To sell or to keep? That is the question. 2014 Ford Fusion for a 1990 BMW 325i
Posted by Dull-Calligrapher158@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 11 comments
I've been looking at selling my 2014 Ford Fusion (140,500 miles). It runs pretty great and is fairly reliable I just know it's getting up there in miles and also want to change up what I've been driving. I was looking at selling it for ~$6,000. With that money I found a great condition 1990 BMw 325i for $7,500. Everything on it work great and I love the look of the car as well. It would become my new daily. My question is what should I do?
Gunk_Olgidar@reddit
Enjoy your new to you project car and remember Rule #1: Don't own a German car out of warranty unless you can fix it yourself.
MisterRay24@reddit
We all wish we had a crystal ball but it sounds like you're going out of the ftying pan into the fire.
Do you have a daily for when the BMW breaks down? Then no I wouldnt
HotmailsInYourArea@reddit
Those old e30s were lots of fun, and pretty easy to work on if you’re handy.
Being an older car, it will definitely be needing more frequent repairs. Just the way of it, parts wear out.
There are some online auto parts houses for old bmws, (and other european marques) - you’ll become familiar with them.
Do yourself a favor and buy the Bentley brand service manual for it. Makes a chiltons look like toilet paper. Includes model-specific diagnostic strategies too, so, it’s helpful for shade tree/early mechanics too!
An 85 318i was my first car. It was wild haha. Super fun car that readily corners at twice the suggested speed limit. I later had an 86 325e, a torque monster but not as spirited as the 4 that begged to rev. That 325i will he the best of both worlds.
If it’s the automatic, don’t rev it up in neutral or park after having been driven - the forward clutch didn’t shut off properly on those 4hp22s and it would cook it in that specific scenario. Otherwise they’re fairly stout.
rudbri93@reddit
are you prepared to daily drive a 35 year old car? Ive owned a few of those bmws and i love them but older cars have more involved needs. we'd need more detailed information to know if its a good buy
Dull-Calligrapher158@reddit (OP)
what sort of information? Fusion: Needs new wheel bearings on front two tires, new tires on the back, fresh breaks, has some scuffs and peeled paint on the bumper. Otherwise looks and runs great. BMW: There’s no major rust besides some small quarter sized amounts on the under carriage. Paint is in great condition. No shaking or weird noises while driving. Currently the timing belt is all fine. Was driven recently but was housed in a garage. Will probably need oil change soon. Tires look like they have a few more months on them.
rudbri93@reddit
youll wanna read an e30 buyer's guide. Make sure the sunroof is draining properly, check trunk pockets for signs of water. If you dont have a record of when the timing belt was done (not just the sellers say so) youre gonna plan on doing that and probably a water pump while in there. If the brake hoses are original, they gotta go. Control arm bushings are a common need, rear subframe bushings will need doing unless theyve been done. check axle boots for tears and diff, trans, oil pan, and power steering system for leaks.
Dull-Calligrapher158@reddit (OP)
this is very helpful! thank you! now saying most or 90% of this is all good, do you think should i make the purchase and sell the fusion?
rudbri93@reddit
can you do wrench work yourself or are you paying for maintenance/repairs?
Dull-Calligrapher158@reddit (OP)
i can do the basic, every few thousand miles type of maintenance
rudbri93@reddit
Then i wouldnt recommend it unless youve got backup transport.
Marlowe_Eldridge@reddit
It’s a terrible idea to trade an 11 year old car for a 35 year old car with more miles.