+1 on the Q3 - my daughter loves hers. The 2.0T engine gives good mileage/power. Small enough to park easily.

Unlike Patrick3000, I am not wheeler dealer, so I have made not made a move toawrds purchasing a car, but have been looking a lot.

I do not see any 1 series that meets my desirable criteria of RWD and manual, at a reasonable price and have been considering 3 series (328i/320i/330i variety based on BMW E/F designation). Either 2007-2010 variety with 3.0L six or CPO with 2.0L turbo.

Does anyone have insight on comparing the reliability of the older 3.0 L to newer 2.0 L cars?

There are a couple of 2018 320i sedan manuals CPOs in CA and a 328i coupe manual near me in PA. Asking prices are $19,000-24,000K. They all look nice enough for a beater.

^^^ Quick point of reference, this one just crossed the block last week. IMHO it would have been a very good spec for a commuter, only missing the M suspension.

The 128i, is the reliable, low maintenance car of choice for a commuter, just missed it last week but should give you an idea of the current market as it was a no reserve auction.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...-speed-manual/

This one is coming up in a few days. It is a 6 speed manual sedan but is an okay spec for a commuter.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...-speed-manual/

One more that would be perfect right here.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...-3-0-si-coupe/

It has all of the “right” specs, the auction ends today and I suspect it will sell slightly outside of your budget.

If you are concerned about a warranty, Fidelity Platinum, is a good aftermarket option. I purchased one for my 997.2 and may add one for the 535i.

^^
Not a bringatrailer buyer. :vomit:

I have looked at below. I like the sport seat, but I still hear a lot of negative about the FX or more specifically, the 2.0L turbo cars. All of these are in CA which means paying $$ for shipping. And no, I am not driving across the country :twisted:

Any feedback on these models?

https://www.bmwusa.com/certified-pre...8A9C57JK622836

https://www.bmwusa.com/certified-pre...8A9C59JK623308


https://www.bmwusa.com/certified-pre...8B9G52JNT89874

I should just grab the 2007 that is near me. I think 3.0L E92 has good reliability.

I ended up buying a manual 2013 328i coupe non-turbo 3.0L with 58XXX miles. It ticked the 3 most important boxes on the list. We'll see how it goes.