The 5000.00 Stock E30

[M3Fan]

So here's a question for you all: What would you expect to find in an E30 for 5000.00? No mods, non-M3? I've seen a couple lately for 4-5K and I'd like to know what is expected in a stock car of this range. Condition, maintenance, mileage? In my mind I'm thinking:

< 150,000 Miles
Zero electrical issues/gremlins
All maintenance up to date
Recent Clutch (if applicable)
Great Original paint
Zero Rust
Full Maintenance History

My last E30 was a 1000.00 one, and I know I don't want to go the cheap E30 route again. However, 4-5K seems very high for one in decent condition. The "2500-3500" category has really been vacant recently. I've either found beater nightmares or people that want 4K+ in the past couple months of daily searching. Thoughts?

Also, what's most important? I'd hate to buy one with all of the qualities above, but with 180K on the clock because in 20K miles I'd have a 200K car that might be harder/impossible to sell without losing quite a bit of my initial investment. Is that a valid thought?

[Jean]

Mileage doesn't matter as much as records/maint.

And, cars aren't investment ;)

[StereoInstaller1]

I know of a damn clean 318is in that middle price bracket FS by a guy that I trust more than I trust myself...

[M3Fan]

I know of a damn clean 318is in that middle price bracket FS by a guy that I trust more than I trust myself...

Send info my way via PM!

[M3Fan]

Mileage doesn't matter as much as records/maint.

And, cars aren't investment ;)

Would you pay 5K for a well maintained stock non-M3 E30 with 180K on the clock?

[ThaiRacer]

Men I had my 91 318is Listed for 2k. and no1 was biting.

[Erick]

Men I had my 91 318is Listed for 2k. and no1 was biting.

that's because it was mint!

[ThaiRacer]

Well for 2k I think it was more then a good deal. But its whatever I'm keeping it and making it look good

[z31maniac]

Would you pay 5K for a well maintained stock non-M3 E30 with 180K on the clock?

No.

Unless it seriously had all major maintenance done very recently (brakes/timing belt water pump, control arms, CABs, subframe and RTABs, good diff, fresh fluids, radiator/thermostat, fresh brakes, etc etc), PERFECT PAINT, PERFECT sport interior.

Not even so much as a speck of rust.

[george graves]

Whats the point of buying a stock, well maintained e30 when everyone plans on ripping it apart and modding it and replacing all those new parts anyways?

[Wh33lhop]

Whats the point of buying a stock, well maintained e30 when everyone plans on ripping it apart and modding it and replacing all those new parts anyways?

Those are kind of my sentiments as well, but I guess until you replace all that shit you're going to have to deal with whatever suspension, brakes, bushings etc are on there. That, and I think it'd be nice to drive a mint condition stock E30 for awhile.

[Need4Speed1299]

Imho, unless you have no intentions of working on your car, you would be better off buying something cheaper with a clean body and fixing it up. But to answer your question, would I pay 5g for a mint e30? No.

[Mauiwowi]

save up another 5 and buy a e30 m3 or keep looking.

[vr2jetta]

Whats the point of buying a stock, well maintained e30 when everyone plans on ripping it apart and modding it and replacing all those new parts anyways?

So you know some dumb fuckin' kid hasent been all through your car doing god knows what just like his friend with the honda. I would rather buy a bone stock E30 than a modded one any day.

[RainierHooker]

So you know some dumb fuckin' kid hasent been all through your car doing god knows what just like his friend with the honda. I would rather buy a bone stock E30 than a modded one any day.

Bingo!
We are still trying to work through all the garbage the PO bolted onto my Dad's '89 325is...