New member - current EV driver looking for i3 for teen driver/project car

[turns2stone]

Hello all,

I'm a long time BMW owner - first saw the i3 at the Welt in 2011, and have always loved their quirky style and modern interior. Since 2011, I've owned a few M3s, X3 and have moved onto Teslas for my daily drivers.

But I've got a teen driver that will be ready soon, and don't mind taking on some of the hassles of a project/used car (I normally always buy new).

Based on some basic research, I think I'm looking for a 2017+ with a 94Ah battery. I have cheap charging at home, and the range is not a concern for a teen driver.

Since I've lived with EVs for 5+ years, the REX option seems like more (potential) headache than benefit for my use case. Correct?

I'd also prefer the most modern tech realistically available - CarPlay would be a huge plus.

Which models/price ranges should I be looking for? I'm located in Dallas, TX.

 

[Mondomensch]

Tbh, personally I’d be a bit concerned about mixing the fast acceleration of an i3 with a new teen driver (vs a boring but adequate performing car).

I think you’re right about going with no REX in this case. I’d also try to get a 2020 or later as improvements to things like the AC compressor have apparently been made, lessening the chances of totaling the car due to compressor failure and resulting battery cooling system damage.

I have missed the lack of side blind spot warning, but find the backup camera and front/back parking obstacle detection system work well.

Being new to used BMWs, I found out only after I bought my car that online vendors on eBay and elsewhere can supply the official BMW service/repair history for less than $10 once supplied with the VIN. That should also include the list of options as built. You may have better luck finding a deal at a non-BMW dealer that got an i3 as a tradein and just wants to get rid of it, especially if they’ve had it for a while. Good luck!

 

[mojo]

I'd agree with Mondomensch about putting a new driver in an i3. The car has the potential to get an inexperienced driver into trouble very quickly.

If you haven't already, I would first get some insurance quotes. The situation in the US may be different, but in the UK, an i3 would be insanely expensive to insure for a new driver.

 

[EvanstonI3]

You may discover that finding a BEV may be difficult, as the REX seems to have been far more available. I know that when I was looking for our BEV in 2020, we had to have it shipped from Washington State to Chicagoland because the ratio of REX to BEV available was like 10:1

 

[turns2stone]

Tbh, personally I’d be a bit concerned about mixing the fast acceleration of an i3 with a new teen driver (vs a boring but adequate performing car).

I think you’re right about going with no REX in this case. I’d also try to get a 2020 or later as improvements to things like the AC compressor have apparently been made, lessening the chances of totaling the car due to compressor failure and resulting battery cooling system damage.

I have missed the lack of side blind spot warning, but find the backup camera and front/back parking obstacle detection system work well.

Being new to used BMWs, I found out only after I bought my car that online vendors on eBay and elsewhere can supply the official BMW service/repair history for less than $10 once supplied with the VIN. That should also include the list of options as built. You may have better luck finding a deal at a non-BMW dealer that got an i3 as a tradein and just wants to get rid of it, especially if they’ve had it for a while. Good luck!

I'd agree with Mondomensch about putting a new driver in an i3. The car has the potential to get an inexperienced driver into trouble very quickly.

If you haven't already, I would first get some insurance quotes. The situation in the US may be different, but in the UK, an i3 would be insanely expensive to insure for a new driver.

You may discover that finding a BEV may be difficult, as the REX seems to have been far more available. I know that when I was looking for our BEV in 2020, we had to have it shipped from Washington State to Chicagoland because the ratio of REX to BEV available was like 10:1

I feel pretty good about my teen's maturity level in regards to being responsible with a quicker-than-average car. My younger child... well, that's a problem for another day and definitely a more realistic concern

Good reminder to check insurance quotes!

Regarding REx vs. BEV... wow you guys are right, BEV is hard to find!
EDIT: what is the typical price delta for REx vs. BEV? For a '20 model, similarly equipped?