Rate my idea: stupid -> dense

[giovanni.joubert]

To fully assist,
One would need to understand your affordability.
I personally paid some serious school fees at a young age.
If i was 18 i would say, hey its your money do what you want.

From a car enthusiasts perspective - i would rather look for an e46 m3 for that money.

From a financial perspective - Bad idea putting a huge deposit on a asset and financing the rest At Your Age. I can think of some many ways to make 150k grow rather than dump it on a depreciating asset.

I know this may be far from your mind, but there are some brilliant guys on this forum.
If you read between the lines It's synonymous what most guys are saying.
Set yourself up now, to reap the rewards later.

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I think your post best answered & summed up what everyone else said.

While I'm not trying to blabber about my financials, this is not my life savings, just my reward to myself for working so hard whilst still getting great grades at Uni.

I am with you guys now on credit rating situation, it was always my intention to stay clear from the neverending cycle of debt for new cars and just postponing the problem. I'll read up on alternative ways to do that without losing out.

My takeaway:
Don't make debt when you don't need to
Cars depreciate so don't put money unnecessarily towards them
BMWFanatics don't like 320s :roflol:

So here is the motive then for buying a newer car (cash):
I want to sell my e36 to a relative
I still need a car
I have extra money

Now looking at hardtop 2008 Z4s, 6-cylinder FTW.

Judge that as you may. I will still ask for opinions as at the very least you guys trickle my thought process raise:

 

[MikeR]

:thumbs: good to see you are still using your head to think about the cash situation and your financial future.

But on the matter of the car - the Z4 is awesome but I must warn you they are not cheap to maintain plus insurance will be way more for a young lad, and they are very a addictive drivers car, but I would advise against if its your sole mode of transport. rather look at a good 330d if you want raw power and they are fairly indestructible, invest some of that 70k in long term investment and get that Z4 in a few years when it pays out.

 

[FerdiBotha]

Don't quite see the benefit in an F30 328i since it's still 4-pot, and a 335i/340i is a bit much for me power wise.

Go test an F30 328i.

Prepare for a change of opinion.

 

[Diesellover]

Get yourself a 320d:chef:

 

[TheMo]

How about a golf 5 GTi? My first car was a G5 at age 20, it was an awesome car, loved it so much! I’ve always been a Bmw fan but was happy to have that car till I could afford the Bmw that I wanted. It had enough power, sounded awesome and was not very heavy to maintain. Also a GTI keeps its value very well. As soon as I saved up then I bought a 135i haha

Regarding the F30 320i, I’ve heard many times that it’s not very reliable and there are many threads discussing the topic as well.

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[RAArmstrong]

In my financial history, the one thing that I wish I could change was the expensive cars.

You never quite get over it, loss on the one transferred to the next and on and on and on.

YEP.

If you set on a car, but one cash.

 

[MR_Y]

How about a golf 5 GTi? My first car was a G5 at age 20, it was an awesome car, loved it so much! I’ve always been a Bmw fan but was happy to have that car till I could afford the Bmw that I wanted. It had enough power, sounded awesome and was not very heavy to maintain. Also a GTI keeps its value very well. As soon as I saved up then I bought a 135i haha

Regarding the F30 320i, I’ve heard many times that it’s not very reliable and there are many threads discussing the topic as well.

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Good point, but cars that keep their value well are usally hijackers' wet dreams too...

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[Dirtydeedsman]

you can see we all F#cked up in our younger years :roflol:

I wanted to say this as well, that had someone told me back then that cars are just a means to move about and to do better with the money. I would be much further in life now.

I say keep the current e36, if you really have to change then get something in the E90 range that is tried and tested then use the rest of the money to invest or travel or something worthwhile.

 

[zabbo]

From personal experience and speaking specifically to your choice of car ... Do not buy a F30 320i/328i (2012 - 2014) with high mileage and out of plan!! These engines break due to known problems with plastic engine components.

You are young and free to be reckless so buy something older but exciting - just keep some of that excess cash you have for repairs, maintenance and modding.

 

[FerdiBotha]

From personal experience and speaking specifically to your choice of car ... Do not buy a F30 320i/328i (2012 - 2014) with high mileage and out of plan!! These engines break due to known problems with plastic engine components.

You are young and free to be reckless so buy something older but exciting - just keep some of that excess cash you have for repairs, maintenance and modding.

The N20 was revised early on in 2013. Mid/late 2013 and 2014 motors do not have that problem.

