Price Check & Advice on Rust - 1988 325ix- lots of pics

[lkw15]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to buy my first E30. I have had 2 E90's, an E39 M5, and my current baby is a 1976 2002 (E10). I am looking for an E30 that I can use for DD in the winter.

I found a car in MA, but it does have some rust. 6speed manual, gray/red. 165,000 miles. I haven't talked to the guy yet, so I don't know what owner he is. Seems like an enthusiast.

Two questions:

1. The price is listed for $4,000. Does that sound about right?
2. What about the rust? I'm willing to drop some money into fixing the rust, but want to make sure it's not too out of hand (based on the limited pictures and your guys' opinions).

Thanks in advance for the help! I've already learned a ton just browsing through the threads here.

[rzerob]

That is a lot of rust for 4k. That is my opinion. But what I can see he could part the car for a whole lot more if he was looking for money. And it is not a 6 speed. There are not 6 speed ix transmissions. It can be saved but there looks like there will be a lot of work. Nice potential, I like the interior, red interior including carpet, husco arm rest and mtec 2 steering wheel.

[audiquattrot]

if there is that much visible rust, I'd be weary of what you can't see . I wouldn't pay $4K for that. Hard to look past that much rust, even w/ the shiny paint job. Don't be fooled!

[smooth]

A 2 door iX is desirable and rare so there is value in the body. But as rzerob and audiquattrot pointed out, that's a substantial amount of rust, and it won't be inexpensive to address. I don't think you will be able to have the work done within a budget that makes sense. I would be hesitant to recommend a newcomer to e30's to step into that car.

[lkw15]

Sorry, I meant 5 speed. My fault.

Thanks for the advice. I just talked to the owner. He's the 4th or 5th owner, and the car was in an accident (rear ended) in the early 90's. He's got decent service records and a solid pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic. He's sending that over now.

He also said the timing belt needs to be replaced, and the ABS sensor is faulty.

Looks like this one might be a pass, at least for that price. I'll keep looking.

[guibo09]

Some of that rust is beyond repair without major cutting and fabbing new sections of structural sheet metal. The second I see that much rocker panel rust, I move along. Fender, apron, bumper and suspension rust is one thing, but rust on structural stuff is another.

I bet you remove the plastic IX flares and more rust nightmare will be hidden underneath. Also looks like most of the overlapped sheet metal joints are rusting out, those are nightmare to fix.

Anyway, if you drive an e30 in the rust belt during winter, it will rust like this no matter what. So if that's your plan, then no point finding a clean body. This car won't fall apart for a long while, good for winter DD and you won't cry if you get stone chips or more rust.

[lkw15]

Damn you guys are helpful. I'll pass. I'm going to keep looking for a cleaner one.

Here's my '76 02 just for fun.

[rzerob]

Gorgeous E10.

My first ix was in worse shape than this one but it was 5 speed and I got it for $1200. It lasted a while but it got worse and worse. I found a great shape ix coupe auto with blown trans for $1200. I am currently in the process of swapping the 5 speed. I would keep an eye on this car if it fell around $2000, I would buy it. The money is there in parts and you could swap those into a good shell after the shell deteriorated in a couple of years.

[lkw15]

Gorgeous E10.

My first ix was in worse shape than this one but it was 5 speed and I got it for $1200. It lasted a while but it got worse and worse. I found a great shape ix coupe auto with blown trans for $1200. I am currently in the process of swapping the 5 speed. I would keep an eye on this car if it fell around $2000, I would buy it. The money is there in parts and you could swap those into a good shell after the shell deteriorated in a couple of years.

Sounds great, thank you. He seemed a little firm on his $4000 price, but maybe that will change over time!

[audiquattrot]

if this car is virtually rust free, i'd get this over the one you posted.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/cto/4619320756.html

[lkw15]

if this car is virtually rust free, i'd get this over the one you posted.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/cto/4619320756.html

Thanks - that one looks pretty good. I may call him tonight.

[flyboyx]

Paint is pretty rough on that one. Assuming no rust it is a better deal though.

[lkw15]

I'd also consider trading my '76 02 if anyone is interested. It's clean, so the e30 would have to be equally clean!

[lkw15]

And a couple more.

[pala1_e30]

Very nice... Out of curiosity, how much for outright sale?