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  1. Five of the best starter cars
  2. Citroen Saxo, For boys who like to race
  3. Ford Ka, Start in a go-kart
  4. Fiat Panda, Animal instinct
  5. Mini, A cliché, yes, but brilliant.
  6. BMW 3 Series, Luxury on the cheap

BMW 3 Series, Luxury on the cheap

What, you didn't really think we meant a current 3 Series, did you? Or even the last one for that matter? Still, it's a BMW, and that means proper, lasting build quality and the kind of raw, rear-wheel drive handling dynamics of a type you just can't get anymore - not even in a new BMW.

For true starter car money you're probably looking at a first- or second-generation 3 Series (known as the e21 and e30), though the latter is newer, obviously (built between 1982 and 1994), and can still be had for very reasonable money. Somewhere south of £2,000 can still buy a full-service history-type example, surprisingly. Budget a little more and you'll be able to bag yourself a good-as-mint 318i, which will give you all the poke you need to stay safe (and insurable) while working out what rear-drive handling's all about. And for maximum cool, get a Touring version - preferably a white one - with leather seats. Hmm.


Compare prices on the BMW 3 Series: Find a deal on Yahoo! Cars

Mark Nichol