WTB Mechanically sorted manual 325 coupe

[TriniBoy]

I’m on the market for my first E30, it’s always a car I’ve wanted, and now is the right time to get the ball rolling.

Must have requirements:

• My preference is a 325i, but will also consider 318i’s as well
• Manual Transmission
• Clear title
• 2 door coupe, not interested in convertibles
• AC is a must, servicing required is okay
• Must be a mechanically sorted vehicle, would need this car to be up and running as a DD straight away. I am no mechanical engineer so I’ll be learning on this car, I’ll rather it be in order and learn as I go
• I have some leeway on the electrics, but would prefer if this was all in order as well
• History of the work done on the car would be handy, maintenance records etc
• I’m not too bothered about the interior or the condition of the exterior, obviously I would rather there was no rust

I’m located in Dallas TX, and I would rather find one locally or in a neighbouring state, but if one pops up in California (as all the good ones seem to live there) I’ll be happy to make the journey, and negotiate shipping arrangements :-)

I’m a bit flexible on my budget but ideally I think $4,500 would fetch me a fair deal on what I am after? Feel free to PM me advice on that.

I’m new here obviously (from my spanking new noobie status), the R3V community came in highly recommended to me, and I already love what I see, hoping I can find the right car soon.

[TriniBoy]

Ok so I've found what seems to be an original 1985 325e at a dealership

• One previous owner
• Mileage 148k
• Working AC and Odo
• Auto check score of 46
• No rust, body has light hail damage
• 7/10 interior, driver side seat has some rips
• No leaks
• Small crack on dash

Dealership says they’ve got no maintenance records, or no list of work done to the car.

It’s listed at $5,600

From the more experienced members, would you say that’s a fair price?
I appreciate it might be tough to say based on those high level facts, but any guidance appreciated.

I can probably get a few pics if that would help.

Also I’ve not seen the car in person yet, it’s a 600 mile trek, so looking for advice before I make the journey.

Thanks

[wcipolli]

You can ask for a pre-purchase inspection - they can either take the car to a place of your choice or there are actually places that will go look at the car for you. I was lucky enough to post and get a fellow forum member to go check out the car.

I think we can all agree that anything in good, daily driver condition doesn't really go for less than 5k. If it's actually in great condition then 5500 is a reasonable starting place.

Not having the records always makes me uneasy - when you negotiate you have to assume nothing has been done.

[TriniBoy]

^^
Thanks for the guide.
I agree with you on the records, and assuming the worst.

I'll ask around the forum and see if I'm as lucky as you were!

Any members in Colorado Springs?

[TriniBoy]

After some knowledge from a fellow forum member, I've decided to skip the E and focus on the I.
Still on the market.