My old friends dad is selling his E30...

[Krisperr]

If this car has been regularly started and moved around a bit, you'll be a bit better off than if it has been truly stored the entire time.

I can't stress enough - DON"T drive it! In fact, I wouldn't even start it again.

How old is the fuel? If unknown, assume it has to be drained and fresh fuel put in. And a new fuel filter fitted immediately.

The fuel hoses may be old and brittle. With pressure applied after being dormant for 15 years, pop goes the line.

The brake fluid will certainly in need of immediate change, and the calipers may be sticking from moisture in the system.

Ditto for the coolant. It's old and won't have optimum characteristics.

The engine oil seals may have hardened and taken a set over time. Oil leaks are common after years of inactivity.

The tires may seem fine but at 15+ years will have hardened and will not have any grip whatsoever on a wet road. I'd bet there's cracking in the bottom of the treads as well which could be a blowout risk.

Last but not least, that timing belt is a ticking time bomb. Its not a matter of IF it will break, just how soon it will.

How do I know these things? I've been bitten by EVERY ONE of them.

She's a pretty car and has great potential. Don't screw it up and try to drive it home.

Yeah I've come to realize this now. I'm over the excitement and just really want the car... I'll be looking at it tomorrow after work and as long as it's as clean underneath and the chassis is fine I'll be taking it for sure.

The worst thing is I won't be able to work on it over the winter as I don't have my own garage, so any rot/rust that would make a big difference I may pass on it, I know there's a ton of other people looking at it and it should go to good hands. But as a 21 year old that's never had a real project before I'm really gonna make sure it's perfect before I buy it. Even if it is only $2000 that's 3 months rent for me haha. If I had a year round garage I wouldn't even think twice about it.

[Krisperr]

Got a trailer lined up and taking my pops truck. I can't believe I may be finally getting an e30. :grin:

[abrokenframe]

you did really well for 2k. It will need some work, but a clean, original car is the best car to pour money into. Considering the car seems so complete, my vote is to restore, not modify.

Ryan

[Stanley Rockafella]

considering this is an east coast car (which commonly make cars look like swiss cheese in a few years), I'd be very interested to see the underside and other common e30 rust points.

[Krisperr]

^That's my biggest concern as well, I'll be taking pics tonight for sure but I've researched them enough and learned what to stay away from over the past few years looking for one.
I'm pretty confident it will be the closest thing to perfection that you can get over here, crossing my fingers and hoping I'll finally have an E30 in my driveway tonight.

[Iannfld]

Nice work, good to see there are still a few on the island. I brought 3 back to NL from the mainland, but 2 of those 3 left with me. The one that stayed was an 88 M3 on the west coast. I also had a low mileage 88ix back there, not sure what happened to that one.

[sgallo]

what a beauty !!