Best car for 21yr old... Suggestions
Discussion
Okay so if you’re considering a Z3, you presumably like both BMWs and small sports cars so let’s consider alternatives of both those flavours.
On the BMW front, your budget would get a very decent E46, or possibly a high mile E90. In either, definitely get M-Sport in my opinion. I’m 21 myself and drive a M-Sport F30 320d, and to be honest the SE is a bit wick looking compared, so I’d likely not consider one. You could also consider an E39, but if you’re interested in a Z3 then a 5 series might be larger than you’re perhaps wanting.
With E46, there isn’t really an engine to avoid. The 4 pot petrol (316/318i) aren’t very fast but I wouldn’t rule out a 318i M Sport. 6 cylinder petrol is likely the PH choice, and are all solid choices, or if like me you do a few more miles the diesels are a good shout. With any E46, be vigilant for rust. Arches and bootlids are focal points for it.
With the E90, avoid the 4 cylinder petrol, they’re flaky. Can be some issues with 4 pot diesel timing chains but nowhere near as bad as petrol. At the age your budget would allow, the 6 pot petrols shouldn’t be a problem, it’s later cars that have direct injection engines that can be an issue. 6 pot diesels all decent.
In terms of small sports cars, you’d probably get into a MK1 MX5/Eunos for 2 grand but be prepared to deal with rust. Toyota Mr2 also worth considering, bit different in that it’s mid engined.
For what it’s worth, my money would go on a tidy, lower mileage E46 M-Sport, saloon or coupe (maybe cabriolet if that’s what appeals about the Z3?). Engine choice would depend on your mileage circumstances and insurance of the 6 bangers.
On the BMW front, your budget would get a very decent E46, or possibly a high mile E90. In either, definitely get M-Sport in my opinion. I’m 21 myself and drive a M-Sport F30 320d, and to be honest the SE is a bit wick looking compared, so I’d likely not consider one. You could also consider an E39, but if you’re interested in a Z3 then a 5 series might be larger than you’re perhaps wanting.
With E46, there isn’t really an engine to avoid. The 4 pot petrol (316/318i) aren’t very fast but I wouldn’t rule out a 318i M Sport. 6 cylinder petrol is likely the PH choice, and are all solid choices, or if like me you do a few more miles the diesels are a good shout. With any E46, be vigilant for rust. Arches and bootlids are focal points for it.
With the E90, avoid the 4 cylinder petrol, they’re flaky. Can be some issues with 4 pot diesel timing chains but nowhere near as bad as petrol. At the age your budget would allow, the 6 pot petrols shouldn’t be a problem, it’s later cars that have direct injection engines that can be an issue. 6 pot diesels all decent.
In terms of small sports cars, you’d probably get into a MK1 MX5/Eunos for 2 grand but be prepared to deal with rust. Toyota Mr2 also worth considering, bit different in that it’s mid engined.
For what it’s worth, my money would go on a tidy, lower mileage E46 M-Sport, saloon or coupe (maybe cabriolet if that’s what appeals about the Z3?). Engine choice would depend on your mileage circumstances and insurance of the 6 bangers.
And as you seem to like the idea of a BMW, you could have bought my E46 325ti Sport Compact last year for less than £1,500!
I know they are a bit Marmite in terms of how they look, but they drive really well and don't seem to rust like the other E46 models. Which would also be a concern for me with a Z3 - could a Z4 be in budget? They drive much better too!
Or as has been said an E9* 3 Series - this one looks like a good buy:- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Good luck anyway. :thummbup:
I know they are a bit Marmite in terms of how they look, but they drive really well and don't seem to rust like the other E46 models. Which would also be a concern for me with a Z3 - could a Z4 be in budget? They drive much better too!
Or as has been said an E9* 3 Series - this one looks like a good buy:- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Good luck anyway. :thummbup:
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