e30s are great cars. I guess it'd turn in an endless argument if I said it's one of the best handling cars out there, but it is what the car is known for.
Owning an e30 is a great deal.... they are literally bulletproof with the proper maintenance. Electrical problems are very rare, and drivetrain problems are almost as rare. As long as you maintain the car with it's tune-ups, the car will run forever. I've seen a ****load of these e30s break into the 300k miles with no rebuilds.
People constantly argue that because it's a BMW everything is expensive. Nonsense. Prices for maintenance parts are just as cheap as a Nissan/Toyota if you know where to buy. BMA Parts offers the cheapest prices and they also match prices if you find it for cheaper elsewhere. If you can wait for the ground shipping from Cali then they are your best bet.
Modifying the car is quite the challenge though. Since it's not a very sought car.... there isnt a big aftermarket support. Parts for it are there, but prices reflect it since the car is somewhat rare in the aftermarket support. Aftermarket parts are usually a bit more expensive than 240s would be.
All said and done, every single day when I look at my car I feel like it's worth the extra effort.
- Erick