Very true. But E36/46 headliner's sagging is basically a feature :)

That said, I really don't understand how BMW has built cars that just "feel right" when driving for decades and can't nail the small stuff.

lol, im looking at a non-3 series, with x-drive, with two turbos...

If it's an X you're going to be really sad. And broke.

How dumb would this be? I owned a 190E 2.6 for about a year, and liked it (despite the A/C not working).

1992 Mercedes 400E , v8, great condition - $4800 (Brandon)

https://images.craigslist.org/00G0G_...F_1200x900.jpg

https://images.craigslist.org/01313_...y_1200x900.jpg

Change the timing chain.

MBs of that era are nice driving cars. But there will be things that need service, and those things will be darned expensive. I got rid of a 1990 300SE in similar condition when fuel starting pouring out of the fuel distributor and the price for a rebuilt one was on the order of $1K (for a six cylinder!). Climate control was iffy. Most of the time, it worked great . . . but sometimes (like driving through the desert in Nevada) . . . .

How about a first gen TSX?

Earlier ones, like ~'04, had an issue with the AC. All Hondas as far as I know, possibly others. Essentially the "piston rings" or whatever the AC compressor equivalent is called, fail by disintegrating into a fine dust, combining with AC oil and refrigerant, it congeals and coats all AC components. Known as "black death". Apparently it can't make it past the expansion valve at the firewall, but it does mean your condenser, receiver/dryer, compressor, all hard lines, and expansion valve need to be replaced, and obviously OEM components are recommended. For the S2000 I worked on, the bill was a little over $4000 IIRC. Looks like someone online had a similar $4300 bill.

Has your AC failed? Report it here! - Acura TSX Forum

Supposedly the fix is replacing the compressor with one that doesn't have that failure mode, before it does fail. That's still going to be expensive, but might save you from the $4k bill. I didn't read that entire thread, you might want to, I'm saying all of the above from my experience with an S2000.

TL;DR: If the AC doesn't work on your potential TSX, either be happy without AC, be ready for the $4k bill, or find another to buy.

I've looked at TSX's...like many cars I would otherwise be interested in, the manual transmissions are somewhere between "rare" and "unicorn". I'd also be interested in a first-gen IS300, as it just about checks all my requirements. Gas mileage is only okay, not great. But again...finding a manual.

explain yourself!

Opened this thread and nearly choked on my coffee.

Glad curly got the truth in here. Also glad OP's listening, cause that wouldve been a hilariously terrible decision. Like, not many other cars would be worse.

Have you considered a G35 then? I always see at least one manual trans example for sale at a decent price on CL. The fuel economy isn't spectacular but they are enjoyable to drive. Our 6MT sedan has 140k on it now has been extremely reliable it's whole life.

IS300 is a great car, just look for standard oil leaks, I don't think manuals are as hard to find as you think. I'd just need new tail lights. The now famous Alteza look is over played and synonymous with rice. I wonder if there are ebay standard looking lights available...

My five key is sticking on my laptop, I meant X5.

WHAT THE FUCK DID I SAY ABOUT NISSANS. NO NO NO AND MAYBE IF YOU REALLY WANT TO THEN NO.

I'm kinda puzzled by the whole idea of replacing a ratty old car with another just barely less ratty old car. Just doesn't logic

Really? Seems pretty self-evident to me. I'm not nearly in the financial place to throw money away on a new car, so used cars is the name of the game. If for a few thousand I can buy something 6-10 years newer, with 80-120k fewer miles, better safety, better performance, and in overall better condition, why wouldn't I?

I'm honestly not sure what alternative you're suggesting. If you're thinking a $4k-6k used car isn't a marked improvement on my 2001 Sentra, then you don't know enough about my 2001 Sentra.

I'm genuinely surprised by this, because I normally think you're much smarter than that.

Yes, really. I have only once ever bought a new car, our Sienna, because it was literally 2k more for brand new over 2-3 years old and 10-15k miles of use. I'm the last person to suggest a new car or leasing a car, or "wasting money".

But you're looking at janky old cars, and trying to justify crap that stinks slightly less as a smart financial decision, and I'm just not following the logic.

If the sentra broke and you need another hooptie, ok proceed. Otherwise, I genuinely don't get it. Why not drive it into the ground while saving up for something that will be a proper upgrade and not a super old crappy high mileage nickle and dime mobile? You're trying to improve the quality and reliability, no?

okay, im seriously shopping for a 2013-15 550i xdrive m-sport right now.

If you want a daily beater then just forget about it having to be manual and fun to drive and whatnot. Find yourself an '08 Matrix with less than 200k on the odo and ride out. Most likely the only thing you'll be replacing on it are window regulators and door actuators once its got a quarter million or more miles on it.
Anything remotely "interesting", even if its 10-20 years older, will cost you more money and be a piece of shit. Hell NA6 Miatas are going for more than a mid '00s Toyota goes for nowadays.