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Is a BMW E30 a good first car?

My son’s 18th birthday is coming, and my wife and I are considering buying him a car. He’s a huge fan of classic old-school BMWs, and we found an E30 for a good price. Is it a good first car to buy him?

avatar
Andrea Barrett · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The BMW E30 is a good first car if modern-day tech and safety features aren’t important. The E30 was produced from 1982 to 1994, meaning it won’t have any of the features new BMWs do—and it likely won’t have near the same level of safety.
However, if you’re looking for a fun, reliable, and easy-to-maintain vehicle, this
BMW
is a good option. But remember that because it’s an old car, replacement parts can be expensive and sometimes difficult to find.
If safety and affordability are your primary concerns, here are a few other options to consider:
MORE: Are BMWs expensive to maintain?
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