Gah... Not sure what to do.

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  • Kruzen
    R3V Elite
    • Mar 2004
    • 5603

    #1

    Gah... Not sure what to do.

    Ok.. so i went to go test drive a sweet little number today.

    Price: $3,700
    Mileage: 196,000
    Color: red
    Engine size: i6
    Doors: 2
    Features:
    CD player, Leather interior, Sunroof

    1991 325i- 2dr, 5sp, snrf, red w/ blk lthr, airbag, CD/MP3, V6, 189hp, 196K, $3700 obo

    Additional information:
    3rd child on the way, need bigger vehicle. Classy car - lots of life left. Handles superbly with great pickup. Highway miles - engine in great shape - has some personality due to age but nothing that affects performance. Call for details. A great buy for a classic car. Tough to let go. VIN- WBAAA1317MEC69889
    http://students.uaa.alaska.edu/askgj...17MEC69889.htm carfax.





    pics it took today:



    after talking to james crivellone and discussing damage, etc.. and what is probably needed (considering the guy has NO SERVICE RECORDS AT ALL WHATSOEVER)

    this list was formed for parts that would be required to get it up to spec.

    1. Windshield – 300$
    2. Possible CV Axle – used 20$
    3. Timing belt – 40$
    4. Water pump – 100$
    5. Oil Gasket – 30$
    6. Front control arms w/ bushings – 350$
    7. Probably new sway bar link bushings – 80$
    8. Driver seat – 200$
    9. Rusted exhaust – might not be a issue, but could need replacement.
    10. Differential might be leaking, needs a seal and a remount as was noted in your initial inspection. – 130$
    Total: 1250$

    The car drove amazingly, i took it up to 40-45 and slammed on the brakes to test out the ABS.. it performed like a champ and came to a quick halt, stayed straight, with no jerking on the wheel, very under control. It went up to redline smoothly, cornered great, had a great overall response. went through the gears smoothly, and i was able to start the car from stop in 1st, second, third, AND fourth :o, so the tranny seems like its in good shape as well.

    for 196,000 miles, the engine seems to be running outstanding.


    with that in mind, i offered him 2500$, pending a mechanics inspection. I felt it was fair, considering it needed 1250$ in parts (for me to do myself), which would probably be 2500-3000$ in labor if someone else were to have it done by a mechanic.

    Basically he said he would not entertain the offer, and wasn't willing to go that low..

    In hindsight, i am wondering if i should reconsider and make another offer. The engine does run great, but on the other hand, i haven't had it mechanic inspected yet, and even more shit could be wrong (or less shit could be wrong). I'd feel better about buying a car for 3500$ or so that had service records, so i actually knew what was up with it, rather than buying a black box of mystery..

    thogghts?
    Who doesn't love a little BBQ?
    Griot's Garage at a Deep Discount
  • Digitalwave
    is a poseur
    • Oct 2003
    • 6280

    #2
    Too many miles for what it's worth... move on to the next one.

    RISING EDGE

    Let's drive fast and have fun.

    Comment

    • kencopperwheat
      King of Kegstands
      • Oct 2003
      • 14396

      #3
      Originally posted by Digitalwave
      Too many miles for what it's worth... move on to the next one.
      I second that notion. Wait for the right one to come along... it'll be worth it.
      Originally posted by Gruelius
      and i do not know what bugg brakes are.

      Comment

      • Kruzen
        R3V Elite
        • Mar 2004
        • 5603

        #4
        Originally posted by kencopperwheat
        Originally posted by Digitalwave
        Too many miles for what it's worth... move on to the next one.
        I second that notion. Wait for the right one to come along... it'll be worth it.
        thats what i figured guys, thanks for the reassurance!

        thought this was the one, but nopers :p
        Who doesn't love a little BBQ?
        Griot's Garage at a Deep Discount

        Comment

        • Sean
          R3V Elite
          • Oct 2003
          • 5793

          #5
          He's askin way too much. If he isn't willing to go to 2500, then he won't sell that car.

          That's worth 2500 MAX. Realistically, it'd be worth about 2 grand - speically with those miles.

          If he isn't willing to go that low - wave good bye and keep your eyes out for a better deal.


          I looked closer at that Crafax...

          1st owner 08/15/1991 Texas
          2nd owner 08/20/1999 Idaho
          3rd owner 05/28/2002 Minnesota
          4th owner 12/23/2003 Washington

          That thing has seen half the US - as well as a VERY rusting environment in MN. Definately take a look in some places for rust. I can bet they'll be some if it was driven at all in MN during the winter. (most likely none though, since it was there less than a year.)
          - Sean Hayes

          Comment

          • Kruzen
            R3V Elite
            • Mar 2004
            • 5603

            #6
            Originally posted by Sean
            He's askin way too much. If he isn't willing to go to 2500, then he won't sell that car.

            That's worth 2500 MAX. Realistically, it'd be worth about 2 grand - speically with those miles.

            If he isn't willing to go that low - wave good bye and keep your eyes out for a better deal.


            I looked closer at that Crafax...

