02-25-2008, 10:06 PM
You should be able to find an early e46, a 323 or MAYBE a 325 for 10k. FWIW, if I had to choose between a 2000 323 with 120k on it and, say a 1998 328 with half the miles, and both were similarly taken care of, I'd take the e46 as IMHO it would be more reliable. However, I'd recommend neither of them if you can't (or don't like to) do basic service work and repair yourself. If you can do the basics, and stay away from the dealer, parts and such aren't too bad if you do need them.
The only thing that stops a bad guy with a van is a good guy with a van