Revealed: the best bargain cars of the 1990s

The BMW 3 Series (E36) has been named the best affordable car of the 1990s by Bargain Cars magazine.

Launched in 1990, the third-generation 3 Series shared virtually nothing with its predecessor, the E30. Noticeably bigger than before, the E36 also featured a pair of double headlights, now sat behind glass covers.

There was an E36 for everyone, from a lowly 316i producing 98hp to a 316hp six-cylinder M3. Five body styles were offered: four-door saloon, three-door coupe, convertible, estate (Touring) and hatchback (Compact).

It was voted into first place by followers of Bargain Cars on Facebook and Instagram. The popular BMW narrowly beat a pair of sports cars to top the poll, finishing ahead of the Mazda MX-5 and MGF. The car pictured was formerly owned by Retro Motor MD Richard Aucock.

Other 90s classics to make the top 10 included the Jaguar XJ, Ford Mondeo and BMW 5 Series (E39).

Bargain Cars editor Peter Simpson said: “It’s cars of the 1990s that offer the most in terms of future classic appeal and investment potential, yet they’re still capable of being maintained at home and being used daily.

“There’s a huge groundswell of enthusiasm for cars of this era and the diversity of the top models voted for by our readers and followers shows that the passion is very real for all types of 90s classic.”

Top 10 bargain cars of the 1990s

1. BMW 3 Series (E36)
2. Mazda MX-5
3. MGF
4. Jaguar XJ
5. Ford Mondeo
6. BMW E39
7. Alfa Romeo 156
8. Citroen Saxo
9. Peugeot 306
10. Fiat Bravo/Brava

Predictably, we took this opportunity to spend some time on the Auto Trader website in search of 90s gems. There are 63 BMW E36s for sale, with prices ranging from £700 for a tired Compact registered in 2000, to £9,995 for a ‘showroom condition’ 323i Convertible.

In fact, E36 Convertible prices have gone up since we last looked. While it’s possible to buy one for less than £5,000, the good ones are approaching £10,000.

MX-5 prices range from £1,000 to £3,500, while MGFs sell for between £1,000 and £5,000.

With 40 cars for sale, you can afford to be picky when looking at Jaguar XJs, but you’ll need to find between £2,000 and £10,000 for the privilege.

There are two examples of the Fiat Bravo for sale on Auto Trader, both of which cost less than £500. One is a non-runner, while the other, a T-reg, looks decent value with 58,500 miles on the clock.

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Alfa Romeo 156: the car that failed to take on the BMW 3 Series