CL find: Poor man's m3!!!

[shaferbm]

No affiliation. I wish I were the owner though! (Then I wouldn't be selling!);)

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/2815248323.html

[grays]

m3????????????

[ButtJuice]

m3????????????

318is' are known to be the 'poor man's' m3 because it is also a dohc 4 banger... I think that's why.

NICE find OP.

[GUERONASTY]

That's a steal!

[alexw]

I've been messaging the owner. He doesn't seem to be an enthusiast. He told me there are some minor body issues... He also said it does have a sunroof-

"Yes has sunroof a couple small rust spots no Rot through or holes just a little bit of surface and alittle bubbling front facia is a little rusty and beat up and rear facia has a dent by exhaust *and 2 small dimples in the driver fender"

Seems like a decent car regardless... But he seemed slow to respond for someone who wants to sell a car, and still hasn't sent more photos...

[samiam3356]

shadowline on red looks so good

[shaferbm]

Thanks. I didn't even call the guy, but only having 80k is definitely a plus. I figured someone on here would jump at it, where I can't.
Also no real m3 sorry guys!

[devon.818]

poor man's m3 because it is balanced very closely and pulls nearly the same g on the skid pad.

[keefy6]

wow, nice..correct me if i'm wrong but i think value is going up for E30s.

[110stx]

Ah, I dunno about this "poor man's ///M3" business. I think the people who believe that have never driven a proper, S14-powered ///M3.

Don't get me wrong. I love my 318is. It has a lot more 2002 in its DNA than my e30 325i.

But the e30 ///M3 is a completely different animal. It's like comparing a house cat to a mountain lion. Yeah, they're both cats ...

That said, this car looks to be a helluva good deal. Low mileage etc. And like I said, I love my 318is. Feels so light and nimble, great turn-in, very predictable.

d.hitchcock

[archie]

Beautiful car.

[devon.818]

actually the 318 is better than the m3, my apollogize.

e30 m3 skid pad stock: .82g
e30 318i/is skid pad stock : .83g


its not about the power aspect, its about the handling.

/nuff said

[I Want 318is]

So I registered to post this:

I was texting the seller of this car back and forth a couple of times last week. Very short, one word responses to my questions, like he wasn't interested. Same as the other poster above, no additional pics, yes the AC works, yes sunroof. Won't respond to my question about needing any major work, or major work done in his ownership. Fine.

So I tell him, I have cash, and can drive out this (last) weekend to buy the car, if he could text me the VIN so I can check it out. Seems reasonable to me. I haven't heard back. No text, I emailed, no response, I called on Saturday, his voicemail box is full.

I have no interest in bothering this man, and honestly feel bad if I did, but it seems fishy to me to break off contact once I try to get the VIN off him. Perhaps one of you guys has better luck, or are closer to check it out yourselves. Just be wary.

I'm not trying to imply this is a scam. For all I know, his wife is making him sell it, and he's trying his hardest to keep it. If that's the case, best of luck to him. The whole thing just seems odd.

[alexw]

^^^

It seems to be the same thing I'm dealing with as well. He hasn't ever responded to emails, or continued requests for more photos. Not sure what's up.

[carloserna]

deal of the century!!!!!! no lie