[QC335]

Since 325's are the untold sleepers of the century.

Give it a rest.

[arctic330i]

We just got my sister a fairly loaded 2012 Jetta SE with V tex (hey, better than cloth) and bluetooth and SAT radio for 299 a month (tax, tag, everything) and NO money down.

It’s a great car that has a german feel. It even has heated seats...

[Glim]

Originally Posted by RaceBlood

3 jobs at 16?

Tell him to stay in school and buy a used civic.

1

See if you can get him back into school, without an education he will have to work 16 hours a day for the rest of his life to keep up on his BMW payments.

[BMWcoupe335ii]

Originally Posted by Glim

1

See if you can get him back into school, without an education he will have to work 16 hours a day for the rest of his life to keep up on his BMW payments.

He worked since he was 16 and when he turned 18, and was out of high school he got two more jobs. He is now working another year (2011-present) and is going to USC this summer. I guess he didn't want to go to school broke lol. But I truly admire his work ethic, he's told me time and time again that he's never going to work this hard again, and I'm sure he won't but as long as you have a good work ethic you'll always be alright. The people answering this thread are still not answering the question at hand but it's okay.

And he's paying straight cash for the car he's not financing.

[ektaliptka]

Originally Posted by BMWcoupe335ii

He worked since he was 16 and when he turned 18, and was out of high school he got two more jobs. He is now working another year (2011-present) and is going to USC this summer. I guess he didn't want to go to school broke lol. But I truly admire his work ethic, he's told me time and time again that he's never going to work this hard again, and I'm sure he won't but as long as you have a good work ethic you'll always be alright. The people answering this thread are still not answering the question at hand but it's okay.

And he's paying straight cash for the car he's not financing.

Where does he live? if he lives at home/with a roommate he should be driving a civic. Also, planning on owning a 10yr old bimmer while working 3 jobs and going to school isnt a model for a wise decision process. BMW is expensive to maintain... probably not the best idea for a first car.

[Shane23]

Sell him your car, and use the cash to get an F30...

[teamben158]

Originally Posted by BMWcoupe335ii

He worked since he was 16 and when he turned 18, and was out of high school he got two more jobs. He is now working another year (2011-present) and is going to USC this summer. I guess he didn't want to go to school broke lol. But I truly admire his work ethic, he's told me time and time again that he's never going to work this hard again, and I'm sure he won't but as long as you have a good work ethic you'll always be alright. The people answering this thread are still not answering the question at hand but it's okay.

And he's paying straight cash for the car he's not financing.

Cash for a used Civic.

Use bank account for booze and drugs at USC.

[JTILAK07]

I would get the 330i. a bit more power and looks. These cars are good cars and reliable if you don't drive them like your a nascar driver everyday. Best bet would be to look for one that has decent mileage under 70 and isn't beat up. and as long as he maintains the vehicle (do oil changes on time, service brakes, check-ups, etc) on a proper basis it'll be fine. Hopefully this gave you some insight for your brother. Good luck.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by JTILAK07

I would get the 330i. a bit more power and looks. These cars are good cars and reliable if you don't drive them like your a nascar driver everyday. Best bet would be to look for one that has decent mileage under 70 and isn't beat up. and as long as he maintains the vehicle (do oil changes on time, service brakes, check-ups, etc) on a proper basis it'll be fine. Hopefully this gave you some insight for your brother. Good luck.

Since the OP mentioned prices of around $7 to 8.5k, I tend to doubt an under 70k mile 330i will fit that requirement.

If that is the brother's budget range, then an appropriate Honda or Toyota might be a better first car value.

Tom

[JTILAK07]

Well you're right depending on what state your in. In florida thats what those cars are worth retail. 01-04 with 70-80k are priced between 7-10k. wholesalers buy them for like 4-6k and if it needs to be fixed, cleaned, etc they do it and bump the price up an extra 5k.

[Ukie]

Originally Posted by BMWcoupe335ii

He worked since he was 16 and when he turned 18, and was out of high school he got two more jobs. He is now working another year (2011-present) and is going to USC this summer. I guess he didn't want to go to school broke lol. But I truly admire his work ethic, he's told me time and time again that he's never going to work this hard again, and I'm sure he won't but as long as you have a good work ethic you'll always be alright. The people answering this thread are still not answering the question at hand but it's okay.

And he's paying straight cash for the car he's not financing.

I had 99 323i. Nice car. But i put a lot of money in that car. U r looking for newer 325 or 330. I wouldnt say that they are very reliable. U guys will have to put $2000-$3000 after u buy one. Dont get me wrong, e46 is really nice car (looks and handling) but it's getting older and older and u have to replace a lot of parts in it. If u have spare $2K-$3k to spend on the maintenance then u should be good. Make sure subframe is good. Depending on the mileage check cooling system. Subframe and cooling system are the biggest concerns about e46. Register on e46fanatics.com, u can find a lot of info there.

GL.

[SHOWTIME]

I spent thousands of dollars on my E46 325i. Great car to drive but shitty car to own.

[MotorenWerkeN52]

Originally Posted by BMWcoupe335ii

Ok my little brother just got his licenses (he got it on the first try) and is ABSOLUTELY thrilled to get his first car. He wants a 335i but I told him at this point in is life he can't get one ( he actually could get one because he work 3 jobs and like 16hr days but it would be cutting it close and I don't want him to become stressed or broke over a car. But we saw a few 2001-02 325/330i, he say he likes them alot. Could someone please chime in and tell me about these cars as far as reliability and maintenance the price for these car are around 7-8.5k which seems pretty good, and do you think this would make a good and reliable first car. please tell me as much as you can about these cars because he wants to go test drive and hopefully buy one this Monday.

Dude I would stay way from the e46... that car is junk. few of my friends who have it spend about 2k a year just to keep it running. I would get him a 96+ E36 or E90 328i/330i.

[edirtaynine]

if it requires 3 jobs just to afford a car, thats not hard work. thats stupid.

[Arran73]

318i,

[Arran73]

Originally Posted by Dozhdbog

Get him an e90 335d. It's safer than a car built in 2001, will get great gas mileage, and will be fun to drive, but not so powerful that a kid who just got his license will immediately kill himself in it... hopefully.

Total Disagree with the power comment my wife's E91 330xd kicks the 330xi in the ass

[ERdiesel]

Originally Posted by edirtaynine

if it requires 3 jobs just to afford a car, thats not hard work. thats stupid.

Agreed.

It's about learning to prioritize at that age.......have him get a cheaper car that will get him from point A to B reliably and safely and use whatever money he saves to help pay for college and minimize any college induced debt.