What’s a cheap car that looks expensive?

Actually very good. I have the 4-cylinder which adds to the "looking nicer than it actually is" factor but also makes it miss one of the main design flaws of this platform which is weak trunk body welds that tear apart from the rear torque of the 6-cylinders. And I don't miss the power on public streets. Has the same cooling system plastic parts failing issue that all BMWs of this age do, but that's literally every E30, E36, and E46, so not unique and it's been dealt with for less than $300. I wrench on it myself so that saves on labor. I wouldn't recommend an older European car if you're not going to do most work yourself, but it's all been easy work and this is my first car I've maintained myself. But that's why I bought it. And every time I park it in a lot full of modern crap mobiles, I get a warm feeling in my chest knowing my crap mobile still looks way cooler than theirs 27 years later, and costs 1/10th what they're paying.