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09-03-2019, 07:13 PM | #1 |
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Which used BMW would you buy if you only had $4,000 to spend on it?
![]() Featured on BIMMERPOST.com What year? How much mileage? I’m Interested in reliability first and foremost; looks are secondary. I already have a 2016 328i, but want a “beater” for odd jobs I do. Thanks for sharing your opinion! |
09-03-2019, 07:23 PM | #2 |
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I wouldn't. Not even a motorcycle. Too many headaches. BMW is the wrong brand to buy cheap.
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09-03-2019, 07:44 PM | #3 | |
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If you want a $4K beater, look at a Ford F150 pickup or Taurus, or a Toyota Camry. They're pretty much bulletproof and you can buy one for that kind of money. |
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09-03-2019, 07:55 PM | #4 |
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I would get an old 318ti. That four cylinder was extremely reliable and easy to work on. The hatch also was very handy.
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09-03-2019, 07:59 PM | #5 |
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5er e39 with a six cylinder. Actually any NA BMW with a six!
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09-03-2019, 08:46 PM | #7 |
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I wouldn't, except if you plan on wrenching it yourself. The repair cost does not depreciate, a single issue can get you to spend 50% of the buying price at the dealership.
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09-04-2019, 11:00 AM | #8 |
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Probably a Mini.
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09-04-2019, 12:35 PM | #9 |
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To give an example, I bought my 1990 M3 in 2000 with 19,000K on it but since it had sat for so long, I had to spend $3K right off the bat to get it back into running condition. I bought the car for $12K and sold it for $22K so I made all repair money back, but still.
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09-04-2019, 01:37 PM | #10 |
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$4,000 BMW? There isn't one!
Expect to pay at least $10,000 to have a BMW that is more or less reliable. I bought a '95 M3 Coupe for $7,000 and so far have easily doubled that in repairs/ updates. One track day and the clutch master cylinder failed and the fan went into the radiator shroud. I am doing most of the work and it still is going to be $280 in additional parts. So far, here is the list of needed repairs- entire cooling system, plugs, coils, MAF, all new engine mounts, tranny mounts, rear trailing arm bushings, tie-rods, lower control arms, power steering hose, oil pump nut repair, new headliner, all fluids and filters....................
You need to remember that at this point these are twenty plus year-old cars, with lots of old parts. That is true even if you are lucky enough to find a low mileage car that was cared for. The smartest thing you could do is buy a car for more money from a guy like me who spent the money to make the car reliable and driveable and then finally moved on. I still love my old M3 but I am lucky enough to have a newer M235i to drive day to day. |
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09-04-2019, 06:38 PM | #11 |
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09-04-2019, 09:16 PM | #13 |
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09-04-2019, 09:24 PM | #14 |
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09-04-2019, 09:53 PM | #15 |
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https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-fo...-bmw-3-series/
This is just an example , as it's in NJ. Who knows, maybe it's a rebuilt total. |
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09-04-2019, 10:49 PM | #16 |
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Not really sure I understand a “beater” to sub in for a 328i, but a $4k one is just asking for headaches. As others have said, if you really want a cheap runabout look at the Japanese (aka. A simple Toyota).
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09-05-2019, 01:00 AM | #17 |
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You don't know what a beater is? I do food delivery and don't want to put a lot of miles on my nice car. So, I was looking for something inexpensive, yet fun to drive. I just like BMWs.
Not so much Toyotas. But, thanks so much for your thoughts. |
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09-05-2019, 06:12 AM | #18 |
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e46 fits the bill now, parts in the junkyards cheap it's at that sweet spot age, diy's for everything
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09-05-2019, 07:17 AM | #19 | |
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If you can somehow find an E30 with an M20 for 4k (probably a sedan, and automatic), that might be worth a shot. But I'd still rather have a Japanese car because reliability is more important than fun in this case. For what it's worth, I've got 2 M3's and a Z4M. I daily a Toyota Tundra.
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09-05-2019, 02:12 PM | #21 |
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Honestly? What about a first year or so Z4 with high miles? The non ///M versions are basically freaking tanks, and are still a hoot to drive and look decent to this day. Can those be had for $4k?
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