What do you think this will cost to fix?

[Holland]

It's definitely salvageable if you are willing to do the work, if you just want a car that you can get in and drive look elsewhere.

[Need4Speed1299]

The process for replacing the quarter would consist of-

washing the car
removing the back glass
removing the seem sealer
drilling off the spot welds
removing the quarter and other components
straightening everything out
welding in a new quarter
seam sealing the quarter
preping the quarter and bumper
painting and clear coating the quarter and new bumper
wet sanding and buffing the quarter
buying and installing tail light and bumper

The process for repairing the quarter-

washing car
removing paint
straightening out quarter
bondo and primer on quarter
scuffing and preping quarter and new bumper
painting and clear coating the quarter and new bumper
wet sanding and buffing the quarter
buying and installing tail light and bumper


So pretty much the price can depend on repairing or replacing. With body work you often pay more for labor than paint and supplies. Repairing would be quicker and cost less. You would need to know the labor times which can be looked up. Also, you would need to know the charge for paint and supplies, waste disposal, and tax.

Knowing body work can save you a fortune.

[BrooklynMW]

I would definitely have to have someone else do it. Eventually I would like to learn to work on car myself but now is not the time. The seller claims the car runs perfect otherwise, and it did NOT damage the frame, nor suspension, but I'll believe that when I see it. Also, he is willing to replace the bumper and taillight himself, which would knock off those costs for me.

I would probably just repair, not replace. I have a good honest mechanic in my neighborhood who would do the job for, I'm guessing a few hundred $. However, I'm still up in the air, cuz I don't want to find out it needs some serious framework.

The seller is asking $1800. Based on that, I would be willing to put in $1000 worth of repairs. If I talk the seller down in price, more money could go towards the repair.

On the other hand, this car is an automatic, and might not be worth all the trouble.

[BrooklynMW]

thanks everybody for your input. still making up my damn mind

[Norwegiandane]

Yeah, if you're really wanting a five speed, and who doesn't when it comes to E30's, you should definitely hold off. If you thought you could buy it and sell it for a profit that's one thing, otherwise take a pass.