Average Cost Of An E30

[peter321]

I wouldn't pay over 3k. I only just purchased one but have been regularly (every week) checking craigslist, ebay, and here for the last 2 years on e30s. I don't know what it is, but prices have really changed. When I was first planning on buying an e30, I was expecting to pay 1500!

However, it cannot be forgotten that all value is subjective. There are still sooooooo many people that have no clue what kind of car they have. Thats who you buy an e30 from.

Heres my tips:
don't buy off ebay, and look at craigslist.

Expand your search areas!

Don't search with "e30" do searches of "1989 bmw" "1990 bmw" "1991 bmw" etc. You want people who are so stupid they don't even know they have an e30. People who when you email them saying "is the e30 still for sale?" they say "yes, but its a bmw 325i"

Get one with a working odometer, and one where the timing belt was just done. People will tell you broken odo is common, miles don't matter when its that old, whatever. All I can really speak from is experience, and in my experience I have only ever looked at e30s with working odds under 200k. There are more out there.

Get up and go see them! Don't just email and call. Talking/seeing the person says a lot. A bullshitter is a bullshitter and you can spot them a mile away. Walk away from those guys.

My last tip? Don't fucking settle. Deals are out there. I paid 2700 for mine and got everything I could ever want in an e30 (except a 5 speed!)

[naplesE30]

Like everyone said prices can be all over the place depending on what you want. Its what you would expect from a 20yrd old car, as conditions are different as well. However, even though prices have risen the resale also has risen so it cancels itself really. That is unless you rice the car out in which case youll get screwed.

I look for factory paint/panels, reputable tire brands all matching, maint records, and oem parts/accessories. Thatll be 5k plus but it will hold value. Please dont buy a oem car and put tein springs and shocks a wing, blah blah blah. Remember the oem look is what drew you to the car in the first place.

[adamthehossboss]

Sorry,
I was trying to make a joke about how my "designed in America, Assembled in Japan" car was JDM because of the engine. The only thing JDM about that car is the fact that it was built in the Toyota Tsutsumi plant in Japan. But my ability to type yesterday was f***ing terrible. My Bad.

[einhander]

technically it is, seeing how is has a vvti engine, that is very popular in the toyota. I know it is not as jdm as many other awesome cars, but still blood lines run deep hahahaha.

wtf

[adamthehossboss]

You said you want RWD. Not AWD. So, you want an i...

Also. lol at a scion being JDM.

Technically it is, seeing how is has a VVTI engine, that is very popular in the Toyota. I know it is not as JDM as many other awesome cars, but Still blood lines run deep hahahaha.

Also, I want an I but would swing for IX, that was why I was wondering. Is the IX just more parts to worry about breaking?

[adamthehossboss]

What everyone else said.

Don't know your plans but if I were you, I'd keep the Scion and buy an e30 to add to the stable, atleast initially. If you can't afford to, save some more. If you have a solid daily, you can buy a cheaper car and work as you go. Build it up the way you want. No point in getting rid of a car only to have your new one strand you.

That is somewhat the point, to at first put some time into the E30 while I drive the TC.
But the E30 will eventually turn into the DD as I want to accomplish some goals (redoing the interior/sound system) in the TC.

[TurboJake]

Also another newb question. 325i or ix? Is that dependent on owner?

You said you want RWD. Not AWD. So, you want an i...

Also. lol at a scion being JDM.

[adamthehossboss]

Thanks Everyone.

This is important because although it'll cost more in the end to get a project to daily status, the initial price will be much lower.

What are you looking for in a car, OP? Something to replace your scion which I'm assuming is a reliable daily driver?

Yes, the Scion is a good daily driver, but I want to invest more money into its sound system for a DB drag car, Not practical but something I have always wanted for the TC. So I want the E30 to have a nice, clean, fun E30 for a daily/project.

What I mean by project is the fact that I want to lower, rims, and slight sound system. Nothing terribly fancy, but something fun.

Thank you for all the responses guys.
Also another newb question. 325i or ix? Is that dependent on owner?

[heatmakerz]

POS: 500-2k
Decent specimen: 2500-4000K
Prime specimen:4000k and up.

Prices are super inflated at the moment OP. Just search and you will find.

[Haystack]

Picked up my 87 325 for 50 bucks. Granted its a basket case and needs a lot, suspension mostly. I'm about 500 into it now.


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[JinormusJ]

Barnyard finds are anywhere 1.5k and lower. If it is a rust bucket, pass on it

A POS e30 that will require a lot of work goes for $2k

If you're looking for a managable, clean and straight staring price-point, you'd be looking at around $5k with the current market.



But hey, I bought my iS for $700 almost 2 years ago. It was a POS when I picked it up, but it didn't require a whole lot to get it "spit-shined". I'm still under $4k with it and it's at the point where it looks like a somewhat decent "starting" point. But, then again, I have a couple mods on it as well :p

[e34john]

What everyone else said.

Don't know your plans but if I were you, I'd keep the Scion and buy an e30 to add to the stable, atleast initially. If you can't afford to, save some more. If you have a solid daily, you can buy a cheaper car and work as you go. Build it up the way you want. No point in getting rid of a car only to have your new one strand you.

[Vivek]

if you want a decent late model you're looking at 3-5k. but if you're looking for a project they can be had for a lot cheaper.

This is important because although it'll cost more in the end to get a project to daily status, the initial price will be much lower.

What are you looking for in a car, OP? Something to replace your scion which I'm assuming is a reliable daily driver?

[mitchlikesbikes]

i bought my basket case late model for $700.

keep in mind that was with some rust, a mediocre at best body, broken front bumper/headlight/etc.

and it barely ran, but it was perfect for my budget and build goals. like others said, if you want a decent late model you're looking at 3-5k. but if you're looking for a project they can be had for a lot cheaper.

[einhander]

All of the money

(Budget $20k if you want a mint one - build or buy - and $10k if you want a solid daily - again, build or buy).