

I can only add ...."Don't get your wife pregnant 6-8 times if you want her to keep her figure" ;)

Well - I never said you should ignore the preventative maintanence.:D

[cruzd2]

Regardless of how many miles on her she's only new once, in this case 24yrs ago and climbing!

Life is short...drive it!

[simon b]

Personally I wouldn't do it. But that's because my daily drive (close to 70 km roundtrip) is kind of rough, Montreal roads (and drivers) are terrible as you must well know! I only DD my 6 for 2 months of the year, during my busy season at work in August and September because I work crazy hours and can't commute with my fiancée. Otherwise we drive the Mazda into town everyday and subject it to all those wheel and tire wrecking potholes, paint destroying flying stone chips and dust and most of all bad drivers around us. If I had that car of yours I would be very, very particular about when and where I drove it, but that's just me!

[E24Mark]

Keep it as your weekly driver. Torture your Mini or something else with all of Miami's urban rash. But if you decide to sell her, put me 1st on the list. My garage queen could use a companion.

[Steve M6]

Any driving we do in a 24-year old classic car exposes us to all the perils from the inconsiderate folks that continually surround us. My biggest fear is being hit by an uninsured driver with no assets to lose. You will find yourself arguing with your insurance company over the value of your M6, assuming your policy includes collision and uninsured motorists. Too big of a risk for me.

I do drive both of my 6ers at least every 2-3 weeks to keep them fresh. I would not consider driving them daily without a stated value insurance policy. The problem is that these types of policies require only occasional driving.

Good luck with your Florida drivers, and we hope whatever choice you make works out well for you.

[PRJKTGRMN]

I'd say drive it but it depends on your driving situation IMO. I drive all my cars frequently, ESP the 6...they are mention to be driven. But if I were in a bad area or harsh traffic I might reconsider.

Hell, I think I have one of the highest mileage gtos out there compared to what I see out there for sale or from other owners....130k on it, and I dunno how many I come across that have less than 30 on them and honestly I don't get it. I buy them to enjoy them, and I make sure all of them are very well cared for.

[maxg765]

Hello to All,

I appreciate all those who have replied and thoughts. I sold my Mini this week.

I guess I really like to torture myself because aside from my wifes Volvo XC70 wagon I am not left with the following 3 cars to choose from for my daily commute.
1988 M6 :) 52000 original miles
1993 Mazda RX7 Twin Turbo 22000 original miles
1972 Triumph STAG 36000 original miles

I have been daily driving my RX7 for the past 2 months. Its certainly put some age on it but I have been enjoying it.

I had my M6 pulled from storage late last week. It was dropped off this past Thursday at a reputable old school BMW mechanic/shop. He will be giving it a very extensive and complete service and has been asked to go through EVERYTHING. I figure whichever decision I take it can benefit from the service. I finally get reunited with it next week when I fly up to Montreal to pick it up. I've decided to make a fun road trip out of it and drive her back to Miami Florida the 1600+ miles. I might put it on a train at the half way mark.

I need the car in my hands before I can make my final decision. I'll drive it for a bit and see. If I come across something fun and cheaper than my Mini was for a DD then I may choose to pick it up. Maybe a 1991 325 or 5 series touring. I am however tired of owning cars that I don't drive and enjoy. I've done it before and have come to the conclusion that there is only some much pleasure in watching it sit and washing it.

I'll keep the forum updated on my experience and trip back to my new home. I wish the timing would have been a little better and coincided with the 2012 SE Sharkfest, would have been fun to attend.

Again, thank you to all.

Max

[LarryM]

I still think it sounds like too nice a car to use as a DD. Whether you're in my camp or in the one that says "drive it like you stole it", there HAVE been several discussions over the years - on this as well as other 6-series forums - about using an M6 as a daily. I believe the general consensus has almost always been that it's not a good idea, primarily because of the considerable maintenance costs that are certain to accrue (assuming it's maintained properly). Bottom line is that there are many cars that would serve you far better in that capacity. JMHO

[maxg765]

Any driving we do in a 24-year old classic car exposes us to all the perils from the inconsiderate folks that continually surround us. My biggest fear is being hit by an uninsured driver with no assets to lose. You will find yourself arguing with your insurance company over the value of your M6, assuming your policy includes collision and uninsured motorists. Too big of a risk for me.

I do drive both of my 6ers at least every 2-3 weeks to keep them fresh. I would not consider driving them daily without a stated value insurance policy. The problem is that these types of policies require only occasional driving.

Good luck with your Florida drivers, and we hope whatever choice you make works out well for you.

Hi Steve,

I would never play with insurance on my classics. I have them plated and insured year round (even when stored). I have an independent evaluation sanctioned by my insurer done every two years which includes pictures, full detailed report on the condition of every panel, bumper, glass, and the mechanicals. They in-turn need to accept this value as the replacement true value of the vehicle.... Its not worth playing with this and I consider it part of ownership maintenance. I have done this and suggest anyone do this with their daily drivers or any car that is about 10 years old or more if in better than the average condition. the reports cost anywhere from $100 to $100 per year for the first time around with the updates being less if using the same evaluator. I will make sure my policies included uninsured motorists and add it accordingly if they don't.