            1st owner 08/15/1991 Texas
            2nd owner 08/20/1999 Idaho
            3rd owner 05/28/2002 Minnesota
            4th owner 12/23/2003 Washington

            That thing has seen half the US - as well as a VERY rusting environment in MN. Definately take a look in some places for rust. I can bet they'll be some if it was driven at all in MN during the winter. (most likely none though, since it was there less than a year.)
            only rust that i found was on the exhaust pipe ( if you check my pics)

            everything else lookd good..

            i thougth i was being VERY reasonable with my offer.. but he declined.. so thats ok..

            and i'm sure upon mechanic inspection, there would be even more wrong with it.. which would make me want to drag the price down even more.
            Who doesn't love a little BBQ?
            Griot's Garage at a Deep Discount

            Comment

            • Sean
              R3V Elite
              • Oct 2003
              • 5793

              #7
              Your offer was beyond reasonable. Closer inspection of those pictures shows some pretty faded paint, peeling clear, and a dented in rear valance.

              2500 is the max that should go for. I think 2 grand would be the best price, personally.
              - Sean Hayes

              Comment

              • Den
                Advanced Member
                • Mar 2004
                • 162

                #8
                Re: Gah... Not sure what to do.

                Originally posted by Kruzen
                for 196,000 miles, the engine seems to be running outstanding.
                The M20 holds up well, but usually the valve train will need some work by ~250k. The common approach is to just put on a rebuilt head for $600-700 at that point.
                You should be able to find an E30 with only ~125k on it.

                with that in mind, i offered him 2500$, pending a mechanics inspection. I felt it was fair, considering it needed 1250$ in parts(for me to do myself)
                Basically he said he would not entertain the offer, and wasn't willing to go that low..
                That's a very fair offer.

                In hindsight, i am wondering if i should reconsider and make another offer.
                Yes, call him back in 10 days and offer him $2000.
                I'd feel better about buying a car for 3500$ or so that had service records, so i actually knew what was up with it, rather than buying a black box of mystery..
                Exactly. $3700 for a car with ~200k and N0 service records. Yeah right. Tell him to dream on. On second thought, offer him $1500 if you call back.

                this list was formed for parts that would be required to get it up to spec.
                1. Windshield – 300$
                2. Possible CV Axle – used 20$
                3. Timing belt – 40$
                4. Water pump – 100$
                5. Oil Gasket – 30$
                6. Front control arms w/ bushings – 350$
                7. Probably new sway bar link bushings – 80$
                8. Driver seat – 200$
                9. Rusted exhaust – might not be a issue, but could need replacement.
                10. Differential might be leaking, needs a seal and a remount as was noted in your initial inspection. – 130$
                Total: 1250$ in parts (for me to do myself)
                $100 for a water pump! Try $40. Timing belt - $12. OE exhaust $125.
                When the time does come to buy parts, call Patrick at BMA.
                http://www.bmaautoparts.com

                Comment

                • pogiboy9
                  E30 Addict
                  • Dec 2003
                  • 475

                  #9
                  if you pay him anything over $2 he made a grip off you.

                  If you have $3700 to cough up well i'm sure you'll find something better with around the same miles. and Probably less to fix, like that car someone posted the dealer was sellin.
                  http://www.decal-spec.com

                  Comment

                  • Kruzen
                    R3V Elite
                    • Mar 2004
                    • 5603

                    #10
                    thanks again guys :)

                    i was feeling kinda pissed yesterday cuz i didn't have a car, but now im glad i don't have the headache to deal with!

                    i have since found another car that i think i am gonna go for, that is in MINT condition, and worth the 3600 the guy is asking..
                    Who doesn't love a little BBQ?
                    Griot's Garage at a Deep Discount

                    Comment

                    • LikeCDoos
                      R3VLimited
                      • Jan 2004
                      • 2522

                      #11
                      good luck, it took me forever to find mine

                      Comment

                      • James Crivellone
                        Head Janitor
                        • Oct 2003
                        • 6301

                        #12
                        I ignore milage, I bought mine with 179K on it

                        Comment

                        • nando
                          Moderator
                          • Nov 2003
                          • 34827

                          #13
                          that price is waaaaay too high for a car with a) no service history and b) that many miles

                          you can ignore miles if you have service history, otherwise you have no idea what happened during all 196,000 of them!

                          on top of that, it needs a ton of work. I'd pass if he won't take $2500.. heck I'm not sure I'd want to pay that much for a car with nearly 200,000 miles. you can do better I'm sure!
                          Build thread

                          Bimmerlabs

                          Comment

                          • Kruzen
                            R3V Elite
                            • Mar 2004
                            • 5603

                            #14
                            Originally posted by nando
                            that price is waaaaay too high for a car with a) no service history and b) that many miles

                            you can ignore miles if you have service history, otherwise you have no idea what happened during all 196,000 of them!

                            on top of that, it needs a ton of work. I'd pass if he won't take $2500.. heck I'm not sure I'd want to pay that much for a car with nearly 200,000 miles. you can do better I'm sure!
                            yea im sure i can do better. Just getting impatient. I'm sure you know how it is, you're in the WA area ;) its a PITA to find a good e30 'round here.
                            Who doesn't love a little BBQ?
                            Griot's Garage at a Deep Discount

                            Comment

                            • nando
                              Moderator
                              • Nov 2003
                              • 34827

                              #15
                              yeah when I was looking for my ix there were only two in the state for sale.. the one I bought and a beater that had a salvage title! :P
                              Build thread

                              Bimmerlabs

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