Daughter's first car

[msport3]

Wanted to let you guys know that I'm catching alot of grief from the some of the W201 crowd at mbworld.org. I have a love for both BMW and Mercedes Benz. Each has its own unique qualities. I currently drive a '99 MB C230K Sport, but have owned several BMW's and hold a special affection for the marque. I was thinking about buying a 190E 2.6 for my soon to be 16 year old daughter. However, I nixed that after driving a 318ti. The 318ti was a much better car: feel, ride, more modern design. Also, felt that the 318ti would cost less to maintain over time. What do you guys think?

[328isRob]

I think the ti would be better simply because it just feels like a younger persons car, and a bit more sports.

[DMG]

I would check out edmunds.com under their maintence for used cars section. Reliablity and price would be a big factor there.

It depends on the year and mileage of the MB. A newer one of course will get better resell, and be more powerful and very solid. The downside is the insurance, deprecitation, and inflated cost (IMHO) etc.

My dad had bought me a used 87 190 2.8 when I was 24 with low miles. It sure felt rock solid, and and fun, but was not practical. Bad in snow, not as balanced as a BMW and not sporty.

I would get the 318ti for it's cheaper in price and and maintence is probably a little big better. More sporty, balanced ( which leads to better safety reponse ), great BMW support, and it has more storage space, has the "cool factor", and won't get nicks from jealous kids in a MB.

I have a 323i and I like it. Great BMW service (usually). Have had no significant problems, but I would recommend a 325 or 328i between 95-98, very reliable, maybe more so, and it's 4 doors if she cares.

[msport3]

DMG, appreciate the feedback. My 18 year old son has a '96 328i. It has 135,000 miles but is rock solid. I know 318ti will cost less to insure and should cost less to maintain (fewer electronics / power accessories) over the life of the car.

The 190E 2.6 that I had looked at was in good shape even though it had 151,000 miles. I had concerns on some of the problem areas associated with the 190E 2.6, like leaking head gaskets and sub-par air conditioning (the heat and humidity in NC can be awful). I once owned a '79 BMW 320i when I was living in Myrtle Beach, SC. The car was black with a black interior. The AC unit could not keep the car cool in the summer.

I feel good about my decision to buy the 318TI. The car is fun to drive. The 1.9 liter engine is quite spunky.