craigslist e30 please help!

[zugg]

https://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/5132017736.html

Hey guys talked to this guy earlier and he thinks its idling weird from the MAF sensor? Is this a fair price. Seats are pretty shot in the back what do you guys think? Thanks!

[mbonder]

He mentions that it overheats and idles funny. That to me is not the air flow meter (e30 doesn't have a MAF, it has an AFM).

Could be separate issues like a vacuum leak and a bad thermostat. Or it could be a bad head gasket. Did you see any unusual smoke when it was running (white or blue smoke?)

I wouldn't purchase that for anything more than $500-750. If you need to rebuild the head you'll still be ok, definitely don't pay over $1000 for a car that has engine issues.

[agent]

definitely don't pay over $1000 for a car that has engine issues.

It's subjective. Just about every mechanical issue can be fixed less expensively than body work and/or a respray. If I do it again I'll buy a non-running E30 with a straight body and good paint over one that is mechanically sound but wrinkled or cosmetically challenged.

[Stanley Rockafella]

If I do it again I'll buy a non-running E30 with a straight body and good paint over one that is mechanically sound but wrinkled or cosmetically challenged.

troof

[zugg]

He mentions that it overheats and idles funny. That to me is not the air flow meter (e30 doesn't have a MAF, it has an AFM).

Could be separate issues like a vacuum leak and a bad thermostat. Or it could be a bad head gasket. Did you see any unusual smoke when it was running (white or blue smoke?)

I wouldn't purchase that for anything more than $500-750. If you need to rebuild the head you'll still be ok, definitely don't pay over $1000 for a car that has engine issues.

He told me that when he takes out the afm that it runs good? but he cant "drive" because u cant when the afm is out apparently? Is he trying to sell me a story?

[Das Delfin]

My ex's cousins live in battle ground, wa. I wouldn't trust a car from anyone in that town ;) But seriously the only way out of that back seat is to replace it or have it redone. Either be prepared to hunt for a matching interior in good shape or spend a lot of money to have it fixed. And my first thought on the overheating is a bad head gasket, but it could be something simple like a fan clutch.

Idle issues could be afm, idle control valve, ecu, or possibly coolant temp sensor. But like the others said - I wouldn't DD it until that stuff is fixed

[flyboyx]

That car has a pretty good body with shiny paint. It is worth what he is asking on that alone. Where the hell can you find a decent solid body with good paint for 1.3k?

[Staszek]

I didnt realize the 1990 cabs still had the old bumpers. Must be a really early '90. I agree with the others the body looks good, easier to fix an engine, or these days get an entire new one which will cost less then the body.

[pandaboo911]

Depends on the issue. I bought a bronzit off CL for 800 bucks that leaked too much oil to drive. Replaced oil filter o-ring and sold it a week later for 2500.

[marshallnoise]

troof

+ infinity

[IzzY_325is]

Buy it and save it. $1300 is decent but defiantly anything under $1000.

[mbonder]

I didnt realize the 1990 cabs still had the old bumpers. Must be a really early '90. I agree with the others the body looks good, easier to fix an engine, or these days get an entire new one which will cost less then the body.

The verts didn't get plastic bumpers until mid 91, all verts in 1990 had metal bumpers.

[Javier h]

Dunno

Always cynical from sellers that imply it could be a simple fix etc. Not certain exactly what he has said or didnt say.

Sorry but buying from sellers that dont want to repair overheating issues is a red flag in my book.

I am sure the T-belt, clutch wasn't cheap and he doesnt want to pony up the extra cash to get the fan clutch or thermo replace etc....I suspect its something worse.

I'd walk away (unless you are planning some engine swap). Way too many running verts on the market. Between the interior and the top, you'll be into it a lot more than you think. If you still want to move forward, take it to a shop. I do suspect the seller knows exactly what is wrong. Most people make an informed decision before selling cars.

[cavpilot]

The one thing that I noticed in the ad is that he doesn't mention the top or show any pictures of it. If there is a problem with the canvas or rear window that's a $600 plus repair and that's if you do it yourself. Looking at the condition of the back seat leads me to believe that the rear window may be missing.