Need a new used car next year

Kirby

Kirby

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#1
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Reading,PA
#1
My wife is going to be commuting about 120 miles a day for 2 years starting next spring. I want to get a 30+ highway mpg used car for her to use. It could be a $4K "throw-away beater" or I could give it for my 14 y.o. daughter who will be 16 just about the time my wife is done commuting. In that case I would spend up to $10K - $13K.

If I decide to keep it for my daughter, I want it to be a "fun" car (i.e. not a Chevy Metro, LOL). I'm thinking 4 cyl. Mini or Z3 or 318ti. How are the 4 cyl. BMW engines holding up?

Or, something completely different, just for the 2 year commute - a grease car - I am seriously considering this too.

What do you guys think?
 
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epj3

Senior Member
#2
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Lancaster, PA
#2
Kirby said:
My wife is going to be commuting about 120 miles a day for 2 years starting next spring. I want to get a 30+ highway mpg used car for her to use. It could be a $4K "throw-away beater" or I could give it for my 14 y.o. daughter who will be 16 just about the time my wife is done commuting. In that case I would spend up to $10K - $13K.

If I decide to keep it for my daughter, I want it to be a "fun" car (i.e. not a Chevy Metro, LOL). I'm thinking 4 cyl. Mini or Z3 or 318ti. How are the 4 cyl. BMW engines holding up?

Or, something completely different, just for the 2 year commute - a grease car - I am seriously considering this too.

What do you guys think?
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Whatever you do, do NOT get a TI. Rear suspension is exactly like the e30's, the interior is very spartan, and it's just generally a piece of crap. I have yet to see one that I would personally buy.

Get an e36 318i (like a 93 - 95). The m44 is a great little engine. It's very underpowered in the e36, but you'll get great gas mileage, even around town. You already know the e36 is a solid car on the highway. They have the same brakes and everything so you know they are safe. If you dont mind something smaller, an e30 318is ('90 or '91) is your best bet, they have airbags and all, but you'll probably want something bigger if your daughter might get it).

If you're looking to spend $10-13k, look for an E36 323i (like wadula used to have). Same motor as your e36, same displacement (I think), but I BELIEVE it gets better gas mileage. Unlike the 318i - the 323i can merge onto a highway without struggling...
 
mjbst111

mjbst111

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greasecar: the idea is great but man you will never eat fast food or french fries ever again. hahaha those things are so so smelly (mcdonalds coming right out of your tail pipe.... pretty wild). (At least to be behind.... i can't imagine it being completely odorless for the interior/driver)
 
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Beemur

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#5
For $4k you could find a Hyundai accent like 2000-2003 that would be reliable and efficient, 38 hwy IIRC. That way your wife wouldn't have to drive a beater around for two years. . .although I realize that a newer hyundai isn't really that far way from a beater [slap] . just an idea though.
 
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epj3

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#6
Beemur said:
For $4k you could find a Hyundai accent like 2000-2003 that would be reliable and efficient, 38 hwy IIRC. That way your wife wouldn't have to drive a beater around for two years. . .although I realize that a newer hyundai isn't really that far way from a beater [slap] . just an idea though.
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But it's not a safe car like the E36 would be. Brakes, chassis design, etc. I personally wouldnt buy a hyundai if I were to do mostly highway driving....
 
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