318is purchase opinions

[mattska]

I have a chance to by a 91 318is with about 110k. The owner thinks the headgasket blew but other than that its flawless. Alpine white, minty interior. Asking price is 3,500 to start and if it turns out it isn't the h/g then he wants more. The seller is a friend of mine so there isn't any question about the integrity of payment or truths regarding the car. I just didn't know if you guys thought that was a little high. I am a master tech at a saab/volvo dealer so I think I can take care of any issues I might come accross. I am ready to bite just because we get so few clean e30s up here in salty balls new england. Tell me what you think!

Thanks.

[shEck3lls0]

Still think thats alittle high with something that needs somewhat major work as a new headgasket and everything that goes along with it.

[selturk]

3,500 is high for an e30 with a blown head gasket. Does he have any service records?

[rjcaptsean]

Just paid $400 to refresh a head. Pressure test, resurfacing, replaced 2 exhaust valves. Valves are $25-$40 each and there are 16. Just that alone could add up quickly. Probably another $500 in misc gaskets, hoses, etc. that a job like that could entail. Being a Master Tech will help with the labor of course.

I would definitely figure that into the price. Seems high though.

[bmwm42]

that price is joke he could say it just needs a headgasket and this shit will just turn into a nightmare. Then again this engines are cheap as hell to replace anyway. id say 2k tops

[Nick_S]

I just paid 2k for mine. 91 IS, mileage unknown but approx 140k. Body is totally rust free, faded paint and very minor front end damage. Runs great although drips some oil. $3500 seems high for a potentially blown headgasket.

[g.ruff561]

If it isn't the head gasket he wants more????????????. WTF. Check with E30love. I just sold him a mint black interior, DS 318is with no rust, recent paint, oem black headliner, low miles, 85% tread michelin tires, ice cold a/c, new usb front/rear Alpine 126bt HU, Z3 antenna convert, Infinity 5.25 all 4 corners for $2,650 firm. Check the Members Rides build thread titled "and so it begins". the car is worth $1,500 to $1,800 max. If its not a hg its your gain. I would not negotiate "future value".

[Massimo]

If it isn't the head gasket he wants more????????????. WTF. Check with E30love. I just sold him a mint black interior, DS 318is with no rust, recent paint, oem black headliner, low miles, 85% tread michelin tires, ice cold a/c, new usb front/rear Alpine 126bt HU, Z3 antenna convert, Infinity 5.25 all 4 corners for $2,650 firm. Check the Members Rides build thread titled "and so it begins". the car is worth $1,500 to $1,800 max. If its not a hg its your gain. I would not negotiate "future value".

Truth this man speaks it.

[mattska]

Right on, Thanks for the input. I might see if he will take less for the car or just move on from it. I have read most of the recent M42 threads in this forum and it seems like every other one is about an overheating issue. I have a turbo 325 that is 98% done and it might make sense to finish that and either sell it first or trade to something else clean.

[jintermont]

I picked up my 91 alpine IS for 1k with very little surface rust and 220k miles.

[KenC]

If it's mint other than a headgasket, then $3500 is pretty fair. Even a good deal considering the HG is so cheap.

Any suspension mods?

[Martin C.]

Even with the lower mileage, the fact that the motor needs some work makes it too high for $3500. I think more like $2K or so, unless the seller fixes the engine issues then the $3.5K seems good...