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Advice for a newbie? Found a nice e30 at a used car lot

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    Advice for a newbie? Found a nice e30 at a used car lot

    Hey all, thanks for welcoming me to the site with open arms. I'm new around here. So much so, that I don't even own an e30 yet, but I've been in the market for one for a while now.

    Today, I've come across one that is damnnear my ideal e30. a 1987 4dr 325e, black/black, manual with 140,000 miles on it. Clean carfax, 1 owner. (I know I know, you're all saying, "eta??", While I would prefer an "i", I can't skoff at the gas mileage.

    The only problem is, it's at a used car dealership. . . in New Jersey.

    I've never bought a car from a used dealership, but I do know that they have a reputation for being a little shady, and for ripping you off. The photos of the car look very clean. Clean interior, and exterior, and the paint job appears to be ok. But there are no photos of the underbody, or the engine bay. Also, they are asking $3000 which I feel is a little high for an eta with 140,000miles.

    The other problem is I live in Brooklyn, and the car is over in Union, NJ. Having just sold my current car earlier this week, I would have to take public transportation out there. Which is fine, except I wouldn't be able to take the car over to my trusted mechanic here in Brooklyn. I have a checklist of things that I know to look out for myself, but I'm no mechanic, and I couldn't tell how the engine/transmission is.

    So what do you guys think? Should I throw caution to the wind, take a chance, and buy my dream car, at risk that the engine could fall out as soon as I take it off the lot? Should I negotiate the price? Should I not bother? etc etc etc. . . . .

    any e30 heads live near Union NJ, that would like a free lunch if they come with me tomorrow??
    '87 325i "Chewey" (RIP, my beloved)
    current:
    '01 e46 325iT "Dot" - #datwagonlife
    '87 e30 325i "Tui" - she has her mother's eyes

    #2
    Oh, by the way, here's the link to the dealer's site, if anyone wants to see what I'm talkin' bout:

    '87 325i "Chewey" (RIP, my beloved)
    current:
    '01 e46 325iT "Dot" - #datwagonlife
    '87 e30 325i "Tui" - she has her mother's eyes

    Comment


      #3
      Wow, a 4 cylinder eta.
      Originally posted by LJ851
      I programmed my oven to turn off when my pizza was done, should i start a build thread?

      Feedback

      Comment


        #4
        It's in New Jersey. I have a strict no used cars in New Jersey policy.
        2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4WD LBZ/Allison
        2002 BMW M3 Alpinweiß/Black
        1999 323i GTS2 Alpinweiß
        1995 M3 Dakargelb/Black
        - S50B32/S6S420G/3.91
        1990 325is Brilliantrot/Tan
        1989 M3 Alpinweiß/Black

        Hers: 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo Black/Black
        Hers: 1988 325iX Coupe Diamantschwartz/Black 5spd

        sigpic

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by chadthestampede View Post
          Wow, a 4 cylinder eta.
          No, no, it's a 2.7, inline 6. Just cuz it's an eta, don't mean it's a wussy . . . .

          Oh yes, I see what you mean now. Yes, they messed that one up. Is that a sign?
          '87 325i "Chewey" (RIP, my beloved)
          current:
          '01 e46 325iT "Dot" - #datwagonlife
          '87 e30 325i "Tui" - she has her mother's eyes

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by nrubenstein View Post
            It's in New Jersey. I have a strict no used cars in New Jersey policy.
            Ellaborate, please.

            By the way, my other current option is from a private owner in Connecticut. a 1987 325i. (not e!) Except it's got that bronze exterior, which I'm not crazy bout, and it's an automatic. However, this guy is a BMW tech, and will include a 3 year guarantee on the engine/transmission. He also say's if I choose to do a swap to manual in the future, he would do it at a fair price.
            '87 325i "Chewey" (RIP, my beloved)
            current:
            '01 e46 325iT "Dot" - #datwagonlife
            '87 e30 325i "Tui" - she has her mother's eyes

            Comment


              #7
              You need to hook up with the gutenparts guys and have them help you locate a car. www.gutenparts.com or ZM Blue Devil here on R3V. You can thank me after Levent finds you a creampuff.

              Tim


              1987 E30 cabrio | Bumper swap | H&R Sport | Koni Yellow | Eibach Sways | BavAuto strut bar | Cardinal seats
              MTech2 wheel | Husco Armrest | Smoked Hella Smileys | 5k HID | Stromung | RS003
              | Shadowline | Amber Fogs | Too much else to list



              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by VacMan View Post
                You need to hook up with the gutenparts guys and have them help you locate a car. www.gutenparts.com or ZM Blue Devil here on R3V. You can thank me after Levent finds you a creampuff.

                Tim
                x2 Levent (ZM Blue Devil) is a great guy to know on the forums. There isn't much he can't do or won't help you with.
                Recent Rebranding!!
                Visit Garageaholic for all of your E30 Swap Needs!
                E30 SM62/S62
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                  #9
                  x3, thats too much for that car anyhow. The dealer probably paid 500 for the car on a trade in. PM Levant, tell him what you are looking for and what you can spend and hopefully he will find something to fit your criteria.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    You can lowball the hell out of used car dealers, just start walking away after your offer of $1800 or so.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Good advice people, thanks!
                      '87 325i "Chewey" (RIP, my beloved)
                      current:
                      '01 e46 325iT "Dot" - #datwagonlife
                      '87 e30 325i "Tui" - she has her mother's eyes

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Check for rust in common areas such as the fender walls, backside of the door panels, the battery tray, and the metal bracketry for the rear license plate lights.

                        Any rust on the car will show there first. GOOD LUCK!
                        Recent Rebranding!!
                        Visit Garageaholic for all of your E30 Swap Needs!
                        E30 SM62/S62
                        E30 M60 V8
                        E30 M30 Big 6!




                        Check out this E36 N54 Swap Build
                        Instagram.com/garageaholic
                        Youtube.com/garageaholic

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Levent, who lives near the Car lot in NJ is willing to come with me to check out the black eta. That's a BIG BIG brownie point for New Jersey.
                          '87 325i "Chewey" (RIP, my beloved)
                          current:
                          '01 e46 325iT "Dot" - #datwagonlife
                          '87 e30 325i "Tui" - she has her mother's eyes

                          Comment


                            #14
                            That is huge.. you owe him. lol
                            Recent Rebranding!!
                            Visit Garageaholic for all of your E30 Swap Needs!
                            E30 SM62/S62
                            E30 M60 V8
                            E30 M30 Big 6!




                            Check out this E36 N54 Swap Build
                            Instagram.com/garageaholic
                            Youtube.com/garageaholic

                            Comment


                              #15
                              $3000 for an '87 ETA? It IS clean, but i dont think its $3K clean. Make sure speedo works and miles are accurate.
                              My Seller/Buyer Feedback

                              Performance Aftermarket Parts & Accessories

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