to buy or not to buy?

[XicemaniacX]

i am looking at buying a 1984 318i.It has 140k on both the engine and the body but there is a louder than normal tick in the engine that goes away with thicker oil. The seller thinks its something in the bottome end.it has a completely rebuilt suspension including (control arms, control arm bushings, sway bar links, shocks, struts, tie rods) as well as new pads and rotors.
It also has a new oem exhaust system in it with about 5 miles on it.
I am afraid that if i buy it the engine will quit on me and i will be faced with an engine swap(something i have no idea how to do but am willing to learn how to).There is also a big dent on the front right side that needs some work and it might need a new coat of paint.
The seller wants $1400. I offered $1000 but the seller said that was too low.
What would a good price be?

[Hartge_H27]

Hmmm. Well it looks like a good base. I would come up to 1100 or 1200 but not 1400. if the dent is on the fender that can be replaced very easy. As for the motor swap it, end of story.

[XicemaniacX]

Thanks for the advice after what some other people said and what you said i think im going to get it. I try and start a new thread to show work on it.

[JasonC]

Love the cherry red int. But i voted 1100

[XicemaniacX]

Yeah i think i would have to replace the front seats with sport seats. Do you think i should redo the backseat too even if its in good shape?

[XicemaniacX]

unless i can find a matching seat at a junkyard

[Gesucht]

Do you realize this may very well be a 'running project' ?
... it's gonna be a time and money pit.
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

[XicemaniacX]

What do you mean by a running project?

[RainierHooker]

Needs body work, needs paint, needs engine work (and its an m10). I voted $1000 but that'd be the MAX.

[Gesucht]

To my understanding, it's when you actually daily-drive the car, and also constantly fixing it while you are not driving.
So, it's like a couple of hours during weekdays after you finish your regular day job, and most weekends.
Not to mention, searching for cheap good-parts, and last but not least is... keep spending m o n e y.

[XicemaniacX]

This wont be my daily driver until i get alot of the work on it done i have a very reliable daily driver already.


cant i just replace the specific body panel where the dent is? and get the whole car repainted.
ill eventually be swapping the m10 out anyway.

[Mike325]

cant i just replace the specific body panel where the dent is? and get the whole car repainted.
ill eventually be swapping the m10 out anyway.

Ya, but you could also just save that $2500 at least and buy a nice car that does not need all the work. You should be looking at a car that is about $3500 and have a nice clean running car that will not be a money pit. This car is a money pit.

[JasonC]

To my understanding, it's when you actually daily-drive the car, and also constantly fixing it while you are not driving.
So, it's like a couple of hours during weekdays after you finish your regular day job, and most weekends.
Not to mention, searching for cheap good-parts, and last but not least is... keep spending m o n e y.

Its a $1000 26yo car. What more do you expect out of one for the price range its in???

[Gesucht]

The car may be better or worse in person, in terms of how much it worth, but that's subjective.

From my personal preference and past experience, i would look else where, and buy a cheaper e30 with blown motor transmission, but with stock condition good body / paint, etc for maybe ~ $500 ?
And do a complete swap upgrade.

IMO, if you buy this car now for $1000 (?)
Most likely, within 1 year you will spend another $1000 (time & money)at least !

Or, find a much better car with "no hidden fees" for ~ $2000

[Hartge_H27]

ok if u get it leave the interior alone for now. replace the fenders then strip the car down and go to macco for a same color paint job. then yank the motor out and swap in a cheap 24v. Yea u will have a couple grand into but it will be a desent looking car.