Oh great-another "Should I buy it??" thread...

[Eric Giles]

...and I of all people should be the last one asking the question, but having other opinions are always welcome!

Basically, me and fellow member Alecs MacDonald have been talking about picking up an E30 shell for a project of some sort-whether it be a 24v swap, a modified M20 I motor, or a stroker. Obviously a later model plastic bumper iS car would be ideal, but as long as it was very straight then it would suffice.

Yesterday I found an ad for what is a '87 325e two door-manual transmission, delphin gray with beige leather, 2 owner car. Odometer broke during the original owners possession at 145k miles, and the current owner estimates it to be around ~170k by now.

Car has been parked in the garage for 2 years due to a leaking radiator. They parked it and were going to fix the car up for their daughter, but when she got her license the daughter decided she didn't want to drive a manual so the car is still sitting.

I haven't seen pics, but according to the owner the car is a very clean example with good paint, no dents or rust, and a very clean interior. A/C was working, but had started not to cool as well when the radiator leak occurred, so an A/C revamp is in order (which is fine, since I have everything needed to do that).

Anyway, asking price was $800-while we were on the phone today she dropped it to $600 without asking, and I feel confident that as bad as she wants her garage space back, $500 will take it easily. Theoretically all it will need is a new radiator, hoses, and the usual tune-up items to get it going again.

Oh-Alecs and I have a torn down, 88k mile 2.5l M20 in storage-plus, he has a completely refreshed 'i' head...a quick 2.7'i' perhaps?

Thoughts, comments, questions?

[z50_Jumper]

DAMN YOU, let me buy it!

[Dave McLaren]

Considering the cars in your stable now, it seems to me that it wouldn't be any concern to start with something nicer. You'll end up putting so much money into the thing, that you may as well front-load some more money for a better return (relatively speaking, as far as project car silliness goes).

If I were you, I'd take a bit more time searching and be willing to spend something like five grand. Find something with nice paint, clean interior with sport seats, that sort of thing. You know sometimes guys who've poured their heart and soul into a car have to part ways with it, and as much as that might break their hearts, they'd like to see their car go to someone with the desire and funds to care for it and "take it to the next level."

I paid $5300 for my cabrio, dropped $700 or so for a new steering rack knowing up-front it needed it, and started with a clean car for about six grand. Had I realized how deep I'd get into the thing, and how quickly, I'd probably have just kicked back until something close to my dreamboat showed up. I'd have instant gratification and a helluva better value. Not that it bothers me, mind you. I'm happy I started with a clean car. With that goddamn Rabbit GTI project I just sold, I started with a turd and paid out the wazoo for a car I could have bought for a few grand if I'd had my head screwed on straight. Impulsiveness is my weakness.

Dave