 

[Woodies]

You are young. 320i is practical and sensible (when under MP), get something fun. You got plenty of years ahead to become boring, ooooops, I mean sensible.
When i was 18/19 my savings were normally zero after the weekend. I felt rich when I could fill up my car for like R60/tank.

 

[yush1]

Insurance is heavy on a G5 GTI. I would look at a Corsa OPC or Polo GTI or even a Mazda MX5.

 

[ChiefMagomani]

I would advise against a 320i, they lose value quiet very quick. Also not that reliable as well (my brother in law drives one). Rather get an E90 330i, you can never go wrong with a 6 Cylinder. And it will come cheaper you can buy it cash. Also check the cars for sale threads there is a nice 335 LCI for sale. great buy. All the best...

 

[individj]

325is..fun & investment

 

[Schalk94]

For the money of a 320i,I would much rather see if I could stretch the budget and rather get a mid to late 2013 125i. They are a lot more fun to drive and perform similar to the 328i,which is miiiiiiles ahead of the 320i. The "is still only a 4 pot" statement isn't really relevant lately as some 4 pots produce nearly 300kw nowadays.

Everyone's reactions to the car itself(the 320i) is to be expected,as it is basically at the bottom of the 3 series "food chain" and isn't a very exhilarating car,it does everything sort of well,but doesn't do much very good IMO. If you really want bang for your buck and a car that is 100times more exciting that the f30 320i,look at something like the LCI E90 335i that is for sale on the forum,that is really a great car for less than f30 320i money.

 

[Zack]

Do what you feel is right man. I know how you feel when you have your heart set on something, you don't need anyone's approval but your own. :thumbs:

I've owned 13 cars and most of the guys on here have had much more than that. Only advice I can give you is that being able to afford a 200k car does not necessarily mean you can afford a 200k car. When I was around 24, I had 100k that was burning a hole in my pocket so I got a Z3 and that is where I met all the wonderful BMM Fanatics people. In the first few months of owning it I fixed/replaced the drop top, clutch and rear tyres setting me back around 25k (which I did not really have seeing as I spent all my cash on the purchase). No regrets, but like I say, just because you can afford it... does not mean you can afford it if you know what I mean.

But also as I said. Do what you feel is right :smilebounce:

 

[Dewald Basson]

Credit history is not a concern for an 18 year old.

I was only 23 when I started my credit history. You just need a well behaved bank credit card (pay it off within a month), a cell phone contract and a simple (interest free, 6 month term) store account. That is sufficient to start you on the credit history bandwagon.

On the subject of buying a used German premium sedan as a first car, I had 1993 W124 230E (ask your dad about that car) as a hand me down for 6 months before I could afford my first car. It gave me endless headaches and I was glad to buy something less premium but easier to maintain (2005 Opel Astra Classic 1.6i Club).

My advice - buy a used car that is non turbo and easier to maintain. Sadly, this would mean something from the Japanese brands. However, a used Suzuki Sport is not a bad first car...

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Or and e36/46 oo wait the OP has an e36 and it is an IS :tease:

 

[BMW CPT]

All of the comments on my financial decisions and none on the car itself. Thanks, guys :ty:

:roflol:

We dont always get answers we looking for but i must say the respond has been super. Shows the guys here passionate about there cars but also make sound decisions.
My advice is buy cheaper model cash. Go shop for a 320d 2009 to 2012. And save the change for maintanance or upgrades and rather work and on your future in the end it will pay off. Cars depreciate. Invest in stuff that will grow property, career and education. Take the advice from wise old fool....sad I didnt listen when I was your age.

 

[BMW CPT]

Hi.

I have replied already. Now for the car. Imho and believe me i went from forum to forum spoke to 1001 people garages dealers and mechanic. My two main questions was n47 or m47 engine ...i wanted diesel. E90 or x3 family of 5. I decided on a x3 2.0d even thought heart yearned for 3.0d. It is prob one of fuzz free and economical of bmw i chose the n47 engine 2009 and up motor. Based on all the research I did. I think for you a 320d in those years wont break the bank be a joy to drive. Look for fsh and much history of parts replaced. Ive searched 6mnths before I bought my first bmw to make sure i am happy with purchase. Last point test drive different options car must ....feel....right for you. Maybe you a 335i type of guy. Happy hunting and good luck with your decision keep us posted and send some pics . All the best