much point in keeping the old car under cover?

[E21_Ross]

just seen at university their is a relatively small-ish car park which is under cover from rain etc, but still outside, which is a 5min walk from my flat, as opposed to the normal spot i park in which is right outside my flat. i know keeping a car in a garage is good as it's warmer as well as sheltered etc. but do you think it's worthwhile the extra walk to keep the 27 year old car under cover? i use it maybe 3 times a week or so.

cheers for any opinions on this rather silly topic

[Fatboy]

I don't think it's a daft question - personally I would park it under cover - it may not be warn like a garage might be, but it will be dry, and you're less likely to get bird st etc on the paintwork, which can only be good.

I'd also say it is more critical to keep an old car out of the rain than a newer one, simply because new cars are galvanised, old cars usually aren't...

Edited to add - nice car, I do like the old E21s.

Edited by Fatboy on Saturday 7th February 15:43

[Alfa_75_Steve]

Definitely keep it under cover. Especially this time of year.

If nothing else, it'll save you time in de-icing it and demisting the interior - which can be a real pain on an older car.

[DamoLLb]

E21_Ross said:

just seen at university their is a relatively small-ish car park which is under cover from rain etc, but still outside, which is a 5min walk from my flat, as opposed to the normal spot i park in which is right outside my flat. i know keeping a car in a garage is good as it's warmer as well as sheltered etc. but do you think it's worthwhile the extra walk to keep the 27 year old car under cover? i use it maybe 3 times a week or so.

cheers for any opinions on this rather silly topic

was that SOTW??


I think it would come down to if it was safe or not. If its left there for long periods of time and not getting much use, you may find someone has helped themselves to it!

[Nolar Dog]

Under cover every time if you have the chance.

[slippery]

Leaving it where it's least likely to get broken into would be my top priority.

[E21_Ross]

DamoLLb said:

E21_Ross said:

just seen at university their is a relatively small-ish car park which is under cover from rain etc, but still outside, which is a 5min walk from my flat, as opposed to the normal spot i park in which is right outside my flat. i know keeping a car in a garage is good as it's warmer as well as sheltered etc. but do you think it's worthwhile the extra walk to keep the 27 year old car under cover? i use it maybe 3 times a week or so.

cheers for any opinions on this rather silly topic

was that SOTW??


I think it would come down to if it was safe or not. If its left there for long periods of time and not getting much use, you may find someone has helped themselves to it!

yep, it was shed of the week and many many hours of work and a lot of money later, it's a really decent E21 example now with close to no rust (no structural rust at all, wheel arches are mint, just the odd speck here and there). it starts first time every time whether it's rain or shine, or covered in snow and ice, it's very reliable now and....errr.....not standard

http://pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=162&i=18100

got some 15 inch BBS alloys off an E30 3 series to go in soon. it's been lowered too, see this pic...



should look nicer with the wheels on



edit: just taken a look, that area i saw is for staff permit holders only, not students

grrrr!!!! i suppose keeping it clean and regular waxing it will have to do! cheers fellas.

Edited by E21_Ross on Saturday 7th February 16:17

Edited by E21_Ross on Saturday 7th February 16:28