I still think it sounds like too nice a car to use as a DD. Whether you're in my camp or in the one that says "drive it like you stole it", there HAVE been several discussions over the years - on this as well as other 6-series forums - about using an M6 as a daily. I believe the general consensus has almost always been that it's not a good idea, primarily because of the considerable maintenance costs that are certain to accrue (assuming it's maintained properly). Bottom line is that there are many cars that would serve you far better in that capacity. JMHO

Hi Larry,

I have struggled with this idea since 2010 when I moved out of Montreal Canada and into warmer climates. First it was Phoenix AZ and now Miami FL. Up in Montreal it was never a thought as the winter forced the ownership of a second vehicle. All those that say I should't are probably correct but those that say I should are not wrong. I own it and which to enjoy it. A second car will surely cost me 10K out the door if it is to be something I want to drive on a daily basis and be reliable enough to do so. That amount of dollars can be applied to keeping the M6 in top shape plus what I would normally have to spend owning it as a non DD vehicle. Tuff decision. I have not yet decided and figure I can only do so once I have it back in my hands and see how I feel about it.
In the meantime I have been looking into the classified for 1991 325's and 318's in coupe, 4 door and convertibles with low miles and full services. No repaints unless a flu documented professional restoration with receipts comes with it! Peaked at the 5 series E34's as well but have not come across anything tempting yet. Even looked at 1994 Saab convertibles..

Thanks again

Max

[Taylor Marshall]

Max,
The decision to drive it to FLA is way cool. If I was unemployed I'd join you but I can't bring myself to fire me.
I think the actual DD'ing of the car will sooner or later let you know what you should do .
Just curious...which garage do you use in Montreal ?
Taylor
PS I'm still in storage but will liberate the car next weekend.

[simon b]

I'm interested in knowing the garage as well.

Taylor, I'm going to get mine in the AM!

[maxg765]

Max,
The decision to drive it to FLA is way cool. If I was unemployed I'd join you but I can't bring myself to fire me.
I think the actual DD'ing of the car will sooner or later let you know what you should do .
Just curious...which garage do you use in Montreal ?
Taylor
PS I'm still in storage but will liberate the car next weekend.


I'm interested in knowing the garage as well.

Taylor, I'm going to get mine in the AM!

HI Taylor,

Hope all is well with you and the Misses and kids. The drive down to Florida from Montreal is something I'm looking forward to. The last time I did that drive was with my father and family when he was still with us. I believe I was no more than 8 years old. We used to do it almost every other winter. It has left some good memories. That was some 32 years ago, how time has flown by.

I was fortunate enough to suspend myself from work for the extra days to accommodate the drive :).

For Taylor and Simon:

As for the shop, the mechanic had come highly recommended. He used to work at another well known shop more out east before going on his own.
His name is Helmet, he's the shop owner and he works on the cars too.
Think the place is called Bavarian Auto Clinic but I just know it as Helmet's place, its near Mazda Gabriel
5320 Crowley
N.D.G. Montreal, Qc
H4A 2C5
514-482-1636
A very nice guy who's been working on Bimmers since when our sharks were new.

[maxg765]

Hello Again,

Saw my car yesterday for the first time in a very long time. She was up on a lift so could not get inside....

I have forgotten how rust free and good the underside looked. When I say rust free I mean rust free. There isn't any anywhere on anything. :)

I am having them do lots of preventative maintenance in preparation for my long trip.

All that said after seeing her I am already reconsidering turning it into a daily driver... That might have been quick... Not 100% decided yet but I knew I wanted to get the car back into my hands before making the final decision. I will do the 1600 miles drive home as planned but after all this work I am having the shop do I am tinkling to go even further and begin a full detailing of the under side, interior, exterior and engine. Making it look NEW.

I will keep everyone posted on the work done and my experiences with whats been done, what it cost and how she perfumes plus how my trip goes...

Thanks

Max

[simon b]

For Taylor and Simon:

As for the shop, the mechanic had come highly recommended. He used to work at another well known shop more out east before going on his own.
His name is Helmet, he's the shop owner and he works on the cars too.
Think the place is called Bavarian Auto Clinic but I just know it as Helmet's place, its near Mazda Gabriel
5320 Crowley
N.D.G. Montreal, Qc
H4A 2C5
514-482-1636
A very nice guy who's been working on Bimmers since when our sharks were new.

Thanks for this.

[Budget M3]

Max--You have some very nice choices there! My advice is to do whatever you think will make you most happy. You have enough variety that you don't need to put a lot of miles on any one car. I drive all of my cars at least once every two weeks, including to/from work. I like them all, so every time I get into one it is like a new experience that reminds me how much I like it and why I bought it in the first place.

Enjoy yourself!