As many of you may know, my DD is a POS Altima w/ 222k on the clock. While it runs great (after replacing 3 sensors) and gets good gas mileage, I'd like something a little more fun for a DD. Plus, I'd like to teach Katelyn how to drive a 5spd since she's deterred herself from learning on the S (which that offer is still on the table).

Question is...should I get the front end repainted? You think it would pull a better premium? Or just don't worry with it and sell it cheap? At any rate, I am looking for an integra, crx, 240, or e30/36 manual transmissions only...anything that is remotely sporty. If you're interested in a trade, PM me and we can talk.

KBB has it listed @ $2,900 in fair condition. I was thinking $3,500 if I repaint the front end and get the headlights buffed and sealed, $2,500 if I didn't. Car has brand new Yokohama tires (540 tread wear), OEM floor mats, and an Alpine CD player.

Pics of the front bumper:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v6...r/IMG_0456.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...IMG_0458.jpg
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v6...r/IMG_0457.jpg

 

Try to find a bumper on a junkyard car or on forums or craigslist that is your car's color and in decent shape
That, or leave it. I just sold my old Explorer for $2k, people in this price bracket are not picky.

 

Those three cars you mentioned buying are going to be hard to come by without really high miles or being molested. Have you thought about a Civic or Accord or dare I say it to you a Jetta or Golf, you can find a moch better selection of those to choose from and I am sure a lot cleaner as well.

Just my .0000002

Kevin

 

I have looked at both civics and accords, yes.

 

+1 on finding a bumper from the junkyard, Craigslist, or a forum. Finding an Altima bumper should be a lot easier than finding a Suzuka Blue AP2 bumper, haha.

 

I second not painting the bumper, you won't get the money back out of it and it won't help it sell at that price point.

BTW you should get this for your DD who cares if it's only incrementally more practical than the S! http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2903940490.html

 

Very sick! But if I'm going to spend that, I've already eyeballed this as a DD
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2852708110.html

 

I LOOOVE E36 M3s. I was literally in the middle of buying a 1998 M3/4/5 when I decided that I would go with the S2000 while I don't have kids etc to haul around. They are fantastic cars, and have been called "a 4-door S2000" by a number of reviewers. If well cared for, the S52 motor can last well over 200,000 miles, as proved by the number of high mileage examples that are for sale in decent condition. For a daily driver it's not the cheapest thing, but... life is short. I would.

That said, $10k is quite a premium to pay. There are plenty to be had in the $8k or less range, some of which I wouldn't touch, but others would be fine. The myth that you have to spend $10k or more to get an E36 M3 that won't fall apart on you or burn up your pockets is bunk. I would also spring for a 4-door. Rarer, but higher resale value, more practical, cheaper to insure, and arguably (IMO) better looking. The sedans were only made in 1997 and 1998. Also, one thing to bear in mind if you weren't already aware - the E36 M3 is not the safest car ever made. I wouldn't call it UNsafe, but it is notably less safe than even the S2000. EuroNCAP tests revealed a fair amount of cabin deformation in frontal offset crash tests. I would still love to own and drive one daily, but I think it's good information to mention when discussing the car.

 

Brett there is no way you'll be able to keep it as just a daily driver! You are gonna get a bug up your ass and spend a whole weekend waxing and polishing that White S2K and turn that into a garage queen as well!