Need advice on car purchase...

[teflon_jones]

Hi all, first post here on the forum. I need some advice on what to get for my next car and the BMW's are at the top of my list right now. I'm a very knowledgeable car guy, but I'm not very well versed in what the problem areas are with different BMW models over the last 10 years.

Here's the requirements:

1. I'm trying to keep it under $10k.
2. Must be a stick shift.
3. Must be RWD or AWD.
4. Must have rear seats.
5. Would prefer a 2 door.
6. Must be a reliable daily driver for a 70 mile round trip mostly highway commute.

Here's what is currently on my list. All of them are about 5-10 years old depending on mileage (or else I've listed the year):

1. BMW M3
2. BMW 3 series coupe
3. BMW 3 series sedan
4. BMW M5 (early 1990's)
5. Porsche 944 (obviously older than 10 years).

So anything else that meets my requirements and isn't on my list? Any advice on what BMW models and/or years to avoid from my list? I'm expecting to keep the car for a very long time and do some basic mods to it over time too.

Thanks in advance!

[RexKing86]

I vote a 3 series sedan or coupe. reliable, and in your range, $10k E36 M3s are out there, but with many many miles... go with a 328i/is

[teflon_jones]

Forgot to put the 540 on the list too...

[Devinish]

I would go with a 2007 automatic Z3, 4 door, FWD, from the dealership. You can find one for about $103,642. So it's still in your price range.



















































On a more serious note: Go with the 3 series, might want to go for the 4 door though, you may thank yourself when you have a little extra room in the back seats :-)

[ldsbeaker]

Get an E30 iX. Baller status awaits.

[saltshaker185]

where do you live? is there stuff like snow and stuff there? for some reason im thinking 325 ix is your way to go but i really dont know why im thinking that...

[teflon_jones]

I'm in the northeast, so plenty of snow here. I don't really care about having a RWD car in the snow. I drive my Xterra in RWD mode most of the time in the snow with crappy all season tires on it. I've lived in this area my whole life and have driven more miles in RWD cars than any other kind. I'll get snow tires for whatever BMW I get though.

The most important requirement on my list is the under$10k limit so any of the X models would be WAY out of my price range anyway!

[Teh Prof]

I say E36 328i.

[BimmerNut420]

328i no doubt.