Recommendations for 3-series for daughter's first car - $10,000 range

[bradclanton]

All,

My daughter is about to get her license, and I would like to get her a 3-series in the $10,000-$12,000 price range. I would like to get the most reliable, safest model I can in that price range. Any recommendations? What do you think of a 2015 320i? Her mom would buy her a Honda, but I am vetoing that. I just want it to be a good, safe car that she enjoys driving. Thanks in advance!!

Brad Clanton
2012 X5 xDrive 35d
2008 550i

[MauiM3Mania]

Newer models are safer than older.

[The Beastmaster]

Personally, I like the F30. However, for a car in the 10k-12k range, it will have higher miles, and not sure about the maintenance history. Research N20/N26 timing chain. As such, I would suggest the latest E90 328i that you can get. I had an E92 335i and have an F30 328i. In one generation, these cars are vastly different. The F30 is a very nice car, but the interior quality seems to have gone the cheap route with a lot of plastics. The E90 just seemed way more substantial. Also, you will get the long lived, reliable, straight 6 in the E90 vs the turbo 4 in the F30.

[White94RX]

I think that's a pretty good idea actually. If you can find a clean, low miles 2010-2011 328i, you'd be in good shape.

Keep in mind any BMW regardless of age or miles will require ongoing repairs and maintenance. They aren't cheap cars to drive once they're out of warranty.

[ship4u]

Great idea for your daughter. I think you will find better prices if you search in Florida, due to larger supply.

[bradclanton]

I think the 2010-2011 328i is a good idea. I had a 2008 and it was terrific. There seems to be a lot of these in Texas as well. I will check out Florida. Thanks!

[gerry1000]

who is paying for the upkeep?

[chrisria]

I'm with MauiM3Mania: get the newest vehicle your dollars will buy regardless of mileage assuming proper upkeep. This is what I've done for both my kids and it's worked out very well. If your area is anything like mine, you'll have a slew of 3 series to chose from.

[amancuso]

Daughter's first car? 2015/2016 320i. Nothing special but a great first car. They are out there for under 15k.

For example:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...6376/overview/

and
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...7465/overview/

[bradclanton]

Thanks for the replies! Very helpful, and confirms my view that it would be a good, safe, first car.