THERE are few cars which are as much fun and as easy to live with as a BMW 3-Series.
I preferred the looks of the last but one model built until 2005, but the latest one drives just as well as all the rest.
Never buy without all or most of the service history, a low number of owners and as low a mileage as you can get.
Best buys for fun and economy are probably the 318 four-cylinder petrol and the 320d four-cylinder turbo diesel.
But the wide range of engines also includes 2.0, 2.3, 2.5, 2.8, 3.0 and 3.2-litre six cylinder units and lower and higher powered diesels.
There are hatchbacks, saloons, estates, coupes and convertibles to choose from with a bewildering range of models, so it's worth checking prices thoroughly to make sure you're not paying too much.
All have the same marvellous handling and road-holding, superb steering and excellent brakes, combined with a very comfortable ride.
Interior
The seats are excellent with lots of support and the driving position has plenty of adjustment for all sizes.
Equipment is good even in basic models and original owners often enhanced that from the optons list to individualise their cars.
FAST FACTS
BMW 3-Series
Price: About £10,200 should get an '05 55-reg ES manual, while an '06 56-reg SE auto will be £13,900
Mechanical: 147bhp, 1995cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving rear wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 137mph
0-62mph: 8.8 seconds
Combined mpg: 35
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 146g/km
Marks: 10/10
Main rival: Mazda 6, Audi A4