If you happen to’ve even glanced on the used automotive market within the final couple of years, you understand that used automotive costs are larger than ever. However, shockingly, you possibly can nonetheless get behind the wheel of some fairly neat stuff for lower than the price of a brand new Kia Soul. Thoughts you, just below, as a brand new Kia Soul begins at $20,190. Whether or not you’re making an attempt to keep away from the (literal) penalty field or in search of fanatic cred on a price range, loads of attention-grabbing BMW autos can be found to you beneath $20,000 – even in 2024.

F25 BMW X3

Whereas there’s nothing inherently unsuitable with the primary technology of the BMW X3, the sequel does it higher. The second technology of the SUV will get you a alternative of nice turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, way more fashionable know-how, and a extra usable cargo space. It seems a bit higher, too, though I suppose that’s subjective. At $20,000, you received’t should make too many horrible compromises, both. One of the best choose is a six-cylinder mannequin (rear or all-wheel drive), because the N55 six-cylinder is stalwart and delivers a wholesome 300+ horsepower. You may even discover M Sport fashions inside your price range, delivering a bit extra dynamism courtesy of distinctive suspension and wheels.

BMW Z4

The final time we checked out BMWs to purchase beneath $20,000, the Z4 occupied the very same spot. Sadly, the times of discovering well-to-do examples of Z4 M Coupes at this worth level are principally gone. When you can nonetheless discover okay examples of the S54-powered M Roadster, an choice like the three.0si is healthier except you’ve buckets of money for upkeep or like getting your fingers soiled.

Humorous sufficient, you could find a couple of flavors of Z4 on the $20,000 mark. In order for you extra fashionable seems and ergonomics and a turbocharged engine, you could find early E89 fashions in completely serviceable form. Craving lighter weight and naturally aspirated six-cylinder? Discover an E85/E86 Z4 and save a ton of cash whilst you’re at it. Simply keep away from the SMG transmission that a few of these earlier vehicles got here with.

E46 BMW 3 Collection

The E46 3 Collection has remained a paragon of old-school BMW qualities for almost twenty years. That’s no totally different in 2024. When you can’t fairly get E46 M3 lately whereas sticking to your price range, you continue to have a number of good choices. I’d go for a 330i coupe or sedan with a guide transmission and the vaunted ZHP Efficiency Bundle.

When you’ll miss out on the excessive factors that make the legendary E46 M3, nicely, legendary, you’ll additionally dodge lots of the downsides that accompany it. Mostly, the sleepless nights that may accompany paying for such a maintenance-intensive platform. Decide up a ZHP for a fraction of the M3’s worth and revel in responsibly. If you happen to can’t afford a ZHP automotive, a later mannequin 330i or 330ci will nonetheless do the trick at an much more vital price financial savings.

BMW i3

Spice alert! With EVs gaining market share and OEM assist, BMW i3 costs have principally tanked. That’s nice information for buyers in search of a fun-to-drive metropolis automotive. I received’t fake that the i3 works for each life-style, and also you must also know that I’ve lengthy thought-about the BMW i3 one of the underrated vehicles ever. However there are many points for lovers to understand concerning the little EV.

One of the best factor concerning the i3 – right this moment and when it debuted – is that it continuously subverts expectations. Authentic i3 BEVs weighed beneath 3,000 kilos, lighter than lots of the extra enthusiast-focused autos on this listing. Paired with quick torque and rear-wheel drive, distinctive seems, and a pleasant (if unorthodox) inside, you’ve received a transparent winner – particularly for beneath $20,000.

E82 BMW 1 Collection

One other fan favourite, the BMW 1 Collection, is a good alternative for lovers. Whether or not you select the 135i – boasting a potent N54 or N55 six-cylinder – or the naturally aspirated 128i, you’ll get among the greatest driving vehicles BMW has ever developed. Pair with the six-speed guide or slick dual-clutch computerized obtainable in 2010 and later 135i fashions for greatest outcomes. Probably the greatest issues concerning the 1 Collection – and 135i, particularly – is that it’s a clean canvas. Large aftermarket assist lets you modify to your use case – racetrack or canyon carving, for instance – however you’re simply as nicely leaving it inventory and having a day by day driver that does just about every part nicely. Apart from cargo area and hauling.

E6X BMW 5 Collection

What number of methods are you able to benefit from the E60 5 Collection? Effectively, all of them. Handbook or computerized, diesel or gasoline, inline-six or V8, all- or rear-wheel drive, sedan or wagon. Select the powertrain and physique fashion that works for you, and have enjoyable. There’s just one guide, twin-turbo wagon on this listing, and also you’re taking a look at it. Whereas the E60 BMW 5 Collection isn’t a historically stunning automobile, and its newer iDrive and electronics aren’t essentially probably the most dependable happening twenty years later, it’s a reliable driver’s machine. Plus, they’re nonetheless a little bit of a secret – even good six-speed wagons will be had for beneath $20K. Mixed with the flexibility of many various drivetrains and trims, it’s a transparent contender.

E36 BMW 3 Collection

After we checked out the very best BMWs you possibly can purchase for beneath $20,000 two years in the past, the E36 M3 was the only option. Due to escalating values, diminishing provide, and, frankly, competitors from fashions which might be nonetheless depreciating, the E36 M3 isn’t the worth it as soon as was. You may nonetheless get behind the wheel for lower than $20K, however it would both have a zillion miles on it or received’t be the instance that does the chassis justice.

That stated, non-M3 E36 fashions are nonetheless an effective way to take pleasure in a BMW for a lot much less cash than you assume. With typically higher reliability, extra fashionable ergonomics, a bit extra energy, and a decrease price of entry than E30 fashions, it’s merely a greater choice for a lot of drivers than the E30 whenever you’re working with a price range of $20K. Want additional convincing? Fashions outfitted with the M Sport Bundle and a pair of.8-liter engine really feel almost equivalent from behind the wheel because the neutered, North American-spec M3 at, often, half of the value.

F30 BMW 335i and 340i Sedan / F32 435i and 440i Coupe

If you happen to’re an fanatic dwelling in an city space, you in all probability know (or are) “that man” driving certainly one of these vehicles. In my case, I do know 4 or 5. You may’t swing a deleted cat with out hitting certainly one of these vehicles with a burble tune and a loud exhaust. Alas, you virtually can’t blame them when you think about they’re making 380-400 horsepower with perhaps $300 in components in the event that they’re a savvy shopper.

Noise complaints apart, the F3X chassis drives nice – even when it lacks the hydraulic steering from E9X and earlier chassis. Mixed with completely fashionable facilities and tech, super aftermarket assist, and critically spectacular out-of-the-box efficiency, it’s top-of-the-line values obtainable on the used market, full cease. You may even discover ones with a guide transmission, or shell out a few further bucks and get a mannequin (340i/440i) with the vaunted B58 engine. Whereas it’s tougher to go unsuitable with these vehicles than older BMWs, repairs can nonetheless be pricey. And at this worth level, you’ll in all probability want one or two issues.