I'm debating whether to go ahead and purchase a snow setup for my 550I, or buy this winter beater for $1,000 with 90K miles on it

Pros:

Won't have to worry about snow tires, just drive the e60 when there is no snow on the ground.

I'm planning on keeping my car for along time, so having a second car would preserve the mileage.

This car probably gets like 30+ miles to the gallon city

Cons:

It's not German.

Extra insurance payment.

Possible maintenance depending on what the previous owner has done.

My 550i sitting for an extended period of time due to inclement weather and the associated battery issues. I can't use a battery tender, I park in a lot.

Your thoughts?

 

How bad is winter where you are? do they use salt on the roads?

If there is salt+slush, i'd go with the corolla. I lived in Toronto for 5yrs and cars there are awful after few winters - the salt and slush eats metal pretty fast.

I live on the west coast - winters are mild with low snowfall. Winter tires here work wonderfully.

 

Does that friggin Corolla actually have a HUGE Tach and shift light?!?!?!?!

If they put something that stupid on it look for another one. They might have actually tried to bolster the engine performance or (even dumber) tried racing that thing. If you're going to get a cheap beater for the winter, look for one that has a service history and has not been modified. Save the modding for the 550

 

Buy cheapest set for winter from tirerack something like this and enjoy your car http://www.tirerack.com/snow/preferredpackages.jsp

 

Dedicated winter setup. I'm running Blizzaks on my OEM 138's and have zero regrets. I love people's reaction when I tell them my E60 is RWD and I drive it in the 8 inches of snow with no problems.

 

I was considering a classic BMW for my 6hr road trips to back home to Los Angeles to keep my miles low. BUT I feel safe and in control on a 6hr journey back home in my 545.

 

Hmmmm. I would hate taking my E60 camping/fishing/snowboarding with me. I have a 2000 TL that I take everywhere and I love the good gas mileage. There's nothing like driving a car anywhere you need to and not having to worry about it. My vote is for another 2nd hand car, if you can spare the additional costs.

Here are a few things to consider:

1) Is parking an issue where you live? Looking for parking or having to pay for a 2nd stall might be an issue.
2) just how much $$ are we talking with having to insure the 2nd car? I can't imagine insurance being reasonably priced in NYC
3) Any issues with the corolla? Has the car been recently serviced? A lot of little things may add up quickly. Take it to get a pre-purchase inspection, IMO.

 

Just like pjinca said, that tach is a huge red flag. It is one thing to buy a beater (I say the more cars the better, cause you never know) but to buy one that was obviously 'race enthusiast' owned is adding more risk to the mixture. For 1K you could probably get an early 90's Civic hatchback with 10 million miles on it and still be on better footing.

EDIT: What's with the seats?

 

Having lived in MASS for 20 years, I think you should get the beater, you can drive it to the ground and just ditch it if it breaks. IMHO 2 cars is better than one and you can haul chrap in the shitty beater. If your concerned about being LUXE and VIP then stick with the 550i.

 

Corolla....