New car for 5k budget

[020king]

Hi everyone I'm new here, just wanted fellow petrol head advice on my next car. I have a budget of around 5k to buy a car. I do 30 miles per day for work so mpg shouldn't be a major factor I was thinking e46 320, 325 and 330. Don't really like the new bmw 's and has to be rwd. Any recommendations are appreciated.

Thanks

[GreatGranny]

If it was me I would buy the best manual E46 325Ci or 330Ci I could find.

Prices are on the way up.

[Resolutionary]

Make sure the 320's you look at are the 6cyl rather than 4cyl, always found the latter to be a bit gutless.

A 330 is an excellent call for the money and as posted seem to be steadily on the way up value wise.

[020king]

GreatGranny said:

If it was me I would buy the best manual E46 325Ci or 330Ci I could find.

Prices are on the way up.

Which ones sound better petrol or diesel? And any key things to look out for in particular when going to view some? I know cooling systems are a weak part in these and rust around the arches anything else?

[Ian Geary]

When I was looking into them, I think checking the electric windows worked (ie regulator not failed), and worn bushes would cause knocking noises.

But there was a ton of advice on specific forums.

Ian