E46 or e90

[Jeremy.d]

My recommendation would be a well cared for e46 320d.
Economy is really good, sometimes unbelievable. There's boost, so while not high powered, there's still enough kick to keep it fun.

 

[husaindindar]

At that price range, I would ditch the idea of a BMW.

It wont get you a perfectly good car. It will require another 15k maintenance and some good odds and ends to sort out. Eventually costing a small packet.


Up the budget, and get a good BMW E46/90, or settle for a reliable Toyota, VW.


my 2c

 

[Captain_Stealth]

Have you considered a 328i or 325i e36

For your budget you could pickup a very nice one

 

[Jeremy.d]

At that price range, I would ditch the idea of a BMW.

It wont get you a perfectly good car. It will require another 15k maintenance and some good odds and ends to sort out. Eventually costing a small packet.


Up the budget, and get a good BMW E46/90, or settle for a reliable Toyota, VW.


my 2c

I disagree...IF nothing major breaks or is faulty, then small things can be done as the budget allows, and he'll still have a lekker car.

 

[Blue Shirt]

@OP: I doubt that you will find a well-cared for car in your price range.

E46 cars in that price range will as a minimum need some work on the cooling system and suspension control arm bushes to make it reliable and driveable. It will have all the common oil leaks (valve cover and oil filter housing) and a miriad of other neglected maintenance items that will eat up another R20-25k to get the car into reasonable shape. I am not even mentioning items like tyres, shocks, brakes and driveline bushes that will invariably also be in poor shape.

Rather save up some more and buy a well-maintained car.

 

[SirMartin]

At that budget I would recommend an e46 selling for around R50k,
Thereafter spend R25k on maintenance.

My 325ci seems economical and my guess is it’s due to it being a manual.
I get anything between 7,5l per 100km to 8,6l per 100km (combined) depending on the types of driving.

Perhaps look for a manual 318i or 325i
320i is similar to 325i ito consumption but you get better performance.
I would have suggested a 330i But at that low budget, you will land up with a chewed-up mess.

All the best and take your time, finding a right car can be tricky

Thanks man, will definitely take my time and consider all your recommendations

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@OP: I doubt that you will find a well-cared for car in your price range.

E46 cars in that price range will as a minimum need some work on the cooling system and suspension control arm bushes to make it reliable and driveable. It will have all the common oil leaks (valve cover and oil filter housing) and a miriad of other neglected maintenance items that will eat up another R20-25k to get the car into reasonable shape. I am not even mentioning items like tyres, shocks, brakes and driveline bushes that will invariably also be in poor shape.

Rather save up some more and buy a well-maintained car.

Ya, definitely. Might need to re consider. Thanks

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Have you considered a 328i or 325i e36

For your budget you could pickup a very nice one

Will also consider that, thanks

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My recommendation would be a well cared for e46 320d.
Economy is really good, sometimes unbelievable. There's boost, so while not high powered, there's still enough kick to keep it fun.

Apparently one guy advised me to stay away from 320d:smilebounce: