Suppose you’re looking for a classic BMW for less money than you’d pay for yesterday’s non-running version of one of Alfa’s least-desirable North American models (which conveniently leaves out the Arna and Dauphine). Normally, your average car person would say “poppycock!” and move along to something more worthy of their attention, but in this case, it’s not crazy talk. You can pick up this 1976 BMW 2002 for $3000 in Portland, OR.
BMW’s 2002 is certainly a cult favorite, right up there with the VW Beetle, Volvo 122, and more in terms of its recognition among classic car enthusiasts. While it’s not the lowest-maintenance classic you can get, its issues are well-documented, and you could fairly say it’s a good starter classic for someone who would consider one of the above cars, or something in the same price bracket, like an MGB or Triumph TR6. While the engine isn’t quite as thrilling as some of its contemporaries, it’s certainly a fun car to drive with decent power and safe handling. So it’s surprising to see one linger on the market, especially when the price is on the fair side – check out this 1975 BMW 2002 for sale for $4000 in McMinnville, OR.
As mentioned before, many people like to talk up the joys of driving a manual transmission classic car – more control, more usable power, blah blah blah. And in a fantasy world, that is a great belief to which to cling, but if real life criteria keep surfacing in your dream, maybe it’s time to accept those in the name of being able to practically continue your obsession, and possibly pull your best beloved in with you. It would be interesting to find out how many of the people who say they don’t like an automatic in their 2002 have actually tried one – based on a test drive and near purchase of this 2002, they may not be as fast and responsive as a manual car, but they still are quite drivable and responsive, and retain many of the other charms of the species like the vinyl and horsehair interior, big steering wheel, narrow pillars, and boxy exterior. The RustyButTrusty 2002 has served as child transport, so we know it can do that too. Check out this 1974 BMW 2002 for sale for $2900 just outside of Minneapolis, MN.
Rusty But Trusty 