Potential e30. All thoughts and opinions encouraged

[JonTheHero22]

Hey guys so I came across this craigslist add for, in my opinion, a decent price for what it seems (seems being the key word). There are a few problems with it though, which is why I'm asking for some input from you pros out there and my fellow e30 enthusiasts. Here is the post:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/4461136787.html

So from what I can tell the overall car doesn't look to bad, a few dents and paint fading but nothing too serious. The mechanical issues, however, could turn me away. The oil seepage mentioned in the post, do you guys have any idea what it could be and would it be an expensive fix? He also states that the cat is bad, I've been trying to find replacement information on the web but most threads I find tell everyone to delete the cat. Since I'm in Cali and the car needs to pass smog, that's not really an option. Do you guys have any information about replacing cats, should I stick to OEM or go for an high flow aftermarket? And if you guys find anything in the add that I could use to haggle the price down that'd be awesome. I hope I can get the help I'm looking for from all you awesome peoples out there. I'm going to look at the car tomorrow and I plan to take pictures and stuff so I should be updating this thread with pics and what not pretty soon. Thanks again guys 8)

[TurboJake]

M20's tend to seep oil from 3 places, VC gasket, Bitch tube seal, and/or oil pan/rear main seal. VERY Common things, and all easy fixes. Minus the rear seal for an auto.... That's a pretty big pain. He states that it's the valve cover too... It's probably not the only place, but there's no real reason for concern unless it's spewing out.

Get a california replacement cat. Not necessarily OEM. It's been covered on here.

It's very rare for me to say this. But his asking price isn't actually half bad from what I see. Maybe just throw out 1750 cash and haggle from there.

[flyboyx]

i agree with jake.

[JonTheHero22]

So, if I go ahead and pick it up, based off of what you guys can see, it wouldn't be too bad of a deal for around 1750 or so?

[JonTheHero22]

Could someone link me to the California Replacement Cat thread?

[TurboJake]

So, if I go ahead and pick it up, based off of what you guys can see, it wouldn't be too bad of a deal for around 1750 or so?

No, I was saying it isn't a half bad deal at $2k, but if you're absolutely hell bent on getting it cheaper, flash $1750 cash in front of them.

As for the cat thread, you can find it. If you're buying the car, you need to start refining your searching skills because you will be doing a loooottt of searching, or facing the wrath of the R3V mob.

[JonTheHero22]

Lol Thanks, I guess I better get looking then

[Vivek]

Don't forget head gasket. M20 HG's love to leak oil and there's not much you can do about it from what I've read.