Cheap Used Cars To Buy

Q.I am considering buying an older BMW for my next car and wanted to see if anyone had advice on the 320i (e21). It's the only model that doesn't seem to have a dozen web sites devoted to it. don't buy an older BMW, or don't buy a 320i? I'm assuming that you meant don't buy a 320i. What is it that makes the 320i so undesirable?

A.The 320 is old, it does not make for a good used car. Because they are somewhat underpowered, you can bet it has been beaten, they are very susceptible to rust, the seats fall apart, and generally, any used car from 15 or more years ago will need some extensive maintenance / repairs to bring it up to spec. Some people love them. Good for you. I love old Chevies, some people hate them I find most of the 320 lovers are those that have had them from new, OR those who just bought their first BMW and haven't tasted what a newer car is like in comparison. It is indeed an old car, and what you say about old cars is true. You should always buy the newest, lowest mileage car you can afford. However, if all you have to spend is $2-3000... In the area where I live at least, there are many fine 320s available for around $2-2500. For that price, it's one of the best cheap used cars around. As a BMW, it has a couple of things going for it. First, BMWs are fairly durable, so a 320i is likely to be in better overall shape than a Celica or Jetta of the same era. Second, they were a more upscale car to begin with, and more likely to be owned by someone whou could afford, and would attend to, the maintainence. Also, they were more likely to be kept in a garage. I still see many very nice, one or two owner 320s that have been lavishly maintained, with all records kept, and are still in really good condition. About being "up to spec": in this price range, everything is compromised, but can still be driven for tens, or hundreds of thousands more, "less than perfect" miles. That shimmy still drives me nuts, though!

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