Looking to replace my dead AE86...
 

And I kinda figured this is what the AE86 would be like if BMW designed it... To be honest, I'd rather be saving the AE86 than buying the 318ti... But the cost to fix the Corolla is going to be close to $2500... and the 318ti I'm looking is here:http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true
And I need to know if I should get it very soon... My first day of class is tomorrow, and I am going to need a reliable car that I can enjoy by Wednesday. Thanks guys

What's an AE86? I thought it might be a camera LOL.

The M42 engine in that '95 Ti is a very solid motor just like the M44 capable of going 200k with maintenance. If you need a car asap then you don't have options. Not a bad choice but if you could find a southern car you'd have less chance for rust in the Chicago salt dip they call winter. I've had 2 Ti's and they are both extremely reliable except for nuisance stuff- head liner sag, windows can come off track, etc. Maintanance history (vs. sheer miles) and a good checkup by a qualified independent mech (check www.bimrs.org) is most important.

Phil

The AE86 was the best of the Toyota Corollas. It was a RWD hatch/coupe mutch like the 318ti from the early 1980s. My personal opinion is that the best Toyotas were made in the early 80s and into the early 90s. Everything they have now is mainstream and boring. I believe the AE86 is a popular drifting car, and has a following somewhat like the CRX or 318ti.

Starlet = AE86?

Edit: just wiki'd it. Funny I remember in 1990-ish some college frat douche asked me what kind of cars I thought were interesting, well styled, etc. One of them I mentioned was a Corolla and he laughed- "a camaro would kick it's ass. "I was like WTF?

Forgot about those cars. BTW the first car I drove was my mom's Omni- now I want a GLHS. :)

Well, here is the situation: My Corolla officially has no hope... And the future of a 318ti, or any BMW for that matter, is looking bleak. The biggest issue is the source of the money: my parents. Now, if it was me providing the cash, I would be trying to save the Corolla even harder, but if nothing can be done, I'd go for the 318. My parents wouldn't have a problem with that if I could get the car on my own dime. Their biggest concern is the repair costs, and which our family mechanic said can get quite high (we've been with the guy for years, and he makes sure that everything he tells us is for our own good, not just to line his pockets). As reliable as the 318ti may be, there is always a chance that it will break down. My parents are pretty cool, and want me to get a car that I am happy with, but they also cannot foot the bill to repair anything that goes wrong with more expensive cars, and our budget is really tightening due to factors such as my little brother's $6000 truck, and my college, which they are also paying for (which is around $15,000 a year and the price is climbing). So, while the 318ti is not completely ruled out, I am afraid I need to start searching for other options. I think we still might check out the car, and I am putting the 318ti on my "List of Cars to Own Before I Die." Thanks for the responses.

A 95 to 97 318TI is cheaper by far than a Toyota Camry of the same vintage. A full tune at my local shop on the 318 is about 300 bucks,
my Toyota was 850. Partially due to the insanely priced cap and rotor that was unique to the year... :( The stupid idler pulley that seemd to fail quarterly etc. The last good year of a Toyota was the year before the first American built one was made. :(



Dave

a low milage e30 318 from the late 80's or early 90's would be fun and practical too.