Worth it? '89 325is

[paulkeith]

I posted up a question about this car's engine the in M20 forum, since then I've gotten a few more details about the car from the owner.

Background: its a '89 325is, 188k, 5spd

Bad: cracked head but cylinder walls in "good condition." possible central locking issue. resprayed from "dark silverish" to black, didn't paint jambs (sounds like bottom dollar respray). worn front seats with crapola seat covers.

Good: he says rest of electronics, sunroof, etc work fine, dash has no cracks, new tires.

So, ulimately what is this car worth? Between the cracked head and low quality respray are we talking a <$1k car?

I'm pretty OK with picking up a bit of a project, but would like to pick the brains of you veteran e30 guys. I have tools and skills to do almost everything except paint and maybe tranny work myself. I have a line on a replacement motor for a decent price, I'm ok hunting for some seats and ironing out some eletrical gremlins here and there, but will I end up with a valueable result or get in way over my head? What say the experts?

I attached the few pics of the car that I have. I'm going to check it out Saturday and would like a little ammo from you guys as to the true value.

Thanks,
Paul

[FredK]

It completely depends upon your intent. If you plan on buying the car, getting it up to snuff mechanically, then using it as a beater, this car would be a great candidate. Otherwise, start with a better base.

It is like running $10 vodka through a Brita filter 5 times. You've paid $10 for the vodka, but you just paid another $10 for the Brita filter, when you could have just gotten a better vodka to begin with.

[bimmerboy08]

see if he'll take $500. I've heard of guys getting running e30s for $700 so it only seems fair.

[paulkeith]

My intent? Cosmetically 6-7/10, mechanically 10/10 daily driver that i can autox and maybe track for the next year or two, then probably sell it off if experience has taught me anything about how quick I get tired of cars. Just not looking for something I'll be way upside down on if I try to sell it later.

[delfin]

$1000 max

[Collin]

Unless you pay <500 for this thing you're never going to sell it for more than you spend fixing it.

I would wait for something better to come along.

[GotCone?]

I paid $800 for a runner/driver. '87 325is

[StereoInstaller1]

OK, here is the deal.

What that car is worth is maybe $750.

Personally, I think I got a far better starting point for $500 when I got my wifes car.

BUT, for $750, you could buy the thing, spray the door jams, fix the mechanicals, re-do the seats, fix whatever the hell is wrong with the motor, do your suspension, fresh wheels/tires whatever bullshit you need to do for another $2500, (I know you can because I can do it for half of that) assuming you do all the work yourself...and if you do a good enough job on it, you could drive the thing for 3 years and sell it for $5K, easily.

This car depends on the buyer.

GL!
Luke

[2002maniac]

sell it for $5K, easily.

No way man! Not with a shoddy paintjob.

I would buy that car for no more than $500.

[ZM Blue Devil]

I would pass, my rule is either great engine/mechanics or great body... Sounds like this one has issues on both. I would say no way any more then 500

[TexasTerp]

no more than 500. Wait it out, find a better starting point, cracked head is no good.

[fiercee30]

buy it for 500 like they said, and DO WORK and get that bad boy running.

[thereisnoyun]

I would pass as well. this sounds like a bucket of coverups. I wouldnt do it. 300 for part out :P

[paulkeith]

my rule is either great engine/mechanics or great body.

...that's what she said?




Yeah, you guys are making a point. I'm checking the car out this weekend. He's asking $1500 and I was thinking of offering around the $1k mark but yall are making me think even that is high.

I'll see what she looks like in person and what kind of bottom dollar we're talking about. The guy told me he bought it from his wife's cousin (yeah..) and had it for 2 days before he was losing oil into the coolant.

I've had a good bit of trouble trying to find a 89-91 325iS locally that isn't $6k+.

Thanks for the input,
Paul

[xwill112x]

i got my 91' 318i, perfect condition for $1800.
one of my friends got a 85' eta for $250 running and driving

you can do much better <500