Is this a good deal? '87 325is w/ issues

[ELVA164]

He only has $980 into his miata, even if the e30 took a frontal hit it's still a good trade. I'm sure he's not trying to make it a concourse car.

Concours is one thing, bent is another. It sounds like it was a light hit, but I would look it over closely to avoid chasing annoying issues related to an accident.

[Ghetto_325is]

If that's all true, then it sounds like it's worth a shot. Of course, there are still a couple unanswered questions like what happened to the front end of the car.

Seller said it was in a low speed collision a while ago, and he sent some pics of the damaged fender before it replaced with the white fender. It didn't look too bad, although the hood is a little off it's not too bad. The frame looks completely straight.

[graveshaker]

If that's all true, then it sounds like it's worth a shot. Of course, there are still a couple unanswered questions like what happened to the front end of the car.

He only has $980 into his miata, even if the e30 took a frontal hit it's still a good trade. I'm sure he's not trying to make it a concourse car.

[graveshaker]

Yup and that's why I bought a miata to toss around the track. Can't beat the cost of ownership. You'll love the e30, it will cost a little more to by parts but it's not too bad. This is the perfect forum for learning all about an e30. Welcome to the forum and let us know how it goes.

[ELVA164]

If that's all true, then it sounds like it's worth a shot. Of course, there are still a couple unanswered questions like what happened to the front end of the car.

[Ghetto_325is]

Yeah one of the biggest reasons I want to trade, is that I can get a decent Miata for under $2000 all day any day. My Miata was $980, and it only took a week or so of looking.

Finding a 5-speed running and driving e30 however...

[graveshaker]

The steering will not be as sharp as your miata but power will be a night and day difference. I say go for it so long as everything checks out. My only issue with e30 is the vague steering and horrible lock to lock ratio. A good alternative is a z3 or e36 rack. I depowered my power steering to give it a better feel. You'll see what I'm talking about once you test drive the e30.

[Ghetto_325is]

Oh and the guy offered to recharge the AC with r12 since he knows a guy who sells that stuff.

[Ghetto_325is]

Well the seller contacted me on the car, and told me that if I still wanted it he did fix some things. He said he hooked the heat and AC back up, and the heat works great, and the AC blows fine but it needs to be recharged (needs r12 though...)
He also fixed the stereo, apparently it just had a loose ground. He said the sunroof does work, but the motor is getting weak so its really slow. He replaced the passenger parking brake cable, so the brake works good now. Luckily, he has service records showing that the timing belt and water pump were changed about 10k miles ago, plus loads of records on other belts, clutch, valve cover gasket, throttle cable, slave cylinder, brakes, and regular maintenance. So right now the only issues are:

No freon in AC
Needs bushings for sway bar
The driver side rear hub is missing 1 of the lug nuts because it's stripped. Seller says it's been like that for over a year now and has had no issues with it.

Do you guys think I should still pass?

[Kershaw]

Good call on waiting.... it wasn't a 325is anyway. '88 was when super eta engines were offered, '89 is when we finally got the 'i' engine in coupes and sedans, before that they only came in convertibles and grey market cars. You can confirm the model by the VIN placard on the door pillar.

The only thing not wrong in that statement is the vin card.

[lambo]

I wouldn't buy that for over $1,000

[e30onBBSs]

Yea u-turn what are you talking about?

[GCAutosports]

If only my 87' IS was gray market :/

[ELVA164]

Gee, I had an 87 325is with the M20 B25, sport seats and all the "is" stuff. I should have kept it if it was that rare.

Don't worry, it's not super rare or especially valuable for being an iS.

[ahlem]

Gee, I had an 87 325is with the M20 B25, sport seats and all the "is" stuff. I should have kept it if it was that rare.