John, when my daughter needed a car 2 years ago, I looked at all my options. I wanted something safe and reliable, that she would have through her college years. After looking at Hondas. Toyotas and the like, I ended up buying her an E46 (2003 3251). It was 3 years old and a CPO car (6 yr, 100k warranty). It came standard with 8 air bags, skid control, ABS and all the other great things that make a BMW so nice to drive. It has been a very good choice. Except for oil changes and one set of tires and belts, no other cash spent. She loves the car and takes very good care of it, being the prowd owner of her first Bimmer. All that for less than the cost of a striped down Honda. Good luck.