New Member Looking For Some Insight

[Fcknslo]

Hey guys, thanks for being so kind as to looking at this thread.
As you can tell I'm new and really just decided to come on this forum to ask a few questions.
I recently just lost my car due to parental divorce. Unfortunatly It left their kid without a car (me)
I stubled across craigslist an e30 325 automatic with less than 100k for 600.
I like the way the car looks but I'm more of an manual driver.
Just curious that for the price do you think the car is worth it or should I invest elsewhere. I guess I'm just looking for the automatic owners to tell me their expeirences and maybe some things to look out for.
Thank you for your time. I appreciate it :)

[ThaiRacer]

What year is it?

[pureaudio]

$600 for a car with less than 100k on the clock sounds like a pretty good deal. I guess it depends on the condition of the car though. If its all good besides the auto then you can always do a tranny swap later on.

[Fcknslo]

I believe 89

[Red88]

As an autotragic car owner, I can tell you a five speed swap is pretty damn straight forward.

[imdashiz]

get this. http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/cto/1468479531.html

[Fcknslo]

If I had the cash I would in a heartbeat.
Sadly I have about 800.
so the automatic one fits in my budget range.
as to the manual swap being straight forward. is there some type of kit or just looking for everything part by part because If you say its straight forward I would love to see what I might be putting myself into

[imdashiz]

it can be straightforward if you are well commited to do it. if you do decide to do it, many of us on this forum would be glad to help. Plus there are some locals that can help you out too.

[Fcknslo]

Well I would love to considering that I can get my life back in order.
When I got my car taken away I basically lost that along with my job. leaving me at home desperate for a local job which was no where near possible lol
Thanks imdashiz. I hope to keep you in touch then lol

[JTapper]

That's a good deal. I paid $2600 for an 87 E30 with 240k on the clock.


But it was a completely rust and bodywork free vert with a freshly rebuilt 2.5L and diff.

[whiltebeitel]

When was the timing belt last replaced? Check for rust at the corners of the rear bumpers, along the rocker panels, at the base of the windshield, etc. Some rust won't hurt, and would be expected at this price point, but avoid MAJOR rust.

Make sure the heat works, no water under the front of the transmission tunnel at the base of the dash.

Look for any damage to the underside of the car, from the front. The oil pan hangs low, and can get whacked.

Listen for clunks and weird sounds when you take it for a test drive. The engine will sound kinda like a sewing machine, that's normal. Push on the wheels at 12 & 6 o'clock, then 9 & 3 o'clock. Any play at 12 and 6 means bad wheel bearings, not hard to replace in the front, but a pain in the rear. Play at 9 & 3 can mean bad controll arms, tie rods, and/or bushing up front. The rear shock mounts can go out and will make noise. Cheap and easy to replace if you have to. (located in the trunk, pull back carpeting on the sides to see them)

That's just a few things I would do

[imdashiz]

No problem. im just a kid too. (17). oh and last time i went to the Pick n Pull (junkyard) they had 2 e30's and both had manual transmissions. so i dont think itll be that expensive to do a swap.

[Fcknslo]

thats awesome!!
Theres one right by me like 4 blocks away on archer

[Fcknslo]

bumppp

[N2MYE30]

I have one of each tranny in my e30s and the 5spd is definitley for more fun. The auto is laid back and for cruzin but a swap to 5spd is in the long range plan (unless it drops out by itself). For $600 and good condition...might be worth it.

Tranny swap