Opinions on possible purchase

[nickc3]

http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/4238773158.html

I am hoping for some feedback on this car. I'd be new to the e30 scene, but I am fairly knowledgeable (I hope). Have a b5 s4 and a miata that I work on. Always been a fan of e30s and was looking for a fairly inexpensive one for a project. Owner says its a 325is, pleasant surprise when I called him. I am taking a look tomorrow, read through a lot of the "what to look for" posts.

Just hoping someone can let me know if there is anything that stands out. That front lip looks like an e36 one to me for some reason. Thanks in advance!

[Chessmaster]

Yeah its a 87 325is by the looks of it, wither way at that price just look for rust in common areas other than that sunroof panel itself, or major dent/body work. Chexk those rear tails, battery tray, the sunroof area on the body itself, fender wells, the coners of under body near doors/fender wells, and glass gaskets.
And its missing a air flow meter, and just see if he has recipient s of any replaced parts lol.

The sunroof panel it self take 10mins to replace and so does the door. Should spend about ~150 to replace both, and bout $4-600 to replace most stuff maintenance wise.

[Chessmaster]

So yeah if it turns on and doesnt smoke, and doesnt ride like a boat hitting rough water, I would buy it. Try to negotiate abit to a 6-800 range at least. I personally could flip that for 2k if it doesnt have toobmuch mechanical probs. And its all stock by looks. Ohh and check for white residue under oil cap, its a sign of coolant leaking in to engine.

[delatlanta1281]

That car is going to need a lot of work. I can tell by just looking at the tail lights. You would have to put more than a gran of labor and parts to make it a 2k car. Buy it for no more than 600, and understand, to get it up to snuff, you will spend more than its worth. So keeping it is a good option,

[Tisoc]

Meh, I would shell out a bit more coin, & opt for this instead, even if it is an auto. http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/4209244401.html

[YosemiteSam]

I'd suggest passing on that. It looks to be in really rough shape. Save up some more money and buy a nicer car when the option presents its self.

[nickc3]

I appreciate all the responses!
I was hoping to find one I put a little work in to and flip, but I also wouldn't mind getting one into pretty good shape and hanging on to it for awhile. I don't think I'm wrong in saying the value is on the rise and obviously they're awesome cars.

People in the area are asking (and I realize that doesn't mean getting) around 3k for good shape e30s and I have storage space so I don't mind sitting on it for awhile. Or driving it haha

[TimKninja]

Needs a shitload of paintwork. Everything in the interior is made out of duct tape.

$500 car if even that, It is a Manual IS tho. So it is more desireable.

[nickc3]

Yeah the manual is the big draw. But I won't rush into because of that. Anything that might be specific to this car I should look closely at?

[flyboyx]

it looks like it was crapped out of bigfoots butthole. just because its an is, doesn't mean it has any more value in the condition its in. if you intend to restore it and your budget is limited, i would pass and spend more money on a better car. much cheaper in the long run. it looks like it would make a good 500.00 parts car though.

[nickc3]

Haha well thats a vivid image. I wouldn't say "limited" budget, I'd like to put enough in to make it worth more than I'll invest. And I do realize that can mean a lot of things. All the mechanical stuff I'm pretty sure I can do myself, the body work is one of those "i have a friend who can help me out" deals so I don't know. Where's the point of no return with these things? haha

[TheTacoMan]

Op, A friend of mine owns that car. I wouldnt pay close to a grand for it. Maybe 200-300 is what its worth. Thats also incidentally what he paid for it.

[nickc3]

Haha well I appreciate the heads up. Is there money to be made if I can get it that low?

[TheTacoMan]

Considering it has rust, the diff is most likely dead after that many miles, the interior is trashed has like 230k on the odo if it even works and i think it sat for a while. Id stay far far from it. Even if its an "is" its pretty dead looking .

[AndrewBird]

That's a parts car IMO.