Feeler: 1990 318i could use some more experienced opinions

[cracker5947]

Hey guys, i haven't been on here in a minute cause i sold my last e30. I was that kid that had a stock 86eta that was gutted lol. Well i came up with a bit of money and i've been looking for something a little better than last time for the right price. So here's what i've found; a 90 318i that allegedly has somewhere around 160k miles (odo died). I checked the power steering and it has a minor leak at the reservoir. It's already got a couple minor mods like spring and shocks, exhaust, supposedly tuned, sway bars etc. However, its got the worst paintjob i've ever seen. The red is beyond fading away, the trunk was painted some sort of gold-yellow-orange chamillion color, its straight up peeling off in some areas, the bottlecaps are painted black with a red lip, tach doesn't work, not sure what its called but the intake tubing between the air cleaner and throttle plate is duct taped, the exhaust sounds like absolute shit in high RPMs (the classic honda style rattle), its got some bootleg ebay "racing" seats. However, i drove it, and it feels solid (moreso than my last one) clutch grabs hard, revs smooth, no ping/knock, starts right up, no engine lights, no leaks. The guy is asking 2000, but i got him down to 1500 i believe...now i don't care about a car that looks pretty, but im just not sure if its worth 1500 or not and basically reaching out to see what a couple other folks would do if they were in my shoes (considering i never have money like this and im trying to be smart about it lol) So what do you guys think, buy it and do a backyard boogie spray can paint job? or just wait for something better to come up?...price seems a little steep still to me

I appreciate any help thanks guys

[cracker5947]

by the way, sorry i have no pics of it lol

[hootie]

Wait for something better. It sounds like you want to change a ton of things already (exhaust, rims, paint $$$). All of these will cost money and essentially get you nowhere (assuming you can find a car for the same price with reasonable exhaust and paint).

I bought my 91 318i for 1750 with no rust, alright paint, and a strong running engine (at 180K). I trusted the car so much I drove it cross country from Boston to Chicago. The cars are out there. You just gotta search.

[dude8383]

Wait for something better. It sounds like you want to change a ton of things already (exhaust, rims, paint $$$). All of these will cost money and essentially get you nowhere (assuming you can find a car for the same price with reasonable exhaust and paint).

I bought my 91 318i for 1750 with no rust, alright paint, and a strong running engine (at 180K). I trusted the car so much I drove it cross country from Boston to Chicago. The cars are out there. You just gotta search.

x2

the right car will come along you just need to patient. what you're looking at is going to be too much work.

[iamsam]

every car has a fair price. This car just may only be worth $800-1000, you just have to get him down to that. Don't be afraid to point out every last defect and problem to the owner of the car, and don't be scared to tell him how bad of condition its in. Also let him know that upgrades rarely if ever add any value to a car at all.

[hootie]

every car has a fair price. This car just may only be worth $800-1000, you just have to get him down to that. Don't be afraid to point out every last defect and problem to the owner of the car, and don't be scared to tell him how bad of condition its in. Also let him know that upgrades rarely if ever add any value to a car at all.

For 800-1000 I still wouldn't buy it.

You have to take the time and effort to change out all these parts, that could have come already on another car for little more. And paint jobs aren't cheap.

[KenC]

Sounds like a pile of shit. I wouldn't touch a car with paint as bad as you described.

[iamsam]

For 800-1000 I still wouldn't buy it.

You have to take the time and effort to change out all these parts, that could have come already on another car for little more. And paint jobs aren't cheap.

right, well of course i haven't seen the car, so i can't make a precise price that i think it would be worth. Pics would do a world of good.

[cracker5947]

Yea, you guys are right. The price is too high and although it runs good i'd have to spend too much money to make it right which in that sense takes away from how it runs. Plus with how jimmy-rigged it is im bound to encounter hell when i go to work on it. Thanks for the input guys...well if anyones got anything good their tryin to get rid of shoot me the PM. I'm in socal (santa monica)

[hootie]

There are tons of e30's in CA. Search craigslist.

[richardkeith97]

sounds like the only thing its got that good is the springs other then that you'd wana change everything else. i'm sure it was beat on also if its got an exhaust like that.

[iamsam]

i still say try to get him down to a ridiculously low price. An E30 is an E30, and for the right price...

but then again if he is originally asking $2000 you may never get him down to the "right price".

[red325]

So here's what i've found; a 90 318i that allegedly has somewhere around 160k miles (odo died).

:down::tsk:

Unless he has some kind of mileage records from a year ago or less, don't trust what he says about the mileage

[cracker5947]

I've been sweeping craigslist in just about every area within 100 miles from here and just haven't found anything worth buying quite yet. Most I've seen have been goin for 2500obo. Although i bought an eta about a year ago with 120k for 1000. I could care less about the after market crap thats on it..especially if im gonna change out most of it. I just want something that runs solid at a fair price. And this doesn't seem to be quite that.

[jaye30]

dont rush. ive made the mistake of rushing into buying a car and regretted it. i bought a 600 e30 which is a steal but with a shitton of problems. not worth it...