isuzu

Thks for the great info. No mileage requirements really. At 16 he should be happy with anything.

When he's working he can spend the bucks if he wants something better.

Cheers

Any mileage requirements? At $6k you are looking at high mileage examples - at least 100,000km.

In general:

1991/1992 E36 = No airbags. ABS.

1993 E36 = Driver airbag. ABS.

1994 onwards E36 = Driver and passenger airbag. ABS.

To get a 1994 onwards E36 with $6k you're looking at E36 320i, 325i, 323i and 328i. All will be high mileage examples - recommend 323i or 328i as it has decent torque/power to haul around the heavy chassis. They have the M52 engine, which produces more low end torque which should be better for petrol consumption. E36 320i (at least the earlier ones, I had a 1992) has bad petrol consumption (no better than 325i).

You are not going to get a decent manual E36 for $6k. Maybe a 318, but I didn't list it above because I think it doesn't have enough power for the E36 chassis. Not knocking the 318 guys - just my opinion. For what it's worth though, 320 and 318 will be similar in acceleration but 320 will have worse petrol consumption.

If you go auto, which is likely - be aware that Japanese E36 imports with the JATCO transmission will probably have the 'Jatco jerk' where when cold, the gearbox hangs on to 1st gear for longer than usual then abruptly shifts to 2nd. Doesn't seem to be detrimental to the transmission though - just annoying.

Thks sounds like good advice.

Would go for a 318i e36.

Heaps around on trademe etc

Economical,Reliable and not to fast for a 16 year old.

Thks for the offer though but $6K is the absolute limit, even thats pushing it.

Cheers

Hi

this car has 2 airbags abs comes fully serviced by and has a 3 month MTA warranty, will do it for $6990

http://www.autobase.co.nz/custom/details.a...hicle_id=551132

cheers

hove

0275 9248 17

Hi to all, new to the forum and would appreciate some help choosing a 3 series model for my son. He is 16 and wants to change his vehicle for a 2nd hand 3 series. Dont really want to spend more than $6000 NZ max as he has to contribute as well. Have been looking on trademe but just have no idea where to start. Can anyone recommend a model thats reliable and cheap to run out of the 3 series range. Only definite requirements we would like would be ABS and airbags. Is there any particular model thats stands out from the rest, we prefer manual but auto would also be fine. Have seen quite a few in this price range and cheaper but dont really know where to start.

Many Thanks.

Sorry wrong section.