Best car for student

Posted by Successful-Ad1115@reddit | CartalkHungary | View on Reddit | 23 comments

Hey everyone,

I’m planning to move to Hungary for university soon, and I’m already thinking ahead about getting a BMW there.

My main goal is to buy something that won’t lose value too fast, or at least makes sense financially if I want to upgrade later.

Right now I’m considering:

- BMW F30 330i

- Maybe upgrading to an M4 later on

From your experience:

- Which BMW models actually hold their value well in Europe?

- Is the F30 330i a smart choice, or should I aim for something else like a 340i / M models?

I care about both driving experience and resale value, so I’d appreciate honest opinions.

Thanks!

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DemocracyDabbler@reddit

What about your budget and value retention expectations?

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DemocracyDabbler@reddit

You can get a 2017-18 330i in that price range, even with the M package if you find a good deal.

I would suggest browsing hasznaltauto.hu for used cars in Hungary, maybe kocsi.hu these two sites are the most popular platforms here.

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Helpful_Green_8880@reddit

On hasznaltauto.hu, even the cheapest 2017 models are above $20k. With that budget, you’re more realistically looking at something from the early 2010s or a well-maintained E46.

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DemocracyDabbler@reddit

That is not true.

Proof:

https://www.hasznaltauto.hu/szemelyauto/bmw/330/bmw_330e_iperformance_advantage_automata-22755829

https://www.hasznaltauto.hu/szemelyauto/bmw/330/bmw_330e_iperformance_luxury_automata_allapotfelmerve_karbantartott_2tulaj_bor_tempomat_ulesfutes-22749366

https://www.hasznaltauto.hu/szemelyauto/bmw/330/bmw_330d_m_sport_automata_m-packet_serulesmentes_-uj_vezerles_csapagysor-carplay-_friss_muszaki-22966592

https://www.hasznaltauto.hu/szemelyauto/bmw/330/bmw_330e_iperformance_advantage_automata-22814053

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Helpful_Green_8880@reddit

Yeah, if you adjust your comment to include “330i/e/d” and consider the e and d models as well, then sure, you’re right. Meanwhile, OP is clearly focusing on the 330i. But fine, you’re right.

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DemocracyDabbler@reddit

Ok, than put on +1k on this budget.

https://www.hasznaltauto.hu/szemelyauto/bmw/330/bmw_330i_luxury_automata-22783107

That’s not waaaay out of the budget.

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Fulcrum11@reddit

BMW never makes sense financially excempt collecable old ones and these huge wheels will get wrecked on the shitty roads here. Also why do you even need a car as an uni student?

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Successful-Ad1115@reddit (OP)

Because its my dream to buy an m car such as m4

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My BMW i3 is the lowest maintenace vehicle I have ever owned. Yes, parts can be pricey when something goes wrong, but I never had any major issues with the car. I never spent 100k+ HUF on a single service - 12V battery, brake fluid replacement, A/C cabin filter - and there was only one instance when something was needed outside of the regular maintenance window. (I had a torn motor mount.)

I would say, upkeep cost-vise, my BMW i3 is comparable to a Suzuki Swift.

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NotWolvarr@reddit

How would a high maintenance high performance car be a good financial decision as a student?

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DemocracyDabbler@reddit

What could go wrong right?

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somitomi42@reddit

I think the question in this particular situation is "what could possibly go right?"

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lesco96@reddit

getting a BMW there
won’t lose value too fast

chose one...

I don't know where are you coming from and I don't want to sound jealous, but here in Hungary, a college student is happy just to be able to buy a 20-year-old Suzuki Swift. If you can afford a BMW 330i, or even better an M4 as a student, I don't think depreciation would be your biggest concern.

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Helpful_Green_8880@reddit

I was also going to bring up the old “papír" or "vasaló" Swift as an example, but you already covered exactly what I had in mind.

It’s also worth mentioning that in Hungary, most private buyers purchase cars at full market price, loans and leasing aren’t nearly as common as they are in the US or Western Europe. OP posted a US image, but the situation here is quite different, we don’t really have the same opportunities to just try things out and have fun with cars the way people often do over there.

Sure, car loans exist, but they’re relatively expensive, and it’s pretty unlikely a student could access them. Leasing options for private individuals also don’t make much sense here. So realistically, if you want to get into a car like that as a starter, you need to have the full purchase price ready. And ideally enough left over to cover the first service as well.

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Silly-Protection456@reddit

The M version is more likely to hold its price better, but here in Hungary there is a general negative perception towards BMWs, which makes them think you are a jerk. Nothing personal but we have lots of bad examples. However, don't let this discourage you, choose a car that you like. I would say buy an M2. The initial cost is cheaper, and the maintenance is about the same.

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Afraid_Twist_8542@reddit

Hungarian roads alone can make any car owner cry, you will hate firm, sporty suspension here

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HexaX@reddit

gif

Wtf I even read.

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