Buying 80s and 90s car Questions

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r630nz

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Hi guys

I don’t know much about cars but personally I like old style cars. (Really don't like cars
from now days look)

I’m wondering to buy a car that is cheap to fix and good on gas, also reliable. (I live in
Maryland, USA)
Some example that I like the look of it:
[Nissan B12]
(http://sunautoworld.com/images1/nissan-sentra-b-12-5.jpg)

[1987 Nissan Sentra XE]
(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u204/the_chukker/Nissan Photoshoot/S50004
03.jpg)

[Ford Laser 1986]
(http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2008/04/30/02/11/1986_ford_laser-pic-
4766.jpeg)

[Toyota KE70]
(http://www.pena-project.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/KE70-4door.jpg)

--The problem is they’re from 80s and 90s, would it be too hard to find the parts for
them if anything goes wrong? And are they expensive to buy and replace?

My favourite car is:
[BMW E30]
(http://i565.photobucket.com/albums/ss96/evilminge34/5593a7ef-633f-4795-9069-
27cb867d8683.jpg)
--People tell me never touch BMW, they say if I buy that car, it would be really
expensive to fix.
--(Why are they expensive to remain?)

Also: [1985 Toyota Corolla Levin]
(http://www.j-spec.com.au/yh141476662/1985-Toyota-Corolla-Levin_1.jpg)
--Would this car be expensive to fix because it's a type of famous racing car?

--Also often could cars from that age would be able to pass the emission test?
--Would it be more expensive to buy insurance for cars that age?
--Anything I need to watch out for when I buy a car from that old?

-From all the car above, which car would you suggest me to buy?

Guys, I just found this http://club4ag.com/may-3rd-2014-toyotafest-will-be-better-than-ever/

(I wonder how they maintain their car?)

Really appreciate your help

Guys how about a 1990-2000 Jeep Cherokee ?
 
Last edited:
Worry less about finding parts, and more about rust and age. In 2014, finding a suitable '80s car for affordable and reliable transport might be a long search. I advise a thorough inspection of any potential candidates, preferably by a mechanic. You won't want to settle for anything that isn't very well kept. There are gems out there, but they're rarer by the day.

I owned an E30 for several years. The thing about those is, in fact, parts prices. As BMWs and German cars go, the E30 is relatively simple -- kind of an apex point between the simplicity of older BMWs and the refinement of newer BMWs, I think -- and they're well engineered so unexpected repairs are infrequent. They're a fun and reliable car, whether it's a 318i or a 325is. However, parts are expensive. Most imported brands that aren't Honda or Toyota are that way, and BMW is one of the worse ones for it. So whenever repairs are needed, they aren't cheap.

Whatever you do, do your research on any particular model before you buy. Look up common problem areas, how much they cost to fix, and inspect those things. Look at the expected service life of components (ie. water pump) and compare it to the mileage of a seller's vehicle and any records they have.

And welcome to GTPlanet. 👍
 
You should look into Volvos from that era. Reliability won't be issue, neither will rust. Also parts are relatively easy to come by.
 
Old BMW's aren't cheap, but something like an E30 I wouldn't class as expensive. I've had an E24, E28's and an E30 (as well as E34, E36 and E46), and provided the repairs aren't major, they're not bank breakers. Plus the E30 is pretty simple as Wolfe said, much of the maintenance jobs you can do yourself. The killer with old BM's in my experience, is the bodywork, when they rust, they rust.. if it's outside-in rust, it's not so bad, if it's inside-out rust, well, that can mean new panels and that can be expensive, although I always heard good things about some pattern panels (cheap)... I went down the route of OEM replacements for my E24 (which was quite expensive). Biggest single bill I had outside of standard restoration was a set of 4 Michelin TRX's, but that's easy to avoid, just fit imperial wheels :lol:

.. so in short, just by the BMW, you know it makes sense. ;)
 
r630nz
My favourite car is:
[BMW E30]
(http://i565.photobucket.com/albums/ss96/evilminge34/5593a7ef-633f-4795-9069-
27cb867d8683.jpg)
--People tell me never touch BMW, they say if I buy that car, it would be really
expensive to fix.
--(Why are they expensive to remain?)
Click to expand...

Well it's definitely not what you're looking for in terms of cheapness and reliability, but the Beamer is my recommendation from your list. If I were looking for a reliable 80's car, I'd go for a Mercedes. Those things were built like tanks.
 
I would go Japanese. Cheap to maintain, great gas milage, and in my opinion, fun to drive. I'm also in Maryland so I know how tough the winters can be to drive in sometimes, and I just don't find it practical to purchase a rear-wheel drive vehicle in this area. Also you're right about older BMWs. As much as I like the E30, it's gonna take a ton of money to keep it maintained.
 

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