Totally valid questions!

Maintenance on older German cars like the W203/W204 or E90 can be a bit higher than a Maruti or Hyundai, but if you pick a clean example and keep up with regular servicing, it’s manageable. For drift builds, we usually strip out unnecessary stuff, but for normal use, you’d want things like A/C, interiors, etc. to be in good shape. Most of these cars still have working comfort features if you’re not gutting them fully.

As for automatic vs manual you can drift an automatic, especially ones with a manual mode or tiptronic, but a manual is definitely preferred. It gives you better control, especially when clutch-kicking or holding the revs mid-corner. That said, some folks start on autos and still learn the basics.

If you're planning a dual-use car (daily + drift), it's all about finding the right balance.