A deeply personal, damningly difficult question

[MPWR]

Originally Posted by Kraln

The ...question is: What do I do?

Join CCA. But otherwise....

What do you want out of your car? Before you're ready to decide that, it's a bit pointless to offer advice.

A ti with 150k is a fantastic car, for the right person. So the question is are you the right person (or do you want to be?)?

If you're willing to do your own work, you could not find a less expensive BMW to own. (You'd be hard pressed to find any German car less expensive to own.) It also would be hard to find a car that is easier to work on, and is more rewarding of your efforts. If you're a DIYer or have ever wanted to become one, you could not do better. But if this is not what you want from you car, it might not be the right car for you.

If you want something that looks new, or feels new, or that the dealer will change the oil for you, maybe you want something else. But it would be hard to find something new that would be as fun to drive for five times the 'value' of your ti. If you're willing to put just a bit of money and effort into it, your ti will easily see you to 300k or more- if you would feel good about driving a car that far.

Who's going to enjoy your ti more- you, or the person you might sell it to...?

[Kraln]

Originally Posted by MPWR

Join CCA.

I've been a member for a while

Originally Posted by MPWR

If you're willing to do your own work, you could not find a less expensive BMW to own.

I am, but I've moved into a downtown condo and I don't have a garage anymore, let alone the proper tools. I've been doing almost all of my own maintenance.

Originally Posted by MPWR

If you want something that looks new, or feels new, or that the dealer will change the oil for you, maybe you want something else.

Could care less about the dealer maintenance. I'm looking for something I won't have nightmares about my wife driving in the snow.

Looks like I'll be seeing how much it'll be to keep it up for the immediate future.

[Mallard]

are you ready for the voice of reason?

-

Seriously, probably any new (post 2005) is going to make your car pale in comparison. Simply because its newer

By the description of your Ti, it sounds like yours if quite a decent version, albeit in poorer condition.

The lock issue , just a lockingmotor solonoid,
the plastic cover easily sourced and replaced
headliner repair simple enough, just time consuming but there are DIYs on the Org
The seats, well thats a matter of budget. get what you feel you need there, but there are full cabins for sale regularly
The service. Oil filter, Air filter, Spark plugs and coolant swap. All have DIYS on here
The bushes are probably a workshop job if you aren´t equipped, But there are a few friendly lads here that may be willing to help for beer money

Compare the cost of the above against the potential monthly cost of leasing/loaning the money for a 1 series or such..

Trust me when i say, for the money you will "give" away, you could turn yours into a minter

I however chose the darkside and sold the Ti on for an E90
It wasnt the most fiscally sensible decision, but i am happy with the car as she is

So think about it, but in the end it is up to you