[Jims5543]

Originally Posted by Deschodt

I returned my lease and I need a commute beater. Parameters: Automatic (mega trafic jams), 4 seater (but 2 doors is OK), not too boring for when there is less traffic but nothing too fancy needed feature or power wise. RWD. Have other cars in case it needs repairs, just trying to avoid *constant* repairs.

My initial thought was an E39 - had one before (528i), comfiest car I ever owned, good looking, pretty reliable -at least mine was. Those are $3000-7000 in decent shape for an end of run 530i. The problem there is the mileage is getting spectacularly high. Hardly any car under 120K mi, lots in the 200K range !

Other thought is a cheap E90 coupe (just because they are way prettier than 4 doors), 328 form meaning no turboissues to deal with. Those are 8-10K. A little more $, but less miles - 50-70K in general. I know those less, and read a recent thread here about $$$$ labor to replace weepy gaskets or the plastic cooling system failing at 70K mi... Is it really that bad at 50K miles ? I'm good w/ adding oil instead.

Between the 2, opinions? Try as I might I'm not super excited by a (supposedly more reliable) Japanese beater. I also left out E46s because I've had one before and unless it's M, it's kinda blah. (E39 was at least vastly more comfortable and bigger, the E90 more modern but zero experience there)... Go ahead, shoot me down or reinstate the E46 ;-) What would you do for a beater, 40 mi a day, street parking, pothole warrior...

Budget? How far do you commute?