[happyjack]

this one is too far from you, but something that fits these specs would be worth a risk:

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...5092/overview/

RWD, manual, one-owner, and lots of documented service. that M52 motor is a keeper.

[radarlarry]

Happy jack. Thank you for that!

[radarlarry]

This is under $5,000. Z4

https://www.carstory.com/detail/2003...BT33463LR62767

[radarlarry]

Gamb1t. Thanks for that. Honestly, those are some of the ugliest wheels I've seen! I'd rather have on a plain black spare tire wheel.

[MmmmmM2]

Originally Posted by NickyC

Honestly? What about a first year or so Z4 with high miles? The non ///M versions are basically freaking tanks, and are still a hoot to drive and look decent to this day. Can those be had for $4k?

That's actually a pretty good idea!

[NickyC]

Originally Posted by radarlarry

This is under $5,000. Z4

https://www.carstory.com/detail/2003...BT33463LR62767

Whoomp, there it is!

[imported_mega]

I own a z4, only issue we have had is the soft top motor and the steering binds when it's over 90, terrible steering design.

for maint it's the same as a late e46

[rbryantaz]

Are you a mechanic?

I am almost a mechanic and have been able to do anything on my BMWs including my e70 4.8i engine swap...

If I had only 4k I would probably look for a low mileage e46 330i. They are easier to work on than an e90 and the parts are cheaper. I would avoid the E46 323/325s. They are the same amount of work and aren't any fun.

I have seen a lot of e53 X5s out there with very lose prices. If you just got a simple 3.0l e53 it would also be pretty easy to work on (perhaps easier than the e46).

With the e46/e53 you will have an easier time avoiding the stealership and most good mechanics should be able to work on it.

Used BMWs are actually cheaper than the Toyota/Honda equivalent because their resale value is low. At 100k miles they turn into a pumpkin in many peoples minds so there can be some good values out there especially if you can work on them.

-Rich

[radarlarry]

Thanks Rich for the great advice!

[CTinline-six]

Sounds like a LOT of people in here go to the dealership for repairs and maintenance.

[JDMSteven]

I would go E36/E46 with a manual trans... I've had a 99 323i ran for 200k auto trans sold with no issues never anything more than regular maintenance and I had an 02 325i manual picked it up for $1200. Had traction control and abs warnings but was sound otherwise. Flipped it as is for $2500 bc it had 130k mi

[xander_g]

the best e39 5 series that the 4k would get me

[radarlarry]

I was an aircraft mechanic for almost 50 years. Cars...not so much, but some experience.

[rbryantaz]

Originally Posted by JDMSteven

I would go E36/E46 with a manual trans... I've had a 99 323i ran for 200k auto trans sold with no issues never anything more than regular maintenance and I had an 02 325i manual picked it up for $1200. Had traction control and abs warnings but was sound otherwise. Flipped it as is for $2500 bc it had 130k mi

I just sold my 2001 330i with 170k for $3200. It had slightly sun faded paint on one side and bubbling rear window tint but it ran great, had new tires, etc.

It was a reliable car but I had already had my e90 335i and the e70 so I just didn't need it.

There really just isn't much market for e46/e53/e39 with 100k miles due to the fear of maintenance costs but in reality those are mostly based on stealership pricing.

There are lots of online parts stores where OEM parts aren't much more expensive than for a Honda or Toyota (as long as you don't mind parts where someone grinds the BMW logos off from them before selling them direct).

-Rich

[More_PSI]

I would also go for an e36, maybe 318ti. I bought one for $1400 several years ago and loved it. Common problems with the door handle and window track, but very easy to find the parts at a junk yard if you're into DIY. I also sold it for $1400 prob could have sold it for more but I was moving across the US in just a few days.

[northsideirish]

I've considered the same. Guy next door has a 300 something series with a bad transmission and a leaking sunroof. I explained to him that even if he gave it to me, I would likely have $3500 in it just for that. I would take it on as a project only if I had the time for DIY.

On the other hand, you could mitigate the risk by purchasing from someone in a local club. Here in Chicago I saw a posting from a guy who has a 2003 BMW 3 Series 330i Sedan 4D, asking $3200.

Mileage? 175,000.

[IK6SPEED]

No brainer.....

[GenXer]

$4K for a BMW? Maybe an 80's 320i (E21) Those were cool looking and robust as hell. They're going for $4K to $20K

[Fritzer]

Z3 Coupe 3.0

Mini-Wagen

[X3MS]

Originally Posted by CTinline-six

Sounds like a LOT of people in here go to the dealership for repairs and maintenance.

Exactly what I was thinking!

Learn to turn a wrench, and those costs come way down.

[o0wkr0o]

E30 for sure. U can make ur car decent and unique if u got a good deal.

[F30lolz]

In about a year/1.5 years from now I’ll be in the market for yet another ‘beater’. Moving from Miami to Indiana, we may need a ‘touring’ AWD to use during crappy weather and to haul our beagle and husky around, not to mention that we also want to get a Shiba Inu.

An e46 xi touring comes to mind, though I would rather find one in the southern climates. Have a friend up in CT who just scored a 03 e46 xi touring for $1.5k dealer trade in about to be wholesaled to be used as his beater. Just needed brakes!

No way in hell am I driving the 335 in crappy weather and the CTS would suck in the snow as well. The f30 is my current beater and putting snows on it would be fine, though I would rather get a xi touring for the BS weather and again to haul dogs around. Pretty sure I can find one for $4k max.