Should I Run or Buy?

[AlwaysTurboIt]

Hello everyone,

Long time lurker, new poster!

I am having a little bit of a dilemma with Tapatalk and my email accepting the pictures from my cell and need help/second pair of eyes on this e30 I am looking at purchasing.

If someone is interested in helping me out, please text me at 9179718148 and I can send pictures of the rust and motor running to get that expertise!

My biggest concern is the rust and motor sounds. I'm 100% it is knocking.

[ibatic1]

why would you buy a car with a knock?

[AlwaysTurboIt]

More of a haggling point?

I wanted to build a modestly built 2.7 w/ 2.5 heads for boost. I figured if I could get this vehicle for sale as cheap as possible I could put my savings towards that goal.

[flyboyx]

I buy e30's all the time with bad engines when they are really cheap. rust, not so much unless it was something rare that I needed parts from.

[rturbo 930]

How much rust? How much is the car? How capable are you?

I'd buy a car with a bad motor without worry as long as the price is good, and of course, you're able and willing to put the time in to fix it. Rust? No way. I've been there and done that, and I'm never doing it again. Not worth the effort or the risk IMO - because there's always more rust than you can see.

[e30davie]

Anything bolted in can be fixed by a home gamer in his workshop. Engines can be replaced. New parts can be bolted in.


Corroded metal....not so much. Real art to fixing rust especially in the nooks where rust generally occurs.

[varg]

why would you buy a car with a knock?

If I found an E30 with a bad motor and a good body I'd be on it instantly. Bodywork sucks but engine swaps are fun.

[MR E30 325is]

I buy e30's all the time with bad engines when they are really cheap. rust, not so much unless it was something rare that I needed parts from.

Bing bing bing.

Exactly. A blown M20? Not a big deal in the slightest. Rust all over the place? Pass.

[superj]

I agree with those guys /\

[psmura]

Your in Maryland, find a rust free example, shouldn't be too hard.

If this is just a beater and your getting a super good deal then maybe rust isn't a concern to you.

[ibatic1]

I hear that. I would buy a e30 with all its trim and bumpers and a blown motor in a heart beat

[TobyB]

I brake for broken timing belts.

t

[robrez]

rust and knock, run don't walk...

[cheffy30]

it's better to burn out than it is to rust...