Advice on a Craigslist Add.

[colinargue]

Hi, i'm new to the forums here so i'm sorry if i posted to wrong area ill delete and post it else where if i did.

I have been in the market for a e30, specifically a turbo charged e30. I have found a listing on craigslist that looks pretty solid. I just need advice on a couple of things:
1) You think it will be daily drivable?
2) I know it wont pass smog so how much work and money will it cost in order to get it passed smog? (this question is important because my dad wont allow me to buy it if its illegal to drive. (im in CA)
3) I'm 18 and i have been searching for a e30 for 5 months. I earned all the money on my own (i work 4-5days a week on top of school) I guess im telling you this because I want you to know that I worked my ass off for that much money and I will have to pay for all repairs myself also.

Here is the Car:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/3054032266.html

any feedback will be helpful!

Thanks,
Colin

[adjmcloon]

Looks nice, I would run the VIN and probably spend the $100 on an inspection

[Farbin Kaiber]

You are 18 and your Dad won't let you buy whatever car you want?

Also, it's 100% illegal in California.

[colinargue]

No.

I'm 18 I can buy what I want but I would prefer to have my dad on my side just in case I need to borrow money to keep it running. His only requirement for a car is that it is legal. I would also want a legal car for obvious reasons.

I'm located 1 hour away from the car how would I do an inspection? just call around for a local shop?

P.s. I know it wont pass but isnt it a easy fix to make it legal?

[Robert]

This car was worked on by a local e30 shop, that's well known by the e30 community in SoCal JMP Autowerkz. Very nice car too.

This car can be daily driven. Also , for smog that shouldn't be a problem.. Theirs plenty of shops around LA that charge $150 for any car to pass smog...

[Cha Ching]

This car was worked on by a local e30 shop, that's well known by the e30 community in SoCal JMP Autowerkz. Very nice car too.

This car can be daily driven. Also , for smog that shouldn't be a problem.. Theirs plenty of shops around LA that charge $150 for any car to pass smog...

This is a man in the know!

[Farbin Kaiber]

Theirs plenty of shops around LA that charge $150 for any car to pass smog...

But, at the end of the day, that is still "illegal", and if the buyer looking for a "legal" car were to be pulled over, and the officer inspected the car, it could be deemed "illegal" and create quite a mess for the buyer looking for a "legal" car.

[Robert]

You are correct. But He will never get a legal, turbo e30 in California.

[Farbin Kaiber]

If he want's a turbo e30 in California that is legal, he needs to buy one of these.

http://heart.sdsu.edu/~website/M3/m3turbo.html

[colinargue]

if I read the correctly its a 13,xxx$ kit. I don't think my Delivery job will cut it.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Well, if you want to play, you gotta pay. I think if you want a "legal", powerful e30, a BAR ref'ed OBDII s52 is the way to go. You'll be closer to the cost of an e30 +/-$6,000.

[mikeb23ft]

If you're a delivery driver you don't want a lowered turbo E30. Look for a stock 5 speed car. Delivery driving will ruin cars, I've done it to a few, not worth it.

[IneedaRIDE]

You better get it befor I do kid.

[colinargue]

Yeah I think I'm going to search for a s52/s50 swap. Turbo would be my first choice but I'd prefer to stay out of the legal grey area. I would want to get the car BAR approved.

[leadphut]

Looks like a clean ride. I, myself, am always leery of turbo'd cars. Just skeptical that the PO didn't turn up the boost and abuse the engine.

With that being said, if it's what you're after, pull the trigger. You earned the money and seem ready to take the responsibility of maintaining the car.

Personally, I'd keep looking for a clean s52 swap. Keep saving and find someone who has even done the 5 lug swap. They keep popping up for a little more than what you've already saved.

Regardless, welcome and keep us posted!

:up: