(potential) new e30 owner, opinions requested...

[lifespeed81]

I've been lurking around the forum for a while and learning all I can, and I believe I'm ready to pull the trigger. Any thoughts on this 325ix?

http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/5460552177.html

[Kershaw]

If you have the money, that looks like it's worth it. Obviously don't hesitate to negotiate down as far as you can.

I wish my e30 was in half as good of a shape aesthetically. Mechanically, I've gone through my entire car several times, but the rust and the scratched paint.. so bad. This ix looks great.

[chuckdizzle]

That IX looks like it was well cared for and comes with a lot of service history. Being rust free sweetens the deal.

[lifespeed81]

Drove the car today, it feels very tight and clean overall. My concerns lie with the 4.10 differentials, both drivability/wear and tear over time and mpg. Anyone with experience or ideas?

[TimeMachinE30]

Drove the car today, it feels very tight and clean overall. My concerns lie with the 4.10 differentials, both drivability/wear and tear over time and mpg. Anyone with experience or ideas?

Sure you're looking at the right car then?

[nando]

Its only a 4.5% difference from the 3.91s. Its not goung to cause more wear, and the difference in fuel economy will be small. 1mpg at most, except you can cruse at lower speeds in 5th, so its basically a wash.

[boogle2]

Also, if it bugs you that much, 3.91's arent that expensive to buy, or that difficult to swap in. And when I say not that difficult, I mean its a total pain in the ass, but really not that complicated haha.

Finding a good shell, that has no rust, and relatively intact is the number 1. Mechanical bits and bobs can be done later for little to no cost compared to rust repair.

[Nisse Järnet]

also, if it bugs you that much, 3.91's arent that expensive to buy, or that difficult to swap in. And when i say not that difficult, i mean its a total pain in the ass, but really not that complicated haha.

Finding a good shell, that has no rust, and relatively intact is the number 1. Mechanical bits and bobs can be done later for little to no cost compared to rust repair.

+1

[chuckdizzle]

Drove the car today, it feels very tight and clean overall. My concerns lie with the 4.10 differentials, both drivability/wear and tear over time and mpg. Anyone with experience or ideas?

The 4.10 came standard in automatic IXs and the difference in mpg from the 3.91 from manual cars is not much. The 4.10 won't cause more wear and tear