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Is a BMW E36 a good first car?
I just got my license, and I’m admittedly a little late to the game at 20 years old. Now that I also have a job, I’m looking to get a used car for my first ride. My neighbor has a BMW E36 for sale that’s in relatively good shape but would it be a solid choice for a first car?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Generally speaking, the BMW E36 is not a good first car for most drivers. When you
buy your first car
, you want something that’s easy to maintain, reliable, and inexpensive in terms of ownership—such as repairs, car insurance
, and fuel economy.While the E36 definitely passes the style test and offers around 30 mpg on average, it’s typically expensive to buy, repairs cost a fortune due to a lack of parts, and reliability is always an issue compared to other models on the market.
A better idea would be a car that’s dependable and gets great fuel economy. It may not have the same style as a BMW, but at least you won’t break the bank on your first car.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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