Bought another car yesterday -- Coupe retired to weekend duty...

**Ben Carufel** · 09-21-2003, 04:51 PM

...for those of you who, for some reason, aren't on Roadfly or Bimmerfest...

After about two weeks of M Coupe ownership (Friday was two weeks exactly) and over 2500 miles in my beloved Coupe, I broke down and bought a cheap daily driver today. I can't bear to put her in parallel parking situations (too many people here in San Diego think bumpers are just that -- bumpers!) and park her out in the sun all day when I'm on location.

I work for a commercial photographer, so sometimes we shoot in areas where I would rather not park the Coupe, or areas I'm not familiar with -- and therefore don't know what to expect parking wise. I figured this is cheap insurance.

The car is a 1985 325e 4 door. Luckily it's a 5 speed so it's not a TOTAL slug. Decent condition -- visually it's great, brand new all season tires, but the shifter is INCREDIBLY sloppy and the motor has some weird issues. It never fails to start, though. It's been my neighbor's extra car for a few years -- she and her husband have a Mercedes SUV and a Lexus SUV but have kept the BMW in the garage figuring they'd use it again someday, but she decided to get rid of it and I happened to be conveniently nearby...

Anyhow, with me being 18 years old, insurance on the M Coupe was about $229 a month. That, along with my $400+ monthly car payment, meant not too much fun money left after rent and other bills. I put the 325e on liability insurance, and the M Coupe on "secondary car" insurance. I specified that I would be driving the Coupe in the area of 8,000 miles per year, but the gentleman on the phone (21st Century Insurance) said they don't really care how much I drive it.

I ended up saving almost $900 a year on insurance by having the two cars instead of just my Coupe.

Just thought I'd share...

p.s: I'm sure this has something to do with seller's remorse, too -- I sold my pristine 1989 325i Coupe almost three months ago when I started looking for an M Coupe to purchase...I still miss that car! It was my first car, and I owned it for about 11 months...

**tasmisr** · 09-21-2003, 08:08 PM

Smart decision Ben :12:

**Iron Chef** · 09-21-2003, 08:53 PM

Originally posted by tasmisr
Smart decision Ben :12:

Ditto. I never drive mine to work. Driving an M in traffic is no fun.

**EstorilBlauM3** · 09-21-2003, 08:57 PM

Good call. Multi-car discount is good too.

**Ben Carufel** · 09-21-2003, 09:17 PM

Just redid the math for shits and giggles. I actually save $992 a year.

I paid $1000 for the car, so if I can keep it running with minimal maintainence (I can do most things on E30's myself or with the FREE help of my mechanic) it'll have paid for itself in a year. Not only that, but it will have saved me that much wear and tear/parking lot dings/etc on the M Coupe.

So yes, I agree guys, even after a day of sitting on the decision I believe I made the right one.

**MACK1** · 09-21-2003, 11:17 PM

You made the right choice Ben. You'll put enough miles on the Coupe just enjoying it. You will appreciate it much more as well. Everytime I get into it now, it feels like a new car. Congrats.

**SilverStreak** · 09-22-2003, 10:06 AM

Got pics of the new ride? How much did it run you, if you don't mind me asking...?

**Hugo** · 09-22-2003, 11:48 AM

Originally posted by SilverStreak
Got pics of the new ride? How much did it run you, if you don't mind me asking...?

*coughreadhispostcough*

I paid $1000 for the car

**Dr_Bake** · 09-22-2003, 11:53 AM

Nice ride! Post some pics please!

**SilverStreak** · 09-22-2003, 12:08 PM

: Thanks Hugo....

I need a beater.... Although, after driving that Mini Cooper S this weekend, I may have found a great "winter weather" car...

Check out the Mini Forum for my review...

**Hugo** · 09-22-2003, 12:18 PM

Why do you need a beater Dave? Get a truck.

**MgnFicnT** · 09-22-2003, 12:20 PM

i also have a jeep that i drive during the week to work and other places i dont like taking the coupe, good move ben

**SilverStreak** · 09-22-2003, 12:38 PM

The only trucks I like aren't really trucks...

**Hugo** · 09-22-2003, 01:25 PM

Like what, the Lightning? Don't tell me you're into those wimpy-cute-utes...

**SilverStreak** · 09-22-2003, 01:58 PM

Lightning, FX45, X5, etc...

**Hugo** · 09-22-2003, 02:10 PM

X5... bleh... The FX45 is cool only because it looks like an MCoupe.

**StouffvilleZ3** · 09-22-2003, 02:31 PM

Lightning, jeez you even think drag strip subconciously.

FX45- cool
X5- Nice lookin and drivin.

My future truck- Dodge Ram 4X4- Hemi.

**1BMW2VWs** · 09-22-2003, 09:38 PM

Good call, Ben. Most of us here have "commuters" and keep the children garaged.

**SilverStreak** · 09-22-2003, 10:04 PM

That's the thing, all the "trucks" I like either aren't good for winter duty, or are rather expensive for beaters....

**zenon** · 09-23-2003, 01:03 AM

get an old sube dave.

or an audi.

**tasmisr** · 09-23-2003, 05:57 AM

get e Ferrari beater for couple of few hundred thousands .

**SilverStreak** · 09-23-2003, 07:01 AM

Originally posted by StouffvilleZ3
Lightning, jeez you even think drag strip subconciously.

zenon, or a Mini...

**kotsos1870** · 09-23-2003, 07:12 AM

Smart move Ben - Wash n wax the M n keep er in the garage nice n clean for the weekends

**Ben Carufel** · 09-23-2003, 05:57 PM

Yeah, and this way I can let certain detailing products cure on the paint for some time without having to drive the car around with them wet...

Thanks for whoring out my thread Dave!

**zenon** · 09-23-2003, 07:14 PM

this is nothing, jeeze you've been in the E30 forum too long.......

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