Ideas for a 3-4k Family car?

[CleanAzzE30z]

My eta is not exactly the ideal car for a family with a baby + accoutrements. I was wondering what you guys would suggest for 3-4k that has more room and doesnt kill the gas tank with decent reliability. Any marque though Im aiming for BMW. I dont think I can get an E34 wagon in this price range right? Thanks fellas!! And post pics if it isnt a BMW. A touring would be ideal or small or midsize SUV. Obviously new is out of the question. Eager to hear you guys input.



Mariano

[nando]

4-door E36 328i sounds good to me.

[ColdAccord]

e36 sedan. so much more room than an e30, can be had in your pricerange. a lot of them have fold down rear seats as well. I actually prefer my e36 sedan to my old e34

however, yes you could def get an m50 powered e34 touring in that pricerange. Though it will be automatic.

[CleanAzzE30z]

e36 sedan. so much more room than an e30, can be had in your pricerange. a lot of them have fold down rear seats as well. I actually prefer my e36 sedan to my old e34

however, yes you could def get an m50 powered e34 touring in that pricerange. Though it will be automatic.

Really?!?! An M50 powered E34 wagon!? hmmmmmmmm

Keep the suggestions coming fellas. E36 also sounds interesting because Julie has been asking about them.

[ColdAccord]

you're on the wrong coast, but my buddy has a black e34 touring with no motor or trans, but he did the 5 sp swap on, that he isn't doing anything with

[Jb325is]

Definitely an e34 touring.. You can get a pretty decent one in that price range actually, maybe even one with sunroofs that work

[bimmer_E30]

735i E32

[wolfgangstbd]

5 door mk3 or even mk4 golf? seems like an okay family car. and the 8v in the mk3 is pretty good on gas and from what ive seen id say reliable

[Farbin Kaiber]

2001 Camry. 2.2l.

[Motorsports]

You could find a nice E34 Sedan or wagon for that frice range. One with a M50 and a manual tranny shouldnt be to bad on gas, but unfortunately wagons never came with the manual.

[87e30]

Accord wagon?

1996? Not attractive stock but super good on gas, reliable, and simple.

[Jonny Cash]

A Merc 190d. Sit back and watch the broads flock.

[BenM]

E34 Tourings are sweet, but have more mechanical failures (i.e. rear hatch wiring stuff and dual sunroofs are a huge PITA). E36 328i sounds good, but a nice '93-95 525i sedan 5-speed is hard to beat. Prices have come down in recent years and being roomier than an E36 may be a plus. They also drive awesome (albeit a little bloated) because the suspension is very similar to the E28.

E34 Touring if you can find a nice, otherwise '93-95 525i 5-speed. BFC E34 section is helpful and has a plethora info too.

[TDE30]

^ Bingo. That is an excellent candidate for a sub-$5k family hauler. Other options would be an E36 325i/328i or a MkIII Jetta with the bulletproof 2.0 ABA motor.

[ColdAccord]

in my 5 sp m50 e34 i got like 16 city 26 hwy. not too bad